The 2 Bit is a two-way stage marker light designed to be used in the performing arts industry. (It's the device on the right side of the above photograph). About as small as a quarter, the 2 Bit is really two lights in one: you can set it to shine red or shine green, depending on which way you put the battery in. The small, flat shape is less visible to audience members than some other markers that use big batteries; plus you can tuck these into some places a larger marker might not quite fit.
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They are primarily meant for marking certain territory on a stage, such as edges, equipment, holes, and other hazards that an actor might
bump into or step off while performing on stage.
They can also be used by dance groups and other performers to mark the various lines and points on a dance stage,
and to mark general hazards like boom mics, speakers, cameras, light standards & trees, stairs & railings, doorways, dropoffs, or just about any other object or place
that might give performers trouble while being blinded by stage lights.
The unit would be laid down flat with the LED pointing towards the back
of the stage; this way the audience tends to not notice them and the people who need to see them will see them.
They can also be temporarily taped to boom microphones and other equipment; the extra weight is negligible.
The 2 Bit uses a single CR2032 lithium coin cell for power.
To change the battery, just slide the old cell out and get rid of it. Don't throw out that insulating slip over the (-) button terminal - you'll need that to turn your 2 Bit off when you put a new cell in it. Slide a new cell in your 2 Bit, then slide the insulating strio over the (-) button terminal of the battery to be sure the unit goes off and stays that way until you're ready to use it.
They are designed to be viewed directly by actors on a stage; they are *not* designed to be the kind of eye-killing bright like the LEDs
in flashlights. You want the performer to see the light, not be blinded by it.
So do not be put off by the "low" brightness figure in the rating at the bottom of this page. In this case, it's actually a good thing.
TEST NOTES:
Test sample of a 2 Bit was received in mid-July 2002, courtesy of Paul Puppo at Illumineering.
A sample of a yellow LED "Blink-It" (apparently a version that doesn't blow up when connected all wrong) was also sent with the 2 Bit; that's why you see a picture of the two devices together at the top of this page. It will be added to the existing Blink-It page as time permits.
As of today (08-16) this page was just started, and should not be taken as a complete evaluation.
Any updates related to this review will be posted as they happen.
UPDATE 12-01-03:
The 2 Bit marker is now known as the Quarter Marker beacon. It comes in the same red/green combination you see here, and also comes in a red/yellow combination. Your choise.
PROS:
Compact size - smaller than other stage marker lights
Light in weight - can be taped to boom microphones and similar if necessary
Color can be changed just by flipping battery over
Two color choises available: red/green and red/yellow
CONS:
Uses battery that may be expensive or difficult to find
Not waterproof or submersible
MANUFACTURER: Illumineering
PRODUCT TYPE: Theatre stage / hazard markers
LAMP TYPE: LED, red/green or red/yellow
No. OF LAMPS: 1
BEAM TYPE: Diffuse, 180°
SWITCH TYPE: No switch present. See article text
BEZEL: None
BATTERY: 1 CR2032 lithium coin cell
CURRENT CONSUMPTION: Varies, avg. <10 milliamps
WATER RESISTANT: Splash resistant if dried quickly
SUBMERSIBLE: NO WAY HOZAY!!!
ACCESSORIES: 1 battery
WARRANTY: TBA
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