DALI in the UK

Has anyone in the UK had a play with CBUS and DALI integration?

I am building a two floor extension and would like to use some fluorescents that I can control from CBUS and also DIM using DALI HF ballasts.

I understand I need to program the ballast address on a per ballast basis. I dont think I need the DALI high level controller as the CBUS side will do all the clever stuff. So what is it I am looking for to be able to set the ballast addresses, a DALI RS232 interface?

I have done much google searching but not much appears for DALI and RS232.

I have spoken to OSRAM and they do something called the DALI Luminaire tool but that is 400 Euro and I wanted something cheaper than that. After all it will only be used on initial commissioning of the ballasts.

Can CBUS DALI integration not be achieved without and expensive DALI controller?

 

Have a look at TridonicAtco ( http://www.tridonicatco.co.uk/kms/cms/kms.php?id=258&str_id=534&det_back=1 ) I find that they are the most helpful when it come to DALI, plus they have got their own software that can program the ballest. I'm not sure how much this unit will cost but. If you buy the fittings with TridonicAtco ballest you might even be able to get them to loan one to you
You will just need the C-Bus DALI Gatway to be able to talk to DALI via C-Bus. It's not too hard to program up, you just link C-Bus Group addresses to DALI addresses or groups.

 

DSI Good Enough?

Hiya,

For a small job like this you may find you are better off with DSI ballasts rather than DALI.

DSI is simpler than DALI as you do not need to configure individual ballasts. The DSI Gateway has 8 output channels, all you have to do is wire up your ballasts in strings and all ballasts connected to the same channel of the DSI gateway will go to the same level.

You only get 8 strings of ballasts and you do not get the same level of flexibility as with DALI, but that means installation/commissioning is far easier.

Edit / Afterthought: The DSI Gateway also powers the DSI channels, so you save some pennies by not needing a DALI power supply per network.

Good luck!
Mark.

 

Hi,

I now have to go with DALI as I have already bought the controller with 2xDALI power supply incorporated from ebay $65 AUD new, the DSI gateway would cost me $971 AUD from cbus sales etc..

I have been in touch with TRIDONIC and they put me in touch with their retailer Bernlite who sell the DALI USB device for ?181 UKP, or $414 AUD.

So, looks like this is the cheapest solution. Still, didn't really want to spend the $414 for initial commissioning of the ballasts and then it goes into the draw. Suppose I have it for future use or re-sale.

I wonder if clipsal have any plans to design a controller that lets us connect fluorescents without using 3rd party systems. With the cost of electric constantly on the rise surely people will want to use cheaper solutions and still have their dimming? Same for LEDs I suppose. Please correct me if I am not seeing the point.

 

Fluorescent ballasts that use 0-10V control or DSI control will work with C-Bus without any other tools or special commissioning required.

It's only the DALI networks that require commissioning because DALI is a separate programmable control system in itself. The DALI system needs to be commissioned in the DALI way before it will do anything useful with the commands comming at it from the C-Bus <-> DALI Gateway.