Use Helios Laser DAC with Modulaser

The Helios by Bitlasers is a compact, affordable laser DAC that connects over USB. No drivers or extra software required. Plug it in and Modulaser detects it automatically.

You'll need a laser projector with an ILDA input and an ILDA cable to connect it to the Helios.

Helios DAC

Modulaser supports the Helios DAC on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Using a HeliosPRO? The HeliosPRO supports both USB and ethernet. Over USB it works like a standard Helios. Over ethernet it uses the IDN protocol. See the IDN guide for network setup.

Setup

  1. Connect the Helios to your laser projector with an ILDA cable.
  2. Plug the Helios into your computer via USB.
  3. Open Modulaser.
  4. In the right panel, add a Laser. Under DAC, select your Helios device.
  5. In the left panel, create a new Output Group and drag your laser into it.
  6. Select a clip, or open the Library and pick a preset if you don't have any yet.
  7. Press Assign Clip on the output group to assign the clip to it.
  8. 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 Helios isn't showing up in Modulaser:

  • Check scan settings: Make sure Helios is enabled in Settings for Modulaser to scan for it.
  • Try a different USB cable: Some cables are charge-only and don't carry data. Use the cable that came with the Helios or a known data cable.
  • Try a different USB port: Some USB hubs or ports don't provide enough power. Connect directly to your computer.
  • Close other apps: If another application is using the Helios, 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 Helios 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.