The HeliosPRO Laser DAC is a network ILDA interface/adapter, used for connecting laser show projectors to your computer.
It is an upgraded version of the classic Helios Laser DAC, with the addition of network connectivity and more features.
- Compatible with every laser projector with a standard ILDA port.
- Connects to any computer using either Ethernet or USB.
- Can play .ILD files without the need for a computer.
- Attach a second USB Helios for dual output on a single network cable.
- Powerful, affordable and extensible.
The HeliosPRO is currently in a public beta stage. It is available for sale, but please note that there may be minor issues or missing features while the product matures.
An internal version of the HeliosPRO designed for mounting inside the laser is also available. Contact us for more information.
Buy
$209 or €179 via Bitlasers.com
Free international shipping
(ships from Norway)
Also available from:
- Other stores coming soon
Which Helios is right for you?
| HeliosPRO | Helios | Helios + OpenIDN adapter | |
| Price | $209 | $109 | $109 + $109 = $218 |
| PC connectivity | Ethernet, WiFi*, USB | USB | Ethernet, WiFi*, USB |
| Offline .ILD File Player | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (Since v0.9.9) |
| Art-Net / sACN | 🕐 Coming soon | ❌ | 🕐 Coming soon |
| Other advantages | Modern. Extensible. Can mount inside laser. | Tried and true. Compact. Fast startup. | Inexpensive if you already own a Helios. |
Software
HeliosPRO is compatible with a wide range of software, including free and cross-platform options.
The adapter uses IDN (ILDA Digital Network) for communicating with software over the network.
The HeliosPRO is also backwards compatible with the classic Helios, supporting the same software as the Helios when using USB.
- LaserShowGen (Windows, Mac, Linux, freemium)
- MadMapper / MadLaser (Windows, Mac)
- Derivative TouchDesigner (Windows, Mac, freemium)
- Spaghetti Laser Show (Windows)
- Millumin (Mac)
- ILD Render (Windows)
- LFI Player (Windows, free and open source)
- HE-Laserscan (Windows, freemium)
- The following software also supports the HeliosPRO, but only using a USB connection, not network:
- Liberation (Mac, Windows)
- openFrameworks, via ofxLaser or ofxHelios (Mac, Linux, Windows*, free and open source)
- Pure Data, via pd_helios (Mac, Linux*, Windows*, free and open source)
- Lasercam (Windows)
- Modulaser (Windows, Mac)
- Lasershow Xpress (LSX) (Windows)
- vvvv, via HeliosLaserDac node (Windows, freemium)
- OsciStudio (Windows, Mac)
- NEW: LaserFromSound VST (Windows, Mac)
- Maxwell (Windows, Mac)
- Laser Juice (Mac, Windows, freemium)
- osc2laser (Mac, Windows*, Linux*, free and open source)
- BeamCommander (Mac, free and open source)
The internal software of the Helios is open source. The DAC runs on a Linux OS, making it a very flexible system capable of running third-party software and modifications.
With cross-platform libraries, including example code in C++ and Python, it is easy to integrate support for the Helios into your own projects.
Technical specifications
- Max sample rate: 100 kpps
- X/Y output: 16 bit (nominal), 2 channels.
- Color and user output: 12 bit (nominal), 7 channels (R, G, B, Intensity, User1, User2, User3).
- Max frame size: 8192 points.
- 2 years warranty from purchase date.
- Shutter signal control, 12-bit, can update once per frame.
- Offline .ILD file player.
- Supports additional Helios DAC connected to USB-A port, for dual DAC output on a single network connection.
- Open source firmware and SDK.
- Network settings, device name, etc. fully configurable.
- IDN protocol for network connections, and classic Helios-compatible protocol for USB connections.
- Easy software upgrades over the network.
- ~7GB onboard storage for .ILD files, third-party software etc.
- Platform portable: SDK and manager tool supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Web etc.
- Plug and play on most platforms/networks.
- Connectivity:
- Ethernet 10/100 for network connectivity
- USB-C 2.0 female in for 5V power and/or PC connectivity
- ILDA (ISP-DB25) female out
- USB-A 2.0 female in for accessories or additional Helios DAC
- WiFi 4 (not recommended for streaming, Ethernet is more robust and stable)
- Bluetooth 5.0 (not in use with current software)
- What else is included in the box:
- USB-C charger (either EU or US plug depending on buyer location).
- 1 m USB-C cable.
- 1 m Ethernet cable.
- “Getting Started” manual.
- Sturdy aluminium enclosure with anti-slip rubber feet.
- Lead-free RoHS electronics.
- Internal computer: Armbian Linux running on RK3308B CPU, 512GB RAM, 8GB eMMC storage.
- Dimensions: 145 * 87 * 29 mm
- Can be mounted internally in laser with optional internal mounting kit.
- Nominal power consumption: ~300mA (5V)
User guide
To read the full user manual and “Getting Started” guide for the HeliosPRO, visit this page: HeliosPRO user manual.