I’m new to remote camera control, can you explain in a bit more detail how this all works?
bitbox mini 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 full-sized bitbox radio at your control station (cart, focus monitor, jacket pocket, etc.) and one bitbox or bitbox mini for each device you’d like to control. For example: a one camera setup will need two bitboxes, a four camera setup will need five bitboxes. The same math applies to lighting.
Can I use bitbox mini for lighting control?
Yes!
How much is bitbox mini and when can I get one?
It’s $479 as of April 2025 and available June 2025. We are keeping a careful eye on the unfortunate trade situation and will try to keep to this price as long as we can.
How is bitbox mini different from other devices in the market?
bitbox mini differs from these devices in several ways.
bitbox mini is:
- designed from the ground up, from the enclosure to the electronics, for industrial use
- part of a larger ecosystem of camera and lighting control devices
- supported with best in class customer support - do you have a specific frequency control issue or an emergency hardware issue? We can help you with that. Others can’t.
- built from automotive grade electronic components: it is built with hardware rated to survive the rigors of production
- the only FCC / ISED / CE certified sub-GHz camera control radio on the market as of April 2025
- more environmentally friendly: competing devices are made by first completely discarding housings made from virgin plastic. bitbox mini is made from 60% post consumer recycled plastic and our board is manufactured in a 100% RoHS compliant facility, meaning we are not dumping hazardous materials into the groundwater or using them on our electronics during manufacturing - other products cannot claim or certify this distinction.
- the smallest and lightest camera control radio on the market
How small is bitbox mini?
As of April 2025, bitbox mini is 58.9x42x19.75mm and weighs just 48g, though it may shed a few grams by delivery. If you can picture the size and weight of an AirPods Pro case, that’s about it.
What’s included with my order?
- bitbox mini radio
- omnidirectional quarter-wave antenna
We also offer various camera cables and accessories in our shop.
Is bitbox FCC authorized?
Yes! bitbox and bitbox mini are the only devices in their class to be fully FCC and ISED certified. Our Global Radio is also CE certified. Why does that matter? You can be sure that bitbox mini is not the cause of excess interference on your set.
What Cameras are supported?
Most professional cinema cameras work with bitbox and bitbox mini. 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 half-wave antennas (standard on bitbox, optional accessory on bitbox mini). Indoors we’ve seen it go through four thick concrete walls across multiple sound stages. The standard bitbox mini quarter-wave antenna has a reduced maximum theoretical range but has performed well in most on set scenarios during our testing.
Is bitbox mini compatible with the original bitbox?
Yes! bitbox mini operates in remote mode only, so you will need an original bitbox to have a functioning network.
Is there a limit to how many bitbox minis I can have on a network?
No, the same limit as bitbox applies. We currently limit a single network to 12 individual devices.
Does bitbox mini have USB-C?
No, for USB-C Ethernet functionality please use the bitbox.
Can I use bitbox mini in Europe?
bitbox mini is now fully CE certified and compliant, but you will need our Global Radio version.
Is bitbox mini 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 mini use 802.11ah WiFi HaLow?
No, bitbox mini is incompatible with 802.11ah WiFi HaLow devices.
My frequency coordinator wants to know exactly what frequencies my boxes will be using.
bitbox mini (North America) has a useable frequency range of 902-928MHz. The global radio has a working frequency range of 868MHz 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, please email [email protected] with additional requests. We have an app on the roadmap for this.
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.