Loading…
Documentation
Use Helios DAC with Modulaser
Modulaser connects directly to the Helios DAC by Bitlasers over USB. Use it to patch laser scenes with nodes, sequence clips on the timeline, control shows live, and output to any ILDA projector connected to your Helios.
You can try Modulaser for free on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Helios works without extra drivers.
Got a Helios DAC? Download Modulaser, connect the DAC over USB, and select it as the DAC for a Laser. The free version is enough to test your setup.
What You Can Do
- Patch laser scenes with nodes instead of drawing static frames.
- Sequence clips on the timeline or trigger them live.
- Route output to one or more lasers with output groups.
- Tune scan speed, blanking, color, dwell, and PPS with the Calibration Wizard.
- Use MIDI, OSC, audio input, or BPM sync for live control.
What You Need
- A Helios DAC.
- A laser projector with an ILDA input.
- An ILDA cable between the Helios and projector.
- A USB connection between the Helios and your computer.
- Modulaser for macOS, Windows, or 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
- Connect the Helios to your laser projector with an ILDA cable.
- Plug the Helios into your computer via USB.
- Open Modulaser.
- In the right panel, add a Laser. Under DAC, select your Helios device.
- In the left panel, create a new Output Group and drag your laser into it.
- Select a clip, or open the Library and pick a preset if you don't have any yet.
- Press Assign Clip on the output group to assign the clip to it.
- Press Arm in the right panel to start output.
Calibration
Once output is working, open the Output Settings window and run the Calibration Wizard on your laser profile. The wizard shows test patterns for scan speed, blanking, color, and quality, so you can tune the Helios and projector with live feedback. 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.