support

Companion supports a wide range of integrated peripherals through what is known as the light bus. Like applications, devices are capable of interfacing with a wide range of system features. There are two major categories of devices, termed active and passive devices, which are primarily distinguished by whether or not they appear in the device manager or not. You can access the device manager from the devices menu on your unit.

Active devices

Official active devices include: handles (including horns), power switches, SuperBit holographic sign systems, pelvis-mounted probes, controller-integrated collars, and batteries. Depending on their implementation, these devices may or may not disengage their safety bolts with the controller, or may not include safety bolts whatsoever.

Passive devices

Official passive devices include ornamental status lighting (OSL) elements and eye implants. With the exception of eye implants, these devices disengage their safety bolts in concert with the main controller. Eye implants do not include safety bolts whatsoever.

Tip: When installing new passive devices, a reboot may be required before they are fully engaged. This is particularly prominent with ornamental lighting elements. Before the bolts engage, take the opportunity to ensure that the components of your passive device are correctly positioned on the unit’s chassis, as it may be more difficult to do this when the unit is shut down.

Creating new devices

The Companion 8 SDK can be obtained from major Nanite Systems stores, and contains a wealth of sample code for developing custom peripherals. API documentation and additional tutorials can be obtained from develop.ns, the Nanite Systems developers' portal.