Master Lunatone DALI and DALI-2 Basics

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to DALI
2. Important DALI Facts
3. DALI Components
4. DALI Supply and Wiring
5. DALI Commands
6. Broadcast, Addresses, and Groups
7. Scenes and Parameters
8. DALI-2 Control Devices
9. DALI Power Supply
10. DALI Installation Recommendations

Introduction to DALI

DALI, or Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, is a standard for controlling and managing lighting systems. It offers a wide range of possibilities for lighting control, allowing for flexibility and customization. In this article, we will explore the basics of DALI, including important facts, components, supply and wiring, commands, addresses and groups, scenes, parameters, and DALI-2 control devices. We will also discuss the importance of DALI power supply and provide some recommendations for DALI installations.

Important DALI Facts

1. DALI requires 2 wires for communication, making it simple and inexpensive to install.
2. It is a digital signal that eliminates the problems of the 1-10V technology.
3. DALI allows for two-way communication between control devices and control gears.

DALI Components

DALI systems consist of various components, including control gears, control devices, and power supplies. Control gears, such as LED drivers, relays, and dimmers, receive and respond to commands sent through the DALI bus. Control devices, such as sensors and input devices, allow users to control the lighting system. A DALI power supply provides the necessary voltage for the DALI bus.

DALI Supply and Wiring

DALI systems require a separate DALI power supply, usually named DALI PS. The bus voltage should be between 12 and 19 Volts. The DALI bus is a 2-wire line that can be wired together with the 230V power line, making the wiring process practical and cost-effective. Different wiring topologies, such as lines, loops, stars, and trees, are possible, but rings, meshes, and daisy chains are not allowed. The maximum wiring length of the DALI bus is 300m, which should be considered when planning the installation.

DALI Commands

DALI uses specific commands to control the lighting system. Some of the important DALI commands include switch on, Switch Off, set light levels, recall scenes, and adjust color temperatures. With DALI, commands can be broadcasted to the entire DALI bus, sent to specific addressable devices, or directed to groups of devices.

Broadcast, Addresses, and Groups

Broadcast commands are sent to all devices connected to the DALI bus, while addressable commands are sent to specific devices using their unique DALI address. DALI systems support up to 64 control gears on one DALI line. Devices can also be assigned to different groups to control multiple devices simultaneously. The DALI-2 standard allows for separate address spaces for control devices, ensuring enough addresses are available for different types of devices.

Scenes and Parameters

DALI systems support up to 16 scenes, which are predefined light states for multiple luminaires. Scenes can include dimming states, color settings, and more. Parameters such as minimum dim level, power on level, fade time, and fade rate can be set for control gears. These parameters allow for customization and fine-tuning of the lighting system.

DALI-2 Control Devices

DALI-2 introduces more detailed specifications for control devices. There are two main categories of control devices: application controllers and input devices. Application controllers are responsible for sending control commands to control gears, while input devices send event messages to the DALI bus. DALI-2 control devices have their own range of addresses, allowing for better integration and compatibility in DALI-2 systems.

DALI Power Supply

A DALI system always requires a DALI power supply, which provides the necessary voltage for the DALI bus. The choice of a power supply depends on the number of DALI devices connected and their power requirements. It is important to select a power supply that can handle the power demands of the installation and provide a certain reserve for future expansions.

DALI Installation Recommendations

When installing a DALI system, it is recommended to follow guidelines for wiring length, wire cross-section, and power supply capacity. It is also important to consider the specific needs of the installation, such as the number of control gears, sensors, and control devices. Planning the addressing and grouping of devices is crucial to ensure smooth communication and effective control of the lighting system.

In conclusion, DALI offers a versatile and customizable solution for lighting control. From important facts to components, commands, and control devices, this article has covered the essentials of DALI to help You understand and implement a DALI system successfully. By following the recommended guidelines and considering the specific requirements of your installation, you can Create a reliable and efficient DALI lighting system.