Hey
I’m new to lasers and this software and wanted to know if i can connect the above laser via the onboard lan / showNet mainboard port to this software?
Is there somewhere i can see a list of connected lasers and their status on the software?
i’m currently using touchdesigner and it works well via the included laser chops.
Thanks in advance for your help
Jonny
Hi Jonny, welcome!
Short answer: not directly via the ShowNET LAN port.
However - the Laserworld DS-1000RGB Mk 4 does have a standard ILDA input, so you can use it with Liberation like this:
The quickest and most cost-effective way to do that is with a Helios DAC, available on Amazon or directly from Bitlasers (where you can get 10% off using the code in your licences page).
That way you’re using an open protocol controller with your laser.
You’re right that some other software does support ShowNET over LAN, which can make this a bit confusing.
The underlying issue is that the communication method used by ShowNET is a closed protocol.
Support in tools like TouchDesigner and MadLaser is implemented via a manufacturer-controlled SDK (i.e. precompiled code from Laserworld). Distribution and access depend on their approval, and those terms can change, be restricted, or withdrawn at any time.
I’ve made a deliberate decision not to build Liberation on top of that kind of dependency.
Instead, it only supports open, documented protocols that can be implemented independently. That encourages interoperability and avoids vendor lock-in.
For transparency - I have discussed this directly with Laserworld. I really like them - I’ve got to know a few of the team over the last few months, and they’ve always been gracious and respectful in those conversations.
I’ve made it clear that if they openly document their protocol, or implement an open protocol like IDN on their ShowNet firmware, I’d be very happy to integrate it.
Their position is that keeping the protocol closed helps prevent ShowNET being cloned by unscrupulous manufacturers. I see that risk differently but it’s their decision, and I completely respect their right to take that approach.
So for now, that’s where things stand. If open protocols are important to you, it’s worth letting them know - user demand can make a difference.
Is there somewhere i can see a list of connected lasers and their status?
Yes - the Controller Assignment panel shows all discovered controllers, their status, and whether they’re armed.
It’s a bit of a workaround, but it’s good that you’ve still got an open option via ILDA alongside the built-in closed one.
All the best,
Seb
Hey Seb
Thanks so much for the detailed response. It’s very much appreciated and lovely to get such great information directly from you. Very refreshing!
All info and points understood. Helios Laser DAC, USB to ILDA Adapter seems to be the path of least resistance, as mentioned. Thanks for the tip. I went the shownet way, as it was handy / cost effective for td interactivity… and it allowed me to explore the possibility of mixed laser / projection pieces at a reasonable cost ( i already have a few audio visual costly holes as is 
Apologies for the delayed response btw and thanks again
Jonny .