MagicQ supports the remote control of other MagicQ consoles and PC/Macsystems. Any MagicQ console or any MagicQ PC system can be controlledfrom any other MagicQ console or MagicQ PC system on the network. Thisenables complete remote management of any system from any other system.The remote system appears exactly as if it were running on the localsystem.
Remote control over a VPN is supported subject to the VPN allowing UDP traffic on port 4910 and TCP traffic on port 4911.
Remote Control must be enabled on the console that is to be controlled –by default it is disabled. It can be enabled in Setup, View Settings,Multi Console settings, Enable Remote Control.
When you install MagicQ on PC or Mac there is a MagicQ Remote Control option under the ChamSys menu that enables MagicQ to run solely inremote control mode.
In remote control mode MagicQ acts only as a remote control system; it does nottransmit any network traffic (such as lighting protocols, Art-Net, ACN, Pathport etc…) except for thecontrol of the remote MagicQ system.
When you start up MagicQ in remote mode it will scan for MagicQ consoleson the network and give a list of the available consoles to select from.
In the list is "Specify IP" to enable connection to a specific IP in case MagicQ is unable to detect the console - e.g. when using a VPN.
To stop remote control of a MagicQ console aned exit click on "Quit".
To stop remote control of a MagicQ console and choose a different console press CTRL CLOSE.
The remote control function can be accessed from MagicQ in Setup, View System, View Monitors. To control anotherMagicQ press the Remote Control soft button. MagicQ then presents a listof all the other MagicQ consoles / MagicQ PC systems it can find on thenetwork and you can choose which one you wish to control.
If for any reason it cannot connect to the console you can abort the remote control by pressing the backspace ←- key, or by pressing CTRL CLOSE.
You can tell which system you are controlling by looking at the systemname in the Status Display (above PB1 to PB5). When MagicQ is remotecontrolling another console it indicates "REM" at the start of thisstatus line.
To end remote control of another system press CTRL 1 on the keyboard ofthe controlling system. Alternatively press QUIT or CTRL CLOSE on thecontrolling system. The status line will change back to be the normalline without "REM".
When a remote system is under remote control it is still possible tocontrol the system locally – the normal system interface is still fullyoperational. We recommend that you only use one interface at a time –having two operators will cause confusion!
This function is only enabled when the target system (i.e. the one youwish to control) is a MagicQ console, or it is a MagicQ PC system with aMagicQ PC Wing or MagicQ USB interface attached. There are norestrictions on the MagicQ system that you use to control the remotesystem – for example, this can be MagicQ PC running on a wirelesstablet.
You can specify a particular IP address to connect to by entering the IP address in the command line before pressing REMOTE CONTROL or through the "Specify IP" option in the list of consoles.
MagicQ systems can be used together with an Apple iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch or Android phone or tablet for remote control.
All MagicQ consoles support remote control. On MagicQ PC systems remotecontrol support is only unlocked when connected to a MagicQ Wing orMagicQ Interfaces (not MagicDMX).
In order to use the remote with a MagicQ console, connect an external wireless access pointto the console via network cable. Some consoles also have an inbuilt wireless access pointwhich can be used instead or, when the app is simply being used as an additional screen themobile device can be connected directly to the console via an ethernet adaptor.
The MagicQ Remote application can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store. For Androidit can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store.
To enable support for the remote application, go to Setup, View Settings,Multi Console, set Enable remote control and Enable remote access to "Enabled".
In order to use a wireless access point with MagicQ you must configure theaccess point with an SSID, password, IP address and subnet mask.
Most access points have an inbuilt web server that enables configurationfrom a PC or Mac using a web browser. The web server generally has ausername and password - you will need to consult the instruction manualfor your particular access point.
Access points usually default to a standard IP addess such as192.168.1.1 and subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Most acess points haveDHCP support - i.e. the access point will attempt to give out IPaddresses to other computers on the network. DHCP may be enabled ordisabled by default depending on the type of access point. Consult themanual for your access point to determine how to configure it.
In order for the wireless access point to work correctly with MagicQ,the access point should be in the same IP address range as the MagicQconsole / MagicQ PC/Mac.
For example, if the console is set to IP address 2.0.0.5 then theaccess point should have an IP address on the 2.0.0.x network – e.g.2.0.0.1. Note that many access points only support subnet masks of255.255.255.0 instead of the normal Art-Net subnet mask 255.0.0.0. Thiscan be overcome by simply making sure that all your devices are on thesame subnet – i.e. all devices have a 2.0.0.x address.
The remote device (iOS/Android) should also have an IPaddress in the same range.
The access point can be set up with DHCP to provide a range of IPaddresses to wireless devices - this removes the need to set the IPaddress manually on the remote device. For example, you could set upyour wireless access point to give out IP addresses in the range2.0.0.100 to 2.0.0.150.
Security settings should be set up on your access point to avoidunauthorised control of the console.
When using your own wireless access point the WIFI settings in MagicQ arenot used - these are only for consoles with inbuilt wireless. Ensurethat Setup, View Settings, WIFI, Wireless mode is set to "Disabled".
These consoles have an inbuilt wireless access point:
- MQ50
- MQ70)
- MQ70 (original)
- Pro 2010/2014 (optional extra via USB device)
Inbuilt wireless on Pro 2010/2014 consoles requires the Edimax EW-7711UAnUSB device.
For all other consoles, and on PC/Mac, you need your own wireless accesspoint connected via the wired network port (see Setting up an access pointabove).
Inbuilt wireless can be configured in Setup, View Settings, WIFI:
Wireless mode needs to be set to "Access Point" or "Access Point (Hidden SSID)".
The rest of the settings can be left at their default values.
See WIFI Settings for more information on the settingsin this window.
The IP address in the WIFI tab should be in a different range from the IP addressin the Network tab.
You can scan the QR code from the MagicQ Remote app or your device’s camera appto automatically connect to the wireless network, or you can connect manually(see below).
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Pro2010/2014: MagicQ versions 1.5.4.0 to 1.5.6.0 had problems with the Edimxinterface. 1.5.6.2 supports it ok, but it is necessary to upgrade thekernel first to kernel version 3.9.2.0. Note that before updating thekernel you must set the Wireless mode to None. |
In environments where there are a large number of WiFi devices or other devices that mayinterfere with WiFi signals and when the remote app is being used next to the console (eg asan additional screen) it can be beneficial to connect via ethernet network cable rather thanWiFi.
To do this an ethernet adaptor is required for your mobile device. The ethernet adaptorplugs into the USB or Lightning port of your Android or Apple device and allows an ethernetcable to be connected (ensure that the adaptor you buy is suitable for your device).
Most devices can be connected either via a network external to the console which provides DHCPor directly to the console by setting a static IP address.
With an ethernet adaptor connected to an Apple device an Ethernet menu option will appear inthe device’s Settings menu and under this an item for Interfaces. When connecting via anexternal network the LAN interface’s Configure IP should be set to Automatic. This willconfigure the network settings for you. When using an ethernet cable connected directly to theconsole Configure IP should be set to Manual.
The location of Ethernet settings on Android devices varies depending on the device but on manydevices an option, More connection settings, is found under Connections in the Settings app.Under this option is an item for Ethernet which will be greyed out until the ethernet adaptoris connected. Under the Ethernet option is an option, Configure Ethernet device. Whenconnecting via an external network the Connection type under this should be set to DHCP.This will configure the network settings for you. When using an ethernet cable connected directlyto the console Connection type should be set to Static IP. To change settings the EthernetOption will need to be disabled and should be enabled once the changes have been made.Some Android devices do not allow a static IP to be set. If you still require to connect thedevice directly to the console then you can do so via the Control Net secondarynetwork interface. This should be set to a mode with the DHCP server enabled.
When using a Manual or Static IP connection the IP Address should be set to be in thesame range as the console (eg if the console has an IP address of 2.0.0.5 the IP address couldbe set to 2.0.0.7). The Subnet Mask or Netmask should be set to the same value as set on theconsole.
To use an ethernet adaptor you may need to disable WiFi on the device.
In the case of inbuilt WiFi, you can scan the QR code in the WiFi settingstab using the MagicQ Remote app.
If you are using your own access point you need to connect manually:
- Turn on your mobile device and select the required wireless network toconnect to - the network name (SSID) of your access point.
- Check the WiFi settings for the remote device to ensure that it hasautomatically received a correct IP address. If it has not, then enter astatic IP address - this must be in the same range as the console IPaddress (when using your own access point).
- Open the MagicQ remote app.
- In the remote application, go to the Con tab. Youshould see a list of all the available MagicQ consoles on the network. Select therequired console so that it has red border. If your console does not appear in the listSelect Manual IP and enter the IP address of the console.
- You should now have control. Change to the Pos tab and try selectinga group.
If you are connecting via a VPN then you must specify the IP address ofMagicQ in the Settings view of the app. The VPN must allow UDP traffic on port 4920.
The Con tab on MagicQ Remote has a green communication health bar. If this starts to turnred then packets are being missed and there is an issue with communication between MagicQand MagicQ Remote. Check that the device that the app is running on is in range of the WiFiaccess point it is connected to. Communication will also be impacted by other devices eitherusing WiFi or interfering with it.
It is easy to modify palettes with the remote application.
In the Focus tab (Key tab on iPad), select your heads (e.g. GROUP 1ENTER) then select the position palette (e.g. POS 5 ENTER). If youcannot remember the numbers then change to the Windows tab and selectthe Pos, Colour or Beam Windows.
In the Focus tab use the encoder wheels to modify the look on stage. Ona small screen device like a phone use the Bank button to change the attributes controlled bythe wheel. On a tablet or other large screen device you can press the Pos, Colour, Beam buttons.
When you are happy with you look then record over the palette (e.g. RECPOS 5 ENTER). MagicQ will ask for a confirmation. Press 1 to confirmyes. Press 0 to cancel.
We recommend you use the Execute Window on the remote app for shortcuts,group selections, focus test, etc… Items from the Group, Position,Colour, Beam, Cue Stack Store, Cue Store, Playback and Macro windows canall be copied into the Execute Window for immediate access from theremote device.
On the MagicQ console press the Execute Window and then press SET GRIDSIZE to create grid 1. We recommend a grid size 5/5 for theiPhone/Android phones. For iPad 10/10 or 12/12 is good.
Copy items from the Group, Pos, Colour Beam windows into the ExecuteWindow. You can copy multiple items in one go, by using SHIFT and thecursor keys in the source window to select multiple items. Press COPY.If it says "select source" then press COPY again. When it says "selectdestination" change to the Execute Window and select the place in thegrid to copy to.
This latest version allows the Execute Window images to be shown on yourdevice as images instead of boxes. Custom button images will beautomatically downloaded to the app from MagicQ.
The app can be limited to only have access to the Execute Window by modifying the "Enable Remote App" setting in the user settings on MagicQ. (This mode was formally called Install Mode). Access can also limited to selected users. See the section on Restricting Remote App Access for more information.A particular console IP address can also be specified in the app Settings View to ensure the app always connects to the correct console. The Execute Page number can also be specified in the Settings View.
The Settings View in the app has the following options:
- Username - The username required to access MagicQ.
- Password - The password required to access MagicQ.
- Execute Page # - The Execute page to display.
- MagicQ IP Address - The IP address of the MagicQ device to connect to.
- Pos Pan/Tilt Invert - When enabled the direction of the Pan/Tilt wheels in the Position Window are inverted.
- Win Status Display - When enabled the MagicQ Status box is added to the bottom of the "Window" Window.
- Win Match Columns - When enabled Window Views will match the number of columns used in MagicQ.
- Redownload Images - When enabled the custom images for the Execute Window are redownloaded from MagicQ overwriting any existing ones.
- Execute Appearance - Allows the appearance of the Execute Window to be toggled between Boxes and Coloured buttons with additional detail.
- Large Screen Mode - When enabled the Keyboard and Focus Windows are combined into a single view with additional controls. This is enabled by default on large screen devices.
- Display Views on MagicQ - When enabled switching the Window View on the app will also display that view on MagicQ.
- Lock Orientation - (Android Only) When enabled the orientation of the app will not change when the device is rotated.
- Delete All Downloaded Images - When selected all Execute Window images downloaded from MagicQ are deleted from the app device.
The top section of the Help View in the app displays the release notes and copyright notices for the app. Below this are the details of the version of the app and (if the device has an internet connection) the details of the latest available stable and beta version of MagicQ. Tapping the Stable version details will open the ChamSys MagicQ Downloads webpage.
If the app is connected to MagicQ then the details of the version running are also displayed.
At the bottom of the view are a grid of buttons:
- Open Manual - Opens the MagicQ Manual webpage.
- Email Support - Opens a view with help information and a form to contact ChamSys Support.
- Fixture Finder - Open the ChamSys Fixture Finder webpage.
- Copyright Notices / Release Notes - Toggles the content of the top view.
- Report Bug - Opens the ChamSys Bug Tracker to report a bug.
- Join Beta Programme - Opens a form on the App Store to opt in to Beta versions of the app.
These two views can be combined into a single Focus view. This is the default on tablets and other large screen devices and can be toggled view the Large Screen Mode control in Settings.
The Bank control allows selection of a bank of attributes for the Focus View encoders. Tapping the centre of the encoder allows the range to be selected.The Shift button on the combined view will act on the next control selected. If enabled on MagicQ Remote it will not affect a control selected on MagicQ.With Position attributes selected the Enc and Touch buttons will toggle between encoder and touch pad control. The arrow bars on either axis can be used to adjust the value on a single axis.With Colour attributes selected the Enc and Picker buttons will toggle between encoder and colour picker control.
The Position View provides pan and tilt bars and a set of controls specific to positioning.
The Execute Window replicates the window from MagicQ. Custom images will be downloaded from MagicQ. The page shown can be changed by assigning Exec Page, Exec Pg Up and Exec Pg Down special button or by setting the Execute Page # in Settings. From Settings the appearance of the window can also be toggled between Boxes and Coloured.
MagicQ includes an in-built web server for enabling access to MagicQfrom web browsers on external computers, pocket PCs and mobile phoneswith web browsers. The web server includes web pages for monitoring ofthe status of the MagicQ, remote control, and access to the MagicQwindows such as the Patch window for downloading complete patch lists /cue sheets.
By default the web server is disabled – enable it in Setup,Network Settings. The default port is 8080 although this can be changedin the Network Settings.
To browse to the console enter the console name followed by the portnumber, e.g. for chamsys176, enter the URL in your browser. Note that bydefault most browsers use port 80 – so you must explicitly specify port8080 in the URL or it will not work.
chamsys176:8080
or you can use the IP address of the MagicQ (e.g. 2.0.0..5)
2.0.0.5:8080
This URL will get you to the home page on the MagicQ console - a generalsystem overview and a main menu of items, including Remote, Execute,Windows and Network.
On some browsers / PDAs you may need to enter the full http line:
http://chamsys176:8080/index.html
or
http://2.9.200.5:8080/index.html
The Remote page is a simple remote focus for setting channel levels. Itcan also be accessed by adding "/remote" to the URL. This is useful forPocket PC and mobile phones to go directly to the remote control page.
chamsys176:8080/remote
In order to set up a PC, Pocket PC or mobile phone to connect to MagicQyou must ensure that there is a physical connection to MagicQ – eitherdirectly via network cable, or via a wireless router. The IP address ofthe PC, Pocket PC, or mobile phone must be set to be on the same networkas the MagicQ – this is generally the Art-Net IP addressing scheme – sothe device must have an IP address starting with 2 (e.g. 2.0.0.2) and asubnet mask of 255.0.0.0.
The Execute page is very similar to the Execute Windows on the consolebut accessible through any PC with a browser on the network – it enablesusers to remote manage the console via the Execute window.
The Windows pages enable users to view all the windows on the consoleremotely within a browser. This is useful for checking the status of aremote console or for easy printing of console show data.
The Network page shows all the MagicQ consoles and PC systems on thenetworks and enables easy selection of particular consoles for remotecontrol.
The Remote and Execute functions are only enabled when connected to aMagicQ console or a MagicQ PC System that is itself connected to aMagicQ wing or MagicQ interface.
There is now support for user HTML pages. These pages should be storedin the web folder and their name should start with "user" e.g.user1.html, user2.html. The MagicQ remote commands can be sent from theHTML using the button/input types to submit.
<html><head><META NAME="HandheldFriendly" content="True"><METANAME="MobileOptimized" CONTENT="240"><title>MagicQ User HTML Page</title></head><body><!-- User forms must start with the name user - e.g. user1, user2 --><!-- Remote commands can be found in the MagicQ manual --><FORM ACTION="user.html" name="user" METHOD=GET><!-- Remote commands are sent using input types --><!-- Place the command in the value and set the name to "cmd" --><input type="submit" value="1T" name="cmd"><input type="submit" value="1U" name="cmd"><p><!-- Or as button types --><!-- Note for Internet Explorer to work the valuefeature below is not used and you must put the remotecommand in the name after "cmd" --><button type="submit" name="cmd1T" value="1T">PB1 act</button><button type="submit" name="cmd1U" value="1U">PB1 rel</button>
MagicQ supports a Magic Wand simulator which acts like the MagicQPlayback Wand.
To use the Magic Wand simulator start MagicQ with the command lineargument "wand". MagicQ will run just a simulation of the Magic Wandcontrolling the first 4 playbacks from the first Wing.
If you wish to restrict the Wand simulation to only connect to aspecific IP address then include the required IP address as the secondcommand line argument of the IP address.
The MagicQ Wand simulator must be run on a separate system to the one running MagicQ.
