Movinghead Custom EFX

Ask a generic question about the usage of QLC+, not related to a particular operating system
Post Reply
cazalrenoux
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm
Real Name: Franck

Hello,

I have been using QLC+ for a long time now, and I am always discovering new features.
Today, I would like to control a movinghead using an XY PAD and record my movements as an EFX. Is this possible?
If not, how can I create a custom EFX to fit my needs?
During a theater performance, I want to light certain areas of the scenography. The movinghead will always be mounted in the same place.

Thank you for your interest
User avatar
GGGss
Posts: 3052
Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:15 pm
Location: Belgium
Real Name: Fredje Gallon

Recording what happens is some-ish combined in the dump DMX feature. https://docs.qlcplus.org/v4/main-window/dmx-dump This will create a static scene including all selected channels. If you need fluent movements from A to B, create two scenes and set some fade times. (Use realistic values because the physics inside your movers will slow things down - due to inertia and their stepper motor speeds.)

To control the most precise positions, create a default position scene and limit the range of your XY-pad(s). Personally, I use the sliders in level mode and set a course position and a fine-tunable position for the LSB (fine) channel of your mover.
All electric machines work on smoke... when the smoke escapes... they don't work anymore
cazalrenoux
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm
Real Name: Franck

Hello GGGss ,

Thanks for this answer.
I know the dump function, and indeed, I can use it as you suggest. It's not what I had imagined, but it should work: I'll try.

But I would still like to know if it is possible to create or edit an EFX (without being a software developer, a bit like creating a new fixture)
Lampy101
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Jul 09, 2024 9:57 pm
Real Name: Robert Dobbs

I get your question but do you really need an EFX pattern on loop here? What's the result you are hoping for in the theatre?
cazalrenoux
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm
Real Name: Franck

No, I don't think I need that to do what I'm looking for (simulating someone moving a flashlight on the backdrop).
But while looking for how to do it, I asked myself this question... It became curiosity, indeed...
Lampy101
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Jul 09, 2024 9:57 pm
Real Name: Robert Dobbs

cazalrenoux wrote: Mon Nov 18, 2024 8:08 pm No, I don't think I need that to do what I'm looking for (simulating someone moving a flashlight on the backdrop).
But while looking for how to do it, I asked myself this question... It became curiosity, indeed...
Ah OK I got it. I think I'd create a handful of locations along the flashlight path in a sequence then set to random and tune the fade times according to how your fixture moves.
User avatar
GGGss
Posts: 3052
Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:15 pm
Location: Belgium
Real Name: Fredje Gallon

cazalrenoux wrote: Mon Nov 18, 2024 3:05 pm But I would still like to know if it is possible to create or edit an EFX (without being a software developer, a bit like creating a new fixture)
Let's deduce the logic behind an EFX: it's a computed sequence of steps. Create the steps and add them to a chaser or sequence, and voila, you have your own EFX.
All electric machines work on smoke... when the smoke escapes... they don't work anymore
cazalrenoux
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm
Real Name: Franck

Lampy101 wrote: Mon Nov 18, 2024 9:23 pm Ah OK I got it. I think I'd create a handful of locations along the flashlight path in a sequence then set to random and tune the fade times according to how your fixture moves.
Yes ! :idea:
Post Reply