Hey all, Liam from Killer Ink here
and today I’m going to be talking about the DarkLab app and eGive.
Developed by the team behind the popular FK Irons and Spektra Rotary tattoo machines
the DarkLab app allows artists to connect their equipment via Bluetooth for firmware updates, voice control, utilising eGive, and more.
In this video, we’ll be taking a look at how the app works with DarkLab’s Hover power supply and Lightning Bolt battery pack
as well as the PowerBolt that features on the FK Irons EXO and Spektra Flux tattoo machines.
At the time of filming, the DarkLab app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads.
When it is available to download for Android devices, we will leave a note in the description below.
To get started, simply download the DarkLab app, create an account and pair it with your chosen FK Irons or DarkLab product.
We’ll begin with the Hover power supply.
Once the Hover is paired, the app will show this device control interface
which as the name suggests, allows you to control a variety of features on your device.
Pairing the Hover with the DarkLab app allows you to wirelessly update the firmware on your power supply
essentially future-proofing your device.
You can also use the app to control the on/off status of your device
as well as adjust the voltage by clicking on the arrows that you can see on screen.
The voltage will then be displayed on the interface within the Hover icon.
Using Apple’s built-in Siri virtual assistant will enable you to control your Hover effortlessly with voice commands
and allowing your hands to remain free to focus on tattooing.
Hey Siri!
Uh-huh?
Set Hover
What voltage do you want?
7.5
OK, done, Hover is set to 7.5 volts.
Hey Siri!
Uh-huh?
Switch Hover.
OK, done. The machine that's connected to the Hover is now on.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the DarkLab app is the ability to utilise eGive on your FK Irons or DarkLab equipment.
As the name suggests, eGive allows you to electronically control the amount of “give”
or resistance of the needle upon impact with the skin, on tattoo machines – even those with a direct drive.
This enables tattoo artists to alter the softness or hardness of the hit of their machine to achieve specific results.
Via the app, you can control the eGive of your direct drive machines that are running through the Hover power supply in 6 settings
by simply swiping the bars on screen up or down.
The eGive settings range from 0 to 5, with 0 being no give, therefore the hardest hit
and 5 corresponding to the softest hit, aka maximum give.
Pairing your DarkLab Lightning Bolt battery pack with the DarkLab app offers the same features as with the Hover
meaning customisable voice control, voltage adjustment, power on or off, eGive control, and firmware updates.
However, as you can see on the interface here, the app will also show you the battery life of your Lightning Bolt
so you will know exactly when to recharge it and get it back on your machine.
Last but certainly not least is the PowerBolt, which can be used to power your FK Irons EXO and Spektra Flux rotaries.
Connecting your PowerBolt to the DarkLab app will both allow you update the firmware of the unit and install eGive.
You must update the PowerBolt with the latest version of the DarkLab app in order to download eGive.
Unlike with the Hover and Lightning Bolt, when using the EXO or Flux with the PowerBolt
the eGive setting will be controlled on the PowerBolt itself, not the app
although control via the app will be featured in a future update, according to the FK Irons team.
To check the current eGive setting when using the PowerBolt, hold down the power button until the light goes from white to solid blue.
When releasing the power button, the following blinking colour that the LED displays will indicate the give that the unit is currently set at.
To raise or lower the give, simply hold down the power button again until the light changes from white to solid blue
then release the button and immediately use the up or down arrows to change the eGive.
A white blinking light indicates that the PowerBolt is currently set at 0, so no give
while yellow, orange, red and pink indicate levels 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.
A green blinking light means that the eGive is set at the highest level of 5, which is the softest setting.
Press the power button again to resume tattooing at your chosen give level.
If you’re using the FK Irons EXO with the RCA Bolt instead of the PowerBolt
you simply need to connect your machine to the Hover power supply with an RCA cable
and utilise eGive via the DarkLab app as we showed you before.
Before you go, make sure to click on the link in the description below to check out all the FK Irons and DarkLab products featured in this video
and we hope we’ve helped you understand some tips and tricks on how best to use the app and its features.
So now that you’ve seen the DarkLab app and how to utilise eGive, what do you think?
Will you be joining the wireless revolution?
Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our YouTube channel!