First RGB/V laser scanner and DAC choose trouble

[Makro1993]

Hello everyone!
I and my friend are on the way to build our first RGB/V laser scanner.
We're planning to implement in it ILDA input and the Popelscan RGB LPT DAC, but LPT port is unsatisfying due to poor PC mobility (We don't have a notebook with LPT port).
So we need a USB DAC. I discovered a bILDA from http://www.linux-laser.org/ but I really don't know that it works with other software than Popelscan. Does anybody tested it?
So, finally I looking for a open source USB DAC working with software that uses .ILD files, and is compatible with ILDA standard output, or for a cheap USB DAC with the same features. Can anyone recommend any?
We have a 20kpps galvos if this needed.
Also, I looked at Audio-DAC project and I'm not satisfied with effects.

Regards!

[Banthai]

Hi Makro

Do a search on here for Spaggetti .... gary has some great software which will work with some very inexpensive DACs

all the best ... Karl

[allthatwhichis]

Hi Makro

Do a search on here for Spaggetti .... gary has some great software which will work with some very inexpensive DACs

all the best ... Karl

DO NOT SEARCH that... Karl can't spell...

Search "Spaghetti".

[swamidog]

take a look at the ether|dream dac. it uses ethernet instead of USB.

http://www.ether-dream.com/

i have one. it's excellent.

Hello everyone!
I and my friend are on the way to build our first RGB/V laser scanner.
We're planning to implement in it ILDA input and the Popelscan RGB LPT DAC, but LPT port is unsatisfying due to poor PC mobility (We don't have a notebook with LPT port).
So we need a USB DAC. I discovered a bILDA from http://www.linux-laser.org/ but I really don't know that it works with other software than Popelscan. Does anybody tested it?
So, finally I looking for a open source USB DAC working with software that uses .ILD files, and is compatible with ILDA standard output, or for a cheap USB DAC with the same features. Can anyone recommend any?
We have a 20kpps galvos if this needed.
Also, I looked at Audio-DAC project and I'm not satisfied with effects.

Regards!

[Makro1993]

Spaghetti looks good, but...
Are there any chances to buy/make max. 100$ non-LPT DAC?

[JasonB]

Makro,

You can do an awful lot of good stuff with James Lehmen's DAC (correction amp) design along with a sound card! I built it and can't thank him enough for sharing.

Look at this:

http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...d+DAC+Tutorial

Also after some digging around I found a schematic that he posted:

http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...tion-Amp/page2

This DAC along with LaserBoy, Spaghetti or other tools with Dr. Lava's EZAudioDAC (Or Dr. Lava's LSX software) will get you scanning with a simple USB sound card and a couple op-amps. For beginners and hobbiests with a little electrical knowledge this is a great way to go. The profesionals might not agree - but not all of us here are Pros. The more you tinker, the more fun you have, and more you'll respect the professionals out there!

Hope this helps,
Jason

If you use it just be sure to thank them!

[james]

Thanks JasonB !!!

I would like to point out that I have made some important modifications to the design. I really like to use the C-Media CM6206 external USB sound device. It is fully 7.1 and all 8 channels are populated on the board. With an 8 channel DAC is is possible to have all of the signals for a full color laser show; X, Y, r, g, b, (mono or Z), PLUS you have room for L-audio and R-audio ~ stereo sound!

Here's an eBay link that will probably only be good for a while:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-2-0-to-M...ht_2515wt_1141

Here it is on USB Gear:
http://usbgear.com/computer_cable_de...21%2C637%2C136

This sound device is a bit different than most others. The big difference is the DC offset voltage that you need to null is only about +1.2, or maybe a bit more. It is not +2.25 or so like other USB or PCI cards. So, the original designs for the correction amp, with either the 5.1v zener diode or the fixed -5v regulator do not have enough adjustment range to null out that lower voltage.

If you read this entire thread, you will see a parts list and a pretty good explanation of the correction amp with nice, simple, CAD-drawn schematic diagrams.

http://laserboy.org/forum/index.php?...sg3266#msg3266

I would be glad to answer any questions you might have about building this for yourself.

James.

[Makro1993]

take a look at the ether|dream dac. it uses ethernet instead of USB.

http://www.ether-dream.com/

i have one. it's excellent.

Could tell me, with which software it works, or You tested it?

[swamidog]

i use it with LSX. according to the website:

"Multi-interface driver library: supports LSX, ILD SOS, LFI Player, and any software compatible with EzAudDac".

it also works with lasercam (real time video to laser software)

Could tell me, with which software it works, or You tested it?

[james]

When you say you want to make an RGB/V setup what exactly do you mean?

I have that in my projector.

635nm red
532nm green
445nm blue
405nm violet

I thought it would be really cool to be able to control 4 colors independently, but I also wired it with a switch so that the violet would just follow along with the blue control signal. It doesn't really do a whole lot. I recently upgraded my green because it was the weakest. Then I upgraded my reds from 658nm to 635nm. So now my blues are the weakest. I turned the 420nm dichro out of the beam path because it was taking a noticable percentage of my blue. So now I have no violet mixed in the beam.

James.