Server & Deployment
Understand your deployment options and choose the right configuration for your needs.
What Is Big Block?
Big Block is the server software that powers the Voodoo Robotics system. It manages Cloud Display Devices, processes API requests from your WMS/ERP, coordinates with Turbos (network-connected signal routers), and provides device management, sequencing, data visualization, and real-time monitoring.
Big Block is available in two deployment models — choose based on your scale, infrastructure preferences, and operational requirements.
Deployment Options
Hosted Big Block
www.voodoodevices.com
Voodoo runs Big Block for you in the cloud on AWS. You do not need to install or maintain your own server. This hosted option is subscription-based and supports up to 50 Cloud Display Devices.
- ✓ No infrastructure to manage
- ✓ Included with Starter Kit
- ✓ Quick setup
- △ Up to 50 devices max
- △ Limited Sequencer
- △ Requires internet
Best for: Evaluation, starter kits, small deployments
Self-Hosted Big Block
ProductionYour Infrastructure
You purchase a perpetual license and deploy Big Block on your own infrastructure — cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), VPC, on-premise data center, or hybrid.
- ✓ Unlimited devices
- ✓ Full Sequencer
- ✓ Lower latency (~0.9s vs ~1.3s)
- ✓ Runs behind your firewall
- ✓ Works without internet
- ✓ Full data control
Best for: Production, >50 devices, data residency needs
Comparison
| Feature | Hosted | Self-Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Subscription | Perpetual license |
| Max Devices | Up to 50 | Unlimited |
| Hosting | AWS (managed by Voodoo) | Your cloud / data center |
| Internet Dependency | Required | Optional |
| Data Control | Shared infrastructure | Full control and privacy |
| Sequencer | Limited | Full feature set |
| Typical Latency | ~1.3 seconds | ~0.9 seconds |
Big Block Features
Both deployment options provide the same core functionality:
Device Management
Monitor and control Cloud Display Devices in real-time:
- Check voltages, battery levels, and uptime
- Set Area and Location information for organization
- Adjust brightness and display settings
- Monitor temperature with configurable alarms
Data Visualization
Access all system data in easy-to-use formats:
- Zoomable graphs and CSV export
- Track voltage and temperature history
- Monitor signal strength between Devices and Turbos
- Latency monitoring by device and Turbo
Turbo Management
Manage the network routers that connect Devices to Big Block:
- Assign location names for easy identification
- Monitor uptime, temperature, and find IP addresses
- Request real-time diagnostics without dismounting equipment
Sequencer
Automate workflows and reduce integration complexity:
- Build custom sequences with multiple steps
- Control devices by location or individually
- Launch pick lists from cellphones or barcode scanners
- Upload pick lists in your own format (CSV, XLS)
- Sync inventory with custom feedback webhooks
Note
API & Integration
- Simple REST API for all operations
- QueryString API for easy integration
- Custom webhooks for feedback
- Multi-user support and management
Alerts & Notifications
- Email alerts for temperature thresholds
- Nightly voltage warning emails
- Use your own SMTP server (self-hosted)
Self-Hosted Considerations
If you choose self-hosted Big Block, you have flexibility in where and how you deploy it:
Infrastructure Options
- Public Cloud — AWS, Azure, or GCP instances (recommended for ease of scalability and backups)
- Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) — Within your own cloud network
- On-Premise — Physical or virtual servers in your data center
- Hybrid — Combination of cloud and on-premise
Security & SSL
For secure HTTPS communication, you'll need an SSL certificate. The easiest approach is to use a public IP address with a domain name, which allows automatic SSL certificate provisioning via Let's Encrypt.
Private IP Limitations
Performance Benefits
Self-hosted deployments typically achieve lower latency than the hosted service — about 0.9 seconds vs 1.3 seconds. The actual improvement depends on your network topology, server placement, and call patterns.
Latency Monitoring
Getting Started Path
Start Here
Hosted Big Block
Validate proof-of-concept
Scale Up
Self-Hosted Big Block
Full features, unlimited scale
Most companies begin with a Starter Kit using hosted Big Block at www.voodoodevices.com. After validating the proof-of-concept, they purchase a perpetual license and deploy self-hosted Big Block for full functionality, unlimited devices, and lower latency.
Next Steps
Ready to get started?
- For hosted Big Block, order a Starter Kit to get started immediately
- For self-hosted Big Block, see the Big Block Server Setup Guide for installation instructions
- Contact [email protected] with questions about licensing or deployment