white paper

Wireless Control of Architectural and Theatrical Lighting
via DMX-512
When it comes to controlling lighting in theatres, convention facilities,ballrooms, large restaurants, nightclubs, churches and educational
facilities the predominant control protocol is DMX-512. Historicallywireless methods of interfacing with DMX-512 have been complex andcostly, but with the use of EnOcean based radios and energy
harvesting technologies, a simple and effective control method has
been implemented.
By Brian Aikens, Echoflex Solutions and Bruce McIntrye, Luella Enterprises

1. What is DMX-512?
DMX-512 is the most predominant theatrical lighting control protocol used inmany theatrical and architectural lighting control devices worldwide. DMX-512
has been in use since 1990. DMX-512 is so common that most dimmers
produced today are manufactured DMX-512 compatible. There are dozens of
manufacturers producing DMX dimmers from simple single channel 500 wattdimmers all the way up to 96 channel dimmers that can control over 200Kw oflighting load. DMX-512 can simultaneously control up to 512 channels oflighting control - this group of 512 channels is generally referred to as a DMX"universe".
DMX-512 signals are traditionally carried by RS-485 twisted pair cables fromtransmitting devices to receive devices. DMX is transmitted at 250Kbaud witha maximum update rate of 44 times per second with 512 channels. DMX-512
transmitting devices are mainly theatrical memory consoles with manuallyoperated faders used to program complex scenes (presets) that are stored
and then recalled later, by button press or automated sequence. DMX-512
receiving devices are mainly lighting control dimmers, RGB LED fixtures ormoving light fixtures that read the DMX-512 transmitted signal and interpretthe information as lighting levels, color hue, fixture position etc.

2. Wireless Control of DMX
The term "wireless DMX" usually refers to replacing the RS-485 DMX cables
with a suitable wireless RF link. This requires a continuous RF signal usually
utilizing spread spectrum techniques. There are a number of manufacturersthat already produce this type of wireless RF DMX link. A wireless RF DMXtransmission link is not what is being described in this document. What has
been implemented here is a method of DMX-512 “translation” using thewireless UHF EnOcean protocol via the PTM based telegrams from momentary
contact switches, though all EnOcean telegrams can be supported by this RFinterface.

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This system has 2 main components, the Wireless Interface/controller and thePTM switches. The PTM switches transmit standard wireless EnOcean
telegrams which are received and processed by the Interface which thentranslates the received information into an industry standard DMX-512 datastream. The DMX data is then connected to any industry standard DMX device(usually a dimmer) where the DMX signals are interpreted and output aslighting levels.

3. Functionality of the Control Interface
Current controllers have 3 modes of operation: a basic up/down dimming
mode, an economical pre-programmed preset recall mode and theprogrammable “snapshot” mode.
Up/down dimming mode - this is the simplest Interface mode. The PTM
switches function as manual dim up or dim down controls when pressed. Eachpress of the button smoothly dims up or down the pre-configured DMX control
channels in increments of 10%. Each button can control up to 48 DMXchannels.
Pre-programmed preset recall mode - this is the most economical “PresetRecall” mode. Factory programmed scenes (combinations of lights and levels)
are stored in the Interface and recalled by PTM pushbuttons with a 3 second
fade between scenes. Each button can control up to 48 DMX channels.
Programmable DMX snapshot mode - the Interface when used with any
industry standard DMX-512 controller or console can store “snapshots” ofscenes set up by the DMX controller for recall by PTM control stations. Thesescenes are repeatable lighting “looks” created by adjusting DMX lighting
control channels to create the desired combination of lights and levels. The
number of DMX control channels per scene can be up to 512 channels. The
fade time between scenes is a fixed 3 seconds (the fade time is factoryadjustable). Scenes can be modified "live" by an up/down master PTM switch
in 10% increments.

4. Specifications
PTM control stations are available with 2, 4 or 8 scenes. Multiple DMX“universes” are possible by using separate interface modules. The DMXinterface has fully bi-directional communication capability for future use with
RDM compliant devices. The Interface is available in 120V/240V/277V/347V
and low voltage (class 2) versions.

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5. Benefits
A benefit of using wireless technology is that the information sent by devices
is accessible anywhere in a room or space, not just along the wires. Socomponents can be optimally positioned without concern for existing wires orthe difficulty in getting wires to certain locations. It also allows a simple andcost effective method of upgrading and expanding current DMX based lighting
control systems which are often located in large and extremely hard to wirebuildings. Combining a wired DMX system with EnOcean wireless components
allows an installation to benefit from both technologies.

6.

Where do we go from here?

Addition of more wireless signal sources will allow for a wider variety oflighting control scenarios implementing devices such as Photo sensors,
occupancy sensors and time based devices.

About Echoflex Solutions
Echoflex, located in Squamish, British Columbia, is a manufacturer specializing in theEnOcean wireless and energy harvesting protocol. The Echoflex engineering team, withover 80 years of combined controls experience, creates wireless and battery-lessswitches, sensors and controller/receivers, that are designed to create smart spacesthat optimize energy consumption for lighting, HVAC and various process applications.
Echoflex prides itself on its ability to develop innovative and quality products in atimely manner that are easily installed, easily commissioned, and maintain flexibility.
www.echoflexsolutions.com
About Luella Enterprises
Luella Enterprises, located in Squamish B.C. Canada, are theatrical and architecturallighting control specialists. The company was formed in 1994 and their primarybusiness was lighting control system service. Luella has since evolved into lighting
control system integrators and manufacturers of custom lighting control interfaces.
Luella Enterprises current business focus is on custom product development and theirexpertise in dimming systems and RF engineering naturally led them to collaborate
with Echoflex Solutions.
www.luellaenterprises.ca
EnOcean Alliance
The EnOcean Alliance is a consortium of over 60 companies working to further developand promote self-powered wireless monitoring and control systems for sustainablebuildings by formalizing the interoperable wireless standard. It has the largest
installed based of field-proven wireless building automation networks in the world.
EnOcean®, alliance logo, alliance member logo and ingredient logo are registeredtrademarks of EnOcean GmbH and EnOcean Alliance Inc.
www.enocean-alliance.org

White Paper – Wireless Control of Architectural and Theatrical Lighting
Feb 2009 - Subject to modifications

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