CONTROL METHODS
What methods are there?
CLS has a wide product range available. In general, CLS fixtures are compatible with nine control methods. The choice is mostly dependent on the venue, which infrastructure is already available, and what wishes the new lighting needs to comply with.
9
Control methods available
Venue
Choice depends mostly on venue
Infrastructure
Which is already available
Product page
Shows compatible fixtures
how to choose
> CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTROL METHOD
CLS has a wide product range available. You can find all control methods a fixture is compatible with on the product pages, but in general our fixtures are compatible with nine control methods: Casambi, DALI, DMX512, Wireless DMX, Magno Dim, Roto Dim, Local Dim, 1-10V Dim, and Mains Dim.
The choice of a control method is mostly dependent on the venue. Which infrastructure is already available, or what wishes do the new lighting need to comply with. Other reasons for choosing a certain control method may be the integration in an existing situation, or in an audio/video installation. Also the amount of fixtures that are going to be installed may be of influence, because of the way of programming.
implemented in projects
> CASE STUDIES
We’ve written interesting case studies about some projects, that explain the choice for a control method in different situations. Some are:
COMPATIBILITIES
> ALL NINE METHODS EXPLAINED
At CLS, we have a wide product range available. You can find all control and dimming methods a fixture is compatible with on the product pages. In general, we offer nine control methods; Casambi Bluetooth, DALI, DMX512, Wireless DMX, Magno Dim, Local Dim, Roto Dim, 1-10V Dim, and Mains Dim.
Casambi
Casambi is a wireless LED lighting control system using Bluetooth technology. The Casambi app allows users to group fixtures, create scenes, and adjust brightness and colour for individual or grouped lights. Schedules can be set for automatic on/off and dimming, aiding in energy efficiency. Wireless switches are available for physical control within Bluetooth range. The system also supports sensor integration and cloud connectivity for remote access and monitoring.
DALI
DALI, which stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, is a standardised communication protocol for lighting control. It is widely used for controlling and dimming LED lighting fixtures. DALI allows for individual control of each light fixture in a system, offering greater flexibility and efficiency in managing lighting environments.
DMX512
DMX512 (Digital Multiplex 512) is a widely used protocol for controlling lighting equipment, including LED fixtures. It is commonly used in theatres, concerts, architectural lighting, and other applications where precise control of lighting is required. You can visit the CLS DMX knowledge centre pages to read more about how DMX works, and how to set up DMX-controlled CLS fixtures.
Wireless DMX
Wireless DMX (Wireless Digital Multiplex) is a technology that allows the wireless transmission of DMX512 signals to control lighting fixtures in a DMX universe. This can be useful when the existing setup does not allow for adding a physical data line. For example in churches or other locations where new cabling is not desired in order to maintain the appearance of the venue.
Magno Dim
Magno Dim allows the user to set the desired intensity with the help of a magnet. Placing the magnet at the indicated position will slowly adjust the level output. Removing the magnet will automatically store the output level in the fixture's memory. No additional DMX equipment or cabling is needed. Unprecedented accurate dimming without the need for external controls and complex cabling systems.
Roto Dim
The Roto Dim system once again emphasises CLS' position as an innovator and leading global player. It combines the ease and speed of an analogue potentiometer with the precision of digital dimming. With the detachable magnetic potentiometer, you can dim to 0.01%. The resolution is incredibly high, with steps of less than 0.1 Lux. The digital potentiometer offers "endless rotation", allowing for extreme precision.
Local Dim
The LED fixture has a potentiometer on its housing where you can simply adjust the light output directly on the fixture itself. This is a straightforward method for applications where individual fixture adjustment is needed without any additional infrastructure or control system.
1-10V Dim
This method is a simple and accurate way to control the intensity of multiple LED fixtures at the same output level. A 2-wire data cable is needed to connect all LED fixtures to the 1-10V / 0-10V dimmer. All fixtures connected to the same control line will always respond simultaneously.
Mains dim
The LED fixture intensity can be controlled with a triac dimmer, also known as a phase-cut dimmer. The minimum output level with this method is relatively high compared to other control methods.
Continue reading
> RELATED ARTICLES
hOW TO SET UP DMX CONTROLLED CLS FIXTURES
Step-by-step guide to wiring, addressing and programming your CLS LED fixtures with DMX, including controller requirements and fixture-specific channel configurations.
LUMITAG - THE CLS NFC APP
Configure, diagnose and manage your CLS fixtures via NFC using the free LumiTaG app. No cables, no mains power, no complexity. Just hold your phone to the fixture.
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> WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CONTROL METHODS?
Want to know more about the control methods we offer? Look at our product pages to see which methods are compatible with every product, or contact us. We are happy to help.