User manual

ChamSys Ltd www.chamsys.co.uk
MagicQ User Manual 48 Version 1.3.0.0
FX can be added and removed from the Programmer window.
6.18.1 FX base values
By default FX are added to the current channel values - therefore it is important to ensure that the channel
values are set correctly. For example, to run a circle in the centre of a MAC500s pan and tilt range, it is
necessary to set both pan and tilt to the centre position (128) before adding the FX. Changing the channel
values changes the point around which the FX is centred.
Similarly in order to run a 0% to 100% dimmer chase on HTP channels the channels should be set to 50%
intensity and the FX added.
Channel values and FX values do not have to be recorded onto the same playback. One playback can be
used to set the centre position of the FX and another to control the FX itself. The centre position can itself
be part of a multi Cue Cue-Stack or a chase thus a particular FX can itself be moved around.
If you wish to have a particular playback move heads to a particular position without a FX then record both
the position and a zero size FX on the playback. Recording a zero FX ensures any other playback running
an FX for those heads is over-ridden.
6.18.2 FX add modes
It is possible to change the way that FX are added to the base values. In the FX View of the Prog
Window and Cue Window there is an “add mode” field. Page right to see this option. This determines
how the FX in a Cue is added to the base values. There are three choices; Normal, Plus and Minus.
q Normal is as default – i.e. a FX will apply both plus and minus of the base.
q Plus adds the FX onto the top of the current base – i.e. the level will never be less than the
base.
q Minus subtracts the FX from the current base – i.e. the level will never be greater than the
base.
This is quite useful for dimmer channels and colour wheels – you can use “Plus” to simply add to the base
value.
6.18.3 FX spread (offsets over heads)
When a FX is applied to a group of heads, the spread determines how the FX is played back over all the
heads. By default the spread is even (100%) – i.e. the same FX is applied to each head but offset so that
each of the heads is at a different point in the FX cycle. With even spread the heads are spread evenly round
the cycle.
Setting the spread to None (0) causes all of the heads to start at the same point in the cycle – i.e. they all do
exactly the same thing. Choosing values between 0% and 100% enables different looks to be generated.
6.18.4 FX fade times
FX can be configured to fade in and out rather than snapping in and out. The fade times are configured
in the View FX views of the Programmer Window and the Cue Window (use the PAGE RIGHT button
to move to the appropriate columns).