Using the remote input on MagicQ

Using the remote input on MagicQ

Introduction

The MagicQ PC Wing, MagicQ MaxiWing and MagicQ consoles support a remote input on the
rear panel, which can be used to trigger functions in MagicQ from an external control device or
switch. The remote trigger can be used to trigger Cues in Cues Stacks, to flash playbacks, as a
master GO button, or as a ADD/SWAP selector.

Connection (PC Wing)

On the PC Wing the remote input is provided on a standard 5 pin 180 degree DIN connector.

The connections are (in the sequence they appear physically on the connector)

3 0V and equipment ground

5 Opto isolated input positive

2 Power supply positive (5 Volt, current limited)

4 Opto isolated input negative

1 0V and equipment ground (same as pin 3)

The remote input can be used to receive an external signal on the opto isolated inputs, or it can be
wired to an external switch. To receive an external signal wire the signal + to pin 5 and the signal
– to pin 4. When used as external optically isolated input the maximum continuous voltage rating
is 24V DC.

When wiring to an external switch links pins 4 and 1. Then connect the external switch between
pins 2 and 5.

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Connection (MagicQ Consoles and MagicQ MaxiWing)

On the MagicQ consoles the remote input is provided on a standard 4 pin mini DIN connector.

The connections are (in the sequence they appear physically on the connector)

2 0V and equipment ground

4 Opto isolated input negative

3 Opto isolated input positive

1 Power supply positive (5 Volt, current limited)

The remote input can be used to receive an external signal on the opto isolated inputs, or it can be
wired to an external switch. To receive an external signal wire the signal + to pin 3 and the signal
– to pin 4. When used as external optically isolated input the maximum continuous voltage rating
is 24V DC.

When wiring to an external switch links pins 2 and 4. Then connect the external switch between
pins 3 and 1.

On MagicQ consoles shipped prior to 22 November 2006 it is necessary to make a modification to

the BIOS setup on the console to enable the remote switch. Connect the keyboard to the console,
then on start-up press and hold DELETE for 10 seconds – this should reveal the BIOS setup
window. Select “Peripheral interfaces” and change parallel port to “ECP/EPP”. Then select “Save
and Exit”.

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Enabling the remote input in MagicQ

In the View Settings view in the Setup Window page down to the Port Settings. Set up the remote
trigger type and remote trigger action.

The remote trigger type can be set to NONE, MAKE, or BREAK, depending on whether your
external switch is a push to make or a push to break switch. When using an external signal, setting
the type to make will cause a trigger when the voltage differential is positive.

The remote trigger action, determines what action is taken by MagicQ when the remote input
signal is detected. The options are:

• NONE
• CURRENT PLAYBACK GO
• CURRENT PLAYBACK FLASH
• ADD/SWAP
• SWAP
• DBO
• WING1 PB1 GO
• WING1 PB1 FLASH

When set to NONE there is no special action associated with pressing the remote input. However,
the remote input can still be used in Cue Stacks to trigger specific cues by setting the Halt Field in
the Cue Stack to REMOTE. The Cue will then wait till the remote trigger is detected before
starting to execute the Cue.

When set to SWAP, playbacks are set to SWAP mode whenever the remote signal is detected –
this can therefore be used with a foot-switch to temporarily engage SWAP mode.

WING1 PB1 GO and WING1 PB1 FLASH are provided as an alternative to the current playback
GO and FLASH. This allows, for example, a smoke machine to be set up on WING1 PB1 trigger
by the remote input.

Any comments on how these instructions could be improved will be gratefully received at
support@chamsys.co.uk,

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