One of the most common questions we receive is:
- How do I control multiple laser projectors at the same time?
- How do I make different laser projectors display different effects simultaneously?
The answer comes down to understanding two key concepts: shared control and independent control.
The principles explained in this guide apply whether you're running a laser show live, playing back a pre-programmed show, or operating a standalone installation. They also apply across Pangolin softwares (QuickShow and BEYOND), as well as Pangolin laser control hardware.
Shared Control vs. Independent Control
Before choosing your hardware setup, it's important to understand the difference between these two control methods.
Independent Control
With independent control, every laser projector can display different content at the same time.
Each projector requires its own control hardware, allowing it to receive a unique control signal from your computer or lighting console. This is the most common setup for professional laser shows because it provides maximum creative flexibility.
Benefits of independent control:
- Every projector can display different effects simultaneously.
- Create more dynamic and sophisticated laser shows.
- Assign different content to different areas of a venue.
- Ideal for professional productions and permanent installations.
Shared Control
With shared control, every laser projector receives the same control signal, so they all display identical content simultaneously.
This approach requires only one control device, making it a simple and cost-effective solution when all projectors are intended to perform the same show.
Benefits of shared control:
- Lower hardware cost.
- Faster and simpler system setup.
- Perfect when every projector should display identical content.
Understanding Zones
A Zone defines exactly where laser content is projected.
Zones allow you to assign content to specific projectors and projection areas. A single projector can even have multiple zones, enabling it to project different content into multiple locations.
When working with multiple projectors, Zones make it easy to organize your show, direct content to the correct projector, and create cleaner, more professional-looking effects.
Watch the Tutorial
The following tutorial demonstrates these concepts in action.
Although the video uses QuickShow software with FB3QS hardware, the same principles apply across all Pangolin laser control systems.
Independent Control Examples
FB3QS Independent Control
Each projector has its own FB3QS, allowing every laser to display different content simultaneously.
Because FB3QS is USB-based, a PC is always required. The show can be controlled from:
- PC
- Touchscreen
- MIDI controller
- DMX console
- Lighting console
FB4 External Independent Control
Each projector has its own FB4 External, giving every laser independent control.
FB4 External can be controlled from:
- PC
- Touchscreen
- MIDI controller
- DMX console
- Lighting console
Unlike FB3QS, a PC is optional depending on your control workflow.
Because FB4 External supports Network, DMX, and Art-Net, you can choose the control method that best suits your installation.
FB4 Internal Independent Control
Each projector contains its own FB4 Inside, allowing every projector to operate independently.
Control options include:
- PC
- Touchscreen
- MIDI controller
- DMX console
- Lighting console
A PC is optional, and Network, DMX, and Art-Net are all supported.
FB4 Internal with Network Daisy Chaining
When each projector includes FB4 Inside with an integrated network switch, a single network or Art-Net cable can be daisy-chained between projectors.
Although only one network connection leaves the control station, every projector remains independently controlled because each contains its own FB4.
This approach significantly reduces cabling while maintaining full independent control, making it one of the most efficient ways to deploy multiple laser projectors.
All Pangolin laser projectors can be configured this way.
Shared Control Examples
FB3QS Shared Control
In this configuration, four projectors share a single FB3QS.
The control signal is distributed using an ILDA daisy chain, so every projector displays the same content simultaneously.
If your laser projectors support X and Y axis inversion, you can mirror individual projectors to create symmetrical visual effects while still sharing the same signal.
Because FB3QS is USB-based, a PC is always required.
FB4 External Shared Control
Here, a single FB4 External sends one ILDA signal to multiple projectors through an ILDA daisy chain.
Every projector displays identical content because they all receive the same control signal.
Many professional Pangolin-compatible projectors include both ILDA In and ILDA Out connections, making this type of installation straightforward. Supported projectors can also mirror output using X and Y axis inversion to create mirrored effects.
FB4 Internal Shared Control
Some installations use a combination of projectors with FB4 Inside and projectors that are ILDA-only.
In this setup, the first projector receives a Network or Art-Net connection, then distributes the signal to additional projectors through its ILDA output.
The first projector is network-controlled, while the remaining projectors display the same ILDA output, allowing multiple projectors to share identical content.
Which Setup Is Right for You?
Choose independent control if you want each projector to display unique effects, graphics, or animations. This is the preferred choice for most professional laser shows.
Choose shared control if every projector should display the same content and you want a simpler, more economical installation.
Understanding the difference between these two approaches will help you choose the right hardware and build a laser system that fits your application.
If you have questions about configuring your Pangolin laser show hardware or choosing the best setup for your project, our team is happy to help.
