Getting Started
PanoraMA is a professional followspot controller designed specifically for GrandMA3 lighting consoles. It transforms your Android device into a precise pan/tilt controller for moving head fixtures.
Requirements
- Android 8.0 or later
- GrandMA3 console or onPC (software version 1.5 or later recommended)
- WiFi network connecting your Android device and console
- OSC input enabled on your GrandMA3
- Moving head fixtures with Pan/Tilt attributes
First Launch
- Install PanoraMA from the download link
- Ensure your Android device is on the same network as your GrandMA3
- Open PanoraMA and navigate to Settings
- Enter your GrandMA3 console IP address
- Configure your fixture selection (group or fixture number)
- Tap Connect to establish the OSC connection
Tip: PanoraMA displays your device's IP address in the Settings screen. You'll need this IP to configure OSC input on your GrandMA3.
OSC Setup
PanoraMA communicates with GrandMA3 using the OSC (Open Sound Control) protocol over UDP.
GrandMA3 Configuration
- On your GrandMA3, go to
Menu > Network > Protocols > OSC - Enable OSC Input
- Add a new OSC input with:
- IP: Your Android device's IP (shown in PanoraMA Settings)
- Port: 8000 (or your custom port)
PanoraMA Configuration
- Console IP: Enter your GrandMA3's IP address
- Port: Default is 8000 (must match GrandMA3's OSC port)
OSC Commands
PanoraMA sends standard GrandMA3 commands via OSC:
Attribute "pan" At [value] Fade [time]Attribute "tilt" At [value] Fade [time]Attribute "dimmer" At [value]Attribute "zoom" At [value]
Important: Both devices must be on the same network subnet. If using a router, ensure no firewall is blocking the OSC port.
Touchpad Control
The touchpad is PanoraMA's main control interface - an XY pad that maps directly to your fixture's Pan and Tilt attributes.
How It Works
- Horizontal movement (X): Controls Pan
- Vertical movement (Y): Controls Tilt
- The crosshair shows your current position
- Values are sent in real-time as you move
Coordinate System
The touchpad uses a normalized 0-1 coordinate system that maps to your fixture's full pan/tilt range:
- Center (0.5, 0.5): Home position
- Left edge (0, y): Minimum Pan
- Right edge (1, y): Maximum Pan
- Top edge (x, 0): Minimum Tilt
- Bottom edge (x, 1): Maximum Tilt
Touch Modes
- Drag: Move your finger to control position
- Tap: Jump directly to the tapped position (with fade if configured)
Tip: For precise control, enable the Fade setting. This smooths out your movements and prevents jerky fixture motion.
Markers
Markers allow you to save and recall preset positions for quick access during a show.
Creating Markers
- Position your fixture using the touchpad
- Tap the "Add Marker" button
- Enter a name for the marker (e.g., "Stage Left", "Drummer", "Lead Vocal")
- The marker saves the current Pan/Tilt position
Using Markers
- Tap a marker: Instantly move to that position (uses Fade time if set)
- Long-press: Edit or delete the marker
Marker Organization
- Markers are saved per project
- Create different projects for different shows/venues
- Markers persist between app sessions
Tip: Set up your markers during sound check. Name them after the performers or stage positions for quick access during the show.
Dimmer & Zoom
Control your fixture's intensity and beam size directly from PanoraMA.
Dimmer Control
- Use the dedicated Dimmer slider or fader
- Range: 0% (blackout) to 100% (full)
- Changes apply immediately to the selected fixture(s)
Zoom Control
- Adjust the beam angle from spot to flood
- Available on fixtures with motorized zoom
- Use to adjust beam size for different performers
Gamepad Control
When using a gamepad:
- D-PAD Up/Down: Controls Dimmer (+5% / -5%)
- Left Stick Y: Controls Zoom (up = narrow, down = wide)
Move In Black (MIB)
MIB mode allows you to reposition your fixture invisibly while the beam is off.
How It Works
- Enable MIB mode in the control panel
- The dimmer automatically goes to 0%
- Position your fixture using the touchpad or markers
- Disable MIB to bring up the dimmer
Use Cases
- Prepositioning during blackouts
- Moving to the next performer without visible light
- Resetting between songs or scenes
Note: MIB only affects the dimmer. Pan/Tilt movements are still visible if you're looking at the fixture itself, just not the projected light.
Fade Transitions
Fade time controls how smoothly your fixture moves between positions.
Setting Fade Time
- Adjust the Fade slider in the control panel
- Range: 0s (instant) to several seconds
- Higher values = smoother, slower movements
When to Use Fade
- 0s (off): Fast following, responsive control
- 0.5-1s: Smooth transitions between positions
- 2-3s: Dramatic slow movements
Fade with Markers
When you tap a marker, the fixture moves to that position using the current Fade time. This creates smooth transitions between preset positions.
Tip: Use a short fade time (0.3-0.5s) for general followspot work. This smooths out hand jitter while keeping the beam responsive.
Gamepad Control
PanoraMA supports Bluetooth and USB gamepads for hands-free control.
Compatible Controllers
- Xbox: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S controllers
- PlayStation: DualShock 4, DualSense
- 8BitDo: Pro 2, SN30 Pro+
- Razer: Kishi, Wolverine
- Most generic USB/Bluetooth controllers
Default Button Mapping
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Right Stick | Pan / Tilt control |
| Left Stick Y | Zoom control |
| D-PAD Up | Dimmer + (increase by 5%) |
| D-PAD Down | Dimmer - (decrease by 5%) |
| A Button | Go to selected marker |
| B Button | Next marker |
| X Button | Previous marker |
| Y Button | Toggle MIB (Move In Black) |
| LB / RB | Fixture selection -/+ |
| LB + RB | Home position |
Connecting a Gamepad
- Put your controller in pairing mode
- Go to Android Bluetooth settings
- Pair the controller
- Open PanoraMA - the controller is automatically detected
Tip: Gamepad control is perfect for situations where you need both hands free or want more precise analog control than a touchscreen provides.
Web Interface
PanoraMA includes a built-in web interface that can be accessed from any device on your network.
Enabling the Web Interface
- Go to Settings in PanoraMA
- Enable "Web Interface"
- Note the displayed URL (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:8080)
Accessing from Another Device
- Open a web browser on any device (laptop, tablet, another phone)
- Enter the PanoraMA URL
- You can now control your fixtures from that device
Use Cases
- Control from a laptop at FOH
- Multiple operators using different devices
- Backup control interface
Settings
OSC Connection
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Console IP | IP address of your GrandMA3 console |
| Port | OSC port (default: 8000) |
| Connect/Disconnect | Toggle the OSC connection |
Fixture Selection
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Fixture/Group | Target fixture or group number |
| Selection Mode | Single fixture or group control |
Control
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Default Fade | Default fade time for movements |
| Invert Pan | Reverse Pan direction |
| Invert Tilt | Reverse Tilt direction |
Interface
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep Screen On | Prevent screen timeout during use |
| Web Interface | Enable/disable web control |
| Web Port | Port for web interface (default: 8080) |
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues
"Cannot connect to console"
- Verify both devices are on the same network
- Check that the console IP address is correct
- Ensure OSC input is enabled on GrandMA3
- Check firewall settings on your network
Fixture not responding
- Verify the fixture/group number is correct
- Check that the fixture is patched and has Pan/Tilt attributes
- Ensure no other programmer has exclusive control
Control Issues
Movement feels inverted
- Use the Invert Pan/Tilt settings to correct direction
- This is common when fixtures are hung in different orientations
Movement is jerky
- Increase the Fade time for smoother transitions
- Check WiFi signal strength
- Reduce network congestion
Gamepad Issues
Controller not detected
- Ensure the controller is paired in Android settings
- Try reconnecting the controller
- Check if the controller is supported
Need more help? Contact support or check our website for additional troubleshooting guides and FAQ.