FAQ

General

Q. how does the fader work?

A. the core technology is based on an optical system, a “cell”, consisting of one LED, seven phototransistors, a reflector and a shutter, which generates a digital signal which is proportionate to the travel length of the fader.

Q. does the fader operate in a digital environment?

A. yes; the fader is a digital component and as such generates a digital signal which can be used, without conversion, in a digital deck or console.

Q. does the fader operate in an analogue environment?

A. yes; the output of the fader includes an analogue signal to suit an analogue deck or console.

Q. can the fader be supplied as a retro-fit solution?

A. yes; in partnership with our customers we can develop a custom fader that can be retro-fitted into existing products.

Q. can the fader be designed-in?

A. yes; there are two options in this case:

1. the customer integrates the electronics into their PCB and infinium^® supplies just the mechanical parts assembled or un-assembled, or

2. infinium^® supplies a fully assembled product which connects to directly with the customers’ PCB.

Q. in which lengths can the fader be delivered?

A. the fader is available in 45mm, 60mm and 100mm.

Q. in which versions can the infinium^® fader be supplied?

A. the fader can be supplied in an Absolute or Incremental version to suit the requirements of the customer; NB the latter requires initialisation at start-up.

Q. is it possible to adjust the feel of the fader?

A. yes; from the top, and through a whole in the top plate of the deck or mixer, the feel of the fader can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of the DJ or sound engineer.

Q. is it possible to adjust the cut-off points of the fader?

A. yes; each end cap contains a small screw to adjust the cut-off points of the fader. If required, an LED can be connected to indicate the exact start/finish of the fader.

Q. which other products does infinium^® plan to sell?

A. infinium^® plans to develop a motorised linear version as well as rotary and switch products.

Q. are infinium^® products expensive?

A. no; infinium^® allows its customers to choose their preferred method of supply. Its contact-free controls range of high-quality products starts at USD7.80

Q. how quickly can products be delivered?

A. for a standard product, the delivery times are typically 6-8weeks.

Q. is infinium^® interested in co-marketing its controls with their customers?

A. yes; in line with our desire to build a long term, mutually beneficially, relationship, we are keen to explore joint marketing initiatives.

Technical

Q. is the fader sensitive to heat and cold?

A. no; the fader has been designed to withstand -16C cold exposure, 70C hot exposure and thermal shock -16C > 30C.

Q. is the fader sensitive to dust and humidity?

A. no; the infinium^® fader is a digital product and uses infra-red light in its optical system which make the product very robust and able to operate in tough conditions.

Q. what is the life-time of a fader?

A. the life-time of an infinium^® contact-free fader is very long. Tests have shown satisfactory operation beyond 5million operations!

Q. will the fader survive shocks and vibration?

A. yes; the fader has been designed to comply with BS EN60065: date 2002 clause 12.

Q. can the fader be supplied with a custom shaft?

A. yes; infinium^® can supply their faders with a custom shaft within the following outer dimensions: 4mm x 1.2mm x 18mm.

Q. at which frequency are the photo transistors sampled?

A. the phototransistors are sampled 1,000 times per second.

Q. what is the resolution of the fader?

A. the standard resolution of infinium^® faders are:

- 45mm: 128 steps

- 60mm: 192 steps

- 100mm: 256 steps

Q. which components are supplied when only the mechanics are ordered?

A. the following components are supplied if the customer has decided to integrate the electronics into their PCB and therefore only require infinium^® to supply the mechanical parts, assembled or un-assembled: end-caps with cut-off point screws and mounting nuts and holders, two rails with nuts and washers, carriage with shaft, bushes and shutter, and reflectors and phototransistor covers.

Q. how difficult is it to assemble the fader?

A. this is not difficult at all since standard assembly tolerances are allowed for in the design of the component. Assembly instructions are available on request.

Q. what are the key electrical components?

A. in addition to a number of standard resistors, capacitors and transistors, the key electrical components are the infra-red emitters, the phototransistors and a PLD or microprocessor.

Q. will infinium^® supply the software to be embedded in the customers’ microprocessor?

A. yes; with the first order will be supplied login details to download the required software code.

Q. what output signals are provided for on an infinium^® fader?

A. on a fully assembled product the output signals are:

- SPI digital, and

- two opposing analogue signals 0-3V3

Q. what power supply is needed for the linear fader?

A. a 3V3 power supply is all that is needed to operate an infinium^® fader.

Q. is it possible to manage multiple infinium^® products with one microprocessor?

A. yes; up to 3 controls can be managed with one microprocessor, through which significant, additional, savings can be achieved.

Q. will infinium^® provide support with integrating their components into the customers’ product?

A. yes; infinium^®'s application support team is available to customers to assist with the smooth and efficient integration of the products. Dedicated support chips are available if required.

Q. is the core technology of the infinium^® products patented?

A. yes; a patent has been granted.

Legal

Q. what are infinium^®’s terms of business?

A. the infinium^® website www.infinium-tech.com has downloadable versions of the Supply Contract as well as the Terms and Conditions that apply to all transactions.

Other

Q. where can we get more information from?

A. there are three ways to obtaining more information:

- the website www.infinium-tech.com has downloadable versions of the infinium^® sell sheet and datasheet;

- contact infinium^® directly; or

- contact your local distributor;