I’m new to remote camera control, can you explain in a bit more detail how this all works?
Bitbox provides a wireless network connection which can be utilized by any network based camera control system. The control system could be a hardware device like a Semote, Ultimote, or SmallHD monitor; dedicated software such as ARRI’s Companion or Red Control running on a tablet, phone, or computer; or a web browser running on the same and connected to the camera’s web GUI.
One bitbox is configured as the base station, which will coordinate all the other remote radio bitbox units in the system. During prep, or whenever new bitbox units are added to the system, they are easily paired to the base station unit with a quick button press.
In a typical multiple camera setup a DIT would have a base station bitbox at their cart, connected to their control system(s), and a remote radio bitbox on each camera being controlled. Communication flows freely between all bitbox radios in a system so each camera assistant could also have a remote radio at their focus station, attached to their own control system, to share control of one or more cameras with the DIT.
If there is no central control location, such as a DIT or DP cart, it may make more sense to run multiple bitbox systems simultaneously (i.e. one system for each camera). In this scenario each assistant would have a bitbox at their focus station which was paired directly with the bitbox on their camera. Many bitbox systems can coexist at the same time peacefully when used for camera control.
How many units do I need for a functional system?
You’ll need one bitbox radio at your control station (cart, focus monitor, jacket pocket, etc.) and one for each camera you’d like to control. For example: a one camera setup will need two bitboxes, a four camera setup will need five bitboxes.
What’s included with my order?
- bitbox radio
- omnidirectional half-wave antenna
We also offer various camera cables and accessories in our shop.
Is bitbox FCC authorized?
Yes! bitbox is the only device in its class to be fully FCC (and soon CE) certified. Why does that matter? You can be sure that bitbox is not the cause of excess interference on your set.
What Cameras are supported?
Most professional cinema cameras work with bitbox. We are working on a comprehensive list, and we offer configuration guides in our knowledge base. If you have a question about a device or would like to report something that works (or doesn’t!) email us at [email protected].
What kind of range can I expect?
Under ideal outdoor conditions it should go over half a mile with the standard antennas. Indoors we’ve seen it go through four thick concrete walls across multiple sound stages.
Can I use bitbox with my iPad?
Yes! There are two ways to use bitbox with an iPad/iPhone or any other phone or tablet.
- Single USB-C Cable - with a single USB-C cable connected to one of these devices, you can power bitbox and have network communication. bitbox will appear as an ethernet contoller.
- USB-C Cable + External Power to bitbox - bitbox features a USB-C PD controller which will provide enough power to not discharge most common tablets in most scenarios.
For more information, please see USB-C Functions and Lightning Compatibility.
Does the USB-C Ethernet work with my computer or Android device?
Yes! We’ve tested the controller on iOS, Android, iPadOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Red Komodo and Raptor. It’ll even work on a Nintendo Switch.
You can also have an Ethernet device and a USB-C device plugged in simultaneously and they will both communicate because there’s a built in gigabit switch.
Can I use bitbox in Europe?
The frequency range used by bitbox (902-928MHz) is not generally available for commercial use in Europe. We will be shipping a European version of bitbox in Q2 2025. Email [email protected] to stay informed.
Is bitbox just some kind of rehoused retail board?
Nope. It’s a built from scratch embedded system, that’s how it has such fast boot time and low power usage.
Does bitbox use 802.11ah WiFi HaLow?
No, bitbox is incompatible with 802.11ah WiFi HaLow devices.
My frequency coordinator wants to know exactly what frequencies my boxes will be using.
Bitbox v1 has a useable frequency range of 902-928MHz. Similar to a Teradek Bolt or WiFi router, the default behavior of the radio is to automatically select the clearest channel and move to a new channel if needed. Channels and bandwidth can be manually adjusted if needed for coordinated deployments.
Does it use encryption?
Yes, the radio transmissions are encrypted with AES. Key exchange takes place during the effortless pairing process.
Why not mesh?
In a single frequency mesh network the available bandwidth is significantly reduced every time you add a device. With the impressive range and startup time of bitbox we decided the benefits of mesh did not outweigh the disadvantages.