buffo
Not quite. You simply run the same signal to both projectors. (they are in parallel, essentially) If you want individual control over each one, then you need a controller for each one. But a single controller can drive 2 or 3 projectors with no problem. (More than 4 and you'll need some sort of amplifier on the ILDA cable to boost the current.) Typically with a pair of projectors you reverse the X signal on one of them so that the beams move in opposition. (Think windshield wipers...) It's a very cool effect.Originally Posted by TheDetourist
That depends. If the venue is not interested in graphics shows (and especially if you don't anticipate them ever going beyond a pair of 300 mw green lasers), then I'd suggest the Pangolin FB3 Evaluation Kit *PLUS* a license for the LivePro software. (The Evaluation kit comes with the controller and the LA Studio software suite. LivePro is an add-on that makes "live" laser shows much easier to perform while also adding *tons* of cool effects that are all beat-synchronized.) This combination will be the most cost effective, and will still give you the awesome live capabilities of LivePro. It also supports full RGB, so if you do decide to go that route in the future, you're not locked in. I think this will cost you less than $900 for everything, but check with Pangolin to be sure.and what do you suggest for a controller?
On the other hand, if you think they'd eventually be interested in doing graphics shows that are choreographed to music, or if they might want to do silly things like SMS text messages to laser text on the wall, or play "Asteroids" on the wall in full laser color, then it would probably be worth it to spend the extra money to buy a Pangolin LD-2000 intro system right out of the gate, and then pay the extra money for a LivePro license. (I think this complete package is going to be at least double the price of the FB3 system though - maybe a touch more even. Again, check with Pangolin to be sure.)
In both cases, LivePro is the one piece of software you'll use night after night. However, the LD-2000 system offers a lot of extras that the FB3 doesn't.
First, the LD-2000 system comes with over 100 ready-made shows, plus 3 CD's of content that you can use to create your own shows. There are a number of add-on tools that you can purchase for the LD-2000 that make creating original shows much easier, including a 3D Studio Max plug-in (converts 3D Studio objects to ILDA frames that you can display on the projector), and a Shockwave Flash animation converter, which converts flash animations to ILDA frames (that you can display on the projector). The LD-2000 controller supports DMX in and out, which allows you to trigger DMX effects from within the laser show timeline.
Both the FB3 and the LD-2000 come with a software suite to create and edit frames, as well as a program to create, edit, and play complete shows. They both have abstract generators, text tools, and advanced animation features. Also, they both include an autoplayer that allows you to que up a list of shows and have them play in sequence. However, many people agree that the LD-2000 software is easier to use.
But no matter which package you choose, LivePro is the feature you really want. It's the best for controlling lasers to live music (Band or DJ...) and it's available for both the FB3 and the LD-2000. It's got a line-in plug-in that allows you to synchronize all laser effects to whatever beat is playing. You can even connect it to a DMX lighting panel and use the panel to trigger effects in LivePro. (Honestly though, I don't know if LivePro for the FB3 allows this. That external DMX control ability might only be available for LD-2000 systems. Check with Pangolin to be sure...)
It's a damn shame you can't make it to FLEM next Saturday... We'll have multiple RGB projectors set up there, including a couple that will be running LivePro! You would be able to take one of them for a test drive!
Adam
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