ILDAWaveX16 is an open-source, high-resolution, wireless laser DAC with SD-card playback, network control, and ILDA output.

Traditional laser DACs are often expensive, proprietary, or limited in flexibility, especially for those who want to experiment with laser systems, build custom projectors, or interface with low-cost driver kits.

The goal of this project is to create the "Arduino of laser DACs" - a flexible, hackable platform for makers and enthusiasts that can serve as a foundation for any DIY laser project, capable of real show control, yet simple enough for beginners and hobbyists to learn from.

Full documentation is available at stanleyprojects.com

The core of the board is an ESP32-S3, a dual-core 240MHz microcontroller with native USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support. This provides the computational horsepower for real-time rendering while offering flexible connection options like USB serial or wireless network control.

Power is supplied via USB-C, which handles both data and 5V input. Since USB power can potentially go below 5V, the board includes a TLV61048 boost converter to raise the supply and generate a symmetrical ±8V rail for the analog stages. It is also possible to power the board using an external supply up to ±15V, which is practical when integrating into an existing projector.

The analog output stage consists of a DAC80508, which is an 8-channel, 16-bit SPI DAC with a precision internal reference, used in gain-2 mode, producing a 0-5V output, which is then processed through a 2-stage operational amplifier circuitry to generate ILDA-compliant voltages.

Additional hardware features include:

• MicroSD card slot with ESD protection and EMI filtering

• Addressable RGB LED and two user buttons

• ILDA DB25 connector

• JST XH connectors for direct wiring to drivers