Last Updated 2 days ago
Overview
The Astera Helios Tube is the half-length version of the Astera Titan Tube, designed for compact, portable, RGB LED tube lighting. Despite being half the size, it maintains almost all the same features: RGB pixels, battery power, wireless DMX, excellent colour accuracy, and full app control.
The Helios Tube is a favourite on narrative sets, music videos, commercials, and car rigs because it fits where Titan Tubes cannot. Its small form factor allows lighting in tight corners, practical replacements, hidden accents, and compact travel kits.
Key Specs
- Type: Titan Engine RGB–Mint–Amber pixel tube
- Length: ~22″ (half Titan Tube length)
- Battery life: up to 20 hours in a reduced-output programme; approximately 1 hour 45 minutes at maximum output
- CCT: 1750K–20,000K
- Pixel Count: 8 pixels (half Titan’s 16)
- CRI/TLCI: 96+
- Ingress rating: IP65 with the specified FP1-SP port protection fitted; not immersion-rated
- Control: App, CRMX, IR, onboard
Pros
- Compact and easy to hide
- RGB pixel control
- Battery-powered and wireless
- Extremely flexible rigging options
- Excellent colour and consistency with Titan Tubes
Cons
- Lower output than Titan Tubes
- Shorter throw distance
- Fragile — tubes can crack if mishandled
- Astera control ecosystem
Variants & Related Fixtures
- Astera Titan Tube
- Astera Hyperion Tube
- Nanlite PavoTube 15C / 30C
- Quasar Science Q-LED and RR tubes
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Expecting the same output as Titan Tubes
What It Replaces / Alternatives
Possible replacements, subject to matched output, coverage and colour:
- Small LED panels for practicals
- Accent/rim lights in small spaces
Alternatives:
- Astera Titan Tube
- Nanlite PavoTube 15C
- Quasar Q-LED Crossfade
Helios Tube Specifications and Runtime
| Specification | Manufacturer figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | Titan Engine RGBMintAmber |
| Pixels | 8 |
| Length / diameter | 550mm / 43mm |
| Tube weight | 0.765kg |
| LED engine total / LED power draw | 36W / 24W |
| White output at 1m, 3,200K | 360 lux |
| White output at 1m, 4,000K | 393 lux |
| DC input | 24V / 1.25A |
| Nominal recharge time | 3 hours |
| Wireless DMX | Built-in CRMX receiver |
| Ingress protection | IP65 only with the specified FP1-SP port protection |
Astera’s Helios Tube manufacturer data sheet separates total installed LED power from operating LED power draw. The lux readings describe the complete tube in white mode; they are not the output of an individual pixel or a saturated colour.
“Up to 20 hours” is a runtime-managed operating condition, not maximum brightness for 20 hours. Set the required runtime and then check exposure at the resulting output. Battery age, temperature, colour and selected runtime affect the available brightness and duration.
A non-BTB tube needs an external AsteraBox/compatible bridge for phone-to-Astera radio control. The later FP2-BTB version has the Bluetooth Bridge built in; this revision is separate from the CRMX receiver that both versions already contain. Wired DMX and continuous power use the proper PowerBox/DataLink and power/data cable path, not an arbitrary DC charger.
Choose a console profile matching the tube’s pixel configuration and selected precision mode before assigning addresses. Use the tube holders and M5 attachment points with suitable suspension. The tube’s IP65 condition requires the specified port protection; the PowerBox has its own rating and must not be assumed to share the tube’s protection.
Compare the Titan Tube for the other size. Length, weight, complete-tube output and number of pixels change; the shorter tube is not simply a full-length tube with the same total light output.