Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q1: What are 'HyperLights'?
A: To put it simply; the brightest glow toys on the market which can be easily configured to reproduce just about any sequence of any colours you can imagine. For more information check out the full feature list and technology overview or take a look at the gallery for pictures and videos of them in action.
We are currently working on the Poi version of these toys but
we fully intend to extend this range to include Staff, Juggling clubs,
Juggling balls and anything else that there is a demand for!
Q2: Do you have any photo's or videos I can see?
A: We certainly do! Try these:
- Version 2.0 Prototypes
Version 3.7 Prototypes
Q3: How much will they cost?
A: That's not something I can be 100% certain about for the time being, but I would estimate that they will retail for somewhere around the £150 mark
Q4: When will I be able to buy them?
A: Another question I'd like to be able to answer with some degree of certainty but can't. I would estimate that they'll be on sale by about October 2007, but that depends upon a lot of factors.
Q5: Where will I be able to buy them from?
A: Directly from this website.
Q6: I live in country X. Will I be able to buy them?
A: It is my intention to ship them world wide!
Q7: Who is behind these wonderful toys?
A: Principly that would be me with significant contributions from my father.
My
name is Jon Cage; a Computer Systems Engineer who studied at Bristol
University and now lives in Great Malvern. HyperLights are a hobby that
is on it's way to becoming a fully fledged second job for me.
My
father, Peter Cage, has contributed significantly to the electronic,
firmware and software development and forms the other half of the
HyperLight team.
It's taken over two years of my spare time to get to the stage they're at now, but it's been a fascinating journey, and it's not over yet!
Q8: Wow, those look amazing can I give you money to make sure I'm on the list of people to get a pair of these?!
A: I won't be accepting any money until I'm ready to put them into production but there will be a mailing list (See the Q on registering) set up to let you know when you can order and any other vital news you might be interested in.
Q9: I'm really keen to get a pair of these. Where can I register my interest and get updates on any progress you've made?
A: Either check this website regularly, or go here and register with us. You're details will be held securely on our servers and will not be divulged to any third parties - we hate getting spam just as much as you do!
Q10: I don't understand computers - will I still be able to use these things?
A: Yes! We've designed everything to be as simple as possible to use so that anyone will be able to make truly dazzling effects.
Q11: I don't want to make new effects myself. Will there be anywhere I can download new ones for free?
A: Yes! This website will host a big library of effects that we've come up with ourselves and even better than that, everyone will be free to upload their own effects which anyone can then download for themselves! We suspect that the library of effects will very quickly expand when people get their hands on our toys :)
Q12: These toys sound amazing but what if I want a new feature that isn't currently supported or there's some sort of problem with them? Will you offer some sort of fixing and/or upgrade service?
A: The same software that allows you to change the sequences stored on the toys will allow you to upload new firmware. So if/when we develop improvements or fixes, you can simply download the update and upgrade your toys!
Q13: I have a question that's not answered here. Where can I get an answer?
A: Fill in the form here and we'll get back to you ASAP (and probably add your question to this list).
Technical Questions
Q14: What batteries do they take and how long will they last?
A: Unlike most of the other glow toys we've seen, the HyperPoi will require 2 standard AA batteries. We ran the prototypes on AAA batteries but weren't happy with the resulting battery life and a lot of people complained that they felt too light. They will ship with high capacity (rechargeable) NiMh batteries which will keep them running for ~2.5 hours. They will work with any AA battery but NiMh batteries will give the best results because they are better suited for high drain applications such as these.
Q15: How do I recharge them?
A: Simply remove the batteries and place them in any NiMh battery charger. We didn't want to limit you into using specialised chargers or having to have your toys plugged into a computer to recharge them. I'd recommend having a couple of sets of batteries so that you can have one set charging while you're playing with the other. With the new 15 minute chargers you can get now, you can charge the batteries faster than you can use them so you'll be able to play 24/7 if you've got access to a mains outlet!
Q16: How much do they weigh?
A: The poi should weigh ~70g each which after extensive market research seems to be about the right weight for just about everyone who spins. If you prefer heavier poi, there is space inside to add more weight.
Q17: How strong will they be?
A: VERY! The housings will be made from polycarbonate which is just about the toughest plastic available. Don't worry though, the sock that the plastic sits in will have some sort of foam or similar material to cushion any impacts with yourself and your surrounding environment. After all, these are supposed to be fun to play with; toys that you're terrified to spin for fearing of serious injury aren't going to be popular for long!
Q18: How do I change the patterns on them?
A: All you need is a computer with a USB port and a copy of our software. There are two parts to the software; The programming software and the user interface (which is what you'll use to make new sequences). Making new sequences of colours is as easy as dragging and dropping the colours into the order you want them. We have a more technical interface as well for precise work (keying to music for example).
Q19: What operating systems are supported by the software?
A: It doesn't matter whether you're using Windows, Linux or the MAC - we have versions that will run on any of those operating systems. If you'd like to see another version, please let us know as the software is highly portable so there's a good chance we would be able to get something working on your system as well!