Squeezing more control out of a DMX laser projector

[Bfarn]

I've got a supposedly simple laser projector, the Chauvet Scorpion 3D RGB. It has very little direct control - 128x128 XY resolution over DMX - but it has a library of incredibly crisp, complicated built-in patterns. Chauvet's demo video shows the unit projecting some really detailed graphics, but since it's not sold as a laser scanner there's no mention of what hardware is running inside the box. There's no ILDA connection, and no way to add new patterns.

Is this unit really a high-end laser scanner in disguise? Are those graphics just made with some kind of other trickery I don't know about?

I'd really love to be able to project vector graphics with MAX6, vvvv, Touch Designer or the like, but I just don't know if there's a way to address the unit's full potential.

Am I crazy? Is this a known issue with a simple solution? Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks,
--David

[hakzaw1]

Please add your location in your personal profile page- that helps a lot-
There is another thread (by Linna) on a 3D Chi-jector- iIRC it has ilda and built-in lumia too,
~$500..

[Bradfo69]

Hi David,

The Chauvet unit in question is basically a 1 trick pony. Based upon my research and a detailed review of the LK=PD1 mentioned by hak above, the Chauvet probably does have a cheap set of scanners as well as a fixed lens similar to a lenticular lens in front of it. The patterns are of course built in to a chip and controlled by DMX. Yes, in theory you could tear the thing apart and rebuilt it with an ILDA board but quite honestly, for the time and money it would take, you would be much better served by dropping $400-$500 on the LK-PD1. SO much more functionality and other effects built in plus it can be used as a regular ILDA RGB 800mW projector for beams and graphics. Gitcha one! Keep in mind however that if you are in the US, these are not legal for use in public for any form of paid performance whereas the Chauvet is. And regardless of what the video shows, keep it off the dance floor and preferrably on the ceiling.

Another thing to keep in mind is perspective of your viewer. If, for example, you are a DJ and think this is going to be a wow effect for guests, it can't be by or behind your DJ table where it looks good on the ceiling to YOU. The angle your guests will see it from is severely distorted and won't look impressive at all. It almost needs to be across the room from you aimed in your direction. A bit hard to describe but, this particular Chauvet laser is much different that other forms of LED or incandescent dance lighting - or even other laser effects for that matter. Trust me. I've done extensive testing over the last week or so. Another thought would be have it lighting up the wall behind you. Placement of this light is very important.


Edit: Here is the link: http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...r-for-Jan-2013

I know you dropped about $499 for the Chauvet... I almost did. But delay and further research turned up the LK-PD1 and I'm glad it did.

[Bfarn]

Wow, Brad and Hakzaw, that was fast and detailed information! The Scorpion doesn't arrive 'til tomorrow, and I'm strongly considering sending it right back. The thought of a class 4 laser is a bit daunting - I've heard that getting an FDA license is something like a 2 year process - but I honestly didn't imagine full ILDA control could come built into a $500 (more or less) laser.

I always get stuck in situations like this. I always need just a little more functionality than the cheap option, but the next bump up is thousands of dollars. This LK-PD1 might be perfect. Brad, I see you've done extensive testing and documentation on this thing - is there any chance you've run an ILDA test pattern on it?

Thanks again for the advice. I'm gonna do a little more homework and look into my vendor's return policy!
--David