Stream Desk to MacMini

[newpersn]

Hi,

 

I want to create a hotkey on a Stream Deck mini that sends a command to a MacMini which is running qLab (we use qLab for our bells as its connected to the schools PA system) (We also use the Mac for other things not just for qLab otherwise that's a waste of money...)

 

The Stream Deck works fine connected directly to the Mac but the mac is going to be located on the other side of the school.

 

I have tired using a USB Network Server with the Stream Deck and it can see the Stream Desk within the USB Network Server Software but wont register in the software. (Just hangs and crashes out - Same on a Windows PC which makes we think its a problem with the USB network server)

 

Is there any other ways of trying to complete this?

 

In short: -

 

We want to put the Stream Deck on a PC in Reception that will send a hotkey to the MacMini to do a function in qLab.

Hope you can understand this.

 

Thanks

[DavidYoung]

Look no further than my faviourite piece of software: Bitfocus Companion.

 

It integrates with many production applications over the network including Qlab, just install it on the PC and you'll be able to control Mac remotely.

[newpersn]

Look no further than my faviourite piece of software: Bitfocus Companion.

 

It integrates with many production applications over the network including Qlab, just install it on the PC and you'll be able to control Mac remotely.

 

Thank you.

 

Currently playing with it now. Is it simple of adding the hotkey in to it?

[DavidYoung]

Currently playing with it now. Is it simple of adding the hotkey in to it?

 

You should be able to add an instance of Qlab and put the Mac's IP address in so it communicates directly.

[newpersn]

You should be able to add an instance of Qlab and put the Mac's IP address in so it communicates directly.

 

Thank you so far. Got so far. Got the Streamdeck on my machine with the buttons address to the hotkeys. - Works well.

 

Is there a way i can make the keyboard short cuts go directly to qLab. as it stands - If its not focused the hotkeys dont work.

 

Is there a way i can start Streamdesk as a service on the PC so the buttons work if the computer is locked or not signed in?

 

Thanks again.

[DavidYoung]

I wouldn't use hotkeys, you should be able to add Qlab directly to Companion so it isn't emulating the keyboard but actually sending the commands directly via OSC. There is also a module which includes feedback so you can have the button change depending which que is running, etc. Instructions for that are here: https://github.com/bitfocus/companion-module-figure53-qlab-advance/blob/master/HELP.md.

 

I'm not sure about running a service on the PC. Another option would be to set up a Raspberry Pi 4 using https://github.com/bitfocus/companion/wiki/CompanionPi-Documentation to keep it seperate.

Edited May 12, 2021 by DavidYoung