What Software to use for ILDA for Newbie!

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09-21-2007, 02:58
nicko

What Software to use for ILDA for Newbie!

Hello Photon Lexicon Members,
just got my first laser with an ILDA port, it has 20kpps scanning heads, 80mw green, 120mw red i think from memory

Now as i am just getting into the ILDA side of things i was wondering if anybody had any reccomendations for a cheap ILDA software package or even better a free one that is out there so i can play around and understand this addiction a bit more!

Anyone have any reccomendations for a cheap or free software?
I have been offered Ishow for about $400USD is this good or bad?
Or is there a freebie program out there?
09-21-2007, 04:05
allthatwhichis

Greetings and welcome!

There is popelscan which is a free program the uses a fairly simple LPT DAC. I think HE-Laserscan will work on the same DAC but with limited features. Um... do you have a DAC? If not then you will then need to decide what DAC you want. I think you can get one of Norm's DACs that will run popelscan but with only one color; they are on eBay for $30ish and others here may have a hook up for that DAC. If you plan on strictly hobbist shows, but want that professional feel, then I would suggest Pangolin's LA Freak/FB3 set up. It has a DAC and software for around $500 and is probably the best bang for the buck...:cool:

but... give it a little, others will definatly post more suggestions, or echo mine. ;)
09-21-2007, 04:22
nicko

Hi guys
thanks for your quick reply
SO i need a DAC as well do i?
Any links to these DAC's?

Michal - how much is that software?
09-21-2007, 05:15
buffo

Hi Nicko! Welcome to PhotonLexicon.

Sounds like you're just getting started. Warning! Abandon all hope of ever having extra money at this point! From now on all your free cash will end up getting spent on your hobby... ;)

To control your projector, you need a controller, which is a piece of hardware that will talk to the projector. You also need software that will allow you to connect the controller to a computer. The software allows you to create designs that you want to display on the projector. The software will also allow you to put together a series of frames in order to make a complete show. The software sends these frames as digital data to the controller. The controller coverts the digital data to an analog signal, which is then sent to the scanners in the projector. This is why many people call the controller a DAC. Digital to Analog Converter..

The poplescan software is free, and it will work with several different controllers, or DAC's. Here is a thread that talks about the controller that it uses (complete with schematics.) Norm's Homemade Laser Show is another controller that would work, though the link to his website seems to be down at the moment. (You might want to send him a PM, he's on the forums here as Legato.)

On the other hand, if you're thinking about buying a commercial package, I strongly suggest that you have a look at the new hobbyist product that Pangolin has released. It's based around the FlashBack 3 controller (which uses the USB port to connect to the computer) and comes with the LA Studio software suite for designing and playing laser shows. It's $500 for the complete package (hardware and software). Several people here are running the package, and the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. So give it some thought... (Search for "FB3" here in the forums to find more discussions about it.)

Adam
09-21-2007, 05:26
nicko

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffo

Hi Nicko! Welcome to PhotonLexicon.

Sounds like you're just getting started. Warning! Abandon all hope of ever having extra money at this point! From now on all your free cash will end up getting spent on your hobby... ;)

To control your projector, you need a controller, which is a piece of hardware that will talk to the projector. You also need software that will allow you to connect the controller to a computer. The software allows you to create designs that you want to display on the projector. The software will also allow you to put together a series of frames in order to make a complete show. The software sends these frames as digital data to the controller. The controller coverts the digital data to an analog signal, which is then sent to the scanners in the projector. This is why many people call the controller a DAC. Digital to Analog Converter..

The poplescan software is free, and it will work with several different controllers, or DAC's. Here is a thread that talks about the controller that it uses (complete with schematics.) Norm's Homemade Laser Show is another controller that would work, though the link to his website seems to be down at the moment. (You might want to send him a PM, he's on the forums here as Legato.)

On the other hand, if you're thinking about buying a commercial package, I strongly suggest that you have a look at the new hobbyist product that Pangolin has released. It's based around the FlashBack 3 controller (which uses the USB port to connect to the computer) and comes with the LA Studio software suite for designing and playing laser shows. It's $500 for the complete package (hardware and software). Several people here are running the package, and the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. So give it some thought... (Search for "FB3" here in the forums to find more discussions about it.)

Adam

Hahah Thanks Adam
Lasers have always interested me when i have gone out, problem is i have two many hobbys as it is, Djing is my main but have bought 3 differentlasers for use at partys that we hold at a warehouse, the latest being my introduction to ILDA!
I have looked at building my own laser (from looking around on these forums) and im amazed how you guys can piece it together and allign it all with such precision!
None the less - ill check out the pangolian - The Moncha software recommended by mystery123 looks pretty good also, basic enough for a newb like me to make me look like a pro
I have already downloaded alot of ilda files thanks to teh resource center on the photon lexicon FTP
Just looking at options to see if i do pursue this hobby!
09-26-2007, 07:13
nicko

Any other suggestions for cheap or free software to control my RGY laser?
10-14-2007, 17:42
nicko

Decided on going for Moncha
10-23-2007, 22:24
instinct

..

Hey Nicko.. Just curious.. Where are you from?

I'm also a newb too and looking to get some software. Where do you guys suggest I get a DAC if i want to use popelscan? Also, anyone have a link to purchase the new Pangolin product?

If you guys had <$500 to spend, what would you do. And where would you go to buy it?
10-23-2007, 22:41
allthatwhichis

Quote:

Originally Posted by instinct

Hey Nicko.. Just curious.. Where are you from?

I'm also a newb too and looking to get some software. Where do you guys suggest I get a DAC if i want to use popelscan? Also, anyone have a link to purchase the new Pangolin product?

If you guys had <$500 to spend, what would you do. And where would you go to buy it?

There is a popelscan DAC from Norm on eBay. I don't have the link available but look in the industrial lasers category.

If you have <$500 and want to get a DAC and software, I'd say save a little more to get the LA Freak package. If you want to get that, just PM Pangolin on here, or use this contact form from the Pangolin site. If not, check out this thread. It has a run down of what I have found for what prices.
10-23-2007, 23:03
dream beamz

since your looking for RGY then i would go with norms

see this thread
http://photonlexicon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3176
10-23-2007, 23:30
nicko

Does norms do RGY?

I got my dac today so about to have a play tonight!

Instinct - im in Australia!
10-23-2007, 23:38
instinct

Quote:

Originally Posted by allthatwhichis

There is a popelscan DAC from Norm on eBay. I don't have the link available but look in the industrial lasers category.

If you have <$500 and want to get a DAC and software, I'd say save a little more to get the LA Freak package. If you want to get that, just PM Pangolin on here, or use this contact form from the Pangolin site. If not, check out this thread. It has a run down of what I have found for what prices.

I found this DAC on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Parallel-Port-2-...QQcmdZViewItem

but that means I have to assemble it myself..??

Who is Norm, and how can I contact him?
10-23-2007, 23:42
allthatwhichis

Quote:

Originally Posted by instinct

I found this DAC on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Parallel-Port-2-...QQcmdZViewItem

That's it. I think the seller is Norm. :confused: He is just a local laser "God" that I have no idea how to contact. He popped in here once but doesn't play much on forums. alt.lasers might be a good place to start, after, "Ask Seller a Question" in eBay. Someone else here is bound to be more familiar with contacting him.

As for putting it together. :confused: It took me 45 minutes to solder two wires the other day. All I can say is good luck. ;) There may be someone here who has one to get rid of or who will assemble it for you.
10-24-2007, 05:08
DixiScan

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicko

Hi guys
thanks for your quick reply
SO i need a DAC as well do i?
Any links to these DAC's?
Michal - how much is that software?

Moncha works quite nice. I'm using it almost every saterday in a pub!
The software is stable, plug and play, and Michals technical 'helpdesk' by e-mail is very good. :)

If you need more information about DAC's and free laser software, please visit www.hobby-lasers@startpagina.nl.

.
10-24-2007, 07:13
wes

i've read here that you can buy norms dac assembled.

edit-

maybe it was the die 4 driver i was thinking of and not norms dac.
anyone know if norm sells assembled dacs.
peace,
wes
10-24-2007, 08:12
dream beamz

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicko

Does norms do RGY?

I got my dac today so about to have a play tonight!

Instinct - im in Australia!

Yes, his does RGY, I think you can pay him an extra $20 to assemble each kit
10-24-2007, 09:21
badger1666

norms dac

i have norms dac it does not do rgy its there on the board but its not supported in his software yet he did say a while ago he would get it done soon:)
10-24-2007, 09:52
carmangary

I would not recommend Norm's DAC because it really doesn't have any decent software support. If you just want to experiment and don't mind writing your own software then it's probably OK but if you want to dive right into shows then I don't think you would be satisfied. Even if you do want to go that route you'd probably be better off building a Popelscan DAC. It works with Popelscan and Norm's as well and offers 3 colors and ttl outputs.
10-24-2007, 14:50
instinct

Unrelated

haha sorry for the unrelated post.. I was trying to figure out where your avatar with from nicko.. I finally figured it out.. I think.. Is it the Racoon from "It's All gone Pete Tong"

I think I might go with the Pangolin Product...
10-24-2007, 19:19
buffo

Having started with a parallel port DAC (Alphalite) I can tell you that you want to avoid one at all costs. The problem is that the PC's architecture doesn't allow for the parallel port to continue doing things (like outputting frame data) while certain other system events are taking place. (Events like hard disk access, or even MOUSE CLICKS!) This really limits the usability of a parallel DAC.

Yeah, if you're on a budget, you're on a budget. I understand that. I'm still on a budget myself. But trust me, you'll be a lot happier with a USB controller.

Adam
10-25-2007, 06:06
nicko

Quote:

Originally Posted by instinct

haha sorry for the unrelated post.. I was trying to figure out where your avatar with from nicko.. I finally figured it out.. I think.. Is it the Racoon from "It's All gone Pete Tong"

I think I might go with the Pangolin Product...

Hi Instinct,
yeah the coke badger from "its all gone pete tong"
my moncha dac is here, ill be playing with tomorrow so will give a review from a noob.
However download teh moncha software and have a play thats what i did. I also then went to the great ilda file library on the site and added the files i liked to my moncha
looks like its going to be very easy to use whilst djing and also if i want to do auto pilot on it.
The beam shows i will have more of a play with tomorrow but looks pretty good so far.
Messaged Michal last week with a few probs i was having but havent heard back yet. Prior to that michals reponse and postage time were fantastic!
Very happy so far - will fill you in with more details after the weekends testinG!
10-25-2007, 07:12
carmangary

I'm glad to see other Moncha users. I hope that there will eventually be some shows for Moncha that can be shared between us. Michal offered to actually pay for good shows but I haven't had time to create any.
10-25-2007, 11:26
instinct

How much did the Moncha cost you?
10-25-2007, 14:18
carmangary

I got it on sale so I don't know what the normal price is. Around $600 I think.
10-25-2007, 16:03
nicko

Quote:

Originally Posted by instinct

How much did the Moncha cost you?

Message mystery123 he may be able to look after yoU!
03-10-2012, 05:35
cliveharper

Does anyone know of any DAC schematics.. Ive got a single colour projector that has not DAC system and you like to build one to put inside, is there anyone that can help me please, email me at harper_clive@yahoo.co.uk Many thanks in advance..
03-11-2012, 11:58
mixedgas

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliveharper

Does anyone know of any DAC schematics.. Ive got a single colour projector that has not DAC system and you like to build one to put inside, is there anyone that can help me please, email me at harper_clive@yahoo.co.uk Many thanks in advance..

http://www.fab-favreau.com/index.php...enLaserShowDAC

Chris had a run of the raw boards he was selling at roughly his cost to have them made. Mine cost about 65$ to build.

This will run under LFI player, some Zoof Games, and LSX, but that is about it. Not sure if Spaghetti supports it. If you can program, it does have a API.

Steve
03-12-2012, 08:34
cliveharper

They are good boards but i have no ILDA in my projector just a DMX board, im looking to scrap the DMX board to make or buy a DAC that can go inside so it will connect to the Galvo amp's, those lasershow DAC's are ok if projectors already had a ILDA input which i do not have.. :(
03-12-2012, 19:17
drlava

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/c...jpg?1283448398

cliveharper, the thread you resurrected has nothing to do with your question.. and contains quite outdated information. Feel free to create a new thread with your questions!

But in answer, if your projector has a DMX card, then it probably has the signals that can be wired into an ILDA connector for a standard DAC connection.
http://www.laserfx.com/Backstage.Las.../Pinouts9.html