brightline DALI Digital Addressable Lighting Interface User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- brightline
Table of Contents
brightline DALI Digital Addressable Lighting Interface
Product Information
- The DALI Programmer’s Tool is a device developed by Brightlines. It allows users to communicate with DALI devices and program them according to their requirements. DALI, which stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, is a highly stable protocol that ensures reliable control of lighting systems.
- The DALI system does not rely on front-end control, meaning that even if a processor or controller fails, it can be easily replaced and re-programmed without any hassle. The system operates through a series of goto commands, providing a seamless connection between Hexadecimal and ASCII command systems. Additionally, when integrated with a CD-250 entry station, users can easily recall scenes 1-8.
- If any programming issues arise during the setup of a Brightline System, customers can contact the support team at 412-206-0106 x 210. For those who prefer professional assistance, factory commissioning is available as an option. Customers can reach out to their Sales Representative for further information.
- The DALI Programmer’s Tool offers convenient control options through a laptop interface. By selecting the fader, users can utilize the up and down arrows on their laptop to precisely set the levels of all connected devices. It is important to save each setting individually to ensure proper configuration. The system is equipped with two factory presets: Preset 1 sets all devices to full level (ALL ON AT FULL LEVEL), while Preset 8 turns all devices off (ALL OFF).
Product Usage Instructions
- Connect the DALI Programmer’s Tool to your computer using the provided interface cable.
- Ensure that the DALI devices you wish to program are properly connected and powered.
- Launch the programming software on your computer.
- Use the fader control on the software interface to select the DALI devices you want to configure.
- Adjust the levels of the selected devices by using the up and down arrow buttons on your laptop.
- After setting the desired levels, save each setting individually to ensure proper configuration.
- If you wish to use the factory presets, select Preset 1 for all devices to be set to full level (ALL ON AT FULL LEVEL), or Preset 8 to turn all devices off (ALL OFF).
- For any programming issues or further assistance, contact the support team at Brightlines by calling 412-206-0106 x 210.
For additional information and resources, visit the Brightlines website at www.brightlines.com or send an email to info@brightlines.com.
Understanding DALI
A Programmer’s Tool
- This document outlines the definitives of a DALI network and the most efficient methods to program a DALI lighting control system.
- The Digital Addressable Lighting Interface provided with each Brightline System has the following components: D ALI Busmaster, 18VAC Adapter, Null Modem Cable, IOGear/ATEN USB to Serial Adapter, Brightline Software Disk.
- The disk contains two system programming software components: WinDIM and DALItool. Depending on the size of the installation, either can be installed (WinDIM works for installations of 10 fixtures or less and is simpler to use).
- When connecting the USB to serial interface, drivers will load automatically.
- THIS IS IMPORTANT: These drivers must be updated on the ATEN website at: http://www.aten.com/download/download_dv.php Without this firmware upgrade, either an “Unrecognized Device” or “Undefined Device” will appear without these drivers.
- Once the drivers are installed, disconnect power from the Busmaster, wait 5 seconds, and reconnect.
At this point, open the program of choice. Both programs
are Graphical User Interfaces (GUI), and have simple tabbed menus. Step
through the tabs to establish communication with the bus. Tab 1 will ping the
interface. “DALI Busmaster” should be clearly visible on one of the COM ports.
The USB interface should also be visible in WinDIM, deselect ALL ports except
the Busmaster port. This will speed up communication. The only COM ports that
are available are 1-4. In DALITool, the non-connected ports will be greyed-
out, so no deselection is necessary.
Once the COM port is established, click on it and set the parameters for communication as follows
- 9600 Baud
- 8 Bit
- 1 stop Bit
- No Parity
Talking to DALI Devices
- Unlike programming scenes via global commands (setting multiple levels and positions and saving as a single preset), DALI devices are “local save”. Each device is capable of storing 16 presets, but they’re all saved locally. When setting a light level, either in a ballast or driver, the level is set as a percentage (1-100) and saved to a scene number (1-16) and stored in the fixture.
- When setting a level for scene one in fixture one, record it directly to the fixture. In both programs, save the level as set it in the fixture by selecting the “SAVE” button while in the fixture screen. This is the most common error: If each individual ballast or driver setting is not saved, the level will default to “mask”, which is a 30% level, and the “OFF” command will never shut the lights off.
- Here’s an example: The command tree gives Preset 1. In the right hand window, all of the fixtures in the installation can be seen by address. Double-click on fixture “0”, and set the level via the fader tool. Once the level is correct, click the “Save” button on the lower right of the GUI, and repeat that for every fixture in scene 1.
- By selecting the fader, the up and down arrows on a laptop can be used to set all levels precisely. Save every setting individually. Each system comes with two factory presets. Preset 1 is ALL ON AT FULL LEVEL and preset 8 is ALL OFF.
DALI Advantages
DALI is a very stable protocol. DALI is not reliant on front-end control, so
if a processor or controller goes down, it’s basically plug-and-play; re-
programming a replacement processor is a simple task. Once programmed, the
system is a series of “go-to” commands. This makes it a seamless connection
between Hexadecimal and ASCII command systems. When a CD-250 entry station is
included in the system, simple recall of scenes 1-8 is available.
Programming Issues
If, during the programming of a Brightline System, any issues occur, please
call 412-206-0106 x 210.
Factory Commissioning is an option. Contact your Sales Representative for
further information.
www.brightlines.com
info@brightlines.com