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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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I am a Toastmaster

I am a Toastmaster to become a better public speaker, communicator, and leader. I have always admired great speakers, extraordinary presenters, and excellent communicators.

As a speaker, presenter and trainer, I communicate daily. I have my own style and methods, that can always be better. Toastmasters provides me the opportunity to become a better public speaker, communicator and leader.

I joined Toastmasters in March 2017, having been introduced to the organisation some twenty years earlier, but didn’t continue at the time. I have since joined Ringwood Toastmasters, my local club. Members represent a wide range of demographics that I may not normally have the opportunity to network with.

Within six months of joining Ringwood Toastmasters, I was nominated and elected to be Vice-President of Public Relations, as part of an executive committee that would steer the club through 2017-2018. With this experience, I was recently nominated and elected as President of the Ringwood Toastmasters club for 2018-2019.

The benefits of being a Toastmaster will help develop all types of communication, regardless of whether you have a desire for Public speaking. There are many types of speeches that often take me out of my comfort zone – impromptu, humorous, storytelling, interviewing etc. that I continue to develop and master.

If only I had continued with Toastmasters when I was first introduced, my personal and professional life may have been very different, with improved communication and leadership. With the small investment of time and money to be a member, you will never wonder what could have been, by giving yourself the best opportunity to be a great communicator.

Contact and visit your local Toastmasters club, and thank me later.

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My nightstand

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] My nightstand provides the right amount of technology to allow me to settle in for the night, go to sleep, and wake up in the morning. Amazon Echo Spot Even without the Spot’s ability to control smart home products and systems, it is the perfect bedside clock. The compact form factor is attractive and unlike other ‘smart speakers’ by providing a functional solution that combines multiple products. The customisable display can automatically dim depending on the level of ambient light. The white clock face indicators even change to red to be more comfortable to read in the dark. The display shows local weather and other information when required. Like other similar products, including others in the Echo range, the Spot can play music (Spotify and Amazon Music), and digital radio (iHeart and Tune-In). Amazon has a large collection of ‘Skills’ that can be downloaded directly to the Spot, including a range of sleep sounds to aid going to sleep. Philips Hue Go Although the Hue Go can be operated as a standalone lamp, it is best utilised as part of the Philips Hue smart lighting ecosystem. As with other Hue products, the Hue Go provides Hue white and colour ambiance, meaning it can change colour and colour temperature. Unlike a typical bed lamp, the Hue Go is designed to provide a soft direct glow, or an indirect wall wash of light. It is best used to provide ambiance and atmosphere rather than as a task light for say, reading. The Hue Go is fully compatible with all voice control systems (Apple Homekit, Google Home, Amazon Echo) allowing it to be controlled as an individual lamp, or as part of a routine or scene. The Philips Hue range is the best smart lighting solution, providing a wide range of luminaries and accessories. The Hue system is very mature and reliable – it just works. Belkin BoostUp The Belkin BoostUp is a wireless pad charger compatible with Qi enabled devices. This model has been optimised for the Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X, and comes with an AC adapter wall plug (most others don’t). This model of BoostUp, provides a 7.5W output that is higher than the typical 5W output of most wireless pads, allowing faster charging. Whilst it is not as fast as a higher specification 10W+ plug in charger and cable (used for charging iPads etc.), the convenience of a wireless charging pad outweighs speed, which is irrelevant if charging overnight. Wireless phone charging is very convenient – just sit your phone onto the charging pad. No need to plugging in a cable. Once you have wireless charging, you will be reluctant to go back to a plugging in a traditional charging cable. Until Apple releases their own wireless charging pad, this is one of the better ones currently available. You will never be able to have enough of these charging pads around the home and office. Apple iPhone X The iPhone X is Apple’s flagship and best phone. It is a ground-breaking phone that contains many technologies that will be implemented into future device. The iPhone X (and iPhone 8 series) provides a truely wireless user experience, including charging, using products like the Belkin BoostUp. As with the previous iPhone 7 , the iPhone X does not have a traditional, old-fashioned 3.5mm headphone jack. We have had a couple of years to get over the headphone jack, and have not needed to look back. The wireless experience is made better with products like the Apple AirPods, that are amazing. Apple Watch 3 The Apple Watch is the best and most complete smart watch available. It fits into the Apple ecosystem perfectly. The Series 3 range if very fast, and can operate as an independent device, rather than needing to be tethered to your phone. The only negative for the Apple Watch is its battery, that still needs to be charged daily, typically overnight. The battery and charging needs, limits the Apple Watch’s ability to effectively monitor sleep, for which Apple does not have a native application that integrates with Apple HealthKit. Fast becoming a ubiquitous watch, there is a wide range of offical Apple Watch bands, third-party bands, and other charging and mounting accessories. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite A product missing from my nightstand is my Amazon Kindle E-reader. Kindle is the best eBook reader with the widest range of books and the easiest purchasing experience.    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column] [/et_pb_row] [/et_pb_section]
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Why the Apple iPhone X matters to smart homes

With the recent release of the new Apple iPhone X, almost two months ago, critics once again condemned Apple for being late to the market, re-hashing existing technologies etc. As usual, many Apple critics just don’t get it – being more focused on features and specifications rather than the user experience – Apple is all about the user experience.

For many, the iPhone X, on the surface looks fairly meek and mild, but in reality is quite groundbreaking the future of smart homes. There are a few noticeable features that stand out for me, that will have an impact on future smart homes: TrueDepth camera, Face ID, Augmented Reality and wireless charging.

Apple’s TrueDepth camera is integral to many of the standout features of the iPhone X. The camera system comprises of many components that allows it to process 3D models for Face ID, Animojis, advanced camera modes that use computational processing, and augmented reality (AR). The advanced technology of TrueDepth camera can detect the position, topology, and expression of the user’s face, all with high accuracy and in real time.

Face ID is the iPhone X’s primary security interface that replaces Touch ID. Face ID uses a system of advanced camera, dot projector, processor and Apple’s Secure Enclave. Unlike other systems, all saved facial information is securely protected and processed within the actual iPhone handset, rather than sending the information to the cloud for processing. As the user continuesly uses Face ID, the system is constantly adapting to physical changes in appearance.

Together with iOS 11 and Apple’s new gyroscopes and accelerometers, the TrueDepth camera introduces a new Augmented Reality framework – ARKit, that allows developers to easily create unparalleled augmented reality experiences. By blending digital objects and information with the environment around you, the ARKit framework will take apps beyond the screen, freeing them to interact with the real world in entirely new ways. The TrueDepth camera

Apple’s implementation of wireless charging is not necessarily new, or even ground breaking, but does represent the provision of a truely wireless solution. Apple will quickly implement wireless charging into other mobile devices and accessories that will be rapidly accepted Apple users and will become the new normal.

So, how do and how will these iPhone X technologies affect the smart home market?

As we move away from manually interacting with touch screen user interfaces, and with ambient computing becoming more ubiquitous in everyday products and systems, other methods of interacting with technology will become the new normal. We are already seeing voice control being more prominent, but do not have a high level of intelligence to benefit it, just yet.

The implementation of various sensors is a key requirement for any smart home. Unfortunately sensors themselves are not very intelligent – they require appropriate processing and programming to make them functional. In the future sensors will be able to accurately detect homeowners and residents using similar technologies as the TrueDepth camera system.

Access control systems by way of security cameras and door station intercoms may also implement advanced camera systems to accurately allow keyless and device free access into the home, and be able to identify users and intruders.

Until the challenges of limited battery life are solved, manufacturers need to maximise the user experience of powering devices and other products. As wireless charging becomes more popular, charging pads will be provided in everyday applications allowing users to top up their devices without the fear of being security compromised by plugging in a cable that could also access information on their device.

Groundbreaker

The Apple iPhone X is a groundbreaking device that provides a new user interface and a decisive move towards a new user experience that is easily accepted. Other companies need to have the courage to challenge the status quo, to provide better user experiences. Apple do this continuously – recently with the removal of the traditional headphone socket, that has not been missed, and most recently, the removal of the home button and Touch ID being replaced with Face ID and new swipe gestures that quickly became so natural.

Smart home products and systems will eventually implement technologies similar to the iPhone X, but needs to do so in a way that doesn’t create fragmentation, to provide the best user experience. A smart home needs to not only provide optimal form and function of the technology products and systems, but also needs to consider the architectural form and function of the home, and the lifestyle of the homeowner and residents.