Remote control of lighting is carried out using a special remote control, which makes the operation of lighting devices easier and more convenient. Devices of this type are presented in several versions, have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when choosing.
The principle of operation of the remote control
Lighting controlled by the remote control is most often installed in offices and industrial buildings, but it is becoming increasingly popular for residential premises. The most popular are control systems, which must be controlled using a motion sensor connected to a radio wave switch. For this purpose, they also use mobile phones, computers and mini-controllers. To change the lighting settings from anywhere in the territory, by pressing the buttons on the remote control, devices capable of transmitting radio signals are mounted in the wiring. They activate the exchange of data packets with information that go from the central part of the system to the remote control.
The package may include codes that are responsible for various commands, they can also be programmed according to the needs of the user. In some cases, problems may arise due to too large a distance, which can be solved by setting the repetition option to the remote control, transmitting data with the desired regularity and sequence several times. When choosing a device, it will be necessary to take into account that each switch of the remote type after connecting to a common network receives its own individual network address. For this reason, some signal transmitters can only respond to commands recorded in the memory of the control.
The basic functionality of the remote control includes the ability to turn on and off the lamps at a distance, changing modes and setting the settings. Users can turn off lighting devices partially in a specific segment of the room, which saves energy and uses light flux at their discretion. Modern systems provide the ability to memorize and fix settings, so the user does not have to constantly adjust the light, just program the remote control for several stages of changing lighting.
Most remotes are equipped with sound and light alarms, allowing you to find them in case of loss.
A variety of control panels
An ordinary remote control device has certain technical characteristics. This includes its maximum power of up to 12 milliwatts, a range with operating frequencies that can range from 450-900 megahertz, and the power of a switched element from 300 W to 6 kW. The operating distance in the direction from the main room is usually 40-500 meters. Important parameters are the transmitter and receiver power for the signal, the distance of the active operation of the device will depend on them. The first parameter is considered the main one, as it is responsible for the responsiveness and response speed of the system options.
Infrared
IR systems are most often used to control lighting from the outside, including parking lots, warehouses and public areas. The infrared remote controls are similar in design to the usual remote control for TVs, are simple and easy to use.
There are also disadvantages - they will function only with light sources that are located in extreme visibility at a distance of up to 10 meters from the device.
The principle of operation is not complicated: when the module receives an infrared signal, it converts it into a radio wave and sends it to the controller. The control method thus makes it possible to monitor the operation of lamps from several places at the same time.
Over the air
Remote control of any street lighting from the remote control via the radio channel is used quite often due to the wide range of actions. A system of this type includes a receiver or controller of signals and a remote control. A radio-controlled device sends a pulse to the sensor part of the receiving device to turn off or turn on the lighting. The advantage of this technology is the ability to operate the system in areas with large areas and manage circuit breakers from various rooms.
By cell phone or online
The light control unit is used in smart home systems and can be controlled by a connected smartphone using the application or the Internet with a separate remote control device. The phone makes it possible to adjust the lighting without a remote control, create a “presence effect”, being outside the controlled territory, as well as configure the necessary light scenarios in a residential building. Lighting control in this case is performed using a Wi-Fi signal. To configure, you need a smartphone with an installed application, an executive device and a Wi-Fi router, which is responsible for transferring data between the phone and the controller. Connection via the Internet is carried out using special software compatible with a specific lighting system.
Users can set any commands through a smartphone and configure lighting fixtures according to their needs, including connecting and turning off all lamps, chandeliers and other devices, changing brightness, color temperature and other parameters.
Connection Rules
It is possible to install a light switch with a remote control in a standard way, taking into account the lighting option used. If we are talking about incandescent lamps, installation is carried out according to the connection diagram of a simple device. To successfully install and create a complete system, you will need to think through its organization. Remote switches are mounted closer to the light source, providing full contact between all elements and the presence of good voltage.
When developing a system for a yard or garden that needs to be controlled using a remote control, it is better to choose powerful radio devices that can exchange signals over distances of up to 200 meters. To change settings, including brightness or flashing frequency, turn off and off, all circuits with elements at the output must consist of semiconductor transistors. In addition to the remote system, you can configure the control using voice commands in the presence of auxiliary power wires.
Some types of remote controls can be mounted in any suitable place and used as control units. In this case, they are placed instead of standard switches or in front of a specific lighting fixture.
Criteria for choosing a light control panel
When choosing a remote control for lighting control, you need to take into account the characteristics of this device, including the type of light bulbs available, dimensions and its appearance, including body materials, color, shape and number of keys. Important parameters are the operating voltage range, the number of channels, the radius for signal coverage, and the rated current level. To avoid possible failures and malfunctions, pay attention to the maximum permissible operating load and the list of operating frequencies.In addition, the method of transmitting the command signal, the coding, and the type of power supply of the transmitter will be of importance.
When buying, you should know in advance the warranty period for the remote control from the manufacturer and the addresses of service centers where you can get information on maintenance and repair.
Advantages and disadvantages of devices
Remote shutdown and inclusion of light, as well as the implementation of other options using a controlled remote control, significantly simplifies the work with a production or home lighting system. In addition to the ability to control the flow of light from various distances, this device has additional advantages:
- the ability to adjust lighting from maximum to minimum;
- reasonable energy consumption;
- creating the effect of presence indoors or on the territory, which increases the level of security;
- maximum comfort when working with the remote control;
- combining all lighting devices into one network and its control using one device;
- no need to lay additional cables due to easy connection of the device to the control system;
- lack of problems with the modernization of the working system, if you need to connect new devices;
- complete safety of use;
- constant monitoring of all lighting elements.
Users note the high cost of such devices and the problems of false triggering of motion sensors that can respond to warm air or sunlight. When the device is used from the outside, the accuracy of its operation deteriorates due to atmospheric precipitation or when located close to signals with electromagnetic radiation.
Browse Popular Models
The market has a large number of different remotes for lighting control, among which there are models that have received many positive reviews from users.
- HiTE PRO SN-S2. The device is able to work at temperatures from -30 to +50 degrees, which makes it possible to use it to control outdoor lighting. According to the manufacturer, the remote control can operate on a single battery for several years without the need to replace it. The light source control range is 250 meters. The device is fixed on self-tapping screws or using double-sided tape according to the instructions if it is mounted on the wall.
- Rubetek RE-3316. The single-channel remote control is synchronized with a smartphone and is a switch that can be used for lighting devices and other devices. It is characterized by ease of maintenance and installation.
- FERON TM72 23262. A two-channel remote control that works at a distance of up to 30 meters. It is not recommended to be installed on the outside of the premises, since it can operate at a minimum temperature of at least -14 degrees.
Choosing the right device depends on the needs of the user and the features of a particular lighting system. You also need to consider the way to control the remote, its design and the presence of additional functions.
