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Getting to know: Philips Dynalite Antumbra Button

The Philips Dynalite AntumbraButton user interface consists of easy to press mechanical buttons that can be customized with text or icons and incorporates the latest in field effect technology. The contemporary design features a number of button configurations, with each button capable of local or site-wide control functions. 

  • Field effect technology – The user interface detects an approaching user and ‘wakes up’, initiating a wall-wash lighting effect to encourage interaction.
  • Supplied as two components – The Application Module contains buttons, rim, base and mounting plate, which can be mixed and matched to suit décor. The Communication Module contains all of the logical and network functions and is pre-programmed off-site, allowing commissioning to commence prior to finish options being finalized.
  • Hidden sensory inputs – An internal light sensor measures ambient light and adjusts lightwash effect accordingly. A built-in temperature sensor automatically adjusts air conditioning when integrated into the system.
  • Multiple language and icon labeling – Button labeling language choices include English, Chinese and Arabic. A library of common icons transcends language barriers, which is particularly useful in hospitality applications.
  • Selection of rim and fascia options – Allows décor matching to suit any environment.

Specification Sheet
Installation Instructions

Button configurations

 For The Australian market, the Antumbra Button series is available with three different button configurations; 2/4/6 buttons. The base button application module is the same on all models, with the buttons easily attached and removed if required.

  • PA2BPA
  • PA4BPA
  • PA6BPA

Product codes

When ordering, there is a suffix added to the standard product code that specifies finish options:

  • Button finish
  • Rim finish
  • Labelling

Button colour/finish

Antumbra is now available with a range of finishes, to suit any decor. The traditional plastic (polycarbonate) button finishes are now complimented by a range of stunning metallic finishes. 

Polycarbonate finishes (Plastic)
W = White
S = Silver
M = Magnesium

Metallic finishes
A = Aluminium
G = Gold
J = Jet
N = Noir
P = Prestige
V = Vintage

Rim finish

The Antumbra range can be ordered with a mix of rim finishes to compliment the button finish. Rims are plastic, with the aluminium and chrome being a metallic look, rather than being metal.

W = White
A = Aluminium
C = Chrome
M = Magnesium

Custom labelling

Custom labelling has always been a feature of Dynalite user interfaces. I recommend and encourage all user interfaces to be labelled to improve the user experience for the client.

X = No labels (blank)
L = Custom labels

Use the online Philips Antumbra configurator to produce labelling documentation, to sign off on, and accompany your purchase order.

Pricing

When reviewing the Philips Dynalite price list, pricing Antumbra panels can be a little confusing.

  • All button configurations are the same price (i.e. 2/4/6 buttons).
  • All rim colours are the same price (when included with the panel).
  • Button finish pricing varies, between polycarbonate and metallic.
  • All Antumbra panels require a DACM communications modules, that is ordered as a separate product.
  • All panels should be labelled where possible – it provides the best user experience (but you can order unlabelled if you want).

The most popular and typical pricing configurations of a labelled polycarbonate and metallic panels are:

  • PAxBPA with labelled polycarbonate buttons (W/S/M) + DACM
  • PAxBPA with labelled metallic buttons (A/G/N/J/V/P) + DACM

Can’t commit to labelling?

It is quite common for some clients to order unlabelled Antumbra panels, and an additional labelled button set.

When ordering a button set, be sure to prepare configuration documentation using a PAxBSA product code, rather that a standard PAxBPA code.

Pricing this scenario could look something like this example:

  • PAxBPA with unlabelled polycarbonate buttons (W/S/M) + DACM
  • PAxBSA labelled polycarbonate button set

More functionality?

If 2,4, or 6 buttons is not enough, and you require more functionality, look at the Antumbra Display range, that I will feature in an upcoming ‘Getting to know’.

This series of articles focuses on products from the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control portfolio. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey

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Getting to know: Philips Dynalite motorised blind control

Motorised blinds are often one of the most appreciated third-party products, by clients, to be controlled in a home, as the traditional alternate of having to manually open and close them is cumbersome.

There are a few typical ways of controlling motorised blinds with a Philips Dynalite system, using specific controllers:

  • DDRC810DT-GL SPDT Relay controller
  • DDMC802 Multipurpose modular controller + DGCM102 Motorised curtain module
  • DDNG485 – Configured as a Somfy integration device

DDRC810DT-GL

The Philips Dynalite DDRC810DT-GL is ideal for controlling bi-directional motors, such as curtain and blind motors. The voltage free changeover SPDT output relays are perfect for controlling bi-directional motors.

Whist being an eight channel relay, a single motor will require two channels, and will typically control four single motorised blinds.

Philips have a valuable guide for Blind, curtain and motor control with Dynalite relay controllers, that can be downloaded. 

The downloadable installation instructions provide clear instruction for wiring of the relay controller for motorised blinds.

Specification Sheet
Installation Instructions

DDMC802 + DGCM102

The Philips Dynalite DDMC802 provides up to eight configurable output channels, controlled by up to four interchangeable control modules. A selection of control modules is available for a variety of load types. Specifically, the DGCM102 curtain control module provides control of curtains, blinds and other motorised window treatments.

Although the DDMC802 is an eight channel controller, it needs to be populated with specific modules to be functional. It has four slots to be filled, with various modules requiring one or two slots. When used a blind controller, the DGCM102 requires a single slot, so can therefore control up to four blinds.

The downloadable installation instructions provide clear instruction on Page 3 for wiring of the multipurpose controller for motorised blinds.

Specification Sheet
Installation Instructions

DDNG485

The Philips Dynalite DDNG485 is a flexible network communications bridge designed for RS-485 networks. The DDNG485 can route DyNet to third-party systems such as audio-visual, Somfy blind controllers,  and building automation systems, providing an integrated approach to total building control and energy management.

The downloadable installation instructions doesn’t specifically provide blind control instructions, but Philips have a DyNet to Somfy gateway User Guide as a valuable resource for integrating Somfy RTS blinds, that can be downloaded from my shared Dropbox link.

If using the DDNG485 for blind integration, I recommend partnering with a reputable blind supplier who can assist with configuring their Somfy RTS controller, that will greatly help with your system. 

Specification Sheet
Installation Instructions

Let me know

I’m interested to know how you do motorised blinds, and what blind products and systems you have experience integrating with.

This series of articles focuses on products from the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control portfolio. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey

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Getting to know: Philips Dynalite DDBC110 Signal dimmer controller

The Philips Dynalite DMBC110 is a luminaire mount multi-protocol control solution that provides intelligent networked control of individual lighting fixtures. The compact design enables mounting directly within the gear enclosure of many lighting fixtures.

  • Incorporates one relay output and one signal dimmer output – Provides dimming control of DALI, 1-10V and DSI compatible drivers and transformers.
  • Gear enclosure mounting – Compact design allows the device to be mounted directly within the gear enclosure of many light fittings.
  • Fully rated device – Robust relays provide reliable control of difficult lighting loads.
  • Inbuilt diagnostic functionality – Features Device Online/Offline status indication.

Applications

The DMBC110 is a flexible device that is suitable for a number of applications. 

Linear LED strip lights
With its compact form factor, the DMBC110 is a flexible device, that can control local linear LED strip lights that cannot be home run to a distribution board. The DMBC110 can be installed with the LED driver, and only requires a DyNet connection to be included on the Dynet daisy chain.

This series of articles focuses on products from the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control portfolio. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey

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Getting to know: Philips Dynalite DDMC-GRMS Multifunction modular controller

Following a previous, getting to know the DDMC802, I introduce the DDMC-GRMS multipurpose modular room controller.

The Philips Dynalite DDMC-GRMS is a general room automation and energy management system. Allowing for a range of output modules, the compact unit delivers the ultimate in room comfort through seamless control of lighting, curtains and blinds, as well as limiting standby current consumption from electronic devices connected to power outlets.

  • One 16 A power relay – Enables a total energy management solution, reducing standby power consumption by switching power outlets.
  • Three switching channels – Provide additional on/off control of other lighting fixture types.
  • Five channel modular controller – Leading and trailing edge dimming modules, signal dimming modules and relay control modules available.
  • Two built-in motor directional relays – Provides control of motorized blinds for a full automation solution.
  • Pre-programmed – No programming required as the unit is supplied with complex functions such as ‘master on/off’, ‘room unoccupied’, ‘do not disturb’ or ‘make up room’ already configured. The device can be reconfigured to meet any project requirements. Alternatively, it can be programmed with System Builder, as you would a typical multipurpose modular controller.
  • Single box solution – Provides an economical total energy management solution.
  • Built-in sequential logic functionality – Allows intelligent responses to programmed triggers.

Buy multipurpose modular controller…
DDMC-GRMS Multipurpose modular controller

Add modules…
DDLM102 1x 2A Leading edge dimmer module
DDTM102 1x 2A Trailing edge dimmer module
DDBM101 1x 2A Ballast control module
DDRM104 1x 4A Relay module

Specification sheet
Installation instructions

Applications

There are many applications for the DDMC-GRMS. I have found that the most effective way of specifying the product is the understand its capabilities, and quantify the loads around it.

I was recently involved with the specification of a special needs community housing project that featured multiple single dwelling units. Each unit had simple living and kitchen spaces, single bedroom and bathroom; an ideal application for the DDMC-GRMS.

The DDMC-GRMS used five channels of trailing edge dimming, and three switched relay channels. An ethernet gateway, power supply, and a selection of Antumbra lighting control panels, and recessed multifunction sensors completed the specification.

1x DDMC-GRMS
5x DDTM102 Trailing edge dimmer modules
1x DDNP1501 Power supply
1x PDEG Ethernet gateway
4x PA6BPA-WA-L Antumbra button application modules
4x DACM Dynet communications modules
2x DUS360CR multifuction recessed sensor

This series of articles focuses on products from the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control portfolio. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey

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Philips Dynalite Engineering Specification

Did you know that Philips Dynalite has a comprehensive engineering specification?

This specification is a valuable resource for specifiers; designers, and consultants to specify a Dynalite lighting control system, to accurately describe a networked lighting control system in project documentation.

Being a specification resource, the document doesn’t provide specific information on each and every product, but rather a functionality specification that separates Dynalite from other lighting control systems.

It covers almost every aspect for a Philips Dynalite specification, including:

  • System functionality
  • Load controllers
  • User interfaces
  • Networking and integration
  • Software
  • Monitoring

Some examples of the specification:

8.2 System Functionality > Occupancy Control (page 10)
Through sensor based occupancy detection, enable management of the artificial lighting level required at any given time for vacant and occupied areas. This feature shall be capable of functioning at the same time as light level detection, especially in areas that experience high levels of daylight i.e. adjacent to windows.

8.3.2 Light Level Control > Dimming (page 11)
The system must be capable of implementing dimming control of lighting from a flexible choice of networked user interfaces. This shall be achieved by a protocol (or signal) to a lamp driver (DALI addressable, DALI Broadcast, DSI, or 1-10V) or by power control of phase control dimmers.

8.3.5 Light Level Control > Colour Component and White Balance Control (page 12)
The system shall have provision to represent and control luminaires that incorporate multiple channels for the adjustment of color (RGB) or tunable white (warm white/cool white). When integrating White Balance control in a DALI network, only one DALI address shall be used for controlling both white balance and dimming level.

9.3.2 Power Dimming Controllers > Trailing Edge Power Dimming Controllers (page 17)
Trailing Edge, (TE) dimmers shall be used on unique lighting circuits that incorporate trailing edge compatible low voltage electronic transformers. Trailing edge dimmers shall use MOSFET transistors as the power-regulating device. All trailing edge dimmers shall incorporate electronic overvoltage protection, and electronic short circuit protection. Trailing edge dimmers shall be capable of sensing an inductive load, and automatically revert to switching only if an inductive load is connected.

9.4.1 Signal Dimming Controllers > Broadcast Signal Dimming Controllers (page 18)
Signal dimming shall be used to control luminaires with integral dimming control gear. Signal dimming controllers shall use commissioning software to select the output as 1-10V, DSI or DALI Broadcast. The controllers shall optionally incorporate an integral mains supply relay for each ballast control output circuit so that power can be removed from the lighting circuit when the ballast control channel is set to 0% output (off state). The relay shall have an appropriately rated capacity for typical lighting loads. Control systems that require an external DSI or DALI converter shall not be acceptable.

Feel free to download the Philips Dynalite Engineering Specification and distribute it to your design and consultant audience.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance helping you specify a lighting control system, that will differentiate it from others.

This series of articles focuses on products from the Philips Dynalite networked lighting control portfolio. Many industry professionals regard Philips Dynalite as being the world’s best lighting control system, that I have represented with Lightmoves for many years. SimonLakey