News

Focus SB develops HAL Digital Home Automated Lighting and Control System (22/6/2009)

The HAL Digital Home Automated Lighting and Control System from Focus SB, has been developed for the domestic market to offer an affordable option for creating mood lighting and automatic switching of non dimmable lighting as part of a scene. Its innovative design also facilitates the operation of devices such blinds, curtains, roof lights and can be used to reveal plasma screens in home cinema settings.

Its simple design and self commissioning capabilities not only make it easy to install and operate, but also enables the home owner to alter set scenes for themselves, as no software knowledge is required to programme or change the selected lighting scenes. As this system is based on a modular concept it can be built-up from a very simple switching and dimming operation to offer more complex solutions such as the provision of a global control button which can turn all the lighting circuits on or off. It can also be linked with other intelligent devices such as audio and visual, CCTV or fire safety systems.

Not only is the HAL system simple to wire, but it can also be used with the majority of the attractive decorative plates from Focus SB’s extensive plate range so as to blend seamlessly with the interior design theme. These controller plates, which can be specified in a range of finishes and styles, feature a simple push button operation. To turn the system on all the user has to do is depress a selected scene button to recall the previous setting. This button automatically illuminates to clearly identify the scene which is being operated.

For setting and storing scenes the 8 button master controller is utilised. By pressing and holding the selected channel buttons in turn the level of lighting can be raised or lowered to suit the user’s requirements. To store the selected scene, simply depress the chosen scene button for a few seconds, the button flashes momentarily and reverts back to the original level, before latching onto and memorising the new setting. If preferred the system can also be programmed using the infrared handset. Other control options include push-to-make rockers and rotary controls which, in some applications such as period properties, may be deemed to be more appropriate than contemporary styled plates.

The control plates are connected to the dimmer system using low voltage CAT5 style cable and data communication. This is supported by the HAL protocol which is a proven and robust interface with an integral self monitoring facility. As the control panel and control plates are wired utilising a Cat 5 data loop, the HAL system is able to control or dim lighting from an almost unlimited number of control points. An infrared handset is also available for remote control and programming operations.

www.focus-sb.co.uk