DAE Instrument

What is the D-Bus?

1. The D-Bus is a DAE proprietary protocol for digital lighting controls.
2. The D-Bus is peer-to-peer, rather than a master-slave network.
3. Every device on the network can initiate communication.
4. The feedback from D-Bus is quick and responsive.
5. The commands given in the network is not priority based, rather all commands are obeyed regardless of its source, the most recent commands overrides previous commands, which is unlike more conventional systems based on a central control where there is a conceptual distinction made between manual and automatic commands.

What are the unique features of the D-Bus?

1. The D-Bus uses a peer to peer rather than a master-slave network 
2. Every node is capable of initiating a message.
3. Quick Response
4. No special priority is given to any command or device, the latest command always takes effect regardless of whether the command is issued from the central host or as a result of a manual operation.

What are the differences between a lighting control system and a central management system (CMS)? 

1. Digital lighting controls is an innovation and replacement over conventional lighting controls, a central management system is not required to implement a digital lighting control system. A central management system is optional and a feature of higher end applications.
2. Even though certain features such as group, pattern or scheduled controls may be implemented using a central management system, it cannot operate in sync with multiple points of access such as with on site controls and touch panels. It is thus unsuitable for applications that require manual local controls to be used in conjunction with the central management system.
3. Even without the need for local controls, the labor and equipment cost for installing a central management system would still be considerably higher than a lighting control system.

How does smart lighting controls compare as a replacement to conventional lighting controls?

1. Smart lighting controls provide features which are not available with conventional lighting controls such as multiple points of access, remote access, gathering different lighting loads into groups or patterns, adding a touch panel interface, scheduled control and so on.
2. Smart lighting controls can be easily expanded simply by adding new nodes to the D-Bus at any time without the need to physically rewire the system.
3. By completely decoupling the control from the load, the switch can now be located anywhere convenient to the operator and is no longer tied down and limited to where it is physically convenient for the wiring. In addition, the switch no longer needs to have a one to one correspondence with the load, the switch can control multiple loads as a group or as a pattern. 
4. For public facilities, the most attractive feature would be the capability to have centralized control as well as localized control at the same time.

What about the Central Management System?

1. It is possible to have multiple central managements at different locations, each central management need only to have its own gateway (CC1000 or CC500). Redundancy can be achieved by using such a setup. For example, having central managements for each building in a complex.
2. The central management system doesn't need to constantly poll each LT node, it can easily determine the status of each node by asking the CC500 or CC1000 gateway at any time. As the gateway will automatically keep track of the status of all the components of the system.

How does the central management System perform group mode control?

1. Group mode control from the CMS is activated by issuing a group mode control command. This commands activates the group settings that have been preset on the D-Bus. Control is greatly simplified for the CMS as it only needs to issue a single command instead of multiple commands. The response of the nodes are nearly simultaneous as each one receives the command that has been broadcasted and each responds independently and immediately. So much so that it would even appear as if all the loads responded in concert.
2. The alternative and more traditional method of doing a group mode control is by issuing commands to each node individually. The drawback to this is that the program is harder to write; the benefit is in the flexibility by which the groups can be configured using software, but software control results in low concurrency as each node will activate one at a time.

What about the LT address?

The address for each LT device is set using the on board DIP switches and each address must be distinct and may only be used once on the D-Bus.

What makes the LT device different from other TUs?

1. Built in large capacity relay (10 to 20A), no need to connect an external relay.
2. On board relay manual override control buttons
3. Special purpose models are available for specific purposes, e.g. for conventional switches, magnetic contactors, etc.
4. Designed for high noise immunity and isolation
5. Easy to configure

What are the unique features of the LT3000?

1. Wiring installation is the same as with conventional switches

Basically it is the same as that of a conventional switch, except that the LT3000 now acts as an intermediary, the LT3000 is then wired the the D-Bus network using a 4C signal cable (2 wires for data, 2 for the 24Vac power)

2. Conventional mechanical switches selection and maintenance
   1. Mechanical switches come in a multitude of colors, designs and textures which makes them appealing to both proprietors and interior designs
   2. When mechanical switches fail they are easy to replace
   3. Each LT3000 may be connected to 4 mechanical rocker switches and to 4 push button switches. The 4 rocker switches are paired with the 4 relays, while the 4 push buttons can be set to control a group of loads as a single pattern.
3. Note that the indicator lamps on the conventional switches become useless

What are the unique features of the LT3030?

Conventional switches are connected to the LT3030 using 2 wires, while the LT3030 are wired on the D-Bus network using a 4C signal cable. (2 wires for data, 2 wires for the 24Vac power)

1. Unlike the LT3000, the LT3030 does not have any output. The LT3030 connects directly with conventional switches mutually forming a three way switch and in addition it can also detect the load status.
2. Supports A-B and A-B-C configuration with A as the LT3030 as shown below.

3. The LT3030 syncs with the actual lamp indicators of conventional switches, which another feature that differentiates it from the LT3000.
4. Even when the LT3030 malfunctions, the conventional switches will still continue to operate normally, which is another feature that differentiates it from the LT3000.
5. The LT3030 can only connect with conventional switches in a 3 way switching configuration.
6. The LT3030 knows the actual on/off status of the load.
7. The LT3030 can accept remote commands for group, pattern or single mode of operation.

When to use the LT3000 vs. the LT3030?

1. When the existing wiring is 2C, then the only option is to use the LT3000
2. When the user desires to keep the usefulness of the indicator lamps of the conventional switch then the only option is to use the LT3030
3. The LT3000 accepts input from conventional switches, the LT3030 cannot
4. When it is imperative that there should be no disruption of operation even when the controller fails, rendering the lights inoperative, then the only option is to choose the LT3030.

What are the unique features of the LT3100?

1. For every LT device except the LT3100, the LED indicator is a reflection of the actual relay status, but in the case of the LT3100, this same LED indicator is a feedback of the actual auxiliary contacts of the magnetic contactor, this is because the actual load is not directly connected to the relay on the LT3100, but rather is connected to the magnetic contactor that acts as the intermediary to the electrical load. Therefore relying on the relay status is not sufficient and could actually provide a false indication.
2. The LT3100 can also show overload as well as the local/remote feedback status of the magnetic contactor.
3. The IS digital switch can also show the feedback status of the magnetic contactor including the on/off, local/remote and overload.
4. When it is not desired to connect to a magnetic contactor and obtain its feedback status, one can simply set a DIP switch to plain mode which uses the built in relay and ignoring the feedback terminals.

When is it not possible to use a conventional switch and absolutely necessary to use the IS digital switch?

Conventional switches must be physically located close to the lighting load that it controls, whereas with the IS digital switches such proximity is not necessary and the IS digital switches can be located anywhere

What about the IS digital switch? 

1. The IS digital switch does not have its own device address, the DIP switch that is found at the back of the unit is used to set the device that it is to be paired with.
2. When it is necessary to set the switches in an arbitrary manner, e.g. button 1 paired with LT3-1, button 2 paired with LT5-3, button 3 set to group 5, button 4 set to group 2, then it becomes necessary to use a special instrument to set up such a configuration.

What are the differences between the IS45, IS60 and IS90 digital switches?

They all basically have the exact same functionality and differ only in their area of application.

1. The IS45 has a smaller surface area and can be placed closer together, as in a control panel.
2. The IS45 can be embedded in the same space that a regular switch occupies.
3. The IS60 has a larger area for labels and backlight, which makes it more suitable for use in public areas where visibility at a distance and in the dark is of concern for easy access.
4. The IS90 has a more subtle and dim backlight which makes it more suitable for applications such as homes, bedrooms and hotel rooms.

What is the difference between group and pattern modes?

1. With group mode, all the loads all turn on and off at the same time; with a pattern (a.k.a scene) mode, the loads all act in concert in order to form a pattern, some loads are on, while others are off and some even have their dimness set.
2. In group mode, the group may either be in an on or off state, and will toggle between on and off at each button press.
3. In pattern mode, there is only activation, each button press always result in the activation of the pattern, thus there is no such thing as an on/off state.

About the status light during group mode.

1. The status light indicates the last command that was issued whether it be on or off; for example, let's set group 2 as 3-1, 4-1, and 5-2.
2. When a group 2 button is pressed then the loads 3-1, 4-1 and 5-2 will all turn on; another button press will then cause the same group of loads to turn off.
3. When any of the loads belonging to the group changes its state, the group button would be unable to determine this change and the group button will remain in its previous state.

Can the pattern mode only be activated from the touch panel, CMS or IS switch?

1. This is not the case, as it is also possible to activate a pattern using a push button switch when it is connected to the LT3000 
2. A pattern can also be activated using a universal touch based remote control
3. There is a common misunderstanding as to how the pattern mode is activated, many think that it needs to be specially programmed into the control device through software control, as this is usually the common method of implementing such a feature from some other brands as they use a form of plain I/O control, which is why it does not quality them as smart lighting.

How does a universal remote control integrate the audio/video control with the lighting as well as air conditioning controls?

For many living rooms and home entertainment centers, it is desirable to control the lighting mood without having to move about, to achieve this end one can simply use the universal IR remote control.

1. The SLCS comes with an optional IR receiver component that can be used in conjunction with a universal IR remote control to be able to control not just the audio and video but also the lighting and air conditioning.
2. With a universal remote control, the lighting system can be considered as simply being just another appliance or equipment that is also under the control of the universal remote control.
3. Since most universal remote controls have an auto learning capability, therefore it is a simple matter for it to accept the IR receiver.
4. Operating the lighting is done through the pattern mode

What are the pros and cons of other brands using a large portable touch panel device?

1. The advantage is that the screen has a large viewing area
2. There are many disadvantages:
1. the equipment cost is high
2. it is necessary to write custom software, and would be especially troublesome when changing appliances
3. high power consumption means that it can only be used for a short time before it is necessary to recharge it once again.
4. it is heavy to hold
5. the LCD display is not durable among other problems
6. it is dependent on WIFI

What are the unique features of the DM825 Schedule Controller?

1. The schedule controller is an optional component and can be added as desired
2. There are times where it is necessary to change the regular schedule extemporaneously for a special occasions, in this case all one needs to do is to access the DM825 from any web browser and can change the schedule accordingly
3. Using any web enabled device, one can remotely control and override the schedule as needed, allowing the operator to be anywhere, entirely eliminating the limits imposed by geography.
4. Note that schedule control is achieved using group mode and not as individual nodes. A maximum of 12 groups can be controlled per DM825

What are the unique features of the SLCS?

1. The SLCS does not require a central controller which makes it similar to C-Bus but unlike that of Toshiba, Panasonic or Korean brands which all require a central controller in order to work. There are several problems with having a central controller, such as high initial capital cost and as a point of failure, when it fails then the entire system becomes inoperable, it is also incapable of being configured when off the network.
2. Capable of integrating conventional switches, magnetic contactors, and IR controllers into the system.
3. May link with a BAS using Modbus
4. Features an optional appealing color touch panel
5. Works with auto learning universal IR remote controls
6. Configurable using its auto learning capability similar to C-Bus
7. The schedule may be set through its web enabled interface

About the feedback on the indicator lights of the IS switches.

1. The IS switch is capable of showing a meaningful load status according to its current mode of operation
2. For remote operation, it is absolutely necessary to have a feedback in order to properly know the current load status
3. For the LT3504 and LT3502, the status of the built in relay serves as the feedback
4. For the LT3100, it is the load status, local/remote, and overload status of the magnetic contactor that serves as the feedback information that is shown on the LT3100.