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Cues and Loops

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2023 6:11 am
by BlandSauce
I've known about QLC+ for quite a while, but only just started messing with it this past week.

Something that I haven't been able to figure out a good way to do is have looped things, both light sequences/chasers and audio, continue looping through later cues.
For example, I would like a looping RGB color effect from one fixture going, and then have the rest of the scene lighting change without interrupting the loop.
Or for audio, there will likely be both looping ambient music over scenes, but sound effects as well.
Ideally, everything is running off a single cue list.

I've messed around a bit and have gotten what I'm looking for working with multiple parallel Chaser cue lists, and it sounds possible to control them from one with loopback, but there seems like too much risk of the Chasers getting out of sync, and a real headache if any cues are added later. I've also tried a a method with Collections, but that restarts the loop back at its beginning. I've also tried Infinite Fade Out on cues (only seems to work for audio), but then haven't found a way to stop them later.

Any pointers in the right direction would be appreciated.

Re: Cues and Loops

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2023 7:58 am
by GGGss
And here comes the show part of QLC+ into play. Unfortunately, it doesn't work nicely. You'll quickly start getting frustrated.
A workaround would be using a main chaser with tad sub chasers (and collections to start multiple things at once). Rearranging your project into sub-sections will help. Even afterwards when things have to be altered.
It is the main chaser who will loop forever, and instruction its sub-chasers to do their thing.
BlandSauce wrote: Tue Jul 18, 2023 6:11 am For example, I would like a looping RGB color effect from one fixture going, and then have the rest of the scene lighting change without interrupting the loop.
Now you have 2 strategies: or you use HTP logix where the highest values win the battle, __or__ you choose to go the LTP way. With LTP (Latest Takes Precedence), the latest sent value will win the battle. In conjunction with RBG effects, the outcome may look erratic (because multiple sources are the 'latest'-senders).

Re: Cues and Loops

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2023 10:23 am
by MichelSliepenbeek
but then haven't found a way to stop them later.
You could have a look at Scripts to start and stop functions.

With LTP (Latest Takes Precedence), the latest sent value will win the battle.
I have set all my fixtures to LTP and like to use several RGB matrices together.
As an example, you can start with (a scene in a fixed color) or a Color Changer effect , like Balls, Gradient or Plasma (in Control Mode = Default).
Now you can add a Pulsing or Fading effect to it by starting a second RGB Matrix, like Strobe, Waves, Noise etc.

It is important not to use the same Control Mode for those additional funcions (because otherwise in LTP it will just replace the previously started function), but use Control Modes like Mask, Add and Subtract.
If you put the buttons that start those Functions in a separate frame with its own Subchaser, you can even use this slider to gradually Add or Substract the effect to it.

Some more tips:
- with RGB Matrices and Sequences you can make use of the Run Once option (for instance as a break, when you change from one scene to another).
A simular option could be to launch your RGB Matrix with a script (startfunction("matrix") , wait 5 seconds, stopfunction("matrix") ).
- if you use many different colors in your show, but don't want to create RGB Matices in all those colors, just use Control Mode = Mask.
It will make use of all the Colors and Fixture Levels you have set before.
- by creating additional Fixture Groups (like Wash Front and Wash Rear), you can realise that your RGB Matrix will only run on selected fixtures.
- within RGB Matrices you can use different shades of Grey as Blending Color.
Just as an example: if you use Pattern = Plain Color, Blend Mode = Subtract and Blending Color = R64, G64, B64, you can use it as a "temporary 25% Dimmer".
- you could also have a look at Effects.
Depending on the type of Fixture you are using, the available modes, next to Position, can also be RGB and/or Dimmer.
If you select RGB Mode and put it in Relative Mode, you have another option to create effects that run on top of your basic scenes.
For an example : viewtopic.php?p=67586#p67586

Re: Cues and Loops

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2023 6:22 pm
by GGGss
THX @Michel for your extended explanation - I do lack the power to elaborate extensively ...
Your addons seem to be very fine !! (exclamation mark times 2 - honors to which it belongs)