User manual

ChamSys Ltd www.chamsys.co.uk
MagicQ User Manual 106 Version 1.3.0.0
Palettes can be imported from a .csv format file using the Import Ranges button. The data should be
organised in the .csv file in the same column order as the fields in MagicQ.
<palette type>,<name>,<num of chans>,<icon>,<chan 1>,<val 1>,<chan 2>,<val2>,…
16.5 Macros View
This view defines the macros that are available to control special features of the head such as turning
the lamp on and off and resetting motor channels. Note that programming of macros is an advanced
topic and therefore proceed with caution.
Each macro has a name and a number of channels. The macro data consists of fields to specify which
channels are used (C1 to C10) and then the macro step data. The macro step data consists of the
number of steps followed by data fields.
For each step the data fields consist of a time followed by the level data for the specified channels.
17 Using LED fixtures and LED matrix
MagicQ utilises a powerful Cue engine, which enables it to easily handle large numbers of LED heads
in the form of panels, battens and moving lights. MagicQ's ability to handle large numbers of heads
independently ensures that Lighting Designers get to make the most of their LED arrays without being
limited by the console. With MagicQ you can generate complete rainbow washes across all LED
fixtures at the touch of a button with immediate live control during playback through encoders and
buttons.
MagicQ includes a powerful FX engine designed for use with arrays of LED fixtures. You can design a
grid structure based on the layout of the fixtures on the stage and then play back bitmaps and text
messages on that grid. The grid can have spaces in it where there are no fixtures allocated to the
position in the grid – thus allowing the fixtures to be spread over the grid as they appear on the stage.
MagicQ enables LED fixtures to be used in their "high resolution" mode enabling individual control of
each LED pixel rather than the restricted modes where Lighting Designers are reliant on the same old in
built effects that everyone has seen many times.
MagicQ supports grids of up to 128 pixels wide and up to 128 pixels high. The total number of pixels
is only limited by the number of channels on the console.
17.1 Patching LED on MagicQ
MagicQ is designed so that it can handle different makes of LED fixture independently. Thus the RGB
colours of the fixture are patched as generic RGB fixtures whilst any extra in built fixture FX are
patched separately.
It is still possible to patch LED fixtures in their low resolution modes - just choose the correct
personality and the fixture will appear like any other fixture. However, if you wish to achieve more,
then we recommend taking the time to patch in the higher resolution mode.
The generic led3chan and generic led4chan can be used with most LED fixtures. If MagicQ does not
have the required personality in its library then you can easily build your own personality using the in-
built Personality Editor.