Chamsys New Feature

[inthe128]

Great, now if they can just add a new feature which either slows time or generates more of it so I can actually play with the thing!

 

I keep trying to delve deeper into the functionality of MagicQ but have to admit to hardly having scratched the surface. At the rate Chamsys keeps releasing updates I don't think I will ever catch up. A pleasant dilemma to be faced with; certainly better than waiting forever for non-delivered updates that are intended to implement features that were supposed to have been there from the outset. (Status Cue anybody?)

 

I was given a Hog 3 in 2002 to use by a company, Status Cue, luxury. I bought a Chamsys Maxi Wing to cover a gig 3 years ago, something to fly out with, generally use GrandMA or Hogs, but no interested to invest in the big boys, the return is not possible for me.

 

The Chamsys has turned out to be a bit of a stunner, given its price point, I don't often bother with my "preferred" options anymore. My desk thats already paid for itself a couple of times over already just seems to play at a high level in terms of function, I just view it as "with" MA and way past Flying End Pig Land these days. Its hard not to smile.

 

All I know about the visualiser is is something more than a wire frame thing, that it also print plots in someway and that will include a way to print patch lists, I am very interested to see this. I have Capture and WYSIWYG already, but I can see someone wanting to learn Chamsys this is a great way to see what you are doing on a budget. I was at the Robe plant yesterday taking another look at what they do, same vibe as being at Chamsys, inspires you actually, left Robe thinking why to the Danes even bother and you get the same feeling leaving Southampton on a Chamsys visit. Onwards and upwards.

[DonkiDonki]

I agree completely. while almost every manufacturer now offers powerful pc wing and compact alternatives to their own desks it was Chamsys that first caught my attention.

Originally I had a long term project come up which was looking for help on an almost zero budget. for lighting they had sourced some generics and a few movers but they were struggling to find a cheap enough desk. I said I would look into a PC solution for them, with lightfactory in mind.

I was pretty amazed when I came across MagicQ; for the cost of an Entec USB pro we had an amazingly powerful controller. The show was pretty basic so the lack of control surface was no issue.

It quickly became apparent that this was one of the most powerful controllers I had come across and I bought a PC wing as soon as I could justify it. As a freelance I could never justify the cost of a console but this was perfect.

I now feel a bit sorry for the Chamsys gang; they are victims of their own marketing strategy! The decision to make the software almost full feature for free and allow third party DMX hardware was a brave one, it works but almost too well.

It attracts users like myself who understand the software is from the console and accept the layout and interface for what it is, and we understand the software is only free to promote interest in the hardware; which we would buy in a snap if we had the budget.

Unfortunately (but a good problem; as it still generates users and leads) the free software also attracts novice users who have little background with other consoles and struggle to understand the interface layout; it's soo non ergonomical, etc.

So the developers get badgered for free features which would make the hardware less necessary which is a double kicker as not only would that involve much work for the team but there would be zero revenue, even hurting hardware sales!

But this is the strategy they chose so they have to grin and bear the want-everything-for-free crowd (hey, I'm one of them too!) while trying to flog hardware to the rest of us.

 

I hope this strategy continues to work as I love the system and the support. Hopefully the more "unrealistic" customer requests simply provide the Chamsys crew with funny stories to swap over a much deserved drink.

 

Cheers

[indyld]

Of course, you can currently create and print patch lists on the MagicQ using the Export Heads function. This creates a .csv of the patch which can go into Excel for prettying.

 

It's a great way to start a fixture schedule and keep addressing info accurate if you don't have the need for WYG or other paperwork tool.

[paulears]

I've spent more money in total on 'bits' from Chamsys than the complete control would have cost - but the advantage for me is that I have spent the money gradually, and now have sufficient hardware to be able to mix and match - and have, if I needed it - two separate systems. The most useful feature must be the iphone app - which gets far more use than I ever though, once you realise the execute screen is a very powerful and useful feature.

[DonkiDonki]

I hadn't really bothered with the execute screen until recently as I keep all my pallet on one touchscreen and have the playback screen open on another; which works well for me.

However I have found it very handy when leaving the desk for others to use; even non-lampies. Having the stage wash and a few states on massive buttons on the touchscreen seems to be quite easy for others to locate and use.

 

I still don't use it much myself although it's a welcome feature.

An extra wing would be the next thing on the wish list, but that won't be for a while yet.

 

Please don't mention the iphone app! I may have to give up Android and go iphone next time I upgrade simply because of the MagicQ app. the app is on Android but is a version behind and there is an ominous lack of commitment from Chamsys as to when Android will get the update. I suspect never. It helps all the various apps get created when the boss of the company has the phone.... Don't know if the Chamsys big cheese has one but most directors I meet seem to.

[Madmac]

I would only be seen dead with an I(diot)Phone. As an aside.... what other company would put a USB port on a product then cripple its use.

But then don't get me started on Android / pads USB implementation.

 

As an Android user I can say that the app will be updated at some point.

At the moment development resources are busy with the MQ60, new networking products and the visualiser.

 

George McDuff

[david.elsbury]

As an Android user I can say that the app will be updated at some point.

At the moment development resources are busy with the MQ60, new networking products and the visualiser.

Cool, that's good to know (I'm an Android user also.) I take it you work for Chamsys, by the way you post?

 

David

[norty303]

Yes, I think you could say he's an 'employee' ;)

[david.elsbury]

Yes, I think you could say he's an 'employee' ;)

Right, profile says "Chameleon Technology" so I'm not sure what you're alluding to with your " ;) " there...?

[DonkiDonki]

Yes, I think you could say he's an 'employee' ;)

Right, profile says "Chameleon Technology" so I'm not sure what you're alluding to with your " ;) " there...?

 

Perhaps he is one of said "Big Cheese" types?

 

In fact a quick google is very enlightening, good work sir, Mr McDuff. (I just failed miserably at finding pics of the Icon console, have any handy?)