Control, Control, Control

[Eden Lights]

I have found that as my clients properties, budgets, and needs grow, so does the need for more controls. I currently always spec. photocells for turning on with battery back up timer controls (Hadco T6) for off, with some transformers with manual switch control with photocells. I am looking for a retrofit system that can do the following: Turn on the transformer at dusk, turn off the transformer at a preset time, has a on override and a off overide. Say Why? Clients want the over ride on for social events that last longer than the normal on times. It looks like the Lutron Radio RA would work with the astro time clock and then use the everting on and off over ride on the master panel, but I havn't read everything yet, I will probley call my rep in the morning to find out more. The install would have to have switches since I didn't see any Radio RA receptacles in the information? Having the timer stay on till say 1-2am on Fri-Sat would probley work and save about $1500.

[sitelights]

See my posts on the topic "dusk to timed off" for detailed information about this need. Note that the Grasslin Digi 42 has a single stroke override button; if pressed when the lights go off it will turn them back on until dawn and then revert to the program for the next night.

[Paul]

You might want to check out the dominator by Nightscaping. I think that is what you have been looking for.

[Eden Lights]

Thanks for the reply. I have been using UPB technology for almost two years now and I spec. it in every job. It is a technology that uses an architecture the same as X10, but everything else is different. I have found the top two landscape lighting call backs to cover about 90% of the market. (Not including low voltage at the lamp) One being poor controls and two being poor connections. This post covers the controls and opens up all kinds of possibilites for an increase in revenues. Typical install includes astro time clock functions, over rides, interior control, dimming, and etc. and all in a retrofit solution. Control example: Transformer 1 to ? comes on at ? before dusk, line voltage fixtures slowly ramp on at the same time to a precise dimmed level for a balanced light level: 70% front door recessed, 40% decorative fixtures, and etc. At midnight transformers turn off - Sun-Thurs, and Friday - Saturday off at 2am. After transformers off line voltage fixtures ramp down to 20% until ? mintues before dawn. Client can suspend timed events from the interior and take control for special events and etc. Typical job includes transformer module, interior key pad, phase coupler, timed event controler, and a couple of dimmer switches for existing fixtures all for under 1k.+labor. Timed event controler, coupler in place, and customer is very happy calls back and asks for 20 to ????????????? more switches. If you don't have a relationship with a electrician you can find one.

[Eden Lights]

For futher UPB Information you can see these web sites.

PCS Lighting www.pcslighting.com - They license UPB technology and have some offerings such as dimmers, keypads, and the timer the TEC (Timed event controller).

ITouch www.itouch.ws - Itouch is rolling out a very nice touch screen and a mini controller under the name ControlScape. I think clients will love the little touchscreen and no laptop is needed to program.

Simply Automated www.simply-automated.com has all the stuff to complete the packages and has released a mini-timer themselves this week at EHX. While I haven't seen the offical released version timer I would be surprised if it is not the same timer from Web Mountain that is not available outside of retail to the Landscape lighting industry due to exclusive rights to a Franchiser in the Landscape Lighting Industry.

If you can do X10 then you can do UPB, I will try to post more useage details if there is a interest? I set up a system today with one transformer that front low-voltage lighting comes on at dusk and off at midnight at the same time front line voltage ramps up to dimmed level. Button at back door for rear landscape lighting, button for front landscape lighting over ride off and on, and button for full on or off for walk the dog. You get the picture it's SWEET.

I will try to post some pics.

[Eden Lights]

Here is a shot of a UPB Timer and the specs. It's sitting inside a Kichler 1200W Contractor Series (Pic is edited so SiteLites can't see the load on the 16V tap). A UPB appliance module is doing the switching and this transformer is switching a relay so not much load on the appliance module. The cover will close just fine, but I move the timers inside for a better enviroment after the job is complete.

Basic Timer Specs
• Support for 99 separate timed events;
• Sunset and sunrise triggers;
• Adjusts for leap years and daylight savings time;
• Can be put into “Vacation” mode to make a residence look occupied even when there is no one home;
• The timer can be used like a table-top controller to manually trigger pre-programmed timed events or to signal an emergency by turning on all automated lights with a single button press;
• Nonvolatile memory and battery backup protect programs and keep the timer running even during extended power outages.

Appliance Module Basic Specs
Power 120VAC +/- 10%, 60 Hz
Controlled Outlet
Max Load: 12A or 1/3HP motor
Output Type : Contact closure
Operating Temp: 30-120F (0-50C)
Physical: Dimensions: 3.4x2.6x1.5"
86x65x38mm
Weight: 8oz (220g)
Mounting: Plug-in

[Paul]

Where can we get more information on this control? By the way, I really like that Kichler contractor series transformer.