✅Compatible lasers and controllers (DACs)
Last updated
Last updated
If your laser has a standard ILDA input then you can use it with Liberation (along with a compatible laser controller such as the Ether Dream or Helios DAC - see full list below).
You do not need an external controller or an ILDA input if :
Your laser has a compatible controller installed inside, or;
You have a USB Laser Cube from Wicked Lasers*
*Support for WiFi Laser Cubes is currently in development
A laser controller (or DAC) is a hardware device that can take the digital data from Liberation and convert it to the analog signals that are required to control the scanners and output of your laser. (Hence DAC: Digital to Analog Converter.)
The controller connects to your computer via USB or over a standard computer network; it will either be an external device, or installed inside the laser.
If it's external, you connect it to your laser via the ILDA connection. ILDA is an industry standard that uses an old school 25 pin 'D' connector. Get yourself an ILDA cable, plug one end into the controller, and the other into the laser.
If you are a home user, or run small shows with 4 or fewer lasers that are close to the computer, then USB controllers like the Helios DAC are the most affordable option.
Network DACs like the Ether Dream are the best option for professional laserists who are happy to set up a network and want to run a large number of lasers; all of the large Liberation shows so far have been run on Ether Dreams.
If you have a USB Laser Cube then you don't need a separate laser controller at all. I'm currently working on the Laser Cube network protocol, so if you have a WiFi Laser Cube, you will have to wait.
The Ether Dream has been around for over ten years and is currently at version 4 (although Liberation also works with Ether Dream version 1, 2, and 3). They are extremely reliable.
You connect to them over a standard network. They can be bought as standalone units, or even better, can be fitted inside lasers.
Helios is the best option for beginners and they are cheaper than Ether Dreams, but as they connect over USB, it's not recommended for long cable runs. Also you may have USB data and driver issues once you connect to more than 4 (especially on Windows).
But if you just want to run a couple of lasers at home, it's the cheapest and simplest option.
Older Laser Cubes have a USB laser controller built into them and can be controlled directly from Liberation. (You can also get standalone Laser Dock USB controllers but these are expensive and have been discontinued.)
Mercury (Built-in to X-Laser units)
Laser Cube network controller (built in to wifi Laser Cubes)
IDN (an open network protocol from ILDA, can be implemented by any manufacturer)
If you have USB DACs then I suggest keeping them close to your computer and connect them to the lasers with ILDA cables. (Although watch out as ILDA cables can act as a grappling hook during de-rigging!)
If you're using Ether Dreams you can still keep them all together and connect to the lasers using long ILDA cables, or you can rig them close to the lasers, and use longer network cables.
The ideal set up is to have Ether Dreams installed directly inside your lasers (Rob at Stanwax Laser will do this for you in the UK)
