Quasar Science LED tube: 576 LED chips on 25mm PCB, 914mm length, DMX-controllable RGB+W color mixing, designed for concealed vehicle mounting.
Technical Details
The Q100 utilizes a linear arrangement of 576 LED chips on a 25mm wide circuit board housed in an anodized aluminum body with integrated cooling. The DMX-512 compatible control module allows for 16-bit dimming from 0.1% to 100% and RGB+W color mixing across four separate channels. The fixture features a 180-degree beam angle without additional optics and can be powered via 12-48V DC or an integrated 90-240V AC power supply. Other variants include the Q50 (457mm), Q200 (1,829mm), and the waterproof Q-Series Rainbow with RGBX color mixing.
History & Development
Quasar Science introduced the Q-Series in 2014 in response to the demand for linear LED solutions for automotive shots and reflection effects. The Q100 established itself as the standard for hidden lighting in vehicle interiors from 2016 onwards, after cinematographer Matthew Libatique used it for concert scenes in "A Star Is Born" (2018). In 2019, Quasar expanded the system with CrossFade technology, enabling smooth color transitions without visible LED hotspots.
Practical Use in Film
The Q100 is typically used as a hidden light source in vehicles, mounted behind dashboards or in door panels to simulate natural daylight or street lighting. Roger Deakins used several Q100 units for the night drives in "1917" (2019) to ensure continuous illumination during camera movements. Its slim form factor allows for integration into props or architecture, for example, as a neon tube imitation or for accentuating room edges.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike traditional Kino Flo tubes, the Q100 offers variable color temperature without filter loss and silent operation. Competing products like the Astera Titan Tube or Digital Sputnik DS1 offer similar specifications, but with a larger diameter and higher weight. Modern alternatives such as the Quasar Q-LED X (2022) integrate wireless DMX and battery operation, while the original Q100 excels with its compact design and reliable cable connection.