by Brianna Crandall — February 13, 2017 — Douglas Lighting Controls, a member of the Panasonic family of companies, recently introduced a complete, stand-alone wireless system to control lights in a variety of commercial applications using Bluetooth wireless technology. The system devices include Douglas Lighting Controls’ Bluetooth Fixture Mounted Controller and Sensor, Bluetooth Fixture Controller, Bluetooth Sensor, Bluetooth Switches, and Bluetooth Dialog Gateway. A complimentary smartphone app provides commissioning and control capabilities for the devices and lighting control system.
The system devices include Douglas Lighting Controls’ Bluetooth Fixture Mounted Controller and Sensor, Bluetooth Fixture Controller, Bluetooth Sensor, Bluetooth Switches, and Bluetooth Dialog Gateway. Image courtesy of Douglas Lighting Controls
Each Bluetooth-enabled device is its own wireless node for sending, receiving and sharing control commands through a wireless mesh network. The lighting control system can expand reach and control throughout the network, as each device passes information to the next device.
Rob Mahaffey, director of product market development for Douglas Lighting Controls, commented:
With our Bluetooth wireless solution, Douglas continues to provide lighting specifiers the reliability and operability that is so critical to the success of a well-designed lighting control system. Additionally, the system is easy to commission, saves on installation, employs a high level of encryption, and significantly reduces electrical consumption by providing the right amount of light when needed.
Bluetooth Fixture Mounted Controller and Sensor
The Fixture Controller and Sensor provides automated individual and group control of light fixtures using onboard sensors and Bluetooth technology. It can be easily installed for ON/OFF or bi-level light functionality. The daylight sensor provides additional energy savings by adjusting the lights to work with the amount of natural daylight available in open-sided parking garages or from windows.
Configuration of the Fixture Controller and Sensor is done conveniently at deck level with Douglas’ complimentary smartphone app using Bluetooth protocol to communicate with the device. A Bluetooth mesh network is created between devices for control over a group of Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth Fixture Controllers & Sensors.
The Controller and Sensor has a maximum vertical range of 40 feet and is powered from the fixture. Once a device is configured, the system will automatically operate to control lighting based on occupancy in the area and the system settings.
Bluetooth Fixture Controller
The Controller converts fixtures into wirelessly controlled luminaires. The device provides individual or multi-fixture control based on the wiring configuration (one-to-one or one-to-many) and can control a full 20A load. Control functionality includes ON/OFF and 0-10V dimming control of the fixture(s) through a wireless control point, eliminating the need for control wires between fixtures and making design and installation easier.
Each device is capable of communicating with other Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth-enabled devices via the Bluetooth mesh network.
The Controller is effortlessly installed using the half-inch chase nipple and the included flying leads. Commissioning is conveniently done at deck level with Douglas’ complimentary smartphone app.
Adding the Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth Sensor will provide automated daylight harvesting (CLC dimming) control.
Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth Sensor
The Sensor is a dual-technology, ceiling-mounted occupancy and daylight sensor. It communicates wireless with other Bluetooth devices within the Douglas Lighting Controls ecosystem. The dual-technology sensor uses PIR (Passive Infrared) and Bluetooth proximity detection to identify and maintain occupancy. PIR technology will identify motion, while the proximity detection will identify occupancy by recognizing authorized Bluetooth-enabled smartphones in the area.
The Sensor is easily installed into soft ceiling tiles by using an innovative cutting head to eliminate the need for cutting tools. Once the hole is cut and the Sensor is pushed into place, rubber ribs hold the Sensor securely in place. Power for the Sensor is provided by the Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth Controller (part #BT-PP20).
Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth Switches
The Switches provide wall station control over lighting in rooms and defined spaces. The product is available in four-button or eight-button with 0-10V Dimmer and one-button formats in 120/277VAC and 347VAC models. Each switch is a Bluetooth-enabled device designed to communicate wirelessly with other devices on the Douglas Lighting Controls wireless ecosystem.
Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth Dialog Gateway
The Gateway shares Bluetooth wireless commands and data from the Douglas Lighting Controls wireless system with Douglas’ Dialog centralized controller when a facilities-wide lighting control system is being used.
Douglas Lighting Controls Commissioning and Control App
Use a Bluetooth-enabled iOS device to commission light levels, zones, pre-sets and timeouts, and control those lights through the app.
For more information, see the Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth Wireless Solutions product page.
