What is a daisy chain?
The term "Daisy Chain" describes the connection of a signal cable to several devices in a ring or sequence structure. An example is a DMX512 network, where a single DMX controller is linked with several laser projectors. The controller is called the "master", whereas the projectors are called "slaves". Each DMX-capable projector has got a DMX "In" and a "Through" (often called "Out") connector. Devices which are able to emit control signals themselves are equippend with an "Out" connector.
The "Out" connector of the controller is wired with the "In" connector of the following projector in line. The "Through/Out" connector of this projector is connected to the "In" connector of another device. This is how the chain is continued with.
Daisy chained systems get one signal and share the information provided by this signal. In most cases the systems in this chain have their individual address, so they can extract their individual control information out of the common signal for all systems in line.
More information on daisy chain and how to connect laser systems
Why is it called DMX512?
The abbreviation DMX stands for Digital Multiplex and denotes a serial signal, which carries a special protocol from a controller to a DMX receiving device (the laser projector) in order to display pre-set effects. Through solely one cable it is possible to manage 512 different channels. Every system connected laser system has got a certain start address (within the spectrum 1-512). Each signal can process 256 single signal steps - i.e. values from 0-256. Normally the value 0 stands for "OFF", the value 255 for "ON". Depending on the processing control signal, also effects, movements or simple signalings, etc. may be controlled. The DMX512 protocol simply provides the trigger signal - then action to be preformed will be implemented by the control board of the controlled device, according to the programming.
How do I select effects with DMX?
Also every effect has an address. By entering the address the selected laser is going to display the chosen effect. The addresses also may be entered via the dip switches on the back side of the laser projector.
Differences between 3 Pin DMX and 5 Pin DMX
There are plans for implementing more channels or a return mode for the 5 pin version in the future. At the moment there is no difference between 3 pin and 5 pin layout, besides you'll need different cables for connecting the devices.
Learn more about DMX
What does DMX stand for?
The abbreviation DMX stands for Digital Multiplex and denotes a serial signal, which carries a special protocol from a controller to a DMX receiving device (the laser projector) in order to display pre-set effects. Through solely one cable it is possible to manage 512 different channels (therefore also called DMX512). A certain address (within the channel spectrum 1-512) can be assigned to every system connected laser unit.
How do I choose effects with DMX?
Also every effect has an address. By entering the address the selected laser is going to display the chosen effect. The addresses also may be entered via the dip switches on the back side of the laser projector.
Differences between 3 Pin and 5 Pin
There are plans for implementing more channels or a return mode for the 5 pin version in the future. At the moment there is no difference between 3 pin and 5 pin layout, besides you'll need different cables for connecting the devices.
Learn more about DMX
What is a DJ laser?
A DJ Laser is not a specific type of laser light, but it more describes the field of use of the laser. DJ Lasers usually are in the semi professional range and most of them come with sound to light and stand alone mode. In most cases DJ Lasers also have a DMX control option.
As it is not a clear definition, sometimes more and sometimes less pofessional solutions are used as DJ lasers. Most mobile DJs that use our products rely on systems of the Ecoline Series and the Club Series. Those are very easy to operate and don't necessarily require any programming.
Video example of DJ Laser systems in action
Which show laser suits best for DJs?
A DJ Laser is a perfect lighting device for the entertainer on the go. DJ show laser systems are compact, light in weight, easy to use and therefore the ideal lighting equipment for mobile DJs, entertainers and musicians. DJ lasers can project single or multi-color beams and room-filling effects to impress audiences at clubs, bars, pubs and private parties. Creating focused laser beams and animated effects and patterns on walls and ceilings, DJ laser light systems may be used with or without fog systems as well as bounce mirrors, projection screens and other equipment.
Examples of DJ Show Lasers in action
More information on DJ Laser
Why are show lasers popular in discos?
Discos are popular places for show laser systems. As most rooms of disocotheques are located in darker surroundings, laser beams are particularly visible and ensure atmospheric lighting effects. Whether a band on stage wants to be put in perspective, or the audience needs an additional incentive to dance on the dance floor, disco lasers are the appropriate instrument to light up the mood in a club.
Which show laser is the best disco laser?
In general, most Laserworld show lasers can be used as disco lasers. Depending on the size of the nightclub, it must be ensured however that the show laser comes with enough power to illuminate the entire disco with its laser show. Disco lasers are particularly popular as projection source of beam shows. If all safety standards are respected, the beam show can also be projected directly into the audience - the so-called audience scanning. Everybody who dances in the middle of the beams feels like they are dancing amidst a sea of light. For disco lasers beam shows are more popular than graphics projections. With graphics projections it is possible to display logos or animations on screens and solid surfaces. Laser beams become especially visible when the air is filled with fog or haze as projection surface. A very special attraction for discos with disco lasers.
Pre-prgrammed show oder live show with disco lasers?
Disco lasers can be used with any kind of music genre. Laser shows can be programmed to slow and fast music and can also be created by a light jockey to live music. These so-called musicsynchronous laser shows don't need to be created in advance. Pre-programmed laser shows on the contrary don't need to be operated during the laser show. Turn the disco laser on, start the show and enjoy the laser show in your venue.
What means DAC?
DAC stands for Digital Analog Converter.
What is a Digital Analog Converter?
A DAC is a hardware device that is able to convert computer generated laser images (serial signal) into ILDA laser control signals (parallel signal).
Typically USB and Ethernet controllers are used as DACs.
For every individually controlled show laser display you'll need another DAC.
What is better - USB or Ethernet?
Most modern laser show software uses LAN transmission of the ILDA control signal due to very long transmission distances.
What is divergence?
Divergence describes the expansion of a laser beam over a long distance. The value is given in mrad (milliradiant), a unit to specify angles.
What is better, a high value or a small value of divergence?
The higher the divergence, the bigger the widening of the laser beam over a long distance. Thus, the laser beam becomes less visible and sharp graphics can hardly be displayed over long distances. This means that the smalles possible divergence makes the best show laser. The laser beams stay thin and crisp even over the longest distances.
What is the relation between beam divergence and beam diameter at aperture?
It is possible to reduce the beam divergence by optical means (lenses) to a certain extent. However, this means that the beam diameter at aperture increases. The larger the beam at aperture, the larger scanner mirrors are necessary, which leads to higher inertia and thus to reduced maximum possible scan speed. That's why it is always necessary to find a good balance between beam divergence and beam diameter:
Can I calculate how the laser beam behaves after a certain distance?
Thanks to the Laserworld divergence calculator this is no problem. You will find this tool on following page: https://www.laserworld.com/en/laserworld-toolbox/divergence-calculator.html
Just specify the laser power, your desired distance, the divergence of the show laser and the beam diameter after optics. All values can be found in the manual of your laser projector.
More information on divergence
What is an Event Laser?
Although there is no specific definition for this term, it is often used for very powerful show laser systems that are suitable for large events.
During planning and conception of such an event, several things must be taken into account so that the show becomes a great success: The interaction of light, sound & co. as well as local safety regulations require a huge amount of organization in which a show laser display has to be integrated as easily as possible. High-end laser devices offer connection possibilities like LAN and WiFi in order to avoid cable spaghetti and guarantee a fast setup.
Event lasers impress with visual effects operated by a live laser operator (laser jockey) or pre-programmed laser shows. In combination with haze and fog, show laser lights allow for the visualization of single as well as multi-colored laser beams, which go far beayond the stage and can be seen even by an audience far away.
Which show laser is recommended for event technicians?
For the stated reasons, we recommend particularly powerful devices of the RTI PIKO and RTI NANO Series as well as laser systems of the tarm G and tarm HD series. For outdoor events laser displays with a rain protection housing are recommended.
Can you help me with selecting a suitable laser?
Laserworld not only offers the right show laser for your event, but also provides a suitable laser operator if required – just ask us for a quote:
[email protected]
Or have a look at our >>> Find Your Laser section >>>
What is an Ethernet laser controller?
An Ethernet laser controller is a Digital Analog Converter (see the >>> definition of DAC <<<) that converts computer signals into ILDA laser signals. You'll need one, if you want to design your own laser show with a show laser software on your computer and then transfer the data to your laser projector.
What is the benefit of an Ethernet laser controller?
Usually they are more easy operate. Furthermore much longer transmission distances are posssible.
What is the benefit of a USB laser controller?
USB laser controllers typically don't need an additional power supply.
What is an entertainment laser?
An entertainment laser is a laser light for entertainment instead of medical or cosmetic purposes. More common is the term show laser, as entertainment lasers are often used for small and big stage shows. Whenever an audience wants to be entertained, a laser show is a good recommandation. You can highlight any kind of product, presentation or band with an entertainment laser. But it is also possible to use entertainment lasers on their own to fascinate people, e.g. on weddings, birthdays, company events, anniversaries, parties, ceremonies.
What entertainment laser is recommended for my venue?
Laserworld is specialized in distributing entertainment lasers and offers budget laser displays for beginners as well als high-end show lasers for most professional events. Depending on the size of your venue, you must consider the power of your laser light. High-performance entertainment lasers also suit better for outdoor activities and events in daylight. When you consider to do graphics projections and demanding animations, fast scanning systems are suggested.
Find the right laser show projector with these helpful tools:
What are popular events for entertainment lasers?
Whenever there is an audience, laser light is the right choice to set the right mood. On big festivals show lasers are used to emphasize the playing band or projecting laser beams into the audience for the special kind of feeling. But consider: local safety instructions must always be followed and observed.
In nightclubs, discos and bars people are encouraged to dance on illuminated dance floors. For company and product presentations, logos and animations can be projected to tell whole stories about your business. Show laser devices are also favored in sport stadiums for lighting and amusement purposes.
Example entertainment laser show
What do I need for an entertaining laser show?
Of course you'll need a laser projector to display the show. Then a laser show software like Laserworld Showeditor is required to pre-program the laser show or run it live. Budget projectors often come with automatic modes to play a laser show by themselves, but for big shows they are not recommended. Without programming skills you can use one of the many free shows coming with the Showeditor or you can hire a laser operator who will do the job.
Learn more about entertainment lasers and how they are used
What is a Front Projection Screen?
To make laser effects visible, a projection medium is always required. For laser beams fog or haze is sufficient. For laser graphics and laser projections a projection surface is needed, e.g. a screen
There are different types of screens, which differ by the material used or by the type of projection.
Front projection screens generally consist of an opaque, but highly reflective material. The projection takes place in front of the viewer. The image is created by the reflection of the laser light on the projection surface.
Front projections screens are most common and also used in combination with video projectors. For laser projections on front projections screens, special materials are used, which make even darker colors visible.
Further information on Laser Screens
What show lasers are suitable for festivals?
Festivals usually require strong laser light power for long distance projection, but they should also be able to cover the crowd in the nearer area. To be able to do both things with show laser light systems it is necessary to have a proper laser control software to set safety zones and beam zones.
For Festivals, Laserworld recommends to go for waterproof (IP65) or at least rain proof laser equipment, as there may be rain during the Festival. As the systems are usually used over night as well, the high humidity and damp in the air in the early mornings may also damage the laser light systems.
What show lasers do you recommend for festivals?
That's why we recommend to either go for the RTI PIKO with Dark Weather cover or for the RTI NANO systems (IP65 standard) for Festival laser shows.
Where can I find help with selecting the right festival laser?
Laserworld offers special solutions for Festivals, including Laser Operator - ask us for our special Festival Laser Package!
[email protected]
More information on festival laser
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