Light System DALI

Digital and analogue inputs
The current generation of ERCO Light Servers has a total of 12 inputs - six of them can be used exclusively as digital/switch inputs, the other six optionally as digital/switch inputs or as analogue inputs. This extends the range of scenarios through which Light System DALI can be controlled not only with conventional switches and push-buttons but also with analogue and digital sensors. If a Light Server´s 12 inputs are insufficient, the number of inputs can be increased by using the Input Box.

Digital/switch inputsUp to 12 digital/switch inputs can be assigned different functions, such as the recall of a specific light scene or sequence, a list of light scenes running as a progression on repeated operation, but also master dimming up and down. Each input can be assigned to one or more push-buttons in parallel. The model and the functions to be triggered are specified in the Light Book module of the Light Studio software.

Analogue inputs
To connect analogue sensors, six of the twelve digital/switch inputs of the Light Server 64+ can be used as analogue inputs, if required. This facility allows for there to be many ways of automatically controlling and regulating light scenes - especially of value for reduced energy consumption.

Daylight-dependent control
A typical application for the analogue inputs is daylight-dependent lighting control - an outdoor sensor generating an analogue signal responding to the daylight conditions. The sensor can be set up with 12 switching thresholds in Light Studio. Depending on the analogue value measured, the sensor triggers the appropriate scene or sequence when a threshold value is exceeded.

Constant light regulation
A further application of analogue inputs is constant light regulation. Here, an indoor sensor measures the illuminance at a pre-defined point in the room. By master dimming the relevant zone, it is held constant despite fluctuating daylight. This allows optimum usage of natural light and greatly reduces the energy used by artificial lighting. The target illuminance is set individually for each light scene in the Light Studio software.

Connection of Light System DALI and PC via networkIn addition to USB cables, the PC with the Light Studio software can now also be connected to the Light Server 64+ via Ethernet - either directly by cable with a single Light Server 64+, or via a hub or switch. The PC and hub can also be connected by cable or wirelessly (WLAN). This option provides the flexibility needed, for example, to set up systems that include more than one room: on the wireless notebook PC, the scenes can thus be programmed wherever they are.

Connection of media technology
Ethernet may also be used to connect the Light System DALI with standard controls for media technology. Many functions of Light System DALI can be controlled using a documented programming interface. Media controls from the manufacturer AMX are already compatible with Light Studio.

Light System LON interface
To network Light System DALI together with building management systems based on the LON bus system, the iLON Smart Server gateway made by Echelon can be used in conjunction with an ERCO-specific software for the LON administrator. The gateway is connected to the Light System DALI via the Ethernet. This makes network functions available to the LON, such as the selection of scenes or sequences and the dimming and switching of groups in the Light System DALI.

Software module for blinds and screens
Equipment such as blinds or screens can now both be conveniently and logically controlled from Light System DALI and be integrated in light scenes. Light Studio now features a special software function for blind and screen control, which can be assigned as an attribute to a DALI switching actuator. To control the blinds and screens, a contact locking mechanism for the switching actuator must be provided on site.