What you’ll learn: How laser show control works across PC, DMX/ArtNet, and standalone RTC modes; when to choose FB3QS vs FB4 (built-in or external) for your laser projector; how to run multi-projector rigs with Zones, safe wiring, and IEC 60825-1 basics; plus buyer (C-class) tips—pricing, lead time, warranty, VAT invoice, installation, OEM/ODM.
On This Page
| Section | Jump |
|---|---|
| Common Laser Show Formats | #formats |
| FB3QS: Plug-and-Play Entry Control | #fb3qs |
| FB4 Built-In: The Modern Standard | #fb4-in |
| FB4 External: Central Media Server | #fb4-ex |
| Three Control Modes | #modes |
| Multi-Projector: Shared vs Independent | #multi |
| Zones: Precise Content Placement | #zones |
| Topologies & Cabling Tips | #topology |
| FB3QS vs FB4: Comparison | #table |
| Mini Case Study | #case |
| Troubleshooting | #troubleshoot |
| Maintenance Checklist | #maintenance |
| Selection & Purchasing | #procure |
| Compliance & Safety | #safety |
| FAQ (Collapsible) | #faq |
| Wrap-Up & CTA | #cta |
1) Common Laser Show Formats
• Logo/text projection for branding and wayfinding.
• Geometric beam shows for clubs, festivals, and malls.
• Laser projection mapping on facades and landmarks.
• Multimedia integration with lighting consoles, media servers, haze, and SFX.
Start by locking the venue layout, throw distance, number of laser projectors, show schedule, and whether you need unattended (RTC) playback or DMX/ArtNet sync.
• Geometric beam shows for clubs, festivals, and malls.
• Laser projection mapping on facades and landmarks.
• Multimedia integration with lighting consoles, media servers, haze, and SFX.
Start by locking the venue layout, throw distance, number of laser projectors, show schedule, and whether you need unattended (RTC) playback or DMX/ArtNet sync.
2) FB3QS: Plug-and-Play Entry Control
USBILDAQuickShow
Signal path: PC (USB) → FB3QS → ILDA → laser projector. Works with Pangolin QuickShow or BEYOND.
Protocols: USB, ILDA (DMX via Enttec; ArtNet via software bridge).
Key note: Keep ILDA ≤150 ft / ~45 m; for long runs or bigger rigs, move to FB4.
Signal path: PC (USB) → FB3QS → ILDA → laser projector. Works with Pangolin QuickShow or BEYOND.
Protocols: USB, ILDA (DMX via Enttec; ArtNet via software bridge).
Key note: Keep ILDA ≤150 ft / ~45 m; for long runs or bigger rigs, move to FB4.
3) FB4 Built-In: The Modern Standard
NetworkArtNetDMXStandalone RTC
Pro laser projectors increasingly ship with FB4 inside: Network/ArtNet I/O (often Ethercon), DMX I/O, ILDA In/Thru, a full-color local menu, and RTC + SD for true standalone playback. Simpler wiring, fewer failure points, easier multi-projector sync—ideal for outdoor laser projector installs and nightly shows.
Pro laser projectors increasingly ship with FB4 inside: Network/ArtNet I/O (often Ethercon), DMX I/O, ILDA In/Thru, a full-color local menu, and RTC + SD for true standalone playback. Simpler wiring, fewer failure points, easier multi-projector sync—ideal for outdoor laser projector installs and nightly shows.
4) FB4 External: Central Media Server
Use when your projector lacks FB4 or you want one external media server to feed several ILDA-only units.
PC mode: PC ⇄ (network) ⇄ FB4 External → ILDA → projector.
Console mode: DMX/ArtNet console → FB4 External → ILDA → projector.
Standalone: write shows to SD, set RTC schedule—only power required.
PC mode: PC ⇄ (network) ⇄ FB4 External → ILDA → projector.
Console mode: DMX/ArtNet console → FB4 External → ILDA → projector.
Standalone: write shows to SD, set RTC schedule—only power required.
5) Three Control Modes: PC / DMX·ArtNet / Standalone RTC
A) PC Control (QuickShow / BEYOND)
Real-time programming and timeline playback over network to FB4 (built-in/external). Use case: festivals, timecode shows, mapping rehearsals.
B) Lighting Console Mode (DMX/ArtNet)
Author content to FB4, then trigger via DMX/ArtNet so lasers integrate with your rig. Use case: concerts, theaters, broadcast.
C) Standalone RTC (Unattended)
Save content to SD, set RTC schedule, ensure power—the show plays automatically. Use case: hourly mall shows, facade outdoor laser projector scenes.
6) Multi-Projector: Shared vs Independent Control
Shared (Mirror): identical cues on all units—fast, symmetrical looks.
Independent: separate addresses/paths per unit—different content simultaneously; essential for advanced laser mapping and multi-zone shows.
Independent: separate addresses/paths per unit—different content simultaneously; essential for advanced laser mapping and multi-zone shows.
7) Zones: Precise Content Placement
Zones are target areas. Assign multiple Zones per projector and route content precisely. In multi-projector rigs, Zones decide which projector receives which content so logos and subtitles don’t fight beam geometry.
8) Topologies & Cabling Tips
• FB3QS: PC (USB) → FB3QS → ILDA → projector (≤45 m).
• FB4 built-in: PC/Console/Network → switch → projector (FB4 inside).
• FB4 external: PC/Console/Network → FB4 External → ILDA → projector.
Best practices: weatherproof connectors, drip loops, dedicated grounding, E-Stop, small UPS. For long catwalks and large venues, ArtNet/Network beats long ILDA runs.
• FB4 built-in: PC/Console/Network → switch → projector (FB4 inside).
• FB4 external: PC/Console/Network → FB4 External → ILDA → projector.
Best practices: weatherproof connectors, drip loops, dedicated grounding, E-Stop, small UPS. For long catwalks and large venues, ArtNet/Network beats long ILDA runs.
9) FB3QS vs FB4: Quick Comparison
| Item | FB3QS | FB4 (Built-In) | FB4 (External) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB → ILDA | Network/DMX/ArtNet + ILDA | Network/DMX/ArtNet + ILDA |
| Max run | ILDA ≤ ~45 m | Network scales to venue | Network to FB4; ILDA short hop |
| Best for | Single/entry shows | Pro rigs & permanent installs | Upgrading legacy ILDA rigs |
| Pros | Low cost, easy | Simple wiring, RTC, remote mgmt | Central server, flexible retrofits |
| Limits | Scaling, distance | Needs FB4-ready projector | Extra box/cabling to projector |
| Typical use | Single indoor show | Outdoor laser projector, nightly | Multi-projector conversions |
10) Mini Case Study: Mall Facade, Six FB4 Units
A shopping mall runs a six-projector facade nightly. Each laser projector has FB4 built-in. Content is authored in BEYOND and pushed over the network. The show plays hourly via RTC schedules; a DMX console can trigger holiday looks. Maintenance: lens/fan cleaning and monthly clock verification.
11) Troubleshooting: Fast Checks
• Network jitter → lock IPs/VLAN, avoid daisy-chaining cheap switches.
• ILDA noise/dim → shorten ILDA, check grounding, replace cable.
• RTC drift → verify timezone/DST, re-sync monthly.
• DMX conflicts → unique addresses, map universes, document.
• Zones mismatch → re-link content to intended Zone, test with simple shapes.
• ILDA noise/dim → shorten ILDA, check grounding, replace cable.
• RTC drift → verify timezone/DST, re-sync monthly.
• DMX conflicts → unique addresses, map universes, document.
• Zones mismatch → re-link content to intended Zone, test with simple shapes.
12) Maintenance: Quarterly Checklist
Clean lenses & fans; check filters and airflow. Verify RTC schedule & SD integrity; back up project files. Inspect connectors, strain relief, and grounding. Test E-Stop, key switch, interlock, indicators. Keep a dated service log.
13) Selection & Purchasing (C-class Info + Product Links)
How to choose: short runs/single unit → FB3QS; long runs/multi-projector/permanent → FB4 built-in (first choice); legacy ILDA fleets → FB4 external; need unattended → standalone RTC (FB4).
C-class: quotes (tax-in/out), lead time (stock vs production), 1–2 year warranty, on-site/remote commissioning, VAT invoices, OEM/ODM/agency, tender docs.
Related Starshine projectors:
• J9 30W Laser Mapping Projector – precise mapping & Zones: View J9
• O30 30W Outdoor Laser Projector – nightly facade shows: View O30
• O46 46W Outdoor Laser Projector – long-throw landmarks: View O46
• O3 Outdoor Laser Lights – near-audience accents & fills: View O3
C-class: quotes (tax-in/out), lead time (stock vs production), 1–2 year warranty, on-site/remote commissioning, VAT invoices, OEM/ODM/agency, tender docs.
Related Starshine projectors:
• J9 30W Laser Mapping Projector – precise mapping & Zones: View J9
• O30 30W Outdoor Laser Projector – nightly facade shows: View O30
• O46 46W Outdoor Laser Projector – long-throw landmarks: View O46
• O3 Outdoor Laser Lights – near-audience accents & fills: View O3
14) Compliance & Safety Essentials
Follow IEC 60825-1 and local approvals. No audience scanning. Define beam terminations and safe boundaries. Include E-Stop, key switch, interlock, emission indicators. Fall protection at height; proper grounding/lightning design; risk assessment, beam drawings, emergency plan, and site logs.
15) FAQ (Buyer-Focused)
FB3QS vs FB4—how do I choose?
FB3QS suits short ILDA runs and single-unit shows. FB4 (built-in/external) is best for long runs, multi-projector rigs, and standalone RTC playback.
Can my lighting console control the lasers?
Yes. Author content to FB4 and trigger cues via DMX/ArtNet so lasers integrate with your lighting rig.
How do I schedule a standalone RTC show?
Write content to FB4 (SD), set the clock and schedule, and power the projectors—no PC/console needed.
What ILDA cable length is safe?
Keep ILDA ≤45 m (~150 ft). For longer runs and reliability, use network/ArtNet with FB4.
Quotes, warranty, and invoices?
Common configs are in stock or short-lead; 1–2 year warranty; VAT invoice and on-site installation available.
16) Wrap-Up & CTA
Ready to deploy a stable, scalable laser show control setup? Send us your venue plan, throw distance, target image width, number of projectors, go-live date, and budget. Starshine will return a configuration list, pricing, and lead time within 24 hours—plus installation and training.
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