FAQ

Esper Scanning Systems are built to order and are fully modular, they include all the components needed to get you the data you require. A typical system comprises a frame with Esper lighting, cameras and all the supporting trigger, data and power infrastructure required to operate the system and process the data.

The LightCage is supplied with a SyncroBox which can send or receive trigger signals from stills and machine vision cameras. It also accepts frame sync / genlock signals from video cameras.

We can tailor the exact size of a system to suit the space available contact us to talk through the options.

We have built systems with 200+ cameras on them depending on the Camera mounting hardware available on request.

Esper MultiFlashes and LightBars come fitted with polarising filters as standard when used with correctly aligned polarising filters on the camera lens specular (shinny) reflections can be eliminated allowing for more accurate capture of a subjects base colour (diffuse albedo) and its surface geometry. It is also possible to configure the MultiFlashes and LightBars to switch between different polarisation states allowing for the separation of the surface reflectance (specularity.)

The EsperController software comes bundled with the SyncroBox - allowing the programming and control of each lighting unit and the accurate synchronisation with the image capture system. If you need image processing, 3D model and texture creation software we can provide that too - contact us so we can work what’s needed.

Custom builds are something we specialise in. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Yes, we install worldwide. Contact us for more details.

The Esper LightCage is a geodesic frame, with integrated power distribution that can hold 115 - 335 MultiFlash lights. The MultiFlash lights can be programmed to create the perfect lighting conditions for capturing images suitable for processing into high resolution 3D meshes and textures.

The LightCage can be used for any application where a subject needs accurately lighting from multiple directions. LightCages have been used to capture image data that can be used for photometric measurements, 3D mesh and texture generation and cultural heritage preservation techniques such as reflectance transformation imaging (RTI).

The LightCage comprises a geodesic structure with integrated power distribution, 160 ESPER MultiFlash lights, Esper ControllerBox, LightCageController software, a multi region power supply unit and all connection cabling. We can also supply additional hardware for image capture systems. Please contact us to talk through the options.

Any application that requires the reliable powering of multiple cameras simultaneously.

The PowerBox is designed to power the camera models that are most commonly used in multi camera arrays. Typically these are cropped sensor cameras. Please contact us if you want to check compatibility with specific models.

Yes, the PowerBox can be used with any combination of compatible cameras.

The power connection to the cameras is via DC Couplers (dummy batteries) these vary depending on the make and model. We can supply DC couplers for most commonly used cameras please contact us for pricing and availability.

The PowerBox can be reliably used with cable lengths up to 3m.

No - The PowerBox has been designed to reliably power multiple cameras simultaneously - plugging any other equipment into the output of a PowerBox may damage the PowerBox and the equipment.

The PowerBox works worldwide and accepts voltages of 100-250V at frequencies between 50-60Hz.

The standard PowerBox has an output stage designed to mimic Li-ion camera batteries; the output voltage is regulated at 9VDC. We also produce a 12VDC output version of the PowerBox that can power multiple Machine Vision or other cameras that accept a 12VDC input.

The PowerBox is a multi camera power supply unit that provides fully regulated and protected power for up to 6 cameras from a single wall outlet.

We offer express delivery on all website orders shipped worldwide. We use DHL for mainland, Europe and worldwide deliveries. The reliability of delivery and protection of our parcels in transit is second to none with our approved courier. Local import and customs restrictions may apply in your territory. Please see our full delivery rates and polices information here or contact us if you have any shipping related questions.

All in stock items, ordered and paid for before 13:30 GTM during Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), will normally be dispatched the same day by DHL Express Delivery. If you require your in stock products to be shipped before the out of stock items, please contact us directly at sales@esperhq.com. Where stock is unavailable at the time of placing your order or we are unable to despatch within 7 working days, our team may contact you to discuss delivery. For larger quantity orders our team may contact you to discuss a delivery schedule.

The price of the Goods does not include delivery charges. We ship using DHL Express and charges will be advised before you confirm your order. DHL calculates your shipping charges based on weight, parcel dimensions and location. In some cases orders are shipped in multiple parcels. We do not add additional fees to your order if we ship in multiple parcels. You can estimate the shipping charges for your order by placing the items you intend to order in your shopping cart and entering your location and postal code. If you prefer to arrange your own transport please contact us directly at sales@esperhq.com. For more information about Delivery rates and time for delivery go here.

Based on the country of origin and the final destination, some orders may be subject to customs and/or import fees. Customs fees are calculated based on import, brokerage, duties, and taxes, and are not included in the delivery fee quoted at checkout. They will be assessed once the parcel enters the destination country and must be paid by the order recipient. Please contact your local customs office for more information.

Once you have placed an order you will receive a confirmation email shortly after completing your transaction. Tracking information will be emailed once the order has been processed. To track the order sign in to your Esper account then click on ‘Orders’ and ‘View’ button. Alternatively, you can access an order confirmation email which will include the tracking number and link.

We are confident you will be happy with your Esper product but in the unlikely event that you do experience problems we offer you the reassurance of our 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee.* * For further details see our full Product Guarantee here

You can return your item/s for free within 30 days of the date of receipt of your order and receive a full refund, please refer to full terms of our Returns Policy here.

The TriggerBox connects to cameras via their remote shutter release input socket. The TriggerBox has 3.5mm jack sockets and we can supply adaptor cables to most cameras.

Yes! Use a 3.5mm stereo cable to connect the link socket of the first TriggerBox to the input socket of the next TriggerBox in the chain and continue down the line.

There is no limit to the number of TriggerBoxes that can be linked together.

The TriggerBox can be fired from either a remote release plugged into its input (both in ALL Trigger and Smart Trigger modes) or a computer via USB connection (Smart Trigger mode only.)

6 cameras can be connected to each TriggerBox. Multiple TriggerBoxes can be linked to create large multi camera systems.

Yes the TriggerBox can be used with any combination of compatible cameras.

The TriggerBoxController is Java application so will run on any machine with Java installed, install the latest version of Java here https://www.java.com/en/download/help/download_options.xml

Yes, a list of serial commands which the TriggerBox responds to can be found at our support site here

Yes, please download and install the latest version of the TriggerBoxController software from here

The TriggerBox can be used in combination with any wired or wireless remote release that has a 3.5mm jack connection.

When the TriggerBox switch is green the delay between the input signal received and the output firing is 2µS (0.000002 seconds). Note that the shutter lag of most DSLR’s ranges from 0.04 to 0.150 seconds.

The TriggerBox has two modes of operation, When the mode switch is Green the TriggerBox functions as a straight trigger distribution unit. When the mode switch is Blue the TriggerBox can be programmed using the TriggerBoxController software. This allows individual outputs to be delayed, switched off and on and sequenced in up to 8 steps.

The TriggerBox comes bundled with our TriggerBoxController software. The TriggerBoxController allows access to the features of the TriggerBox only. For control of camera settings, downloading images etc. you will need to use third party software packages such as those provided by Breeze Systems, Kuvacode CaptureGRID and Xangle Camera Server.

The TriggerBoxController allows the TriggerBox to be programmed to Fire the TriggerBox outputs over USB Assign delays to outputs Toggle outputs off and on Sequence all output settings Save settings to the TriggerBox for stand alone operation Multi camera intervalometer with exposure ramping

The TriggerBox is a 6 output programmable multi camera shutter release controller. It allows multi-camera systems to be fired simultaneously or with programmed sequences and offsets.

Any application that requires the accurate control of multiple camera arrays such as : photogrammetry, bullet time / time slice VFX, photo booths, stop motion animation, animated photography, imaging research.

Trigger boxes are compatible with any camera that has a wired shutter release input. We can supply adaptor cables for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Machine Vision systems.

The TriggerBox comes with a universal power supply and a 1m USB-A to USB-C cable. We can supply adaptor cables for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Machine Vision systems please contact us with your requirements.