Posted on

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

Posted on

Getting to know: Philips Dynalite sensors

By definition, a ‘smart’ building is able to vary its state or action in response to varying situations. Philips Dynalite have a range of multifunction sensors that are an integral component for making a building ‘smart’.

Philips Dynalite sensors are fully networked devices that support multiple functions at the same time. This versatility and capability results in coordinated operation across the entire system, allowing every device on the network to respond to environmental changes and user requirements in real time.

All Dynalite sensors include motion and light level sensing to automatically detect occupancy and control lighting levels. These intelligent devices detect the slightest movement and are quick and easy to install, generating savings with minimum effort. Additionally, these sensors can communicate to the building’s HVAC system when rooms are unoccupied, cutting down on unnecessary heating and cooling from third-party systems.

Powerful tasking capabilities allow Dynalite sensors to modify their behavior between business hours and after-hours. Thanks to their network connectivity, they can coordinate multiple lighting groups in other areas when needed, such as lighting a path from an occupied workspace to the nearest exit at night.

This powerful combination of responsiveness and customisable functionality means that users experience safe, comfortable lighting wherever they are, often without ever needing to touch a control panel or interact directly with the system.

Sensor Range

Popular sensor in the Philips Dynalite range include:

DUS360CR

The Philips Dynalite DUS360CR is a recess mountable 360 degree multifunction sensor that combines motion detection (PIR), infrared remote control reception (IR) and ambient light level detection (PE) into one device in applications such as offices, lecture theaters and homes.

  • Motion detection feature – Detects the presence or absence of motion and adjusts lights accordingly.
  • Segmented click-up bezel – Surrounds the motion sensor element and enables a portion of the sensing field to be masked. This prevents nuisance detection from adjacent doorways or corridors.
  • Ambient light level regulation – In applications where it is critical to maintain precise light levels, the PE function reads ambient levels and adjusts artificial light accordingly.
  • Infrared receive capability – Manually adjust light levels using a hand-held remote control, via the inbuilt IR receive sensor of the DUS360CR.
  • Daylight harvesting mode – Delivers automatic energy savings.

Specification sheet
Installation instructions

DUS360CS

The Philips Dynalite DUS360CS is a surface mountable 360 degree multifunction sensor that combines motion detection (PIR), infrared remote control reception (IR) and ambient light level detection (PE) into one device in applications such as hotels, restaurants and homes.

  • Motion detection feature – Detects the presence or absence of motion and adjusts lights accordingly.
  • Segmented click-up bezel – Surrounds the motion sensor element and enables a portion of the sensing field to be masked. This prevents nuisance detection from adjacent doorways or corridors.
  • Ambient light level regulation – In applications where it is critical to maintain precise light levels, the PE function reads ambient levels and adjusts artificial light accordingly.
  • Infrared receive capability – Manually adjust light levels using a hand-held remote control, via the inbuilt IR receive sensor of the DUS360CS.
  • Daylight harvesting mode – Delivers automatic energy savings.

Specification sheet
Installation instructions

DUS90CS

The DUS90CS is wall or ceiling mountable multifunction sensor that combines motion detection (PIR), infrared remote control reception (IR) and ambient light level detection (PE) into one device for applications such as offices, lecture theaters and homes. Manufactured with an IP54 rating, the DUS90CS is resistant to dust and splashing, making it suitable for use in both indoor and sheltered outdoor areas.

  • Motion detection feature — Detects the presence or absence of motion and adjusts lights accordingly.
  • Ambient light level regulation — In applications where it is necessary to maintain even lighting, the PE function reads ambient levels and adjusts artificial light accordingly.
  • Infrared receive capability — Manually adjust light levels using a hand-held remote control, via the inbuilt IR receive sensor.
  • Daylight harvesting mode — Delivers automatic energy savings.
  • Multiple mounting options — The sensor has a 90 degree scan pattern with flexible angle adjustment and can be recessed or surface mounted on a wall or ceiling.
  • IP54 rating — Dust- and splash-resistant housing allows installation in a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.

Specification sheet
Installation instructions

More information

For more information about these sensors, and others in the Philips Dynalite range, check out the latest Philips Dynalite networked sensors brochure.

This wonderful brochure goes into quite a bit of basic detail about how various sensors technologies work:

  • PIR motion sensing
  • Ultrasonic motion sensing
  • Light level sensing
  • Sensor scan patterns
  • Configuration
  • Light level regulation
  • Connectivity

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

Posted on

Getting to know: Philips Dynalite DDMC802 Multifunction modular controller

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.

  • Single controller solution – Control a variety of load types from one device.
  • Four module bays – Accommodates any combination of up to four single modules or two double-size modules.
  • Flexible mounting solution – A DIN-rail mountable device, designed to be installed into the distribution board supplying power to the controlled circuit.
  • Leading edge phase control dimmer module (DGLM105/202/402): Suitable for use with incandescent lamps and some types of dimmable electronic transformers.
  • Trailing edge phase control dimmer module (DGTM104/202/402): Suitable for use with most types of dimmable electronic transformers.
  • Signal dimmer control module (DGBM200) Suitable for 1-10 V, DSI and DALI Broadcast control of digital drivers and transformers.
  • Relay control module (DGRM204): Suitable for controlling most types of switched loads.
  • Fan control module (DGFM102): 400 VA three-speed fan control.
  • Curtain control module (DGCM102): Provides control of curtains, blinds and other motorized window treatments.

Buy multipurpose modular controller…
DDMC802 Multipurpose modular controller

Add modules…
DGFM012 1x 2A Fan control module
DGCM102 1x 2A Curtain control module
DGRM204 2x 4A Replay module
DGBM200 2x Channel ballast module
DGLM105 1x 5A Leading edge dimmer module
DGLM202 2x 2A Leading edge dimmer module
DGLM402 4x 2A Leading edge dimmer module
DGTM104 1x 4A Trailing edge dimmer module
DGTM202 2x 2A Trailing edge dimmer module
DGTM402 4x 2A Trailing edge dimmer module

Specification sheet
Installation instructions

Applications

When this product is supplied, it needs to be configured with the appropriate modules, that need to be carefully installed.

With the top cover removed, the DDMC802 has four slots for installing modules into. Some modules plug into a single slot, and other require two slots. The installation instructions document illustrates the installation process well.

I have found that the most popular application for this product is as an 8x channel trailing edge, phase dimmer. For this application, the following products need to be ordered:

8 Channel TE phase dimmer
1x DDMC802
2x DGTM402

Another popular application, is to control variable sweep fans. For this application (to control a maximum of 4x sweep fans), the following products need to be ordered:

4 Channel variable sweep fan controller
1x DDMC802
4x DGFM102

The multipurpose modular controller is fantastic for home cinemas, demonstration suites, and small units, as they can be configured to control different loads; all from a single controller. 

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

Posted on

Getting to know: Philips Dynalite DACM

The DACM (Dynalite Antumbra Communication Module) is a DyNet communication module that connects to any Antumbra user interface to a Philips Dynalite system. It is most often purchased with an Antumbra application module (e.g. PAxBPA, PATPA, PADPA).

  • Powered by DyNet – Does not require an external power supply.
  • Universally compatible – Works with any AntumbraButton, AntumbraTouch or AntumbraDisplay application module.
  • Onboard processor – Contains all logical and network functions and can be commissioned prior to installation.
  • Functions without application module – Can be installed, wired and tested without application module, avoiding fascia damage during ongoing construction.
  • Pre-configuration – Can store and recall up to 21 configurations using the DIP switch, streamlining the commissioning and installation process.

Update

You may start to notice that the DACM has been updated to a DACM V3, that now has a green label:

  • Original DACM: Black label
  • DACM V2: Blue label
  • DACM V3: Green label

Please upgrade your firmware version based on the device’s microprocessor: firmware version 2.xx for generation one microprocessors or firmware version 3.xx for generation two microprocessors.

For most applications, there will be no performance difference between the DACM V2 and DACM V3.

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

Posted on

Getting to know: Philips Dynalite PDEG vs PDEB Network gateways

The Philips Dynalite product catalog features two ethernet products; the Ethernet Gateway (PDEG), and Ethernet Bridge (PDEB). Many may be familiar with the PDEG ethernet gateway, using it a time clock for scheduling, and wireless programming. Many may be unaware of the more recent addition to the product portfolio, the PDEB ethernet bridge. Let’s take a closer look at these two products, and how they can be used.

PDEG Philips Dynalite Ethernet Gateway

The Philips Dynalite PDEG provides a multipurpose Ethernet connection to a Philips lighting control system. It supports access to the lighting system via a dedicated Philips app as well as providing a web interface delivering access to the inbuilt timeclock and schedule editor functions. It provides bridging functionality between Ethernet backbone and the DyNet fieldbus devices.

  • Large storage capacity – The device stores large project files internally, which apps use to automatically configure their settings. This saves configuration time and ensures accuracy for phone and tablet control.
  • Built-in web server – Allows the user to edit and check system settings via the Network Hardware Checker and System Roll Call tools.
  • No technical skills needed – Inbuilt timeclock and schedule manager allow the user to manage operation and task scheduling without advanced technical knowledge.
  • Powerful custom task engine – Allows users or third-party systems to run macros, such as ‘After Hours’, ‘Shut Down’, ‘Welcome’ and more.
  • Advanced interoperability – Supports management of Philips Dynalite and Philips PoE fittings on a single system.

Practically, for most integrators, the PDEG can be used for the following:

More information
Specification sheet
Installation manual
Commissioning guide

PDEB Philips Dynalite Ethernet Bridge

The Philips Dynalite PDEB provides a cost-effective Ethernet connection to a Philips lighting control system. It provides bridging functionality between an Ethernet backbone and the DyNet fieldbus devices. The PDEB enables the implementation of a trunk and spur topology on large project sites, with the bridge providing a high-speed backbone coupled to many lower speed spurs.

  • Cost-effective – The device provides an economical way to connect the RS-485 DyNet network to an Ethernet network.
  • Internal controls – Programmable logic controller capable of comprehensive conditional and sequential logic and arithmetic function processing, packet filtering and DyNet to DyNet 2 translation.
  • Flexible mounting solution – DIN-rail mountable, designed to be installed into a distribution board or other electrical enclosure.

Practically, for most integrators, the PDEB can be used for the following:

  • Third-party system control integration
  • Ethernet bridge

More information
Specification sheet
Installation manual

Summary

Whilst most projects will incorporate a PDEG ethernet gateway for time clock and scheduling functionality, the PDEB ethernet bridge can be used as a more cost effective solution for integrating third-party control systems, or as a bridge for large systems.

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

Posted on

Getting to know: Philips Dynalite DDBC120-DALI Signal dimmer

The Philips Dynalite product portfolio features a range of DALI products, from which I am featuring the DDMC120-DALI signal dimmer controller.

With a move towards more controllable luminaires, and human centric lighting, Philips Dynalite has a range of products for a complete lighting control solution. The DDMC120-DALI is the product to be used to control an enumerated (fully addressed) DALI for residential applications, when required.

The Philips Dynalite DDBC120-DALI delivers cost-effective control of DALI drivers through provision of a full universe of 64 DALI drivers. The device communicates seamlessly with Philips Dynalite DALI sensors and user interfaces.

The updated DDBC120-DALI controller now supports tunable white light (or human centric lighting) for DALI 209 compliant colour control luminaires, and is compatible with DALI 209 drivers. This provides a single Warm White, Cool-White (WWCW) channel for tuning the colour temperature and adjusting the light intensity.

Previously, DALI luminaires required two channels that controlled a Warm White driver and a Cool-White driver, to achieve the same effect. Both the old and new channel types are supported by the DDBC120-DALI.

The DDBC120 DALI has an auto-enumeration feature, that provides automatic enumeration of DALI ballasts when powered on and enables self-repair of the network system if a DALI driver fails, rather than only the traditional manual enumeration method.

More information
Specification sheet
Installation manual

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

Posted on

Getting to know: Philips Dynalite Wireless

Philips Dynalite has introduced the wireless extension to their networked lighting control system. With the release of the Philips Dynalite ZigBee gateway, and ZigBee receiver and multifunction sensor, Dynalite now enables wireless control of DALI luminaries. 

The Philips Dynalite wireless system offers all the benefits of an intelligent control system, without the need for extra control cabling. This addresses the challenge of commercial building owners: how to reduce day-to-day operating costs of their existing buildings while maintaining comfort and productivity.

Wireless Architecture

The new wireless products can be used in combination with the entire Philips Dynalite product portfolio, enabling hybrid deployments.

Philips Dynalite ZigBee Gateway

The PDZG-E ethernet to ZigBee gateway is a wireless communication hub that connects up to 25 ZigBee receiver/integrated sensors (SNS401CMP) to the Philips Dynalite lighting control system. The gateway translates communications between ethernet and ZigBee to provide reliable wireless lighting control.

More information
Specification sheet
Installation instructions

Philips ZigBee Receiver with Multifunction Sensor

The Philips SNS401CMP ZigBee sensor node receives ZigBee communications from the Philips Dynalite ZigBee gateway. These messages are then forwarded to other nodes in the wireless mesh network.

This device also features an occupancy and daylight sensor to enable further entry savings, and can control a DALI broadcast channel (via a Philips Xitanium SR bridge),and a 1-10V channel (via a Philips Advance SR bridge).

More information
Specification sheet
Installation instructions

Philips SR Bridge

The Philips Xitanium SR Bridge powers the wireless sensors, and controls a group of DALI or 1-10V fixtures.

Specification sheet
Commercial brochure
Design guide

Wireless Lighting Control

An introduction to wireless lighting control with Philips Dynalite brochure is available, that provides an overview of the system.

  • The retrofit solution
  • Reliable cable-free communication
  • System architecture

Download here

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

Posted on

Good morning

Imagine…

Your alarm clock peacefully wakes you up at 5am. As you remove the bed covers, and your feet touch the floor, a suptle glow of light illuminates your path to the bathroom and robe, allowing you to change into your gym clothes in an unobtrusive, dimmed light.

While you’re getting changed, the automated pet feeder releases fifty grams of dry food for your cat’s breakfast. As you leave for the gym, your front door automatically unlocks, and securely locks silently closes behind you.

After a high-intensity work out, you arrive back home, just after sunrise. The front door automatically unlocks, and you are greeted by your satisfied cats. A soft glow of sunlight bathes the room through the sheer drapes, as the heavier, block-out curtains magically part.

As you enter the bathroom, the shower knowingly turns on to a refreshing thirty degrees, at just the right pressure to sooth your body. The radio softly plays, updating you with the seven o’clock news. Steam is queitly extracted by the overhead fan keeping the mirror condensation free.

As you turn off the shower, and dry off, robe space and shelves illuminate, helping you select your outfit for the day. Over the sounds of the radio, you hear the grinding of coffee beans, as your coffee machine prepares the ideal latte to kick start your day.

Walking into the kitchen and living room, the sheer window drapes automatically open to reveal a glorious morning. The radio is seamlessly transferred from the bathroom to the kitchen, and your home maintains a comfortable 22 degrees as you enjoy your morning coffee.

After breakfast, you gather your work belongings to leave home, saying goodbye to the cats, with the door quietly closing and locking behind you.

Everything just happens, integrating seamless with your lifestyle to start your day.

Posted on

What is a smart home?

The words ‘Smart Home’ (sometimes known as home automation, intelligent home etc.), gets mentioned a lot, and can be confusing for many.

I avoid using ‘smart home’ (or variations of), as it often implies the addition of unnecessary, complicated, cumbersome electronic technology solutions, that might require a rocket science degree to operate, and an unlimited financial budget to implement.

All homes have the ability to be smart, on different levels. Keeping in mind that technology doesn’t neccessarily have to be electronic, houses have evolved to incorporate various technologies, and have become more electronic as our awareness to have them better connected to ourselves and the outside world is realised.

All homes have multiple services and utilities; electricity, gas, water, security, television, internet, etc. that can be integarted and connected to be provide better comfort, convenience, security, and energy efficiency.

Imagine your home being customised based on what you are doing at particular times of the day: Lighting automatically dims to provide a relaxing ambience at night, or becomes brighter for dedicated tasks. Heating and cooling automatically turns on and adjusts to the optimal temperature. Your home can automatically adapt to make your living environment more comfortable.

We are very predictable in our daily lives – from when we wake up, exercise, go to work, return home, eat, relax, and sleep. Many systems in and around the home can be automated, based on our daily routines: Blinds and curtains can open at sunrise, and close at night, or close when it’s too bright or too hot. Lights can turn on when you arrive home at night, or turn off when a room is vacant or nobody is home, providing new levels of convenience.

The security and safety of your home, family, and property can be greatly enhanced. Outdoor lighting can automatically illuminate your property to deter unwanted activity, and turn on at night when there is movement. Keyless entry frees you from fumbling for keys when you come home, with automated lighting illuminating your home. Video cameras can not only record, but provide personal alerts to notify you in real time when there is irregular activity, even when you are not at home.

A home can know exactly when it is day and night, summer and winter, or when it is occupied. Power and lights can automatically turn on and off, and adjust to the optimal brightness, only when needed. Heating and cooling self-adjusts to maintain ideal comfort levels. Your home’s energy usage can be optimised to incorporate alternate energy such as solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. Controlling power improves energy efficiency – saving money, and reducing carbon footprints.

By definition, a home that is smart or intelligent, can change it’s state in response to various situations. With many homes already having various technology products and systems, the benefits of having the right technologies integrated can be easily realised, to seamlessly connect our homes and lifestyle.

With developments in artifical intelligence and machine learning, we are getting closer to having technologies learn and respond, based on our habits, routines, and past experiences. For our homes, this will be the next exciting step to improve our lifestyle.

In the same way that cars evolved to incorporate electronic technologies, similarly, houses will follow. Electric windows, automated heating and cooling, handsfree communication, and improved vehicle safety are examples that are so common that they are now standard in modern cars.

Features and benefits of home and lifestyle technologies are endless, as they can be customised for your lifestyle. With the right advice, technology can greatly benefit our lifestyle, with improvements in comfort, convenience, security, energy efficiency.

Posted on

Be aware of digital-analogues

When presenting and discussing smart homes, I often talk about pseudo-smart homes – smart homes that are not actually smart. Most ‘smart homes’ are really electronic homes or connected homes.

Most homes have multiple standalone electronic systems (e.g. lighting control, security, access control, heating and cooling, music, television, data network etc.) that have varying levels of control, connectivity and integration with each other.

Modern homes implement are range of user interfaces, typically electronic switches, remote controls, touchscreens, mobile applications, and perhaps voice control. These user interfaces are mostly what I describe as ‘digital-analogue‘ user interfaces – analogue control that has been replaced by digital control.

Unless a digital-analogue user interfaces provide a solution to an identified problem, they will have little benefit in the design of a smart home, other than providing short term convenience.

Analogue control

Think of a traditional electric light switch – a switch that has a basic on or off state. Now think of a traditional dimmer light switch – a switch that has a rotary dimming pot next to it. The traditional switch is hard-wired to a lighting circuit, and doesn’t provide much flexibility.

Analogue user interfaces are very simple and easy to use, but can become very cumbersome and unsightful when controlling multiple inputs or devices. This is where electronic systems provide many advantages. Traditional analogue interfaces such as light switches, can be replaced with digital interfaces.

Digital control

Typical electronic light switches have push buttons – press a button once to turn on, press it again to turn off. An electronic dimming system operates similarly but with the addition of dimming – press and hold the button to ramp up (make brighter), press and hold the button again to dim (make less bright).

Digital control can provide a higher level of convenience if functionality and usability is carefully considered, but they are not necessarily smart or intelligent. Many electronic control systems merely replicate analogue functionality by providing a digital interface.

Often, electronic control systems with their digital user interfaces (e.g. electronic switches, touch screens, mobile apps voice control etc.), provide a new level of complexity that can be counter intuitive, more difficult to use, and much more costly.

Better control

Homes needs to be designed and built with functionality and usability as a primary consideration. Electronic systems need to be integrated with the form and function of the building, rather than as an afterthought.

Control systems need to consider the applications of a space, and provide user interfaces that provide an optimal user experience that is simple and intuitive. This however, is easier said than done, but can be achieved with the right process.

Be aware of digital-analogue user interfaces – they may not be very smart, and may not be required.