ChamSys :: Inspiring Performance: FAQ

Are shows interchangeable between MagicQ consoles?

A Shows are fully interchangeable amongst MagicQ Consoles and between MagicQ Consoles and the MagicQ PC editor. Any show programmed on one Console can be played back on another Console or on MagicQ PC.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can MagicQ control video and media servers?

Yes, MagicQ is ideally suited to controlling video and can control Catylst, Hippotizer, Arkaos, Pandoras Box, Radlite and other media servers. With 8 encoders each automatically electronically labelled controlling multiple attribute video systems is easy. When connected to Hippotizer or Arkaos the thumbnails can be displayed on the touch screen to enable fast selection of media clips. The powerful FX engine, huge Palette storage capability, and super fast access to recorded Cues and Palettes enables the ultimate in playback of video effects.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

I work in a theatre - is MagicQ suited to this sort of environment?

Yes, MagicQ is designed to be equally suited to touring, theatre, tv and theme park environments. Full Cue Stack and seperate Cue timing on every channel capabilities make MagicQ at home running fully structured or unstructured shows. And of course the console supports Move When Dark and manual cross fading.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

How often is the personality library updated?

The personality library is updated periodically as new heads become available. The most current version of the personality library can be found on our downloads page. Should a personality not be available then new personalities can be easily created on MagicQ using the in-built personality editor.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can I personalise my personalities and settings?

Yes, you can store and recall personalities and settings specific to different operators - enabling different operators to customise the console to their personal preferences. Keyboard macros can be used to record and replay your favourite key sequences.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

How long does the UPS in the MagicQ consoles last?

When fully charged the UPS lasts for approximately 15 minutes.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can I download the off line editor free of charge?

Yes, the off line editor is available from the downloads page. It is called MagicQ PC and can also be used to run live shows free of charge.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Why does MagicQ PC say "demo mode" in the title bar. Where can I get the full version?

The MagicQ software that says "demo mode" is the full version of MagicQ software with all the MagicQ functionality. If you connect a MagicQ PC wing, "demo mode" is no longer shown in the title bar.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can I use MagicQ PC and MagicQ consoles with a visualiser?

Yes, MagicQ PC outputs ArtNet over Ethernet which can be input directly into many visualisers. MagicQ PC and MagicQ consoles have in-built support for Capture's CITP protocol (www.capturesweden.com) and WYSIWYG Auto Focus and Auto Patch.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can I run MagicQ PC and the visualiser on the same PC?

You can run MagicQ PC and Capture / WYSIWYG on the same PC

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Why are you giving away the PC software free of charge?

The MagicQ PC software is a powerful lighting control program and a great advertisement for our MagicQ consoles. We believe that there is no reason to charge for this software. A significant proportion of our sales are driven by people who have made use of the MagicQ PC software.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Will you always give the MagicQ PC software away free of charge?

We have no plans to charge for the MagicQ PC software, now or in the future.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Will the MagicQ PC software be supported?

The MagicQ PC software is the off line editor for shows on MagicQ consoles. We therefore expect to support this software as it is a fundamental part of show design. MagicQ PC is compiled from the same source code that runs on the console thus ensuring it tracks exactly the functionality of the consoles. Support effort will be prioritised towards customers who have purchased MagicQ consoles, MagicQ PC wings, or specific support packages.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

What PC do I need to run MagicQ PC?

MagicQ PC is best used on a PC with Pentium or higher processor, 64MB memory, 1024 by 768 at 16bit colour. MagicQ PC has been tested on Window 95, 98, ME, and XP, and single user mode 2K.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can I run a touch screen with MagicQ PC?

Yes, if you have a touch-screen that controls the mouse then it will work.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

What buttons does the MagicQ PC wing have on it?

The MagicQ PC wing is designed so that the key buttons required for programming and playback are available. Other (not so often used buttons) are available on the PC screen via the mouse.

There are 10 playbacks each with Select, Go, Pause, Flash buttons. DBO, Add/Swap, Next Page (Prev Page is Shift Next Page). The master control section has Go, Pause, Fwd, Bkwd. Then you have the programming buttons Shift, Release, Blind, Clear, Record, Set, Pos, Colour, Beam.

The head control buttons are all supported including Next Head, Prev Head, Locate, All, Odd/Even, Single, Highlight and Fan.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can I use a MagicQ Playback wing with the MagicQ PC software?

Yes. The MagicQ Playback wing can be used with MagicQ consoles or with MagicQ PC software.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

How many screens does MagicQ consoles support?

MagicQ consoles currently support one large screen on the console which can also be viewed on an external monitor. In order to expand your desktop just connect up a PC via network and run the MagicQ Multi Windows applications. This allows any of the console screens to be moved onto the PC thus massively increasing the desktop - but without the need for carrying around lots of external monitors. MagicQ Multi Windows is ideal for remote control of the console - for example, you can easily use it to control the console from the stage whilst focusing lamps.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Does MagicQ support MIDI and timecode?

MIDI and timecode (SMPTE) is supported through an optional USB module which can connect to a PC or Mac running MagicQ PC, or to a console. A MIDI / timecode interface can be installed as an option in MagicQ consoles.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Does MagicQ support audio input?

MagicQ PC supports audio input through the PC sound card. Chases can be set to chase according to the beat (energy) of the music. MagicQ consoles have hardware for audio support. Software support is currently being developed.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can I use MagicQ on my Mac?

Yes. We have now released two Mac versions - one for Intel based Macs and one for PowerPC based Macs. In order to run MagicQ you require OSX and X11 support must be installed. X11 support is provided free with OSX on the install CDs. It can also be downloaded for free from Apple's web site. X11 allows MagicQ to run at full speed on a Mac rather than in a slow Windows emulation mode. MagicQ PC Wings and MagicQ USB interfaces are all supported on the Mac versions.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

Can I use my Enttec Pro dongle with MagicQ?

Yes, you need to install the FTDxxxx drivers not the Virtual Com Port drivers - download the MagicQ PC Wing drivers from the MagicQ web site. MagicQ PC also supports ChamSys USB DMX interfaces, DMX4ALL, USBDMX, Peperoni-light and other DMX devices.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)

What operating system do MagicQ consoles use?

Linux.

Expert: AppLED Servicedesk (http://www.appled.nl)