MagicQ User Manual
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MagicQ asks the user to specify the number of layers required and will patch that number of layers (generic bitmapfx2 heads).
The layers will be named according to the grid that is selected in the Outputs Window. MagicQ uses head numbers above the
other patched fixtures
When operating on a layer within the pixel mapper it will default to operating on the grid that was selected when it was patched.
MagicQ overrides the default value for Grid Number specified in the Head Editor for generic bitmapfx2.
MagicQ automatically adds the settings for the Pixel Mapper to the Media View of the Setup Window. This enables the Pixel
Mapper to be accessed immediately from the Media Window without further set up.
22.4.1
Using Bitmaps, Movies, Text and FX on Grids
The bitmaps and text are controlled using bitmap layers – each layer is controlled like a normal moving light – i.e. it is patched
as a virtual personality - generic bitmapfx2.hed. The personality has channels to select the bitmap or text, channels for X, Y
position and size, rotate and master levels for red, green and blue. Multiple layers can be used to mix between the layers using
add, subtract, min, max or invert colour mix modes.
Each bitmap layer uses 40 channels from the output channels. When you patch the Pixel Mapper from the Grid View, MagicQ
chooses free channels for the layers. These channels are then reserved for the pixel mapper layers and can not be used for
controlling real lights. It is best to patch generic bitmap layers to unused universes or to set them as unpatched.
The Bitmapfx2 is patched to the encoders as follows
• Intensity Page Intensity
• Position Page: Position, size, rotation of the Bitmap/Text/FX.
• Colour Page: Colour, mixing between layers of the Bitmap/Text/FX
• Media Page (Beam 1): Control of Movies, Bitmaps - internal, user and gobo icon library, Live Feeds
• Text Page (Beam 2): Control of Text – 2 separate text engines, real time editing of text string
• FX Page (Beam 3): Control of FX - lines, spots, snakes, rainbows, audio triggers, circles, squares
