Use IDN with Modulaser

IDN (ILDA Digital Network) is a network protocol for laser DACs defined by the International Laser Display Association. It sends laser data over standard ethernet with low latency and high point rates.

You'll need an IDN-compatible laser DAC connected to a laser projector with an ILDA cable. We recommend the HeliosPRO Laser DAC.

Modulaser supports IDN on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Setup

  1. Connect your IDN-compatible DAC to the same network as your computer.
  2. Open Modulaser.
  3. In the right panel, add a Laser. Under DAC, select your IDN device.
  4. In the left panel, create a new Output Group and drag your laser into it.
  5. Select a clip, or open the Library and pick a preset if you don't have any yet.
  6. Press Assign Clip on the output group to assign the clip to it.
  7. 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 your IDN device isn't showing up in Modulaser:

  • Check scan settings: Make sure IDN is enabled in Settings for Modulaser to scan for it.
  • Check the network: Make sure your IDN DAC and computer are on the same network and the DAC is powered on.
  • Check your firewall: IDN uses UDP for discovery and streaming. Make sure your firewall isn't blocking it.
  • Check the ILDA connection: Make sure the ILDA cable is firmly seated on both the DAC and your projector.
  • Close other apps: If another application is using the IDN device, Modulaser may not be able to access it. Quit any other laser software that might be connected.
  • Check your projector's safety interlock: Most laser projectors have a key switch or interlock that must be enabled before the laser will emit.