How do I coordinate laser, lighting and fountain control for water screen shows?
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- Issue Time
- Sep 9,2026
Direct answerUse a synchronised control system that supports DMX, timecode and a pre-programmed timeline, so laser animation, lighting changes and fountain actions run from a single show sequence.
How the Systems Connect
| System | Interface | Typical cue source |
|---|---|---|
| Laser | ILDA or Art-Net | Show timeline in the laser software |
| Lighting | DMX512 | Console cue stack or merged timeline |
| Fountain | DMX or PLC signal | Valve and pump cues from the media server |
| Audio | Timecode | Master playback track |
Coordination Principles
- Drive everything from one master timeline so no subsystem runs independently
- Keep fountain height changes slightly slower than the visual cue for a smoother result
- Merge the lighting console output instead of running two separate controllers
- Program a safe idle state that all three systems return to between shows
Test the full chain including fountain response time before dress rehearsal, because valve delays often shift the visual timing.