ChamSys

Tutorials and information on ChamSys products including the ChamSys MagicQ lighting control system. MagicQ is a professional level stage lighting controller that is available for a range of budgets starting at the free software, cheap USB DMX dongles, right up to the large and expensive hardware consoles. On Stage Lighting has long advocated ChamSys products for no other reason than we believe that they provide great features and are good value for money at every level. The ChamSys MagicQ features comprehensive control of dimmer and moving light systems plus media server control, pixel mapping and networking. The MagicQ software also comes bundled with a free media server, free lighting visualiser and also the ability to generate stage lighting paperwork straight from the desk.

Access to learning the MagicQ is easy due to the availability of the free software. Skills and concepts learned on the MagicQ are also easily transferred to other pro stage lighting controls such as the MA, Hog, Martin and Avolites desks.

Pixel Mapping Stage Lighting Guide

by

Media Servers and Digital Lighting was a quick introduction to “convergence” and the technologies involved in using digital media for stage lighting. Current lighting trends include the use of arrays of fixtures such as RGB LED units to replay images and effects, using Pixel Mapping. This article looks at the basics of pixel mapping and asks if it is possible to re create some of these effects on a budget.

Read more

The Magic Sheet And You

by

In the usual OSL style of attempting make your life easier, On Stage Lighting takes a look at “Magic Sheets” in performance lighting, their development and how the concept can be used with modern lighting control platforms with some specific examples using the Cham Sys MagicQ.

Read more

MagicQ Moving Light Tutorial 2 – Palettes and Attributes

by

In the second part of our guide to moving lights control with the Cham Sys MagicQ, we take the previously patched fixtures and manipulate them into palettes while understanding what goes on inside the Programmer.

Read more

Moving Light Control Tutorial MagicQ Part 1

by

In the first of our moving light control tutorials using the Cham Sys MagicQ, we find out how to patch and wrangle intelligent fixtures and follow our progress on a virtual stage using the Capture visualiser.

Read more

MagicQ Tutorial Part 3 – Cues, Timing and FX

by

In the final part of our Cham Sys MagicQ PC Getting Started tutorials, we work to the final stage of preparing our show for the fictional 3 piece band using a simple rig of PARS. If you haven’t already done so, work through MagicQ Tutorials Part 1 and 2 before tackling this one.
In this tutorial we will create another page of playbacks, a short opening sequence using a theatre cue stack and use the FX generator to quickly make some snazzy effects with the Beam Fans. We will also look at some of the theatre stack timing options.

Read more

MagicQ Part 2 – Controlling Fixtures and Recording Memories

by

In Part 2 of our Cham Sys MagicQ tutorial series, we’ll take our work from Part 1 – Getting Started and continue to build a show.

Read more