Discover the versatility of programmable laser projectors, perfect for dazzling laser light shows, rave lasers, and precise industrial applications. Explore our range of mini laser projectors, DJ laser lights, and outdoor laser light projectors to find the ideal solution for any event or project.
Understanding Laser Light Shows
Laser projectors, often referred to as "show lasers" or "laser light projectors," are systems designed to project various types of laser content within a controlled area. These systems can display a range of effects, including laser beam projections, aerial projections, liquid sky effects, laser text, graphics, logos, animations, laser mapping, and more. These versatile devices are also known as laser show systems, DMX lasers, RGB lasers, and outdoor laser light projectors.
These advanced laser light projectors are typically used for creating laser shows seen at festivals, nightclubs, and events worldwide. Additionally, they find applications in architectural lighting, laser projection mapping, and industrial uses. For those looking to add some excitement to their events, party laser lights and disco lights are popular options.

The Exterior of a Laser Projector
Consider the laser projector's casing as similar to a computer tower, containing all the essential components that drive the machine. One critical aspect of the casing is its IP rating, which is particularly important if you plan to use the laser projector outdoors in potentially damaging weather conditions. Typical laser systems have an IP rating around IP-54, though this can vary. Affordable lasers might have cheaper housings not designed for harsh environments, while permanent installations feature higher-rated casings built to withstand tough conditions.
The mounting bracket is another key part of the exterior, allowing you to secure the laser light projector to trusses with clamps or other fixtures. Some manufacturers enhance their brackets with features like 360-degree rotation, which is useful for mounting the system in various orientations.

The Front of a Laser Projector
On the front of the laser light projector, the beam blocker is a critical feature. This metal plate, positioned in front of the laser aperture, protects the aperture glass and allows you to block part of the laser projection if necessary. Behind the beam blocker is the aperture window, highlighted in red in the images, where the laser is projected from.
Another important element is the emission indicator, a small light on the front of the projector that signals when the system is ready to output laser beams. This feature is legally required in some countries, so it’s essential to check local laws for compliance.
Inside a Laser Projector
Inside a laser projector, several essential components work together to create impressive visual effects:
Laser Modules and Diodes: Think of laser modules as the projector's light bulbs. Inside the modules are laser diodes, the sources from which the laser beams are emitted. These diodes produce various colors at different wavelengths. Combining red laser, blue, and green laser lights creates an "RGB laser." Higher-powered projectors might contain several independent modules to produce white light or a single module with multiple wavelengths.
Optics and Crystals: Laser optics and crystals, whether inside a single module or external, combine various wavelengths into a solid beam.
Laser Scanners/Galvos: The heart of the laser projector. Scanners are small electronic devices with two motors placed in an X/Y mount, connected to mirrors to reflect and project the laser beams. A position detector at the back receives control signals from the servo amplifier, instructing movement.
Servo Amplifier: Powered and controlled by the internal control system, like FB4 control hardware, the servo amplifier sends control signals to the laser galvos, dictating movement.
The Back of a Laser Projector
The back of the laser projector houses several ports and controls, depending on the type of laser you have:
Power Input/Output Ports: Not all laser lights have power output ports, but having both input and output ports is becoming increasingly common. This feature allows you to power multiple systems from a single source.
Emergency Stop Input/Output Ports: Emergency stop ports are becoming standard in modern laser systems, though they might not be present in cheaper models. These ports are useful for connecting all remote ports in a daisy chain to a single emergency stop port. In the US, the law requires emergency stop ports, often needing to be plugged in to power the laser, varying by regulation but ideal for safety in emergencies.
Power Button and Safety Key: Each laser light projector comes with a safety key that must be turned to the "on" position and a power button that must be pressed to fully activate the projector.
ILDA Input/Output Ports: The presence of ILDA ports depends on the type of laser light projector you have or if the manufacturer includes a port with custom laser show control hardware. ILDA-based laser projectors use these ports to connect to control hardware and daisy chain to other ILDA laser projectors.
Custom Laser Show Control Hardware: Many manufacturers now provide custom control hardware, such as Pangolin’s FB4, which includes DMX input/output, ArtNET input/output, PC or lighting console direct control, or automatic mode playback for pre-set laser shows.

Types of Laser Systems
Starshine Lights offers a wide range of design and consulting services to meet the needs of any project. Our offerings include:
ILDA Laser Systems: ILDA lasers are foundational, using DB-25 connectors to receive control signals from hardware like FB3QS. Though they have been standard for years, ILDA systems are becoming outdated due to their limitations, such as expensive cables, a maximum run length of 150 feet, and difficulty interfacing with multimedia setups.
DMX Laser Systems: These basic laser projectors are controlled via DMX or sound activation modes. Designed for easy use from a lighting console, they typically feature basic control parameters on the back, such as color and speed, but often lack modern safety features.
FB4 Laser Systems: Pangolin’s modern FB4 media server is network-based control hardware for an enhanced user experience. It offers PC direct control, DMX/ArtNET control from lighting consoles, and standalone mode for programming laser shows to trigger automatically later.
Additional Features: Manufacturers might offer customizable options for their laser projectors. A common feature is color balancing correction mode, allowing you to balance the colors across all laser systems.
In conclusion, programmable laser projectors are sophisticated devices offering a variety of creative possibilities. Understanding their components and capabilities ensures optimal use in any application, from dazzling light shows and rave lasers to precise industrial applications. Whether you're looking for mini laser projectors, dj lasers, or outdoor laser light projectors, the options are vast and varied, making it possible to find the perfect laser light solution for any event or project.