ILDA interface

[zcd]

Hi,

I recently bought a 200mw green laser. I am looking for an interface to control the laser. I would like to be able to do some animation and text, with out breaking the bank.

Thanks,

ZCD

[Laser Ben]

I think most people here will reccomend a Pangolin FB3 evaluation kit. I love mine and you can get them for about $500. It's a truly professional level product.

[Pitts]

Hi ZCD,

Welcome to the forum...

Can you tell us a little more about what you have bought.

A green laser doesn't tell us much.
Do you a scanner (needed to move the beam around).
Is it a made up unit or is it just the laser module ?
Do you know if it is analogue or TTL modulation.

Perhaps post a picture so we can advise bit better for you.

The Pangolin FB3 is an excellent starting point for control but it needs something to control.
If that's too expensive there are other ways which the guys can advise you on.

Anyway please ask any questions you like we will try to help.

By the way we all LOVE pictures.... its better than a million words sometimes.

Cheers

Ray
NZ

[zcd]

Hi,

Here are some pictures of the unit. It has the diode and scanner all in one unit. I has some built in graphics and animations.

I also have heard of Phoenix software out of Germany. Any thoughts on this? It seemed to be about the same price (399 Euro).

Thanks,

ZCD

[Laser Ben]

For the price, you will get way better performance and software with the Pangolin kit.

[White-Light]

Pangolin all the way, its the industry standard software and even the home version the Flash Back 3, is second to none. If you wanted an alternative, you could go for Mamba Black which is also very good , however, most on here would recommend Pangolin as a 1st choice.

If you're not using it for commercial gain, I believe the Flash Back 3 LA Freak kit it is the most heavily featured. If you need a commercial version, then the non LA Freak kit is the one to go for.

[buffo]

I'd take the Pangolin FB3 over Phoenix. You'll get the best support in the industry, an entire software suite to play with, and lots of assistance here on PhotonLexicon from the many FB3 users.

Either the FB3 LA Freak kit (if you don't need the DMX-in capabilities), or the FB3 Evaluation kit (which does have DMX in) will serve you well. The difference in price is less than $100 between them.

Note that if you plan to do live shows (playing along with a DJ or a band, for example), and you intend to do it commercially, then you will want to pay the extra money to get a LIVEPRO license. Livepro is special software (in addition to what you get with the FB3) that makes it very easy to perform custom laser shows that are beat-syncronized to live music.

The FB3 already comes with a "lite" version of LivePro called "LiveQuick", but if you're going to be doing shows commercially, you'll want to upgrade to LivePro.

Where are you located? (You didn't fill out your profile information.) If you're in Europe, remember that the UK members are holding a Laser Enthusiast's Meeting in a couple weeks. If you can attend, you'll get a chance to see the FB3 (and other controllers) up close and talk with the folks that bought them. On the other hand, if you're in the US (and especially on the east coast), you might want to make a trip to Florida to attend the Laser Enthusiast's Meeting we'll be having there in 3 weeks. Visit the meet and greet sub-forum for more information.

Adam