Shadow-Caster SCM-LC-N2K Light Commander Instruction Manual

: June 16, 2024
: shadow-caster

Table of Contents

Shadow-Caster SCM-LC-N2K Light Commander
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL
LIGHT COMMANDER BOX CONTENTS
SCM-LC-N2K FEATURES
SCM-LC-N2K TYPICAL WIRING DIAGRAM
CONNECING TWO LIGHT COMMANDERS TYPICAL WIRING DIAGRAM
DEUTSCH CONNECTORS FOR LIGHTING AND SWITCH INPUTS
INSTALLATION
SWITCH INPUTS (OPTIONAL)
CONNECTING STEREO INPUT FOR STEREO MUSIC SYNC INPUT
BASIC OPERATIONS FOR SHADOW-CASTER MFD USER INTERFACE
BASIC OPERATIONS FOR SHADOW-CASTER MFD USER INTERFACE
BASIC OPERATIONS FOR SIMRAD NMEA 2000 LIGHTING INTERFACE
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Shadow-Caster SCM-LC-N2K Light Commander

Product Information

Specifications

Model : Light Commander SCM-LC-N2K
Power Source : 10-30V
Maximum Current : 15A per channel
Supported Interfaces : NMEA 2000, Ethernet
Supported MFDs : Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance, B&G, Raymarine, Furuno, Humminbird

Overview
The Shadow-CasterTM Light Commander (SCM-LC) is a versatile LED lighting controller that comes in two models: SCM-LC-N2K and SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS. The SCM- LC-N2K can be connected directly to MFDs with built-in NMEA 2000 lighting support or used as an expansion model for Light Commander N2K PLUS installations. The SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS offers an integrated Ethernet interface in addition to the NMEA 2000 interface for network connections to various MFDs.

Features

Control up to 6 additional lighting channels (each SCM-LC-N2K supports 6 channels)
Logo backlighting
Synchronization with music (4 types)
Fade and custom color rotations
Maximum current of 15A per channel
Individual control of brightness and ON/OFF for each of the 6 zones
Supports switch inputs for control
Shadow-CasterTM full lighting control interface (SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS only)
Designed & Manufactured in Clearwater, FL

Wiring Diagram – SCM-LC-N2K

Wiring Diagram – SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS

Product Usage Instructions

Installation

Ensure that the power source is within the 10-30V range.
Connect the NMEA 2000 Backbone to the Multi-Function Display (MFD).
Connect the Light Commander SCM-LC-N2K or SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS to the NMEA 2000 Backbone using the appropriate connectors.
For SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS, also connect the Ethernet interface to the supported MFD.
If using optional push button switches, connect up to 6 switches to control RGB(W) Zones 1-6. Additionally, you can connect a control switch for “next color” and “color rotation” control.
Connect the power source (10-30V) to the Light Commander.
Connect the Shadow-NETTM SCM-PD4CH to the Light Commander for RGB(W) lighting control (supports up to 15A per channel).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I find the product serial number?
A: The product serial number is located on the back of the Light Commander housing and on the packaging.
Q: Can I control the lighting modes using a different brand of MFD?
A: Yes, the Light Commander is compatible with various MFDs including Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance, B&G, Raymarine, Furuno, and Humminbird.
Q: How many channels can I control with one SCM-LC-N2K?
A: Each SCM-LC-N2K can control up to 6 additional lighting channels.
Q: Can I connect push button switches to control the lighting zones?
A: Yes, you can connect up to 6 push button switches to control RGB(W) Zones 1-6. Additionally, you can connect a control switch for “next color” and “color rotation” control.
Q: What is the maximum current supported per channel?
A: The Light Commander supports a maximum current of 15A per channel.

LIGHT COMMANDER
SCM-LC-N2K NMEA 2000
SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS NMEA 2000 + Ethernet

INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL

LIGHT COMMANDER BOX CONTENTS

SCM-LC-N2K or SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS Light Commander
4 x SS316 Pan Head #8 x 3⁄4″ Mounting Screws
Warranty and Registration Information
Deutsch connector pigtail assemblies
Standard Ethernet Cable (Plus ONLY)

PRODUCT SERIAL NUMBER
You can add your product serial number here for warranty and product registration purposes.
The serial number is located on the back of the Light Commander housing and on the packaging.

LIGHT COMMANDER OVERVIEW
The Shadow-Caster™ Light Commander (SCM-LC) is available in two models:
SCM-LC-N2K
For connection directly to MFDs with built in NMEA 2000 lighting support, or as an expansion model to
“Light Commander N2K PLUS” installations.
SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS
Offers an integrated Ethernet interface along with
an NMEA 2000 interface for network connections to Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance, B&G, Raymarine, Furuno and Humminbird.
This installation and operation manual covers both SCM-LC-N2K and SCM-LC-N2K- PLUS models.

SCM-LC-N2K FEATURES

Control up to 6 zones lights (expandable to 12 or 18 by adding one or two SCM-LC-N2K for 6 additional channels each).
IP67 housing with LED indicators for channels 1-4 and logo backlight.
Full independent color, brightness and multiple lighting modes including 4 types of music synchronization, fade and custom color rotations.
Built in support for 4 channels of RGBW lighting up to 15 amps each.
Digital overcurrent protection.
Auto-detect for selection of RGB or RGBW channel configurations.
Store and recall virtually unlimited lighting scenes.
Integrated push button switch support. Control ON/OFF and brightness for each of the 6 zones.
Global momentary push button color control.
Deutsch connectors for lighting connections and switch inputs.
Direct music input via 3.5mm audio jack.

SCM-LC-N2K-PLUS FEATURES

All the features listed above for the SCM-LC-N2K, plus

Ethernet port for MFD Ethernet connection to use the Shadow-Caster™ full lighting control interface.
USB-C port for software upgrades

SCM-LC-N2K TYPICAL WIRING DIAGRAM

CONNECING TWO LIGHT COMMANDERS TYPICAL WIRING DIAGRAM

DEUTSCH CONNECTORS FOR LIGHTING AND SWITCH INPUTS

CONNECTOR 1 & 2
Mating connector – DT06-12SA “A Key”
CONNECTOR 3
Mating connector – DT06-12SB “B Key”

Combine these two outputs together when current exceeds 10A.

INSTALLATION

LIGHT COMMANDER INSTALLATION
Central mounting locations under the helm areas or in the bilges are acceptable.

The Light Commander should be mounted with Deutsch wire connectors facing down.
Use the included four 8 x 3⁄4” SS pan head screws for mounting.

The Light Commander has four built in RGBW channels. By default these RGBW channels correspond to zones 1-4, identified in the device list as “LOCAL 1-4” (see Configure Devices screen shot on page 11). However, they are independent and can be assigned to any of the configured zones 1-6 supported by the controller.
The Light Commander will support 15 amps on each of the 4 RGB(W) channels, for a total of 60 amps in the entire Light Commander.
Note : Shadow-NET™ lighting devices communicate through the orange and yellow Shadow-NET™ interface on connector 3, and can be assigned to any zone 1-6. As Shadow-NET™ devices do not draw power through the controller, they do not contribute to the Light Commander’s total load calculation.

SELECTING RGB OR RGBW LIGHTING
The Light Commander is pre-configured for RGB output.

TO CONFIGURE FOR RGBW

Press and hold buttons 1 and 2.
Apply main power to the controller – the white channels should immediately start flashing.
Once detected, release switch 1 & 2 and cycle power to resume normal operation.

Note : The minimum detection level is 100mA.

LIGHT COMMANDER POWER REQUIREMENTS

See the Shadow-Caster™ wire AWG recommendations for detailed calculations. It is very important to have sufficient gauge wire feeds for RGB lighting. Typical installations use 8AWG or larger wire.
It is recommended to separate feeds for lighting and for sensitive stereo power feeds with direct runs to the battery or a heavy gauge distribution point.
The Light Commander uses digital current sensing to detect over current conditions. When this is detected, the Light Commander will disconnect RGBW channels from power and flash the backlit logo and channel lights red to indicate a fault condition.
The Light Commander will work in 12V or 24V systems. Please note that 12V or 24 compatible RGB(W) products should be used depending on the application.

RECOMMENDED WIRE GAUGES
Scan the QR Code or click here to view our recommended wire gauge chart.

SWITCH INPUTS (OPTIONAL)

The Light Commander supports zone activation switches. This feature allows a lighting zone to be easily turned on, off and dimmed without using the control screen.
There are 6 zone switch inputs located on connector 3. The inputs are configured for momentary ‘+’ inputs.
The first button press will turn the corresponding lighting zone on to white, the second press will turn the lights off.
Pressing and holding the input will toggle between dimming and stepping up brightness.
There is one global control input, that will step between colors on subsequent presses.
Holding the control switch on for more than 1 second will start color rotation. Color rotation can be stopped by a subsequent button press.

COLOR INDEX CYCLE

Press to step to next color
Press and hold to start color rotation

ADDING ADDITIONAL REMOTES AND MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAYS
A SCM-ZC-REMOTE device can be added to the installation by connecting to the Shadow-NET™ cable.

SHADOW-NET™ DEVICES

Connect Shadow-NET™ enabled devices to the orange and yellow Shadow-NET™ wires coming from the Light Commander.
As soon as the Light Commander receives power, multiple channels of digital messages start broadcasting on these wires. These messages allow Shadow-NET™ enabled devices to be connected without a switch. Initially these commands are for attached lights to turn off. As soon as a command is given to the Light Commander to go to a color, these attached devices will receive a message to go to the corresponding color and brightness.

OPTIONAL PARTS

SCM-ZC-REMOTE Additional Remote Control
SCM-MFD-BRIDGE MFD Communications Bridge
SCM-SCNET-01 1meter Cable
SCM-SCNET-02 2 meter Cable
SCM-SCNET-04 4 meter Cable
SCM-SCNET -Y Y Cable

CONNECTING STEREO INPUT FOR STEREO MUSIC SYNC INPUT

Connecting a stereo and amplifier

MUSIC SYNC
The music sync feature samples the music directly from a 3.5mm stereo analog input. There are several modes available for syncing to amplitude or frequency content in the music.

OPTIMIZING MUSIC SYNC

Turn music to typical listening volume, and press PAUSE on your stereo system. This will provide the lighting controller with an input signal representative of the audio system background noise.
Adjust the sensitivity up until the lights start blinking/flickering.
Play the music and adjust the sensitivity and signal rate. This adjusts how quickly the lights respond.

OPTIMIZING MUSIC SYNC FROM SWITCHES

Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 before applying power to the unit. The unit will blink red and green to indicate that music adjustment mode is activated.
Set music to desired volume, then hit pause on the music so that only the background signal is detected.
Click button 3 until lights blink and flicker. Click button one to to decrease sensitivity by one step at a time until lights stop flickering.
Press button 5 to store settings. Lights will flash green to indicate this is good.

FREQUENCY MODE

Frequency mode is the recommended sync mode as it offers the largest array of color options.
The lighting controller uses a digital signal processor to extract the relative intensities of low, mid and high frequency content.
The music mode defaults to an RGB color sequence. In this case, red corresponds to low frequencies, green to mid range frequencies, and blue to high frequencies. If no signal is present or below the threshold, the color will default to the last color in the sequence or a fourth.

BEST PRACTICES FOR MITIGATING NOISE ISSUES
Noise interference is common in systems with RGB lighting controls and amplified stereo systems. The advanced circuitry in the lighting controller does everything possible to protect from this.
Utilizing installation best practices will further mitigate these issues.

Make sure to supply ample gauge power and separate distribution points from stereo power.
Run RGB power wires as far as possible from the speaker feeds for the stereo. Run separate bundles where possible.

BASIC OPERATIONS FOR SHADOW-CASTER MFD USER INTERFACE

ONBOARDING

BASIC OPERATIONS FOR SHADOW-CASTER MFD USER INTERFACE

LIGHTING MODES

SOLID COLOR
Easily recall colors and color sequences. If selecting a sequence, a rate will be applied to changing these.
COLOR FADE
Rotates colors with the overall brightness going up and down.
COLOR CHANGE
Transitions between colors and sequences but keeps overall brightness the same.
FLASH STROBE
Flashes single colors or sequences with changeable rate.
RGB COLOR WHEEL
Quickly select any color and brightness.
FREQUENCY MUSIC SYNC
Uses full spectrum digital signal processing to go with the music.
AMPLITUDE MUSIC SYNC
Sets the music to go with the beat of the music. Picks up on the volume peaks in the music, can use a single color or rotate through a sequence.
NO CHANGE
If you want to create a scene that does not affect other lights, Setting a zone to “No change” will leave them unaffected.
OFF
Simply sets a zone to off.

BASIC OPERATIONS FOR SIMRAD NMEA 2000 LIGHTING INTERFACE

ZONE CONTROL

SCENE SELECTION

DYNAMIC LIGHTING EFFECTS SCREEN

ZONE CONFIGURATION & LIGHT ASSIGNMENT SCREENS

TROUBLESHOOTING

MUSIC SYNC NOT WORKING

Verify that an appropriate 3.5mm stereo jack is being used and that there is a usable signal.
If a separate output zone is used, verify that the output is enabled and the output is set to a usable volume.
It is not recommended to use a subwoofer output, as certain sync modes require the full audio range.

SHADOW-NET™ LIGHTS WILL OCCASIONALLY LOCK UP AND STOP RECEIVING MESSAGES
This indicates that there is a noise issue on the Shadow-NET™ communication lines. Typically this is caused by insufficient gauge wire feeding one or more Shadow-NET™ connected lights.

SHADOW-NET™ LIGHTS STAY ON

If the connected Shadow-NET™ lights are not turning off at initial power up then there is a challenge with the Shadow-NET™ connection.
Check the orange and yellow wire connections are not reversed and are fully connected.

FACTORY RESET
Press and hold buttons 1 and 7 at start up.

DIMENSIONS