ChamSys

Can I download and use MagicQ on my computer free of charge?

Yes, MagicQ PC, MagicQ Mac and MagicQ Linux are available from the downloads page of our web site and can be used to run live shows free of charge. All outputs are fully enabled.

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Why does the MagicQ software 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 wing or interface, "demo mode" is no longer shown in the title bar.

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

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

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

You can run MagicQ PC and Capture / WYSIWYG on the same PC. There are visualiser files on our downloads page with a standard show that you can use for free.

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Why are you giving away the MagicQ 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 free MagicQ PC software.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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Can I run a touch screen with MagicQ PC?

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

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How do I output DMX from MagicQ PC?

MagicQ PC software supports many different DMX interfaces including ChamSys MagicQ Wings, ChamSys Twin DMX Interfaces, ArtNet and Pathport devices via network, and 3rd party DMX interfaces.

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Which 3rd party DMX interfaces are supported?

MagicQ supports Enttec Open USB, Enttec Pro, Artistic Licence parallel, Digital Enlightenment, Peperoni, DMX4ALL, USBDMX, Velleman and Nicholaudie devices. We are always pleased to add support for new 3rd party devices.

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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 our downloads page.

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What features are unavailable when MagicQ PC is not connected to a MagicQ Wing or MagicQ interface?

MagicQ PC supports full show control and output regardless of whether a MagicQ Wing or MagicQ interface is connected. A limited number of features are only available when a MagicQ Wing or MagicQ interface is connected – these include audio triggering through the PC sound card, remote control, and triggering from DMX inputs. For full details see the installation notes.

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MagicQ Mac and MagicQ Linux

Can I use MagicQ on my Mac?

Yes. There are 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. Some third party interfaces are not supported on Mac – please see the installation notes for details.

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Can I run MagicQ on Linux?

Yes. There is a Linux version. This should work on any version of Linux – we have tested using Ubuntu and Debian.

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Can I output DMX with MagicQ Mac and MagicQ Linux?

Yes. MagicQ Mac and MagicQ Linux support DMX output through MagicQ Wings, MagicQ DMX Interfaces, ArtNet, Pathport, and 3rd party interfaces including the Enttec USB pro.

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I've downloaded MagicQ Mac but there is no application to run?

MagicQ Mac requires X11 to run it - X11 is an optional part of OSX which comes on your OSX CD/DVDs. Note that the version on the Apple web site will not work - you must install from your CD/DVDs. Once X11 is installed select X11 to run the MagicQ application.

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MagicQ Consoles

What operating system do MagicQ consoles use?

Linux.

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Are shows interchangeable between MagicQ consoles?

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

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How long does the UPS in the MagicQ consoles last?

When fully charged the UPS lasts for approximately 15 minutes.

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How many screens does MagicQ consoles support?

MagicQ consoles currently support a large screen on the console which can also be viewed on an external monitor. Any number of additional monitors can be connected to a console via a remote PC over network.

ChamSys is developing a module to fit in the expansion slots of the MagicQ consoles that enables additional monitors direct from the console.

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.

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Video and Media

Can MagicQ control video and media servers?

Yes, MagicQ is ideally suited to controlling video and can control Catalyst, Hippotizer, Arkaos, Pandoras Box, Radlite, MBox and other media servers. With 8 encoders each automatically electronically labelled controlling multiple attribute video systems is easy. When connected to Hippotizer, Arkaos and Catalyst 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.

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Can I use MagicQ and Arkaos on the same PC / Mac?

Yes, MagicQ and Arkaos will work together on the same PC or Mac. See the Interfacing to Arkaos document.

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Interfacing to Other Products

Does MagicQ support MIDI and SMPTE time-code?

MIDI and SMPTE time-code is supported through the ChamSys MIDI/Timecode Interface which can be connected via USB to MagicQ PC and MagicQ consoles.

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Does MagicQ support audio input?

Advanced sound triggering is supported through the ChamSys Audio Module which can be connected via USB to MagicQ PC and MagicQ consoles. This enables 7 channel triggering of levels, chase speeds, and chase bumps.

MagicQ PC supports energy detection through the PC sound card when connected to a MagicQ wing.

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Can I remote control MagicQ?

MagicQ supports Serial, MIDI and Ethernet protocols for remote control. The protocol is published in the manual and in the document MagicQ Remote Ethernet Protocol. In addition, MagicQ PC can be used to remote control any MagicQ PC system or MagicQ console over the network.

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Can I use wireless remote control with MagicQ?

Yes, MagicQ supports remote control over Ethernet which can be wired or wireless.

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Theatre

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 separate 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, Inhibit Masters, Manual cross fading and Rem Dim.

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Other Consoles

I am a Hog user, can I use MagicQ?

Yes, MagicQ supports much of the key syntax found on Hog and other similar moving light consoles. MagicQ supports tracking and non-tracking modes – the tracking mode being similar to that used on a Hog. The Hog Windows are very similar to the MagicQ Windows.

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I have only ever used Avolies consoles. Can I use MagicQ?

Yes, MagicQ consoles have a lot more functionality than Avo consoles, but in their simplest mode they perform in a similar way to Avo consoles. Patching a show is simple, and memories and chases can be recorded direct onto playbacks and replayed. MagicQ has the advantage of a large touch screen to enable selection of groups, heads, palettes and other information direct from the screen.

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I am a Strand user, can I use MagicQ?

Yes, MagicQ supports many of the often used functions by Strand Users including keypad control of lights, comprehensive output displays, and even the Rem Dim function.

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Can I load my Hog / Strand shows into MagicQ?

The Hog / Strand show formats are proprietary and therefore it is not possible to load these shows directly – however it is possible to capture Palettes and Cues (not FX) from other consoles using the DMX Capture features of MagicQ.

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Personalities and Settings

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, and you can view it's contents here. Should a personality not be available then new personalities can be easily created on MagicQ using the in-built personality editor.

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What do I do if the personality I want is not in the library?

The personality library currently contains over 1000 different personalities for you to use, however if there is a fixture which is not included, we will happily create a personality file for you. You can also use in the in-built personality editor to create your own heads. Please email matt@chamsys.co.uk with any heads you would like, or have created.

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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.

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Can I load custom gobos into the personalities?

Yes, the personality editor allows you to select any gobos from the built in library. In addition it is now possible to load in your own icons from jpeg and bmp files.

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MagicQ Software

Is there a charge for software upgrades?

No, ChamSys believes that software updates should be free. Software updates are available free from our web site. Users may obtain beta versions via our registered testers program.

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Can I run old shows on new software?

Yes, MagicQ is designed so that you can load MagicQ shows into any version of MagicQ software, older or newer. Note that when running new shows on old software, newer features may not be available.

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Will upgrading my MagicQ software affect my show files?

No, MagicQ software upgrades do not affect your show files or your settings. Upgrading will reload the personality and icon libraries – so if you have made changes to personalities or icons we recommend you save them to different names from the standard library names.

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MagicQ Wings

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.

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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 – it is not necessary to have a PC Wing, Mini Wing or Maxi Wing for this work.

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Can I use a MagicQ PC Wing or MagicQ Mini Wing as extension faders for my MagicQ PC system?

MagicQ software supports only one MagicQ Mini Wing, PC Wing or Maxi Wing connected – these are designed to control the main playbacks 1 to 10, which are legended at the bottom of the screen.

Extra faders can be added using up to 8 separate MagicQ Playback Wings or MagicQ Xtra Wings, which have LCD displays to legend the playbacks.

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Can I use a separate DMX console to trigger MagicQ PC?

Yes, MagicQ supports ArtNet and Pathport inputs on all universes and using a DMX to ArtNet converter it is possible to trigger Playbacks 1 to 10. This functionality is only supported when connected to a MagicQ Wing or MagicQ Interface.

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Can I use MagicQ Wings to control software other than MagicQ?

Not at the moment.

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