The DALI Extension is designed to integrate lighting devices with DALI interface.
Table of Contents
- Commissioning
- Adding DALI devices
- Address assignment and options
- Create DALI groups
- Diagnostics for DALI devices
- Supported DALI device types
- Inputs, Outputs, Properties
- Safety Instructions
- Documents
Commissioning↑
The DALI Extension is installed on a DIN rail in a suitable enclosure.
Connect the power supply, Link communication to the Miniserver and the DALI data lines.
DALI bus topology can be daisy-chained, star or tree. Ring topology is not permitted.
The maximum cable length of the DALI bus is 300m using 1.5 mm² (AWG16) conductors.
When using the maximum cable length, it is recommend to run DALI separate from any mains voltage cables.
The maximum voltage drop must not exceed 2V.
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The DALI Extension is equipped with a power supply for the DALI bus. If an external power supply is used, it is imperative that the correct polarity of the bus lines is observed. Also the supply of the DALI bus has to be deactivated in the properties of the DALI Extension in Loxone Config. |
The Extension starts after switching on the power supply, and the status LED will flash orange after a short time when the connection to the Miniserver is established.
Then follow the pairing procedure
Adding DALI devices↑
For a new installation, a Fresh Installation search must be performed to assign an address to the DALI devices.
To search for Dali devices, first click on the Dali Extension in Loxone Config, and then activate Add Dali Device.
The search results at the bottom of the Loxone Config, will list all connected DALI devices:
Now select a device, enter a name and select a room, then click on Create device.
To apply the changes, save the program in the Miniserver.
Now the added devices are ready for use and available in Loxone Config.
Address assignment and options↑
Generally, the additional options are used for a new installation or address conflicts.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Load factory setting | All DALI devices are reset to factory settings during the search |
| Complete new installation | All DALI device addresses are deleted and reassigned during the search |
| Visual confirmation | DALI devices light up when they are found |
If the DALI Extension is added to an existing DALI installation, a normal search is sufficient to find all DALI devices and their settings.
If a DALI device is added to an existing installation, a normal search is also sufficient to find the newly added DALI devices. Available addresses are assigned to the new devices.
Prerequisite: To avoid possible address conflicts, the newly added devices must not have an assigned address yet.
If an address conflict is detected, e.g. if two or more devices have the same address, the function "Resolve address conflict" can be used:
The affected devices are assigned a new address. If devices were already paired, they can be added via "Replace device".
Alternatively, you can also start a search with "Fresh Installation", where all device addresses are deleted and reassigned.
Create DALI groups↑
If several DALI lights are to be controlled simultaneously, a DALI group is recommended.
This offers the advantage that the programming is simpler and there is no time delay when dimming the lights. Also, central functions can be handled easier.
When pairing DALI devices, existing group assignments are imported and created in Loxone Config.
To create a new group, the DALI devices must already be paired.
The devices can be selected in the DALI group's properties, thus assigning them to that group.
The group actuator can then be used in programming.
Diagnostics for DALI devices↑
The option Display diagnostic inputs can be used to display an error input for DALI devices, that is active in case of errors.
Possible errors are: no bulb or defective bulb in the DALI device.
The DALI Monitor provides an analysis of the communication between the DALI Extension and devices. First connect to the Miniserver, click on the DALI Extension, and then on Dali Monitor.
The DALI monitor displays the name of the device, the transmitted values and the DALI commands.
These are defined in IEC 62386-102, the following is an excerpt:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| DIRECT_ARC_POWER | Dimming value is sent (0-255) |
| CMD_QUERY_X | A data set is queried from the DALI dimmer |
| SEARCH_ADDR_H SEARCH_ADDR_M SEARCH_ADDR_L |
This sets the current search address |
| COMPARE | Prompts the dimmer to compare its own random number with the current search address |
| WITHDRAW | Found dimmer is removed from the search |
| PROG_SHORT_ADR | The DALI short address is stored in the dimmer |
| VERIFY_SHORT_ADR | The DALI short address of the dimmer is verified |
| TERMINATE | Search is ended |
Supported DALI device types↑
| Device type | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Fluorescent lamps |
| 1 | Emergency lighting |
| 2 | Gas-discharge lamps |
| 3 | Low voltage halogen lamps |
| 4 | Voltage regulator for incandescent lamps |
| 5 | Digital DC converter |
| 6 | LED modules |
| 7 | Actuators, relays |
| 8 | Color/color temperature control |
Diagnostic Inputs↑
| Summary | Unit |
|---|---|
| Online Status Dali Extension | Digital |
Properties↑
| Summary | Description | Default Value |
|---|---|---|
| Serial number | Specifies the serial number of the device. For Extensions: 'Auto' may only be used if only one Extension of this type is being used. |
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| Bus Supply | Supply the Dali Bus internally (active), or externally (deactivated) | - |
| Monitor online status | When selected, you will be notified via System Status or the Cloud Mailer if the device is no longer available or goes offline. | - |
Safety Instructions↑
The installation must be carried out by a qualified technician in accordance with all applicable regulations.
The installation requires a suitable enclosure to ensure protection against contact, water and dust.
The device must not be used as part of safety-critical systems.