Specifications

Controlling LED Lighting 11
What protocol should you use for an intelligent lighting system?
Whether DMX or Ethernet is appropriate for your intelligent
lighting installation depends in part on the number of fixtures and
the complexity of the light shows and dynamic effects you intend to
display. Because of wiring infrastructure and addressing limitations,
DMX is appropriate for smaller installations, or for light shows in
which large groups of xtures operate in unison. On the other hand,
Ethernet is the preferred environment for larger cable plans that
support intricate, color-changing light shows and video displays calling
for hundreds or thousands of individually controllable lighting nodes.
How much automation do you need?
You need to consider what degree of automation you require. Do you
want a set-and-forget system that runs according to a pre-defined
timeline or astronomical clock? Do you require local control through
wall-mounted keypads and other triggering devices, centralized
control, or both? Are there electrical, building, or energy codes
to which your lighting system must comply, or building automation
systems with which your system must integrate?
What are you forgetting?
The details of your control system are also influenced by physical
concerns, such as the characteristics of the space(s) you’re lighting,
the availability and rating of power and networking systems, the total
system load, and security requirements.
Keep in mind that the lighting fixtures, controllers, and control
accessories are only part of a complete system which may also include
any combination of power supplies, networking switches and cabling,
server or hardware racks, watertight enclosures, protocol converters,
and other accessories.
How much does your control solution cost?
Finding the right control solution means striking the right balance
between performance and cost. Once you’ve determined what
kind of solution you need to support the goals of your lighting system,
you must perform a cost-benefit analysis to achieve the right target
value level.
Different lighting applications require different control solutions. Left: W Hotel, New York, New York, USA. Guests control the ambience in the luxury
suites by dimming and switching solid white and solid color LED cove lighting xtures. Center: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, South Australia. A Light System
Manager controller, integrated with a Philips Dynalite control system, manages over 800 ColorGraze Powercore xtures in the centre’s iconic entry structure. Right: Rush
produces a spectacular show with coordinated sound, animatronic, and lighting systems, including dozens of ColorBlaze LED wash lights mounted high above the stage.
Photography: John Arrowsmith
Lighting Fixtures: ColorBlaze Controller: Third-party theatrical controls