I’ll be running 9 lasers at a private event in a few days. I’m used to 3 lasers via Helios DAC. I’m also switching over to a windows computer for my field computer so I can run other Microsoft-only lighting software.
Should I switch to Eitherdreams? I need to get this figure d out quivkly.
Yes.
I would probably also avoid moving from Mac to windows unless you’re experienced in troubleshooting windows issues.
So bring two computers I would say.
I was raised Microsoft and then was forced to convert to Mac 10 years ago because of a job. Since I’ve managed IT for a 25 Microsoft computer environment 
I definitely prefer Mac but this seemed like the right move since im being thrown into other aspects of lighting.
Is the multiple DACs on Microsoft only sometimes an issue with ILDA / Helios, or is it a concern for Eitherdreams as well?
For some reason OPT told me installing ether dream into the laser case didn’t work. Ever had issues with OPT and Ether Dream?
Ah well as long as you’re a Windows expert you’ll be fine! 
For a 9 laser set up I would absolutely not use USB DACs, for all kinds of reasons. Technically you should be able to run 9 off a Mac but I still wouldn’t (I think the most I have tested is 4)
It can be tricky to install Ether Dreams in the newer small OPT cases - they’re just an awkward size. But if you have some time, the new Ether Dream should be coming out soon, and they should fit in the outside panel like an FB4. Perhaps @Jacob_Potter or @ARaugh can give you an idea of when they’ll be available.
Good luck!
Seb
deadline is too soon, but for this a couple of helios PRO’s with your 3 current heliosses connected to the ext usb of the PRO’s could be a great setup…
this would be IDN so beta only right now…
@seb or @mrfloppy88 - do you suggest helios pro or ether dreams?
Does Helios IDN work on the latest beta version of Liberation?
my helios IDN adapter (not the PRO helios) works great on the latest beta for the few days that i have tested it… but it is quite risky to run this level of beta on production shows… 
I’m able to get 10 Ether Dream’s delivered in time. Should I pull the trigger? Is there anything I need to be worried about or extra equipment I need to buy (besides ethernet cable)?
You also need power supplies or PoE splitters
are they the bare pcb versions? then you will want cases for them, 3d printed cases are fine..
they need USB-C power so either get a nice PoE switch and poe to usbc spiltters, or get usb adapters/powerbanks for each… for 9 i would really think about PoE…
I love the sound of POE but know nothing about it. How would it work in these situations? Do you buy an ethernet switch with POE and it just works or is there some funky cabling to do?
and then yes just use any PoE switch with the amount of PoE ports you need.
no need for PoE+ or ++ that is only for higher power draw devices (like camera’s)
it will still work though with PoE+ or ++
Netgear unmanaged PoE is what i would use
Hi
Also looking for sufficient switch with poe ports.
Will this have enough bandwidth to all goes without any glitches and 4 helios pro ?
Mercusys MS105GP, 5-Port Gigabit switch, 4-Port PoE+
27 Eur.
I`m absolute beginner in network stuff…
The splitter for power supply i really like … was afraid i will have to use multiple power adapters … this method i really prefer.
Robert
Hi! Sorry for my slow response, I was actually doing a show last night! More on that soon.
A couple of things to add :
Helios Pro IDN, yes it’s working well in newest releases, they’re getting to be stable so worth testing but yes maybe not a great idea to run on a high stakes show
Powering Ether Dreams
Ultimately, using external Ether Dreams is not a long term solution. I spent months designing external enclosures with custom PCBS, built in power supplies and interlock relays, but even that wasn’t a great long term solution.
Get Ether Dreams fitted inside your lasers wherever possible. It is BY FAR the best option and you should be working towards this.
But if you really have no choice for now, your options are :
Power supply with power con connector
This is a good option if your laser has a great power con or truCON output on it. Get an inline 12v power supply and replace the mains plug on it. Something like this.
Take a 12v/24v line out of the laser.
This one’s a bit of a hack but you can add a DC barrel socket on the back panel of the laser that feeds into the low voltage supply on the laser. Then you just need a jack to jack cable from the laser into your Ether Dream. Works pretty well.
USB - I haven’t actually seen this but I know some lasers have USB on the back. You can use a USB A to C cable to power the Ether Dream.
POE
This is something I’ve done in the past but I would advise against it now. I was using brand name (not cheap) POE splitters but somehow there was a power spike that damaged an Ether Dream (and a router that was also powered this way). Your results may vary of course but consider yourself warned
Network switch recommendations
I’ve always used pretty cheap off the shelf Netgear stuff, this in particular seems ridiculously cheap and is a staple of my set ups. That said, your biggest challenge on site will be network troubleshooting. You thought you were a laser technician right? Wrong! You’re now a network sysadmin
So it’s always worth getting the most expensive network gear you can afford. Touring productions think nothing of spending £1000 on a switch. Is it gonna be 50 times better than a £20 switch? No of course not. But it will be more reliable and robust in a wider range of environments, so if you’re on high stakes projects then it might be worth it.
Hope this helps!
Seb
Thanks Seb for popping my PoE bubble before I spent any money!
All my lasers have powercon in/out so until I can mount the EDs internally powering them off the powercon seems like the best option.
I already have PSUs and USB C cables for ether net so just need a few of these:
Where are you based? I can make these for you for half that price. (I am a qualified electrician).
Glad to help!
The idea of hanging 13A sockets off the back of the laser is pretty terrible to be honest. I strongly recommend getting an inline power supply if you can - then replace the 13A plug for a TRUcon plug.
All the best
Seb