Use Laserworld / ShowNET with Modulaser

Many Laserworld projectors come with a built-in ShowNET interface. This means they connect over the network directly, with no external DAC or ILDA cable required. Just plug in an ethernet cable and you're ready to go.

ShowNET interfaces are also available as standalone DACs for use with other laser projectors that have an ILDA input.

Modulaser supports Laserworld / ShowNET on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Setup

The easiest way to get connected is to enable DHCP on your Laserworld projector so it automatically picks up a network address. Laserworld's own documentation walks through the network setup in detail:

Laserworld: Connect a single laser

Once your projector is on the same network as your computer:

  1. Open Modulaser.
  2. In the right panel, add a Laser. Under DAC, you should see your Laserworld projector's ShowNET interface. Select it.
  3. In the left panel, you'll see Output Groups. Create a new output group and drag your laser into it.
  4. Select a clip, or open the Library and pick a preset if you don't have any yet.
  5. Press Assign Clip on the output group to assign the clip to it.
  6. Press Arm in the right panel to start output.

That should be it! If nothing happens, check the troubleshooting steps below.

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 Laserworld projector isn't responding, work through these checks:

  • Check scan settings: Make sure ShowNET is enabled in Settings for Modulaser to scan for it.
  • Interlock: Make sure the interlock connector is plugged in. The projector won't output without it.
  • Key switch: Turn the key so the projector is fully enabled.
  • No ILDA cable: Disconnect any ILDA cable from the projector. When an ILDA cable is connected, the projector may ignore the ShowNET network input.
  • App lock: ShowNET allows only one application to control the projector at a time. If you've been using another app (e.g. Showeditor), quit it fully and restart the projector before trying again in Modulaser.