To help you familiarize yourself with the SkyPanel X, we have compiled an overview of frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about SkyPanel X
Frequently asked questions about SkyPanel X
To help you familiarize yourself with the SkyPanel X, we have compiled an overview of frequently asked questions.
Yes, with an IP rating of 66. This includes all the elements in the system, such as lampheads and accessories. Make sure to use the included caps in the connectors that are not wired.
Yes. If you select one of the two DMX legacy modes in the SkyPanel X, the X21 will mimic the same DMX controls as the S60-C, including its color temperature range of 2,800 K - 20,000 K. If this is your preferred choice, make sure your S60-C is set up in DMX Mode 1 or DMX Mode 6. Since both SkyPanel and SkyPanel X are manufactured by ARRI and belong to the same family of LED panels, the resultant color quality will be similar. However, always have in mind that SkyPanel X delivers RGBACL color mixing, improved color science, better dimming technology, and a higher lux output.
Yes. Make sure your S60-C fixtures use either the DMX Mode 1 or DMX Mode 6, and your X21 fixtures are set to be controlled via one of the two available S60-C Legacy DMX modes. Your X21 will work with the same S60-C DMX profiles, and therefore there is no need to modify the patch in the console. However, always have in mind that SkyPanel X delivers RGBACL color mixing, improved color science, better dimming technology, and a higher output. Please also note that SkyPanel X will make use of the reserved DMX channel on S60-C Mode 1 and Mode 6, and the presets will be replaced by the SkyPanel X effects channel.
Yes. While some users see an advantage to the integrated S360-C housing, the X23 is comparable in output to the S360-C. It is also weatherproof and offers the possibility of being used as a hard light, a soft light, or in a hybrid configuration. To mimic the light of a S360-C, the X23 can be used together with three X21 Domes, or as an open-face 2:3 panel with the support of an external light bank.
Yes. It is as simple as attaching the S60 Adapter to the X21 front. The attachment of the S60 Adapter is a tool-less, hot-swappable process that doesn't take more than a couple of seconds. And you can leave it always mounted, if this is your preferred workflow for the X21.
Yes, you can use our Twin Quick-Lock Bracket or the X Modular Yoke for attaching as many units as needed, in combination with truss or pipe.
Yes. It is as simple as attaching the S60 Adapter to the X21 front. The attachment of the S60 Adapter is a tool-less, hot-swappable process that doesn't take more than a couple of seconds. And you can leave it always mounted, if this is your preferred workflow for the X21.
Yes you can; simply group the three fixtures as one X23 in the ALL-WEATHER Control Panel and they will obey the same parameters when operated manually. If this X23 array is then connected to a DMX controller, the programmer will only need to patch one fixture with 85 DMX channels, in order to operate the X23 and its 24 RGB pixel zones.
Yes. You need to order the SkyPanel X set for Rabbit Ears from DoPchoice, and your X21 will allow not only to mount any DoPchoice accessories that fit the Rabbit Ears, but also the direct attachment of S60 diffusers over the X21 LEDs.
Yes. Just attach the S60 Adapter to the X21 front, and everything will fit.
Yes. The quick-lock system allows for one person to assemble and dissasemble each individual unit into and out of the X22/X23 Modular Frames. For assembly, simply remove the X21 Manual Yoke and mount the unit from above in the X22/X23 Modular Frames, until you hear two clicks (one on each side). Make sure you are using one safety cable from each lamphead to the frames. When all units are mounted into the frames, wire the power and the data. To dissasemble the units, first disconnect the daisy-chain cables. Rotate the frame so that the fixtures are pointed forward and their handles are at the top. Grab the top lamphead by the handle with one hand and unlock the first quick-release with the other hand. Then do the same with the other side, and pull from the handle. Now the unit is dissasembled.
No. The all-weather IP66 rating of the fixture ensures that the inner parts in the lamphead are completely free from dust, dirt, or water ingress. However, you may want to clean the external housing and heat sink of the fixture with a hose, just to make it look better to the eye.
SkyPanel X is an IP66-rated fixture, and therefore is protected against powerful water jets (100 liters per minute at 3 m distance with a 12.5 mm nozzle from all directions). This must be clear cold water to avoid corrosion and other material degradation, and never related to high-pressure jet or steam cleaning, which corresponds to a different rating.
When you are performing the cleaning, make sure your fixture is off for maximum safety, with the caps in the connectors always on (except for the LEMO connector, which doesn't need it), and avoiding water jets directly over screws, gaskets, connectors and the climate membrane. Even when the fixture can withstand the test when coming out of the factory, we cannot ensure the fixture will continue to be IP66 if serviced and not properly re-sealed. Contact your ARRI Service Team for more information on how to do this properly.
ARRI did not only test SkyPanel X in its facilities and on the field, but also via a serious independent lab: TÜV Süd. The test includes a dust-tight test (IP6x), a waterproof test (IPx6), an electrical safety check after both tests, plus an overall overview on searching for any trace of water inside of the fixture after all testing is performed.
Yes. While the S60 Adapter, the X21 Dome, and the HyPer Optic share the same quick-lock mounting system, the modular system for X22 and X23 is optimized for the last two, since it is designed for the smallest distance between luminaires; this is therefore its factory default configuration. Since the S60 Adapter has a bigger size than the X21 housing, this means the S60 Adapters call for a bigger distance between luminaires when used in a X22 or X23 configuration. It is possible to adapt the X22/X23 Modular Frames to work with two or three S60 Adapters by releasing the quick-lock parts and moving them to the upper and lower holes in the frames. In this configuration, the X22 and X23 will allow two or three S60 Adapters to be mounted very close to each other, while the X21 Domes and HyPer Optics will have a bigger gap in between.
Yes, every SkyPanel X will come with an X21 Dome.
Yes, the X21 Dome is designed to fit the X21, as well as the X22 and X23 in a modular yoke or in a pre-rigged scenario. It is not necessary to disassemble the X22 or the X23 in order to mount or dismount the X21 Dome.
Mounting HyPer Optics over the SkyPanel X transforms it into a native hard light luminaire with a refined, rounded beam. Depending on the output needs or size format, the SkyPanel X can be used as one 2:1 hard light (X21) in backlight applications, as a squared 2:2 hard light (X22) to throw light through the windows, or as a powerful 2:3 hard light (X23) for cherry picker/condor use. To enhance color mixing over close-to-medium distances, the HyPer Optic allows the attachment of diffusion frames right after the individual lenses. While the HyPer Optic delivers an accurate, narrow beam that can be cut from a far distance, it is possible to attach a foldable DoPchoice SNAPBOX® SNOOT or a SNAPGRID® eggcrate directly over the lens, allowing for glare and spill control.
For this specific purpose, the SkyPanel X can be used in three different size formats and two complementary workflows. As per the formats, the SkyPanel X can be used as one 2:1 horizontal panel similar to the S60-C (X21), as a squared 2:2 panel (X22), or as a 2:3 alternative to the S360-C (X23). In terms of workflow, the X21 can be used together with the hot-swappable X21 Dome or the S60 Adapter, but also as an open-face light for bouncing since the LED diodes are always protected from damage, even under the rain. While the X21 Dome is easy to use, fits foldable snoots and grids, and can be mounted or dismounted without needing to remove a softbox, the S60 Adapter adds the advantage of being fully compatible with all existing SkyPanel S60-C accessories on the market.
This is a tool-less process that takes around two minutes, including wiring, if you just mount the spigot in the X Modular System for X22 and X23 over a low-height tripod on the floor. If you also want to control X22 or X23 as one single panel with up to 24 pixel zones, you will need to set the two (X22) or three (X23) fixtures as an array in the user interface of the ALL-WEATHER Control Panel - this firmware setup will remain until you ungroup the fixtures in the array. All in all, you are ready to go from the case to the set in about three minutes.
2,400 W. Note that this translates into a max. of 20 A at 120 V - one TRUE1 mains cable can feed the three daisy-chained lampheads.
It's a simple and quick process, since all cables are integrated in the modular frames of the X Modular System. Connect the power via the provided TRUE1 daisy-chain cables, from one unit to the next. Connect the data via the provided EtherCON daisy-chain cables, from one unit to the next. The order is not important; however, remember to convert the three units into one array via the multi-unit user menu in the ALL-WEATHER Control Panel, if you want to enjoy all the advantages of the X22 and/or X23 concept (such as one single DMX profile and one single control panel to control the whole array while keeping individual control over the pixel zones). Remember that after this process, you will only need one 20 A TRUE1 mains power cable to run the whole array, and one single Ethernet cable coming from your controller or console. If you lose or break the daisy-chain cables, you can order new ones via ARRI or you can simply use any other standard TRUE1 and Ethernet cables rated for the same power consumption and network use.
Yes. The HyPer Optic allows for the placement of filter frames and the diffusion options of SkyPanel S60-C also fit. However, you may consider the possibility of removing the HyPer Optic and attaching the X21 Dome or the S60 Adapter directly over the open-face LEDs, getting all the advantages of native soft lighting. Alternatively, you can also mount the HyPer Optic and break the light to your preferred quality and coverage by placing an external diffusion frame at the desired distance from the beam.
No. One of the great achievements of the HyPer Optics is that they can be combined into one coherent beam. For the X23 configuration this means that, even when one HyPer Optic is used in the top and another one in the bottom, with one X21 Dome in the middle, the X23 will still output one hard light beam out of the two HyPer Optics, and one soft light beam out of the X21 Dome.
Yes. Simply add or remove a number of X21 Domes or HyPer Optics to your X22 or X23: you can build a pure soft light, a pure hard light, or a combination of hard and soft for a hybrid lighting scenario.
It is both. Together with the X21 Dome or the S60 Adapter, the SkyPanel X is an excellent soft light panel. Together with the HyPer Optic, the SkyPanel X delivers a powerful and round beam, that can be used as a hard light. Both options are natively applied to the front of the lamphead, keeping all the advantages of each type of lighting. Furthermore, the SkyPanel X can be used as a lumen-optimized open-face light for bouncing purposes.
The SkyPanel X is the most advanced soft light ever created by ARRI. It is also the brightest panel we ever made, and the best in terms of color rendition, serviceability, and dimming performance. It is an excellent soft light that, thanks to the HyPer Optic, can also be used as a hard light.
The SkyPanel X is designed to be used as a native soft light, a native hard light, and for special scenes where a hybrid use would make sense. Thanks to the fast and simple release system of the SkyPanel X, one person can easily interchange the soft and hard light accessories in just five seconds.
Very much so; it has been exhaustively tested by ARRI to withstand the loads and stresses of the set, and it is fully certified. ARRI released the quick-lock system for Orbiter in 2019, and we never registered problems with it. However, as with any other fixture on the market, you should secure each lamphead and accessory in your X22 or X23 setup with safety wires.
The SkyPanel X with the X21 Dome attached delivers more lumen and more lux output than the SkyPanel X with the S60 Adapter plus Standard S60-C diffusion attached. However, users can always exchange the Standard diffusion with the S60-C Intensifier in the S60 Adapter, or directly using it without diffusion for the highest possible lumen output.
While the X21 Dome is an excellent solution for direct soft lighting, you can also use the optional S60 Adapter as an alternative. The S60 Adapter is a front-based accessory that allows for the attachment of any S60-C existing front accessories, including all existing diffusion, since it works as a perfect replica of S60-C's front.
Yes. While the S60-C is fully optimized for maximum lumen output at low wattage, the X21 is optimized for maximum lux output at low wattage. This means that the SkyPanel X technology delivers more output over further distances, avoiding light waste in the throw. In order to achieve this, the SkyPanel X uses more power consumption than the S60-C, but uses the light in a more precise and focused way. Because the SkyPanel X system delivers more lux output than the previous SkyPanel, this also means that fewer units are needed, especially for long throws and the illumination of large areas. Unlike the S60-C, X21 is all-weather, has its diodes sealed from external elements and damage, and uses four different light engines. These improvements dramatically reduce maintenance, facilitate high-pressure cleaning, and improve the serviceability of the system. As a result, the overall reliability is higher, and the life cycle of the product is substantially extended.
The SkyPanel X already has terrific color quality (CRI, TLCI, TM30, etc.), but the ARRI ALEXA Modes take this a step further by calibrating the SkyPanel X to the spectral senstivity of the ALEXA ALEV 3 and ALEV 4 sensors. There are three ALEXA Modes: ALEXA Standard Mode, ALEXA VariFan Mode, and ALEXA High Output Mode.
All SkyPanel X fixtures wired in the same network can be controlled/configured from one display. All SkyPanel X users can also avoid using the ALL-WEATHER Control Panel if they prefer to use their phone via Bluetooth.
While the SkyPanel S60-C was designed to be a soft light for studio use, the SkyPanel X21 is optimized for both hard and soft light in all weather conditions. The SkyPanel X improves the iconic SkyPanel system in terms of lux output, IP-rating, color rendition, and dimming quality. It includes CRMX/Bluetooth wireless control, and it has its power supply integrated in a rugged housing. Furthermore, the X21 is modular and allows for the attachment of an X21 Dome diffuser and a HyPer Optic. The iconic SkyPanel S60-C has also its advantages, such as the possibility to dettach the lamphead from the PSU for lightweight mounting, or its efficient power consumption/lumen ratio.
Every SkyPanel X kit includes one X21 lamphead, one X21 Dome, one X21 Manual Yoke, and one ALL-WEATHER Control Panel. Users can decide whether to purchase a soft light X21 kit, a hard and soft X21 kit, or a modular X23 kit with hard and soft configurations. Alternatively, it is possible to order a customized package with specific items. In any case, each X21 lamphead box will always include one X21 Dome for soft light applications.
SkyPanel X brings the following new features:
Both units are 2:1 LED panels that deliver great skin tones, local and DMX-based controls, full-color operation in different modes, and a wide range of tools for soft light applications. They are also fully compatible: all existing S60-C accessories fit the X21 when its S60 Adapter is attached. The weight specification is also similar for both fixtures, when the S60-C has its power supply attached in the back.
Both units are 2:1 LED panels that deliver great skin tones, local and DMX-based controls, full-color operation in different modes, and a wide range of tools for soft light applications. They are also fully compatible: all existing S60-C accessories fit the X21 when its S60 Adapter is attached. The weight specification is also similar for both fixtures, when the S60-C has its power supply attached in the back.
X21 refers to one unit with a 2(H) by 1(V) size format, while X22 refers to two units working as one larger 2(H) by 2(V) surface, and X23 refers to a powerful 2(H) by 3(V) panel. In all these configurations, SkyPanel X delivers one single, rounded beam when used together with one, two, or three HyPer Optics.
A modular LED panel light is an array of fixtures that can be configured in different size formats and with different accessories. In the case of SkyPanel X, it is possible to configure the lampheads as a big light in 2:1 (X21), 2:2 (X22) or 2:3 (X23) formats, taking advantage of X21 Domes and HyPer Optics to create large soft lights or powerful hard lights.
The X refers to the eXtra fleXibility in the workflows, the eXpandability of the system, and the neXt SkyPanel technology that runs inside. The SkyPanel X also multiplies the applicability of a conventional LED panel by bringing native close-distance softlight, native long-throw hardlight, full S60-C compatibility, and powerful modular combinations. Furthermore, the X is a reference to the substantial increase in luX output provided by the new HyPer Optic. SkyPanel X offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges of shooting on location, advanced programming, and virtual-reality productions.
Art-Net is a royalty-free communication protocol, developed by Artistic License, meant for transfering DMX-512 packets over an IP network. In most cases, this means building a network using Ethernet cables. Art-Net is primarily a unicast or broadcast protocol, and allows for up to 32,768 universes on a single network. The SkyPanel X is especially well suited for Art-Net networking: Two Ethernet ports allow for daisy-chaining of Ethernet cables, just like you would expect from a traditional DMX-512 network.
Both options deliver great native soft light; the right choice depends on your working dynamics. The X21 Dome is the most convenient option for a simple and fast setup, while the S60 Adapter offers the most accurate way of cutting, shaping and modifying the beam spread. While the X21 Dome is brighter than the combination of S60 Adapter and Standard S60-C diffusion, the S60 Adapter brings the possibility of reusing the many existing S60-C accessories, such as honeycombs, SkyBenders, or barndoors.
sACN (Streaming ACN) is an ANSI-recognized communication protocol (E1.31) for transfering DMX-512 packets over an IP network. In most cases, this means building a network using Ethernet cables. sACN is primariliy a unicast or multicast protocol, and allows for up to 63,999 universes on a single network. The SkyPanel X is especially well suited for sACN networking: two Ethernet ports allow for daisy-chaining of Ethernet cables, just as you would expect from a traditional DMX-512 network.
The all-weather IP66 rating of SkyPanel X protects the fixture from dust ingress (the first "6" number) and from water ingress (the second "6" number). When outdoors, the fixture can operate under any kind of rain, even heavy rainfall during a storm. When indoors, the fixture does not need any internal cleaning after long periods of time; the dust will not create problems with the electronics, since the fans will not blow dirt or debris into the most delicate inner parts of the lamphead. Another great advantage of the IP66 rating is that it can withstand external cleaning with high-pressure water jets. This is very interesting for those rentals who receive their gear from locations such as beaches, music festivals, and other extreme environments. The sand, mud, or dirt around the housing or inside the heat sink can be easily jet-cleaned; users just need to ensure that the caps in the connectors are inserted. When designing SkyPanel X, ARRI aimed for the highest all-weather protection, so the already good return on investiment of the previous SkyPanel line could be multiplied, together with an extended lifecycle.
The ALL-WEATHER Control Panel is an IP66 controller that can be inserted into a SkyPanel X for onboard control, removed and connected via cable for remote control, or even used to control multiple fixtures in an array.
The SkyPanel X will have a digital twin, meaning it will have an exact replica in Unreal Engine. This will allow virtual productions to light their virtual sets with the same fixtures as their practical sets, enabling familiar workflows for emerging technologies and easier matching between game engine and real life.
This is an operational mode in the SkyPanel X that activates automatic fan adjustment depending on the ambient temperature. You can select it in the light control menu on your ALL-WEATHER Control Panel or from the ARRI LiCo App.
This is an operational mode in the SkyPanel X that delivers the highest possible output, with the compromise of slightly higher fan noise. You can select it in the light control menu on your ALL-WEATHER Control Panel or from the ARRI LiCo App.
The HyPer Optic is an optional, hot-swappable, multi-lens accessory that can be quickly mounted and dismounted from the X21 lamphead's front. The name refers to its high-performance light output for maximum intensity. The HyPer Optic is fully compatible with third-party accessories such as DoPchoice's SNAPBOX® SNOOT and SNAPGRID®. Thanks to its quick accessory mounting system, the X21 can work as a native hard light with the HyPer Optic, but also as a native soft light, a hybrid soft and hard light, or an open-face light for bouncing purposes.
The ARRI LiCo App is a free app, that will be soon downloadable for Android and iOS that works with your SkyPanel X natively over Bluetooth 5.0. It allows you to control and setup the SkyPanel X directly from your phone or tablet, without the need for transmitters or receivers.
The S60 Adapter is a hot-swappable accessory holder that works as an exact replica of SkyPanel S60-C front. This means that all S60-C accessories also fit the X21 when the S60 Adapter is mounted. While the X21 Dome is included with every X21 unit, the S60 Adapter is an optional item and must be purchased separately.
This is the quietest operational mode in the SkyPanel X; it delivers a good balance between light output and fan noise. You can select it in the light control menu on your ALL-WEATHER Control Panel or from the ARRI LiCo App.
The X21 Dome is a hot-swappable, rounded diffuser that can be quickly mounted and dismounted from the X21 lamphead's front, and is included with every X21 luminaire. The X21 Dome is fully compatible with third-party accessories and modifiers such as DoPchoice's SNAPBOX® SNOOT, SNAPBAG®, and SNAPGRID®. Thanks to its quick accessory mounting system, the X21 can work as a native soft light with the X21 Dome, but also as a native hard light, a hybrid soft and hard light, or an open-face light for bouncing purposes.
The X Modular System for X22 and X23 does not require any tools at all. Simply snap the SkyPanel X fixtures into the stirrup using the quick-lock stirrup brackets. Custom rigs can also be quickly built using the tool-less Twin Quick-Lock Brackets.
Every SkyPanel X package includes one X21 lamphead, one X21 Dome, one X21 Manual Yoke, and one ALL-WEATHER Control Panel. Users can decide wether to purchase a X21 Soft & Hard Light Package, or a X22 and X23 Soft & Hard Light Package withmodular configurations. Alternatively, it is possible to order a customized package with specific items. In any case, each X21 lamphead box will always include one X21 Dome for soft light applications.
Soft lights such as the DoPchoice Snapbag, snoots such as DoPchoice Snapbox-Snoot and eggcrates such as DoPchoice Snapgrid will be able to fit over the front of the X21 Dome to cut, control, and modify the beam spread. Large softboxes such as Chimera Lightbank for X23 are also available for the X23, fully compatible with X21 Domes or directly over the open-face format. You can always choose whether to use X21 Domes or not, for extra even distributions.
The HyPer Optic allows for the attachment of filters and diffusers directly in front of the lens. The Beam Enhancer Filter can be used to soften the edges of the beam while still delivering a powerful punch, much like a frost filter. Glare and spill control is also possible via third-party accessories such as DoPchoice's SNAPBOX® SNOOT and SNAPGRID®.
Any and all accessories that can be attached to the front of the S60-C can be used with this adapter. The accessory slots are available, as well as the side rails for mounting Chimera Lightbanks.
Up to three X21 Domes or HyPer Optics can be used in one X23 fixture; X22 can use two. It is also possible to rig multiple X21s together via special brackets. Chimera also offers a large Lightbank for SkyPanel X23. If the stirrup is modified with a higher space between lampheads, one X23 can also mount up to three S60 Adapters for the attachment of any existing S60-C accessory.
In an X21 Dome workflow, users can benefit from third-party accessories such as the foldable DoPchoice SNAPBOX SNOOT, SNAPBAG, and SNAPGRID in the X21 format, or the Chimera Lightbank for SkyPanel X23. In the S60 Adapter workflow, all existing SkyPanel S60 accessories can be used in an X21 fixture, including diffusion kits, barndoors, snoots, eggcrates, diffusion slots, flex doors, honeycombs, SkyBenders, spill frames, space light silks, Chimera Octas, Lightbanks, POP Banks and Lanterns, and DoPchoice SNAPBAGS®, SNAPGRIDS®, SNAPBOXES®, and Octas.
Always check for the latest LiOS firmware version on ARRI´s website. SkyPanel X currently runs on LiOS3.
The SkyPanel X is designed to be a native soft light, a native hard light, a hybrid fixture, and an open-face LED panel. In its soft light format, SkyPanel X needs some distance from the diodes to the diffusion, so the beam can be collimated when in the hard light format. For proper beam distribution and direct look, X21 calls for the use of the X21 Dome, or alternatively the S60 Adapter where the S60-C diffusers can be easily installed. The flat diffusers of S60-C can also be directly inserted into the HyPer Optic. While the fixture is not designed to allow for the direct use of SkyPanel S60-C diffusers over the open-face diodes, it is possible to do this by using third-party adapters such as DoPchoice's Rabbit Ears, when the SkyPanel X set for Rabbit Ears is attached. This will add a rail to the Rabbit Ears, allowing for the attachment of S60 flat diffusers over the naked diodes.
While RGBW can be considered a full-color technology, ARRI's new color science for SkyPanel X is a full-spectrum color mixing system that registers more color nuances since it adds amber, cyan and lime diodes to the red, green, and blue diodes. Unlike in the RGBW systems, RGBACL LED technology is capable of high-quality and tuneable white reproduction without the need for extra white LED diodes. This means more tuneability in the color temperature range, while keeping an excellent reproduction of colors. For instance, the SkyPanel X color science can go all the way down to 1,500 K and up to 20,000 K with excellent color quality, while the previous SkyPanel color science can only offer a range between 2,800 K and 10,000 K color temperature. RGBACL also means a richer light spectrum and therefore more natural colors and more color information for grading at postproduction facilities.
The beam projected by the HyPer Optic is specifically optimized for long throws and applications where you need a very punchy light. While it can be used at close distances, most users will prefer the X21 Dome or the S60 Adapter for distances up to six meters, since the light will be softer and the beam distribution wider. The narrow beam of the HyPer Optic has multiple advantages, such as powerful bouncing, a strong and coherent beam into the distance, and the emulation of hard, point-source lights.
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