Auto mode
Quick overview
Auto mode – also called stand-alone mode, is a feature where you create customized content you want the laser to project using software like QuickShow or BEYOND, and then upload that content to the FB4 media server inside your laser (or external to it). Then you set the day, date, and time, you want it to project, and the laser content will run automatically, at the day, date, and time you specified. No triggering from a console, PC, or external device is needed. It is truly stand alone. This sort of workflow is often used for permanent installations, where clients want a “set it, and forget it” workflow.
General information
How to control an FB4 laser in auto mode
If you are using a laser with FB4 integrated inside, your workflow is as such:
- Create the content you want in software (QuickShow or BEYOND)
- Upload to the FB4 inside your laser and set the day, date, and time you want it to project
- The laser then only needs power connected (and in some countries estop safety) and it will run that content automatically for you, at the day, date and time you set
- No triggering, PC, console, etc. is required for show playback
How to control an ILDA laser in auto mode
If you are using an ILDA based laser, you would need the FB4 External device, to control it in true auto mode. Here is what the workflow is like:
- Create the content you want in software (QuickShow or BEYOND)
- Upload to the FB4 External system, connected to your laser via an ILDA cable
- Set the day, date, and time you want content to project
- The laser then only needs power connected (and in some countries estop safety) and it will run that content automatically for you, at the day, date, and time you set
- No triggering, PC, console, etc. is required for show playback
The video below walks you through the steps of a laser system with an integrated FB4, however the process is nearly the same besides the inclusion of the ILDA cable.
How to control a laser in auto mode from software
You can also control a laser show in auto mode, from software. Pangolin QuickShow and BEYOND give you a variety of tools to synchronize the show’s playback to an automated input such as the BPM of music, or an external event.
Once simple tool to do this, is called Virtual Laser Jockey. Where you set the content in your workspace to playback automatically, based on the BPM you want. Learn more about Virtual Laser Jockey on the Pangolin Wiki by clicking the button below:
Another way to control a laser show in auto mode, from software, is to use the playlist tools in the software, and create a playlist that runs automatically for you, when you want it to. You can see tutorials on how to do this here: