At Ability Hive, we’re always looking for tools that bring calm, creativity, and comfort to sensory environments. That’s why we’re thrilled to carry the trusted line of Optikinetics sensory projectors, known around the world for their high-quality visuals and professional-grade performance.

But with three models available—Aura, Solar 100, and Solar 250—you might be wondering:
Which projector is right for your space?
Do I need a rotator?
What kind of effects can I create?

This guide breaks it all down so you can confidently build a sensory setup that meets your needs.

Meet the Projectors

Aura Projector – Best for Bedrooms & Small, Dark Spaces

The Aura is compact, quiet, and easy to use. It’s designed for smaller rooms where a soft glow and gentle motion can create a calming environment.

• Built-in rotator (no extra accessories needed)
• Compatible with 6" liquid and picture wheels
• Great for home use, calming corners, bedtime routines, or nurseries
• 6W LED with 600 lumens — ideal for darker rooms

Perfect for: Bedrooms, home sensory corners, small therapy spaces

Solar 100 LED Projector – Ideal for Small to Medium Sensory Rooms

More powerful than the Aura, the Solar 100 delivers brighter, sharper visuals and supports a wider range of effects.

• Uses 6" and 9" effect wheels
• 20W LED with 1400 lumens for vibrant, crisp projections
• Quiet operation — perfect for classrooms, sensory rooms, and clinics
• Requires a wheel rotator (sold separately)

Perfect for: Sensory rooms, therapy settings, calming areas in schools

Solar 250 LED Projector – Best for Larger Spaces or Brighter Environments

The Solar 250 is the most powerful of the three, making it ideal for large spaces or rooms with ambient light. It offers all the versatility of the Solar 100 with an even brighter output.

• Supports 6" and 9" effect wheels
• 40W LED with 2000 lumens — strong enough for large rooms
• Great for multi-sensory rooms, professional therapy clinics, or educational spaces
• Requires a wheel rotator (sold separately)

Perfect for: Large sensory rooms, therapy clinics, spaces with overhead lighting

What Are Effect Wheels?

Effect wheels are visual discs that rotate to project soothing, ever-changing patterns or scenes on walls, floors, or ceilings. We carry:

• Liquid Effect Wheels: Flowing colours that swirl and mix for calming visuals
• Picture Effect Wheels: Illustrated themes like butterflies, ocean life, or nature scenes
• 9” Max Picture Wheels: Larger versions for bold, immersive projections (Solar 100 & 250 only)
  
  
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Rotators: Which One Do You Need?

If you're using the Solar 100 or Solar 250, you’ll need a rotator to make the wheels spin. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. 1/2 R.P.M Active Gate Rotator

• For 6" wheels only
• Fixed speed (1 rotation every 2 minutes)
• Simple and slow for calming visuals

2. Variable Speed Active Gate Rotator

• For 6" wheels only
• Adjustable speed (25 sec to 4 min per rotation)
• Choose your rotation speed and direction

3. Dual Variable Speed Active Gate Rotator

• Works with both 6" and 9" wheels
• Adjustable speed and direction
• Best value if you want versatility and plan to try different wheels

Note: The Aura projector includes a built-in rotator, so no extra accessory is needed.

Build Your Sensory Space with Confidence

Whether you're designing a quiet corner at home or a professional-grade sensory room, Optikinetics projectors deliver soothing, sensory-rich visuals that support emotional regulation, visual tracking, and overall calm.

Need help picking the right setup? We're here to help!
Reach out anytime or explore our full Sensory Projectors Collection to get started.