Tridonic unveils connecDIM, an easy-to-integrate light management system solution for industry and commerce. The system, comprising connecDIM Gateway and connecDIM Cloud, combines cost efficiency and user-friendly design with decentralised light monitoring and control options from anywhere in the world. Small applications with only a few DALI devices can benefit just as much as complex lighting systems in large properties.

 A long-term study conducted by Zumtobel in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IAO has confirmed that the present lighting situation in offices often does not meet the requirements of the various groups of users. Lighting that is tailored to the needs of users has been shown to improve their well-being and make workplaces more attractive. More than 50 percent of all employees would like individually adjustable lighting that they can tailor to their specific needs and to the requirements of changing work situations. connecDIM makes this possible. This light management solution not only enables the lighting to be monitored at any time and from anywhere in the world, it also allows employees to adjust the lighting to suit their own individual needs quickly and easily via a PC or smartphone app. Both the intensity and the light colour (Tunable White) can be adjusted, thereby making employees feel more comfortable at work, as those who took part in the study can testify.

Tridonic's decentralized smart lighting system. (Tridonic/LEDinside)

 Whether the DALI system is a new one or an existing one, integrating it in a high-level light management system via the connecDIM Gateway is much easier, quicker and more cost-effective than has ever been possible with other approaches. This solution is based on standard hardware and internet technologies so there is no need to invest in expensive specialist hardware or software. connecDIM is easy to install, operate and tailor to individual customer requirements, and offers automated emergency lighting test functions. Once connected to the internet the gateway, as the heart of the system, collects all the data and parameters of the connected DALI devices and transfers them via TCP/IP to the central ConnecDIM cloud.

 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

The data stored in the cloud can be accessed at any time from anywhere in the world. Access is possible via web browsers from any PC or Mac, and also wirelessly via tablets or smartphones running iOS or Android. There are apps available for wireless access, namely connecDIM Lite for monitoring and controlling the installation within the property via the in-house WLAN and connecDIM Architect for commissioning and maintaining the installation.

 Building operators, facility managers and operation and maintenance personnel all benefit from the central monitoring functions. Not only do they receive an overview of the connected DALI devices, they can also see any lamp faults, hardware faults and dimming values at a glance so they can immediately take appropriate action. It is also possible to change the energy consumption without having to be present on site.

 If the luminaire installation is expanded additional DALI devices can be easily integrated via a PC or Mac internet connection or wirelessly via a tablet or smartphone. This involves addressing the devices, defining test routines (for example for emergency lighting operation), setting up predefined lighting scenes and controlling the light colour in the case of tunable white.

Four DALI lines each with up to 256 DALI devices can be connected per gateway. It is immaterial whether conventional T5/T8 luminaires or the latest LED luminaires are connected to the DALI lines.