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Movinghead Custom EFX

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2024 11:40 pm
by cazalrenoux
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

Re: Movinghead Custom EFX

Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2024 11:05 am
by GGGss
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.

Re: Movinghead Custom EFX

Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2024 3:05 pm
by cazalrenoux
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)

Re: Movinghead Custom EFX

Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2024 6:10 pm
by Lampy101
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?

Re: Movinghead Custom EFX

Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2024 8:08 pm
by cazalrenoux
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...

Re: Movinghead Custom EFX

Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2024 9:23 pm
by Lampy101
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.

Re: Movinghead Custom EFX

Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2024 8:55 am
by GGGss
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.

Re: Movinghead Custom EFX

Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2024 12:30 pm
by cazalrenoux
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: