BACKGROUND:
I was provided by Pangolin the Pangolin FB3 XE (external) USB laser controller package for evaluation which here in this forum I aim to give an overview based on my personal experience with the product. The objective is to create a neutral unbiased view and let readers decide for themselves whatever they decide.
PACKAGE CONTENTS:
The package was sent FED X and there were no delivery issues.
Inside the box there contained:
1 X FB3 XE DAC
1 x CD
Which contains:
LiveQuick software
LivePRO software (needs licence file)
Trace IT
Manual in PDF
and workspaces
1X manual in hard copy.
1X usb cable
INSTALLATION:
The CD has an installation .exe file which installs all the software to the programs directory under LiveQUICK. An icon is placed on the desktop for LiveQUICK and Trace IT.
CONNECTIONS OF DAC AND LASER
Simple usb connection where the DAC drivers automatically installed via ILDA cable to the laser
OPERATION:
Launching the LiveQUICK brought up the main interface which is very similar to Cypher Lite. Workspace was auto loaded with 9 pages of 48 frames.
EDITING AND FRAME MANAGEMENT:
Very simple editor to manipulate frame characteristics or add new frames and create new additional workspaces.
- Contains laser preview output
CONTROLS:
- zoom
- position and rotation
- XYZ
- fade
- points
- color
-animation speed
- scanrate
PROJECTION ZONES AND GEOMETRIC CORRECTION:
Through this option you are able to control several aspects of the laser output for four zones. A zone can be assigned to any frame. The correction parameters are:
- size
- position
- rotation
- linearity
- symmetry
- keystone
- pincushion
- bow
- steer
USABILITY:
Very easy to use and intuitive. LivePRO is included in the software bundle but requires a license file to activate and is a natural step up from this package.
RANKING:
Given that so much USB ILDA Laser Control Software is bootlegged and sold on ebay it was refreshing to have the expectation that this product would work. Installation time was less than 5 minutes. It is run directly from your laptop so there are no cumbersome game like controllers to deal with.
As this is a new product from Pangolin there are continuous development plans to grow the sophistication of this product.
From my experiences with Mamba and Laserworld I much prefer this product as it is better value for money and scalable.
MORE INFORMATION:
Manual Attached
See the for sale forum for trial links
WHERE DO YOU BUY IT?
Can be bought directly from Pangolin for $595 plus postage. It can also be purchased through my website or ebay for $500 plus postage. The shipping is direct from Pangolin USA.