Laser Light Show Projector Control Guide (2025): ILDA, DMX512, ArtNET, Timecode & Stand-Alone
If you want a clean, reliable, high-impact laser light show, the first choice is control. Between ILDA, DMX512, ArtNET, Streaming Mode, Timecode, and Stand-Alone, it’s easy to feel lost. This practical guide explains each method, where it shines, and how to choose the right setup for your laser light projector—with wiring tips, a decision tree, buyer FAQs, and install checklists.
Table of Contents
| Section | Jump |
|---|---|
| TL;DR — Pick Your Path in 60 Seconds | Go |
| Laser Control Methods at a Glance | Go |
| ILDA: the Original Standard | Go |
| Console Control with FB4 (DMX512 / ArtNET) | Go |
| Streaming Mode: Computer-Direct | Go |
| Timecode: Silky Sync | Go |
| Stand-Alone: Scheduled Playback | Go |
| Real-World Use Cases | Go |
| 5-Minute QuickStart (Streaming) | Go |
| Recommended Kits by Budget | Go |
| 3-Step Decision Tree | Go |
| Wiring & Compatibility Pitfalls | Go |
| Compliance & Maintenance | Go |
| Glossary | Go |
| FAQ (Buyer-Oriented) | Go |
| Related Guides & Products | Go |
| Summary & Next Steps (CTA) | Go |
TL;DR — Pick Your Path in 60 Seconds
- Fastest setup (mobile gigs, weddings, DJs): FB4 Streaming Mode + QuickShow/BEYOND (computer → Ethernet → projector).
- Console-driven shows (grandMA/Chamsys): FB4 + DMX512 or ArtNET to trigger stored content—ideal for dmx laser lights.
- Frame-accurate sync: TC4000 timecode + BEYOND timeline to lock lasers with lights, video, and pyro.
-
Fixed installs / set-and-forget: FB4 Stand-Alone (SD card) with calendar scheduling—great for an outdoor laser light projector.
Laser Control Methods at a Glance
Need speed? choose Streaming. Need console integration? choose FB4 + DMX512/ArtNET. Need perfect sync? choose Timecode. Need unattended playback? choose Stand-Alone. ILDA still works but doesn’t scale well.
| Dimension | ILDA (FB3QS, etc.) | FB4 + DMX512 | FB4 + ArtNET | FB4 Streaming | FB4 Stand-Alone | Timecode (TC4000 + BEYOND) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | Analog DB-25 | 5-pin XLR | Ethernet (CAT5/6) | Ethernet direct | SD/internal | SMPTE/LTC |
| Complexity | Low | Medium | Med-High | Low | Low | High |
| Scalability | Low | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Best fit | Small/legacy | Small–mid shows | Mid–large matrices | dj laser lights, pop-ups | Fixed installs | Tours, festivals |
| Key note | Cable length matters | Channel map planning | IP/switch planning | Super fast setup | Calendar rules | Most rigorous workflow |
ILDA: the Original Standard
ILDA is an analog protocol using DB-25 and a control interface (e.g., FB3QS) to feed frames from computer to projector. Pros: legacy-friendly, inexpensive for small rigs. Cons: one ILDA cable per unit, distance/robustness limits, weak multi-unit scalability. Use when maintaining a small or legacy system; if you’ll expand or integrate with consoles, migrate to FB4.
Console Control with FB4 (DMX512 / ArtNET)
Why FB4 (with internal storage)?
Import logos, frames, and animations into FB4 so your console can trigger content over DMX512 or ArtNET—programming lasers like fixtures. Many pro projectors ship with FB4 built-in and simple Ethernet daisy-chain.
DMX512: the lighting designer’s lingua franca
Medium: 5-pin XLR (don’t confuse with 3-pin audio). Pros: mature ecosystem; easy to learn. Limits: fewer channels; long runs need proper terminations/repeaters. Great for compact rigs and straightforward dmx laser lights.
ArtNET: networked scale & flexibility
Medium: Ethernet (CAT5/6) with multiple universes. Pros: bandwidth and topology flexibility—ideal for large rigs and complex matrices. Watch-outs: do IP planning and use managed switches to avoid loops/broadcast storms. Great for professional outdoor laser light projector arrays, tours, immersive shows.
Streaming Mode: Computer-Direct, Fastest Onboarding
Connect your computer’s Ethernet to FB4 (built-in or external), open QuickShow or BEYOND, and you’re live—often in minutes. Daisy-chain multiple units where supported. Perfect for quick, punchy laser light show gigs and portable dj laser projector setups.
Timecode: Silky Sync Across Departments
For frame-accurate sync, route SMPTE/LTC into TC4000, let BEYOND lock its timeline, and your lasers start/stop exactly with lighting, video, and pyro—tour-ready precision.
Stand-Alone: Scheduled, Unattended Playback
Create content in QuickShow/BEYOND, export to the FB4 SD card, and set calendar rules to run shows automatically. Ideal for an outdoor laser light projector in malls, attractions, and themed spaces. Plan remote checks and periodic updates.
Real-World Use Cases
- DJ & club pop-ups (dj laser lights / dj laser projector): Streaming + QuickShow; scale later with DMX512.
- Tours & festivals (laser show system): FB4 + ArtNET across universes; add timecode for frame accuracy.
- Outdoor installs (laser projector outdoor / best outdoor laser light projector): FB4 Stand-Alone with calendar rules; monthly remote checks.
- Corporate/themed shows (programmable laser projector): Preload logo packs into FB4; trigger with console cues.
5-Minute QuickStart: Streaming Mode
- Connect computer → FB4 via Ethernet; power the projector.
- Open QuickShow / BEYOND; confirm FB4 on the network.
- Load a starter bank for your laser light show projector (logos, beams).
- Set scan safety & audience-safe zones; test at low output.
- Save a reusable template for future dmx laser lights expansion.
- Run a 60-second scene; verify stability, then build your playlist.
Recommended Kits by Budget
- Starter (fastest path): FB4 + QuickShow + clamps + CAT6 — confirm price, quote, lead time.
- Pro Console: FB4 (content preloaded) + DMX512/ArtNET + managed switch — confirm configuration list, inventory, warranty, training.
- Timecode Tour: FB4 + BEYOND + TC4000 + ArtNET network — lock in after-sales, SLA, invoice.
3-Step Decision Tree
1 Need console integration? → Yes: FB4 + DMX512/ArtNET · No: 2
2 Need strict cross-system sync? → Yes: add TC4000 · No: 3
3 Fixed install / unattended? → Yes: Stand-Alone · No: Streaming (or FB4 + DMX)
Wiring & Compatibility Pitfalls
- 5-pin ≠ 3-pin: DMX uses 5-pin XLR; audio 3-pin isn’t a substitute.
- Network loops: plan IP/subnets and use managed switches; disable unused ports.
- Cable quality/length: ILDA drops over long runs; use spec-grade DMX/Ethernet and label lengths.
- Addressing & maps: align FB4 content banks with console channel maps; leave headroom.
- Power & isolation: dedicated circuits + UPS; consider optical isolation and grounding.
- Show docs: keep IP tables, universe maps, content versions, and a rollback plan.
Compliance & Ongoing Maintenance
- Audience safety: follow local laser rules; define safe zones; use software/physical limits.
- Redundancy: dual content copies on FB4; spare computer/switch; prep a Stand-Alone fallback.
- Maintenance (C-terms): agree on annual service, warranty scope, spares list, response SLA.
- Handover pack: wiring diagrams, content manifests, timelines, training logs, maintenance plan.
Glossary
ILDA: analog laser control via DB-25. FB3QS / FB4: Pangolin hardware (FB4 adds storage/networking). DMX512 / ArtNET: lighting protocols; DMX over XLR, ArtNET over Ethernet. QuickShow / BEYOND: Pangolin software (BEYOND for advanced timelines/3D/sync). SMPTE / TC4000: timecode and read/write hardware. Streaming / Stand-Alone: computer-direct vs SD-scheduled playback.
FAQ (Buyer-Oriented)
I only run 1–2 units. Do I need FB4?
Not mandatory—ILDA + FB3QS works. But if you’ll add units, trigger from consoles, or schedule installs, FB4 avoids future rework.
DMX or ArtNET for control?
Fewer fixtures/short runs → DMX512. Larger rigs/long runs/more universes → ArtNET. Both control laser light projector content on FB4.
Can I do a complete show without a console?
Yes. Streaming Mode + QuickShow/BEYOND is perfect for portable dj laser lights and pop-ups. You can add a console later.
What’s the real win with timecode?
Frame-accurate start/stop shared by lasers, lights, video, and pyro—repeatable, tour-ready precision.
Are stand-alone installs stable for outdoor use?
Very—if content is maintained and you schedule periodic checks. Pair with remote monitoring and a manual override plan.
Lowest-cost closed loop to get started?
FB4 + QuickShow plus cabling/mounts gets you live quickly. Before ordering, confirm price, quote, configuration list, inventory, lead time, warranty, training, on-site commissioning, invoice.
Related Guides & Products
- FB4 control hardware (product page)
- QuickShow / BEYOND software (comparison/guide)
- Laser light show projector collection page
- Networking guide: DMX512 vs ArtNET
- Case studies & Services (training, on-site commissioning)
Summary & Next Steps
Choose Streaming for speed, FB4 + DMX512/ArtNET for console shows, Timecode for frame-lock, and Stand-Alone for installs. Need a configuration list, firm quote, and lead time? Starshine can design and deliver an end-to-end laser show system—including training, on-site commissioning, warranty, and after-sales.
Download PDF Product Catalogs
Get detailed specs, wiring diagrams, rigging notes, and install tips.