Use Ether Dream Laser DAC with Modulaser

The Ether Dream is a laser DAC that connects over ethernet. Plug it into your network and Modulaser discovers it automatically.

Ether Dream 1, 2, and 3 are all supported. You'll need a laser projector with an ILDA input and an ILDA cable to connect it to the Ether Dream.

Modulaser supports the Ether Dream on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Setup

  1. Connect the Ether Dream to your laser projector with an ILDA cable.
  2. Connect the Ether Dream to the same network as your computer via ethernet.
  3. Power on the Ether Dream.
  4. Open Modulaser.
  5. In the right panel, add a Laser. Under DAC, select your Ether Dream device.
  6. In the left panel, create a new Output Group and drag your laser into it.
  7. Select a clip, or open the Library and pick a preset if you don't have any yet.
  8. Press Assign Clip on the output group to assign the clip to it.
  9. Press Arm in the right panel to start output.

Once output is working, open the Output Settings window and run the Calibration Wizard on your laser profile. The wizard walks through every setting step by step, showing test patterns at each stage so you can dial in scan speed, blanking, color, and quality with live feedback. We strongly recommend it for any new laser. See Improve Laser Output for details on what each setting does.

Never look directly into the laser beam. This can cause permanent eye damage. Read more in our Laser Safety guide.

Troubleshooting

If the Ether Dream isn't showing up in Modulaser:

  • Check scan settings: Make sure Ether Dream is enabled in Settings for Modulaser to scan for it.
  • Check the network connection: The Ether Dream and your computer must be on the same local network. Make sure the ethernet cable is plugged in and the link light is active.
  • Check your firewall: Modulaser uses UDP for device discovery. If you have a firewall enabled, make sure it isn't blocking Modulaser's network access.
  • Try a direct connection: Connect the Ether Dream directly to your computer with an ethernet cable, bypassing switches or routers, to rule out network issues.
  • Update the firmware: If you're having connection problems, update your firmware and run the Ether Dream diagnostic tool.
  • Close other apps: If another application is using the Ether Dream, Modulaser may not be able to access it. Quit any other laser software that might be connected.
  • Check the ILDA connection: Make sure the ILDA cable is firmly seated on both the Ether Dream and your projector.
  • Check your projector's safety interlock: Most laser projectors have a key switch or interlock that must be enabled before the laser will emit. Make sure the key is turned and the interlock is disengaged.