Chroma-Q Vista S1 Control Surface – Compact Lighting Control Console. 

The Chroma-Q Vista S1 is a powerful, compact, and flexible lighting control surface designed to work with the Vista by Chroma-Q lighting control software, offering a portable solution for theatrical, concert, club, and event productions. Described as “compact enough to qualify as carry-on luggage,” the Vista S1 connects to a user-supplied Mac or Windows computer running Vista 3 software, providing tactile controls for programming and playback of lighting cues for DMX512-compatible fixtures like the Martin Atomic 3000, Elation Platinum Beam 5R Pro, or Antari AF-3X Fan. With 10 playbacks, a grand master fader, and support for up to 8192 DMX channels (via a separate DMX license dongle), the S1 is ideal for small to mid-sized shows, schools, houses of worship, and rental applications. Its intuitive design and robust feature set make it a versatile alternative to larger consoles, with seamless integration for both live control and pre-programmed playback. 

• Functionality: Acts as a control surface for Vista 3 software, enabling programming and playback of lighting cues, effects, and timelines for DMX fixtures and dimmers like the Leprecon ULD-340. Supports a virtual console view for dragging and dropping playlists, group masters, and button types, which map to the physical console. 
• Control Features: 
  • 10 playbacks with faders and flash buttons for cue playback and instant activation. 
  • Grand master fader and DBO (Dead Black Out) button for overall intensity control and blackout functions. 
  • Dedicated buttons for cue navigation, pause, release, and other playback controls. 
  • Red and yellow modifier buttons for advanced functions, including firmware updates. 
• DMX Output: Supports up to 8192 DMX channels (16 universes) via Vista 3 software, requiring a separate DMX license dongle (e.g., 256-channel at ~$526.50 or 1024-channel) and a USB-to-DMX adapter (e.g., Enttec DMX USB Pro, ~$150–$200) for physical DMX output. 
• Software Compatibility: Requires a user-supplied computer (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 10, or Mac OS) running Vista 3 software (free download from vistabychromaq.com). Supports advanced features like showfile merging and an 11-color engine. 
• Operation Modes: 
  • Primary Control: Functions as a standalone controller for programming and playback in small to mid-sized shows. 
  • Tracking Backup: Serves as a redundant control surface for larger Vista consoles (e.g., Vista EX or L5), ensuring show continuity.
• Construction: Compact, lightweight aluminum and plastic chassis designed for portability and durability, suitable for desktop or rack mounting in stage environments. 
• Applications: Ideal for theaters, concerts, clubs, schools, and houses of worship, controlling fixtures and effects via DMX, with integration for wireless DMX systems like the Marconi TX/LV. 
• Firmware Updates: Supports over-the-air firmware updates via Vista 3 software, with a manual update mode activated by powering on with red and yellow modifiers held.