Business Details
16 Years
experience
Innovative LED Lighting Solutions for Entertainment & Architecture
Founded in 2010, The Black Tank is a product development and engineering design company specializing in innovative LED lighting solutions for entertainment, theatrical, and architectural markets. Our team collaborates with manufacturers, sales agencies, and engineering firms to deliver proprietary technology and market-specific innovations. With expertise spanning LED and DMX devices, pro-audio, biomedical, and defense contracting, we integrate diverse skills into every product. All fixtures are Made in the USA using high-quality components and rigorous quality standards.Our in-house photometric testing lab ensures precise analysis of light output, color rendering, and efficiency, enabling rapid optimization of performance. Strategic partnerships, like our collaboration with Rosco Laboratories, enhance global distribution while maintaining strict manufacturing controls, including 100% functional testing of all fixtures. We prioritize creativity and thermal management expertise to extend LED lifespans and avoid 'me-too' products, reflecting our commitment to innovation and client-centric solutions.
Services
LED Lighting Design
Product Development
Photometric Testing
Engineering Design
Manufacturing
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer patented thermal management technology for extended LED fixture life
- Our products are Made in the USA with rigorous quality standards
- We have over a decade of experience in LED and DMX device development
- We provide 100% functional testing of all fixtures prior to shipment
- Our team includes certified engineers with expertise in thermal management
Associations and certifications
- US Patent and Trademark Office
- ETL
- UL Standards 1573 and 8750
- cETL
- CSA C22.2
- CE
- RoHS
What people say
Amazing light quality
Innovative thermal design
Durable construction
Superior color rendering
Long lifespan
Services
LED Lighting Design
Our LED lighting design service creates compact, high-output fixtures using patented thermal management technology. We specialize in RGBW, RGBA, and tunable white LED systems with flicker-free operation for film and TV applications. Our tightly binned LEDs ensure color consistency across installations while modular designs allow flexible configurations for architectural, entertainment, and theatrical uses.
Product Development
We develop custom lighting solutions combining proprietary electronics with advanced optics. Our process includes photometric testing, thermal analysis, and DMX/RDM protocol integration. From concept to production, we focus on innovation through patented heat sink technology and field-upgradable components, ensuring future-proof designs that avoid 'me-too' products.
Photometric Testing
Our in-house photometric lab quantitatively analyzes light output, color rendering, and distribution. We measure luminous flux, color temperature, and glare ratios to optimize performance. This capability enables rapid iteration of LED and optic combinations while maintaining strict quality control through third-party verified testing standards.
Engineering Design
We design modular LED fixtures with interchangeable components for easy upgrades. Our engineering incorporates patented heat dissipation systems that extend LED lifespan beyond 10 years. Customizable beam angles, DMX control protocols, and wireless connectivity options ensure solutions tailored to specific application requirements in entertainment and architectural settings.
Manufacturing
All products are manufactured in the USA with 100% functional testing prior to shipment. We use tightly binned LEDs, precision optics, and powder-coated aluminum housings. Each component receives traceable barcode tracking for quality assurance, with automated testing of LEDs, optics positioning, and control functionality during assembly.
People
Michael Johnson
VP of Engineering
Founded The Black Tank in 2010 after leaving a corporate LED company. Developed the Brickblaster Pro theatrical lighting product and established a partnership with Rosco Laboratories. Holds US Patent No.8,767,398 for thermal management technology. Leads a team of 5 engineers while collaborating with his father, an electrical engineer, on product development.
Questions
What markets does The The Black Tank serve?
We specialize in entertainment, theatrical, and architectural lighting markets with LED fixtures designed for film/TV, museums, theme parks, and live events.
Are your products Made in the USA?
Yes, all our fixtures are manufactured in Haverhill, MA using high-quality components and undergo 100% functional testing before shipment.
What makes your LED fixtures different?
Our patented thermal management system extends LED lifespan while maintaining high output in compact form factors. We use tightly binned LEDs and precision optics for unmatched color consistency.
Do you offer wireless control options?
Yes, CubeConnect Wireless control enables serialized data transmission up to 2000ft (600m) for remote operation of Pica Cube products.
Can I integrate your fixtures with existing systems?
Our fixtures support DMX, RDM, and 0-10V dimming protocols with compatibility for theatrical grade dimming and RS232 show control environments.
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