We have now created a E-Stim Systems powerbox comparison chart. This allows you to scan through all of our power units and select the one most suited for your needs, based on a number of criteria. If this proves popular, we may even extend this to other non E-Stim Systems power boxes.
Size
Size of a powerbox is always a concern, there is no point looking for an E-Stim unit for discreet use, if it is the size of a brick, but if a powerbox is too small, then the controls might turn out to be too fiddly.
ElectroPebble® |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B™ |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
|
weightHow much does the unit weigh. |
131g |
114g |
227g |
100g |
107g |
DimensionsHow big is the unit |
116mm x 78mm x 40mm |
112mm x 65mm x 41mm |
145mm x 80mm x 50mm |
112mm x 65mm x 41mm |
112mm x 65mm x 41mm |
Outputs
The number of outputs determine how many electrodes you can control at any one time. Isolated outputs allow you to control an electrode without any interaction with another electrode, especially important if you are playing near the chest. Why do we not give a specification for the actual output level? Because firstly no other competitor releases such details, and how powerful a box feels is highly dependent on the waveform and position of pads etc.
|
ElectroPebble™ |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
Number of channelsNumber of electrodes that can be independently controlled (Although it is possible to use more than one electrode on a channel). |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
Isolated outputsGives you the option to independently control electrodes with no interaction between contact points. |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
PowerPerception of power is dependent on mode settings, load and battery/power supply conditions. |
100mA |
100mA |
160mA |
120mA |
80mA |
Output ConnectionsMost professional E-Stim units such as ErosTek and PES use an industry standard 3.5mm jack socket. |
3.5mm Jack |
3.5mm Jack |
3.5mm jack |
3.5mm Jack |
3.5mm Jack |
Display
A clear display helps you understand what your powerbox is doing at any one point, the more complex the unit, the more you will need a comprehensive display. Being able to see the display and controls in the dark is obviously useful.
ElectroPebble™ |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
|
Display TypeLCD is clear and informative, LEDs glow and can be seen in all environments. | LED |
LED |
16x2 LCD |
LED |
LED |
Visible in dark?Not all displays will work in the dark. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Adjustable backlightSometimes a bright backlight can be can be hard to see |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Channel IndicatorsAre there indicators to tell you exactly what each channel is doing? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Mode DisplayHow does the powerbox show the mode |
LED |
LED |
LCD |
LED |
Switch position |
Modes
Different and refined program modes is what makes an E-Stim unit exciting, and breaks away from the more static TENS style modes. Audio Modes allow you to use sound to generation sensation, Motion modes allow you to create sensation from movement. Triphase mode makes things go all 3D.
ElectroPebble™ |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
|
TriphaseTakes the output to another level. sometimes described as 3D |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Number of Program modesMore modes can mean more fun, but for some more can be too many. |
9 |
5 |
17 |
10 |
2 |
Motion SensorA motion sensor can add to the enjoyment by generating sensation from motion. |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Number of Audio modesHow many audio modes does the box have |
1 |
None |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Power LevelsHow many power levels does the box have. The more the better as it gives you finer control. |
0-100% |
0-100% |
0-100% LOW |
27 Steps |
0-100% |
Controls always start at zeroWhen you turn the box on do the outputs start at zero? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Audio
Looking to use sound in your play? then consider an E-Stim unit with sound inputs. A built in microphone means you won't loose an important bit, and line in allows control from a MP3 player.
ElectroPebble™ |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
|
Audio Frequency RangeWhat frequency range does the powerbox respond to? A wider range will give more response. |
30Hz to 5000Hz |
N/A |
30Hz to 5000Hz |
30Hz to 5000Hz |
70Hz to 6000Hz |
Built in microphoneDoes the unit have a built in microphone? If its built in there is less to loose. |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Audio Line-inCan you connect a MP3 player to play sounds through the powerbox? Sometimes called stereo stimming. |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Audio Level DisplayIs there some form of display of audio level? Useful when playing different sounds. |
LED Bargraph |
n/a |
Bargraph |
Bargraph |
LED Bargraph |
Audio ProcessingDoes the powerbox have any form of audio processing? Mono gives one channel, Stereo gives two channels |
Yes, Microphone Only |
No |
Yes, True Stereo, DSP |
Yes, Microphone Only |
Yes Stereo to Mono |
Audio MixerHow does the powerbox 'mix' incoming signals? |
N/A |
N/A |
Yes (Digital) |
N/A |
Yes |
Adjustable audio responseCan you adjust the audio response? |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (Mic) |
Power Supply
How do you power your E-Stim unit. Rechargeable batteries always seem to run down when the going gets fun, so we try to avoid them. Mains power options give more power and longevity but do mean you have to be near a power socket.
ElectroPebble™ |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
|
Battery PowerWill it run off batteries? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
User replaceable batteryCan you replace the battery? Is it easily available? |
Yes PP3 |
Yes PP3 |
Yes PP3 |
Yes PP3 |
Yes PP3 |
Mains power supply availableCan you run the powerbox off the mains if you wish? |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
External Control
If you are looking to control a powerbox from a PC, Laptop or even a mobile phone? Then here are your options.
ElectroPebble™ |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
|
Radio ControlRadio Based remote control. |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No
|
Digital LinkAllows the ability to control a powerbox from a computer |
No |
No |
Yes via USB |
No |
No
|
Record and Playback SessionsCan you record and playback 'sessions'? |
No |
No |
Yes* with |
No |
No |
Mac ControlCan the powerbox be controlled from a modern Mac? |
No |
No |
Yes* |
No |
Limited |
PC ControlCan the powerbox be controlled from a modern PC? |
No |
No |
Yes* |
No |
Limited |
E-Stim ConnectCan you control the powerbox across the Internet via E-Stim Connect? |
No |
No |
Yes* |
No |
No |
Firmware upgradeableCan you upgrade the powerbox yourself? This might be useful if the manufacturer releases new firmware for bug fixes and new modes. |
No |
No |
Yes* |
No |
No |
DIY DevelopmentOne for the techies :: Can you write your own code for the powerbox? Are the protocols available? |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
*requires optional Digital Link Interface and compatible PC or Mac.
Controls
The ability to adjust the output means you can create a sensation that is right for you. The more control you have the better.
ElectroPebble™ |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
|
Level ControlsHow do you control the output level. rotary control are fast and responsive. |
Rotary |
Rotary |
Rotary |
Press Button |
Rotary |
Direct Adjustments availableHow many different ways can you adjust a waveform? |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Level step adjustmentHow many steps in a level. For digital controls the more the better, Analogue control offer step free adjustment |
Analogue |
Analogue |
100 |
27 Steps |
Analogue |
Hardwired on/off switchIs the switch hardwired or is it a press and hold? Hardwired switches tend to stay switched off when you place them in a bag. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Guarantee
ElectroPebble™ |
ElectroHelix™ |
2B |
E-Stim Remote |
ABox Mk2 |
|
GuaranteeHow long is the guarantee |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
More
If there is any more comparison information that you feel would aid you in your quest for the best in E-Stim technology, then please do not hesitate to ask.
Wayne AllenE-Stim Systems Ltd
