Features

BeamCommander provides a comprehensive laser control system with professional features for live performances and installations.

Control Methods

MIDI Controller (Akai APC40)

Physical hardware control for tactile, real-time performance:

• 16 Knobs - Control brightness, position, shape scale, rotation, wave parameters, and more
• Grid Buttons - 16 cue memory slots for instant preset recall
• Side Buttons - Shape selection and movement pattern triggers
• Automatic Detection - Plug and play - no configuration required
• LED Feedback - Visual confirmation of active settings

Web Interface (Open Stage Control)

Control from any device on your network:

• Touch-Friendly - Optimized for tablets and smartphones
• Pre-Configured - Ready-to-use interface layouts included
• Network Control - Access from iPad, Android, or any web browser
• Customizable - Modify the interface to your needs

OSC API

Complete programmatic control for custom integrations:

• UDP Port 9000 - Standard OSC protocol
• Low Latency - Real-time response for live performance
• Extensive Commands - Control every aspect of laser output
• Integration Ready - Works with Max/MSP, TouchDesigner, Processing, and more

Laser Output Features

Shape Generation

• Basic Shapes - Line, circle, triangle, square
• Wave Patterns - Sine waves with adjustable frequency, amplitude, and phase
• Static & Animated - Both fixed and rotating waves
• Scalable - Adjust size from minimal to full canvas
• Rotatable - Continuous rotation at adjustable speeds
• Dotted Effects - Variable dot density for segmented looks

Color Control

• Named Colors - Red, green, blue, and more preset colors
• RGB Control - Full 24-bit color mixing
• Rainbow Effects - Spatial color distribution across shapes
• Rainbow Animation - Smooth color transitions at adjustable speeds
• Color Blending - Adjustable gradient smoothness

Movement Patterns

• Pan & Tilt - Linear horizontal and vertical movement
• Circular - Smooth circular paths
• Figure-8 - Complex infinity pattern
• Random - Unpredictable movement for organic feels
• Adjustable Size - Control movement amplitude
• Variable Speed - Fast or slow, forward or reverse

Visual Effects

• Flash Control - Instant full brightness with fade release
• Flicker Effect - Strobe-like visual effect at adjustable Hz
• Brightness Control - Master dimmer from 0-100%
• Position Control - X/Y positioning across canvas
• Rotation - Continuous shape rotation

Advanced Features

Cue System

• 16 Memory Slots - Save and recall complete laser states
• Instant Recall - One-button access to saved looks
• Comprehensive Storage - Saves shape, color, movement, effects
• Live Performance - Perfect for pre-programmed sequences

Multi-Laser Support

• Multiple DACs - Control several laser outputs simultaneously
• Zone Mapping - Assign different zones to different lasers
• Perspective Correction - Geometric correction for each output
• Independent Control - Each laser can have different settings

Hardware Compatibility

Supports multiple DAC types through ofxLaser:

• EtherDream - Industry standard Ethernet DAC ✅ Tested
• Helios - High-performance USB DAC
• LaserDock - USB and Ethernet projector system
• LaserCube - Compact wireless laser projector
• Riya - Multi-channel USB DAC
• ILDA Support - Standard ILDA test patterns

Wave Pattern Features

• Wave Frequency - Control number of cycles across width (min 0.1)
• Wave Amplitude - Adjust wave height from 0-100%
• Wave Speed - Animate wave phase rotation
• Static & Dynamic - Choose fixed or animated waves

Rainbow Effect Features

• Amount Control - Spatial color distribution from tight to full-shape
• Speed Control - Animation speed forward/reverse
• Blend Control - Color transition smoothness
• Combines with Shapes - Works with all shape types

Technical Specifications

• Platform - macOS 15.6.1 or later
• Framework - Built on OpenFrameworks and ofxLaser
• Protocol - OSC (Open Sound Control) via UDP
• Port - UDP 9000 (default)
• Latency - Low-latency real-time processing
• Open Source - Full source code available

Use Cases

• Live VJ performances and club shows
• Interactive art installations
• Museum exhibits and galleries
• Concert visual effects
• Theater productions
• Corporate events and presentations
• Festival stages and outdoor shows
• Educational demonstrations