QAxis® is the stage automation control system developed by AVW Controls Ltd for the entertainment industry.
With QAxis software, creating, editing, and running motion control cues has never been simpler. Our user-friendly interface, paired with readily available Omron PLC hardware, makes the process straightforward and efficient.
Forget about juggling multiple screens – with QAxis, operators can view all cue, axis, group, and edit information simultaneously. Switching between running and editing environments is effortless, thanks to our intuitive design.
Drawing on over 20 years of experience with Impressario, we’ve listened carefully to feedback from the theatre world and incorporated it into our QAxis software. We’ve distilled the best elements to create a system that meets your requirements.
QAxis utilises proprietary Omron PLCs, renowned for their reliability and industry-proven performance. This hardware is easily sourced worldwide, enabling us to offer a first-rate stage automation control system that can be customised to fit your specific needs.
Explore the impressive list of features and see which productions are already using QAxis. See the QAxis difference for yourself.
Click here to see a list of QAxis features.
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- QAxis software allows motion control cues to be created, edited and run using a very friendly interface.
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- The number of cues that can be created is vast and any cue can control up to 24 axis simultaneously.
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- QAxis has a very easy cue creation and editing facility that allows for fast programming of cues.
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- QAxis uses Omron PLCs for the main hardware and can communicate using their FINS (Factory Interface Network Service) over ethernet protocol.
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- QAxis has 128 named deads (trims) that can be used as many times as required for any axis in any cue.
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- Six groups (playbacks) allow axis to be either run together or split during the running of cues with individual speed control.
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- The position and status of all axis are displayed the whole time.
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- The time or distance to complete moves and cue speeds are displayed the whole time.
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- There is a weight readout facility with over and under weight settings.
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- There is a dedicated revolve interface to simplify revolve projects.
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- QAxis has a show log to record all operator commands and any system error codes This log can be emailed to AVW directly through the QAxis software.
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- Control of axis is restricted by a password, a keyswitch and a deadman pedal to prevent unintended movement.
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- The single axis controller allows control of any one axis whilst other cues are running for immediate control of an axis without the need to write a cue.
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- The manual page allows easy control of any axis without the need to write a cue for maintenance and installation purposes.
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- QAxis runs on compatible Windows 10 or 11 computers with Full HD display and Ethernet port to communicate with the QAxis hardware.
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- Remote diagnostic support is available if Windows Pro is installed and the user can provide an internet connection.
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- QAxis has a DMX output via sACN for integration with LX systems (Up to 60Hz speed).
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- QAxis has a PosiStageNet output for projection and video mapping (Up to 60Hz speed).
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- QAxis has an OSC (Open Sound Control) input and output for loading and firing automation cues from external control systems or between multiple QAxis systems.
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- QAxis has an MTC (Midi Timecode) input for synchronisation with external control systems.
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- QAxis has a time script facility to trigger cues from internal or external timecode.
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- QAxis has a cue reset facility to recall the start positions for the previous 10 cues.
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- QAxis has a screenshot, video capture and messaging facility to send AVW information when required.
Click here to see the list of shows using QAxis.
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- Jersey Boys UK Tour 2
- Kinky Boots UK Tour 3
- Phantom of the Opera, Teatro Renault, Sao Paulo
- Only Fools and Horses, Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
- Shipwreck, The Almeida Theatre, London
- The American Clock, The Old Vic, London
- Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
- Life of Pi, Sheffield Crucible
- Life of Pi, UK Tour 2023/24
- The Hunt, The Almeida Theatre, London
- The Hunt, St. Ann’s Warehouse, Brooklyn, NYC
- Breaking The Waves, Scottish Opera,
- Breaking The Waves, Detroit Opera
- Breaking The Waves, Houston Grand Opera
- And Juliet, Shaftesbury Theatre, London
- Guys and Dolls, Sheffield Crucible
- The Wheel, TV Show, BBC
- Potters Christmas Show, Potters Resort
- The Grange Festival, Hampshire
- The Good Life, UK Tour
- Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, London Palladium 2022
- Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, UK Tour 2022/23
- Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, UK Tour 2024/25
- Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Australian Tour 2022/23
- Jersey Boys, Trafalgar Theatre, London
- Get Up Stand Up, Lyric Theatre, London
- The Drifters Girl, Garrick Theatre, London
- She Loves Me, Sheffield Crucible
- Ava: The Secret Conversations, Riverside Studios (QAxis software and design only)
- The 47th, The Old Vic, London
- Running with Lions, Hammersmith Lyric, London
- Tammy Faye, The Ameida Theatre, London
- Phantom of the Opera, South Korean Tour 2023/24
- The Wizard of Oz, London Palladium (Overstage automation only)
- Miss Saigon, Sheffield Crucible
- Pygmalion, The Old Vic, London
- Just For One Day, The Old Vic, London
- Lord of the Rings Musical (World tour)
- The Real Thing, The Old Vic, London
- Roots, The Almeida Theatre, London
- Just For One Day, Mirvish Theatre, Toronto
- Oedipus, Old Vic, London
Ready to learn more about QAxis? Download our brochure, instruction manual, or watch the instructional video.
© AVW Controls Ltd 2025