ChamSys MagicQ Rack Mount Dongle

Product Overview

The ChamSys MagicQ Rack Mount Dongle is a USB dongle that unlocks MagicQ PC systems from demo mode, giving access to the restricted functions of the free MagicQ software. It performs the same unlocking role as a MagicQ Wing or MagicQ USB Interface but in a small form factor designed to fit easily inside a rack-mounted computer. The dongle also unlocks all 8 layers of standalone MagicHD when MagicHD is not being driven by a ChamSys console. It is well suited to permanent installations where a compact unlock solution is needed.

Product Description

The MagicQ Rack Mount Dongle removes the MagicQ PC and Mac demo-mode restrictions, enabling features that are otherwise locked. Unlocked functionality includes scheduled events, remote control from iOS, Android, PC, and Mac, audio input, full screen execute, autostarting playbacks, playback synchronisation, multi programming, and web server editing in addition to viewing. The dongle also enables triggering of playbacks from DMX input. With the dongle connected, third-party and virtual MIDI interfaces can be used to input MIDI notes into MagicQ, with USB MIDI playback triggering limited to the first 10 playbacks.

A separate use of the dongle is to unlock all 8 layers of MagicHD when running standalone, which is only required when MagicHD is not controlled by a ChamSys console. The Rack Mount Dongle is priced the same as the MagicQ Dual DMX Interface; the dongle is compact and fits a rack-mounted computer, while the Dual DMX Interface adds two DMX output ports for cases where physical DMX output is needed. The unit ships with a limited 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Key Features

• Unlocks MagicQ PC Systems — Removes demo-mode restrictions on MagicQ PC and Mac systems.
• Compact Rack Form Factor — Small USB dongle that fits easily inside a rack-mounted computer.
• Standalone MagicHD Unlock — Unlocks all 8 layers of MagicHD when not controlled by a ChamSys console.
• USB MIDI Support — Enables third-party and virtual MIDI interfaces to input MIDI notes into MagicQ.
• Scheduled Events — Unlocks scheduled event triggering for time-based playback.
• Remote Control — Enables remote control from iOS, Android, PC, and Mac.
• DMX Input Triggering — Allows triggering of playbacks using DMX input.
• Playback and Programming Tools — Unlocks autostarting playbacks, playback synchronisation, multi programming, and full screen execute.
• Web Server Editing — Enables editing through the MagicQ web server in addition to viewing.

Typical Applications

• Permanent Installations — Compact unlock for rack-mounted MagicQ PC systems in fixed installs.
• Standalone MagicHD Playback — Unlocks 8-layer MagicHD media playback without a console.
• Show Control Integration — Enables scheduled events and DMX-triggered playback in automated environments.
• MIDI-Driven Systems — Adds USB MIDI note input for external MIDI controllers.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the MagicQ Rack Mount Dongle do?
It unlocks MagicQ PC and Mac systems from demo mode, enabling the restricted functions of the free MagicQ software.

How is it different from a MagicQ Wing or USB Interface?
It performs the same demo-mode unlock role but in a small dongle form factor that fits easily inside a rack-mounted computer.

Does the dongle unlock MagicHD?
Yes. It unlocks all 8 layers of standalone MagicHD, which is only required when MagicHD is not controlled by a ChamSys console.

How does it compare to the MagicQ Dual DMX Interface?
Both are priced the same. The dongle is compact for rack-mounted computers, while the Dual DMX Interface adds two DMX output ports for cases needing physical DMX output.

Can I use MIDI controllers with the dongle connected?
Yes. It allows third-party and virtual MIDI interfaces to input MIDI notes into MagicQ, with playback triggering limited to the first 10 playbacks.

Does the dongle output DMX directly?
No. It is an unlock dongle and does not provide DMX output ports; the MagicQ Dual DMX Interface provides physical DMX output.