Competence Library - Casambi

You can view the firmware version of a Casambi device from the "Nearby devices" screen in the Casambi app. Devices with Evolution firmware will be labeled as such, while Classic devices will show their firmware version number. Devices using older processors will only show the version number, indicating they cannot be upgraded to Evolution firmware.

The Casambi Cloud Gateway may get "stuck" if the network configuration is not updated correctly, often due to using an outdated version of the Casambi app. To prevent this, ensure that the Casambi app is up to date before making any network changes. If the gateway becomes unresponsive, resetting it and reconfiguring it through the latest app version typically resolves the issue.

To rearrange the luminaires in the Casambi app, tap "Edit" at the top of the "Luminaires" tab. This allows you to drag and drop luminaire controls into your preferred order. After arranging, tap "Done" to save the new layout.

To rename a Casambi device, you select it in the app, access its properties, and change the name. Renaming switches is especially helpful in large installations, as it makes it easier to identify and control each switch individually. This feature streamlines operations and improves user experience, particularly in complex lighting networks.

Unpairing an Xpress switch involves pressing two buttons on the switch and following the unpairing steps in the app. Unpairing might be necessary when reassigning a switch to a different network, reconfiguring its settings, or replacing it. Unpairing removes the switch from the existing network, making it available for use in another configuration. If you use the smart switching function to unpair the device it's enough to start toggling a button - so there is no need to remove the battery.

To add an EnOcean EMDCB sensor to a Casambi Evolution network, navigate to the "More" tab in the app and select "Sensors." Tap "Add a sensor" and follow the instructions to pair the sensor using NFC. Once paired, configure the sensor’s settings to control scenes or other actions based on motion or ambient light levels.

To add a device to a Casambi network, users must pair it through the Casambi app, enabling control and configuration. Pairing establishes communication with other network components, allowing the device to respond to app commands, switches, and sensors. Without pairing, the device cannot be managed within the network.

Casambi scenes allow users to configure customized lighting by selecting luminaires and setting their light levels, colors, or color temperatures. Ideal for different occasions, such as movie nights or meetings, scenes can be activated with a single tap for instant ambiance.

In the Gallery, you can control individual luminaires by tapping on their control icons. Basic gestures such as panning or holding on the control circle allow you to adjust brightness or color. You can also tap or hold outside the control circles to adjust all luminaires in the picture at once.

Remote access is activated by setting up a Casambi gateway within a shared network. Once configured, users can control their lighting system remotely via the internet, accessing all app functionalities even outside Bluetooth range. This feature is especially beneficial for managing lighting in large or multi-location installations, such as office buildings or campuses. To enable remote access, go to the “More” tab, select “Gateways,” choose “Internet Gateway,” and select your gateway, which can either be a smartphone or a Casambi internet gateway.

The Casambi Cloud Gateway allows remote control and monitoring of Casambi networks via the internet. To install, follow the instructions in the Casambi Cloud Gateway installation guide, ensuring the gateway is properly connected to your network. Once installed, the gateway provides remote access to your Casambi system, enabling you to control lighting from anywhere using the Casambi app or web interface.

To pair the Xpress switch, press any two buttons simultaneously to enter pairing mode. The Casambi app will automatically detect the switch if "Notify unpaired devices" is enabled. Add the switch to your network by tapping "Add to My Network." Once paired, you can configure the switch buttons to control individual luminaires, groups, or scenes as needed.

Unpairing a device involves selecting it within the app and choosing the “Unpair” option. This action may be necessary when reassigning the device to a different network, updating its configuration, or replacing it. Once unpaired, the device is removed from the network, making it available for use in other setups or projects.

Unpairing can be done by tapping “Edit” in the luminaires section, then clicking the small “x” over the luminaire, or, if you’re not the owner of the network, accessing nearby devices, selecting the device, and choosing “Unpair.” This is possible only if the “Flick Unpair” option is activated on the network (which is enabled by default).

The unpairing process begins once you hit “Start,” giving you 5 seconds to switch the corresponding luminaire on and off. This action confirms that you are the rightful owner of the luminaire, and the device will then be unpaired.

The Casambi app enables users to control luminaires effortlessly through intuitive gestures. Tap to turn lights on or off, pan to adjust brightness, and hold to modify color temperature. A double tap provides quick access to luminaire-specific settings. These seamless controls offer a user-friendly experience, eliminating complex menus and ensuring quick access to essential functions.

Timers can be created in the More tab by selecting the ‘Add a timer’ option, choosing a scene or animation, and setting the on/off times. Timers can control individual lights, groups, or scenes and can also be programmed with fade times to gradually increase or decrease brightness. This functionality enhances both the user experience and energy efficiency.

Assigning a Dedicated Daylight Sensor

If a luminaire has a built-in daylight sensor—or you simply want a given luminaire to respond to only one sensor—there is an option to assign a “Dedicated daylight sensor” to that fixture.

Steps to Configure

1. Open the Luminaires Tab
   Select Edit, then pick the luminaire you want to configure.
2. Choose a Dedicated Sensor
   Scroll down until you see Dedicated daylight sensor, tap to open it, and select the sensor you wish to assign from the list.
3. Save Your Changes
   Tap Done, then Back, and then Done again to return to the Luminaires tab.

How It Works

• When you create or update a “Daylight control” or “Mode of operation” in a scene, you’ll have the option to enable Use dedicated sensors.
• If enabled: Any luminaire with a dedicated sensor assigned will only respond to that specific sensor’s lux readings.
• If no dedicated sensor is assigned: That luminaire is affected by the average lux values from all available sensors (if multiple sensors are in use).

By designating a dedicated sensor, you can isolate a luminaire’s response to one particular sensor’s readings, which can be especially helpful for fixtures with inbuilt sensors or in multi-sensor environments where specialized control is needed.

Control function allows users to set different actions for when a switch is in an active or inactive state, determining what happens when the switch is opened or closed. It is useful for defining how lighting scenes or behaviors are triggered based on switch states. Additionally, users can set activation and deactivation priorities, ensuring that the most important lighting actions take precedence.

The Xpress switch includes + and - buttons for dimming lights, as well as up and down buttons to control additional features such as color temperature in tunable white luminaires. This intuitive interface allows users to adjust lighting levels and tones without opening the app, offering convenience in frequently used spaces where quick adjustments are needed.

The EnOcean EMDCB sensor is self-powered through a built-in solar cell that charges from ambient light. When fully charged, it can operate for up to four days in total darkness. In environments with consistent light, the sensor charges automatically, making it ideal for spaces with natural or artificial light. If necessary, a backup CR2032 battery can be added for additional power in low-light conditions.

Calibration of a daylight sensor involves measuring actual lux levels at a surface and entering the corresponding value into the app. Calibration ensures that the sensor accurately reads light levels, which is critical for maintaining optimal lighting conditions. This is especially important in daylight harvesting scenarios, where the system must balance artificial and natural light for consistent illumination.

Configuring Daylight Sensor Sensitivity and Tolerance

1. Accessing Sensor Settings

   • Open the “More” tab and look for the “Sensors” section.
   • Select the “Daylight sensor” to view and edit its configuration.
   • Depending on the sensor’s profile, a “Local Control” feature may appear, which lets the sensor directly manage only the luminaire where it is installed using a predefined mode or scene.

2. Sensitivity and Tolerance

   • Sensitivity: Defines how promptly the sensor reacts to changes in ambient light levels.
   • Tolerance: Determines how much the light level must vary before the sensor adjusts the lighting.
   • If you are testing how the system responds, a high sensitivity paired with a low tolerance will help you see immediate effects. For routine operation, using a lower sensitivity and higher tolerance avoids overly frequent adjustments (such as during brief cloud cover).

3. Calibration

   • Since ceiling-mounted sensors often detect reflected light rather than direct light on a surface, you can calibrate the sensor to ensure accurate lux readings.
   • To calibrate, tap “Current value,” then enter the actual lux level measured at the spot you care about (e.g., on a desk).
   • Accurate calibration is especially important for “Closed loop” daylight scenes, where the goal is to maintain consistent illumination on a given surface by using a target lux value that matches real conditions.

4. Closed Loop and Additional Options

   • Closed loop settings and other advanced daylight sensor configurations are handled when you create a “Daylight scene.”
   • Refer to the “Daylight scenes” section for more information on customizing these parameters.

5. Multiple Sensors

   • If a single luminaire is controlled by multiple lux sensors, the system will calculate the average of all sensor readings to determine the overall lighting response.

Casambi Evolution networks support up to 30 sensor controls per luminaire, whereas Classic networks support up to 10. Each sensor can be assigned to control specific luminaires or scenes. However, to avoid overwhelming the network with sensor traffic, it's important to plan sensor placement carefully, ensuring that the system remains responsive and efficient.

While Casambi doesn’t have direct integration with smart home platforms like Alexa or Google Home, certain smart home functionality can be achieved through partner products from the Casambi ecosystem. Additionally, some limited integration is possible using Casambi’s own devices with momentary switches or relays. These solutions allow triggering certain actions in the Casambi network, though the integration is more indirect.

Currently, the Casambi API is available as a free Beta version for testing and evaluation purposes. However, Casambi plans to make the API a paid subscription service in the future. Developers interested in using the API can find more information and documentation on Casambi’s developer website.

Control hierarchy options determine the order in which devices like sensors and timers take control of lighting. For example, a timer may have priority over sensor control to ensure lights turn off automatically at a certain time, even if someone triggers a sensor. This hierarchy helps avoid conflicts and ensures that automation rules are followed.

Casambi presence sensors detect movement and automatically activate or deactivate lighting based on motion. These sensors help improve energy efficiency by ensuring that lights are only on when someone is present. The sensors can be programmed to control individual lights, groups, or scenes, and are particularly useful in high-traffic areas like hallways or offices where lights should be automated.

Sensitivity controls how quickly a daylight sensor reacts to changes in illumination, while tolerance dictates the minimum change required to trigger a response. High sensitivity and low tolerance may be ideal for testing, while lower sensitivity and higher tolerance settings are better for everyday use to prevent lights from reacting to minor fluctuations. These settings help fine-tune the system’s response to natural light changes, ensuring efficient lighting control.

Site-level scenes allow users to control multiple networks simultaneously, combining luminaires from different networks into a single scene. This is especially useful in large installations, such as office buildings with multiple floors, where unified control is needed. Site-level scenes make it easy to manage lighting across different areas while maintaining consistency in the lighting design.

One of the key features of many Casambi devices is their ability to be reconfigured over-the-air to provide different functionalities based on their connection. For instance, a CBU-PWM4 can control up to 4 separate channels of an LED strip, allowing for various configurations like “1ch dim,” “2ch dim,” “RGB,” “TW,” and more.

Devices purchased directly from Casambi or our ecosystem product partners come with preconfigured profiles. However, if needed, standard profiles can be modified using the Casambi app.

There are two ways to change a device’s profile:

1. For a paired device (Admin or Manager rights required):

• Open the device’s properties.
• Select the Model option.
• Choose Change profile (if available) and select the desired profile from the list.

2. For an unpaired device (found in the More tab under Nearby devices):

• Select the device from the list.
• Choose Change profile (if available) and select the correct profile from the list.

Note: If the Change profile option is not available, it means that the manufacturer has locked the profile or no alternative profiles are provided. If you believe a profile change should be possible or the desired profile is missing, please reach out to the Casambi Partner/Value Added Reseller who supplied the device for further assistance.

Timers in Casambi allow users to schedule scenes or animations to activate at specific times. This feature is especially useful for automating lighting routines, such as turning lights on at dusk or off at a specific time. Timers can also be used to create energy-efficient schedules that ensure lights are only on when needed, making them an essential tool for automated lighting management.

Managing Devices and Network Settings

Controlling Devices

All luminaires within a network can be managed directly from the Luminaires tab, while other connected devices are accessible under the More tab in their respective sections. Each device can only belong to one network at a time. When a device is assigned to a network, it is considered paired and must be unpaired before being added to a different network.

Adjusting Network Settings

To modify network settings:

1. Navigate to More > Network Setup > Network Settings.

2. Here, you can:

• Change the network name.

• Set the time zone and geographic location (required for timers based on sunrise/sunset).

• Toggle the visibility of Nearby Luminaires in the Luminaires tab. Disabling this feature hides the control icon for all users in the network.

Network Modes & Frequencies

• Network mode and frequencies are set during network creation and cannot be modified afterward.

• The default Better Performance mode is recommended for most installations.

• Network frequencies are always assigned in pairs to ensure reliable communication, reducing interference risks within the mesh network.

Once all settings are configured, select Done to finalize the setup.

Casambi presence sensors can be configured to work in different modes such as Presence, Absence, and Resume automation. Presence mode activates lighting when motion is detected and deactivates it after a set time. Absence mode requires manual activation and automatically turns off lights when no motion is detected. Resume automation restores the network's preset automation after manual control is overridden. These configurations allow users to customize sensor behavior based on the needs of the space.

When connecting DALI DT6 and DT8 drivers to the Salvador 1000 Series, it’s important to follow the recommended wiring configurations to avoid erratic behavior. Ensuring proper wiring helps maintain reliable DALI communication and prevents issues like voltage drops, which can affect the performance of the DALI drivers. The official Salvador documentation provides detailed connection diagrams for correct setup.

Casambi offers three network modes: Better Performance, Balanced, and Long Range. "Better Performance" is optimized for large indoor networks with higher data traffic but has a shorter range. "Balanced" offers a compromise between range and performance, suitable for mid-sized networks. "Long Range" mode extends communication range, making it ideal for outdoor networks, but it supports fewer devices.

Casambi Pro only supports Evolution firmware. Devices with Classic firmware cannot be configured using Casambi Pro, as Evolution firmware offers the advanced features needed for larger, more complex lighting networks.

When a switch is labeled as 'Not in use,' no function is assigned to it yet. However, users can easily assign it specific roles through the Casambi app, such as controlling individual luminaires, groups, or scenes. This customization provides flexibility and allows users to tailor switches to specific lighting needs within different rooms or areas.

Deleting a site in Casambi removes the associated site-level configurations, such as scenes and timers. However, the networks within that site remain intact and functional. Similarly, deleting a site account will prevent access to the site features, but the networks and their configurations will still be accessible through the network-level controls.

A Casambi network is a mesh system that links all Casambi-enabled devices, allowing them to communicate with each other. Devices must be paired to the network for seamless control via the Casambi app. Once paired a mesh network is created, all devices in the network can be controlled together or individually, offering flexible lighting management options across spaces.

The Casambi app is designed to control Casambi-enabled lighting networks. Its core features include network management, scene and timer creation, animation control, integration with sensors, and switch configuration. The app also offers features like the Gallery for visual lighting control and supports both Classic and Evolution firmware devices.

Casambi Pro is a set of advanced tools aimed at lighting professionals, providing enhanced features for medium to large-scale lighting projects. It focuses on project design and commissioning, offering features like floor plan integration and detailed configuration options. Unlike the standard Casambi app, Casambi Pro is not intended for end users but for specifiers and engineers managing lighting installations.

Casambi Pro Overview

Casambi Pro is a powerful tool designed for planning and commissioning lighting control systems. It streamlines the configuration process, particularly for large-scale projects, by allowing most programming tasks to be completed offsite before being deployed to physical devices via Bluetooth.

The Control Hierarchy in Casambi establishes priorities for different input devices, ensuring smooth operation across switches, sensors, and timers. It helps define which commands take precedence, ensuring coordinated control of the lighting system. This is especially important in complex environments where multiple control points might be active, as it prevents conflicts and ensures efficient operation.

Overview

When setting up daylight control for a space, it may be necessary to fine-tune how each luminaire reacts to natural light. One way to accomplish this is by assigning a “daylight gain” value, which helps ensure the desired dimming behavior. This method is especially helpful if multiple luminaires are governed by a single daylight sensor.

What Is Daylight Gain?

“Daylight gain” provides an approximation of how much sunlight reaches the area lit by a particular luminaire. For instance:

• A fixture near a window can receive a higher percentage of natural light, potentially warranting a 100% gain setting.
• A fixture located deeper in the interior, where less sunlight is available, would have a reduced daylight gain.

Why Adjust Daylight Gain?

By assigning different daylight gain values across various luminaires, you can achieve a more uniform perception of light. Fixtures closer to windows will naturally dim more than those farther inside the room, yet the overall result is a balanced level of illumination that feels consistent throughout the space.

How to Determine Daylight Gain

1. Measure Ambient Light
   • Use a lux meter at multiple spots around the room—while all artificial lights are turned off—to get real ambient readings.
2. Identify the Reference Point
   • Note the location with the highest measured lux. This will be your 100% daylight gain benchmark.
3. Calculate Relative Values
   • Compare readings from other areas to the 100% benchmark and derive their percentages accordingly.

Configuring Daylight Gain in the Casambi App

1. Go to the Luminaires Tab
   • Select Edit, then pick the specific luminaire whose daylight gain you wish to change.
2. Adjust the Slider
   • Scroll to the “Daylight gain” slider and move it to reflect how much natural light you estimate is available in that luminaire’s coverage area.
3. Confirm and Save
   • Tap Back when done, then select Done to return to the Luminaires tab.

Note: The default daylight gain for luminaires is set to 100%. Also, be aware that daylight gain settings function only in open-loop daylight scenarios.

Linger time is the delay between the last detected motion and when the lights turn off. Adjusting the linger time ensures that lights do not turn off too quickly after someone leaves a room. This setting is crucial for creating a comfortable experience in spaces like corridors or meeting rooms, where lights should remain on briefly after someone exits.

Smart Switching refers to the use of Casambi-enabled switches to toggle mains power on and off, integrating physical switches with the smart control features of the Casambi system. It allows users to continue using traditional switches while benefiting from modern, app-based control options. This combination enhances usability for individuals who prefer physical interfaces while providing smart control for more advanced lighting management.

The "Gallery" feature in Casambi allows you to control your lighting in a more visual and intuitive way. By uploading a photo of your room and placing controls over the corresponding luminaires, you can manage lighting based on the actual layout of your space. This makes it easier to identify and adjust lights directly from the photo.

The Remember Last State function ensures luminaires return to their previous brightness level when turned back on. This feature maintains preferred lighting settings across uses, eliminating the need for manual readjustments. It takes effect when luminaires are toggled on or off via the app or a switch, restoring the last dim level for a seamless lighting experience.

The 'Use toggle' function allows a switch to both activate and deactivate a specific lighting function. This simplifies lighting control by letting users toggle between lighting states without needing multiple switches. Disabling the toggle restricts the switch to only activating functions, which can be useful in scenarios where lights should always remain on once switched.

The Bluetooth range of the Casambi Cloud Gateway depends on several factors, such as interference and obstacles like walls. Under optimal conditions, the range can exceed 50 meters. However, this range may decrease in environments with dense materials or significant interference, so careful placement of the gateway is important for ensuring reliable network communication.

The Casambi API (Application Programming Interface) allows developers to create custom applications that integrate with the Casambi lighting system. This opens up opportunities for advanced automation, third-party integrations, and specialized control interfaces. The API provides building blocks for creating tailored solutions, enabling more complex and customized use cases.

The Casambi app is used for programming and controlling Casambi-enabled lighting systems. It enables users to create, manage, and control lighting networks, scenes, timers, and animations. The app supports Casambi’s hardware as well as third-party products from the Casambi ecosystem, allowing seamless wireless lighting control through Bluetooth mesh technology.

The Casambi Xpress switch is a wireless control device that provides flexibility in managing lighting. It gives users access to key lighting functions such as turning lights on/off, dimming, and activating scenes, without needing the mobile app. The Xpress switch can be placed anywhere in a room, offering convenient, portable control over Casambi-enabled lighting systems.

The CBU-A2D is a Bluetooth-controllable, two-channel 0-10V/DALI controller. It allows control of up to two 0-10V drivers or a tunable white LED driver with dual 0-10V control interfaces. It can also be configured into DALI mode, supporting integration with DALI LED drivers and sensors for presence detection and daylight harvesting.

The CBU-ASD-LR is a long-range wireless control unit designed for drivers with 0-10V, 1-10V, or DALI dimming interfaces. It allows integration of dimmable luminaires into a Casambi mesh network. The device also supports standalone DALI, making it possible to connect directly to LED drivers without requiring an external DALI power supply.

The CBU-PWM4 is a Bluetooth-controllable, Casambi-enabled four-channel PWM dimmer. It is designed for controlling constant voltage LED loads such as LED strips and LED modules. The device is connected between a 12-24V DC power supply and the LED load, providing wireless dimming and control through the Casambi app at a maximum of 6A which can be divided freely between the 4 channels.

The CBU-TED-LR is a Bluetooth-enabled trailing-edge dimmer that controls incandescent lamps, dimmable LED lamps, and dimmable LED control gear. The device can control up to 100W at 230V AC or 50W at 120V AC. It is equipped with overcurrent and overtemperature protection and integrates easily into a Casambi network, allowing wireless dimming of compatible loads.

The Evolution firmware forms the foundation for future developments within the Casambi app and its functionalities. It includes all the features of the Classic version but will continuously receive new enhancements, whereas Classic will now only receive essential maintenance updates.

With Evolution, the maximum number of devices in a single network increases to 250 (compared to 127 in Classic). New features are now accessible via remote connection, significantly improving commissioning and technical support. Device conditions such as overheating, configuration failures, or missing drivers, along with their priority within the control hierarchy, are now transmitted across the mesh network.

Evolution introduces support for new products and protocols, including various DALI and DALI-2 push-button devices, battery-powered Casambi Ready presence & lux sensors, and EnOcean wireless sensors. The control of DALI DT8 has also been enhanced, now supporting XY and XY,TW color control. Additionally, Evolution allows up to eight custom elements per fixture.

The Casambi CBM-002 module has been upgraded to support up to eight PWM channels. Network sharing settings have also been revised, introducing three user roles:

• Administrators have full control over all network settings and manage user access rights.

• Managers can modify all lighting control functionalities but cannot access passwords or assign network access.

• Users can operate the network but cannot make any changes.

A new “Performance & Security” menu allows administrators to fine-tune security settings. It enables control over general, flick, and utility unpair options, firmware update permissions, and device visibility settings. The utility unpair remains as a fallback for one minute after powering on a device—but only if “Allow flick unpair” is enabled.

Furthermore, Evolution introduces an Emergency Mode for Smart Switching, adding additional safety and control options.

Profile 9000 of the DCS - DALI Gateway acts as a bridge between a DALI network and a Casambi network, allowing control of Casambi devices through a DALI master. However, it doesn’t allow scene activation from the DALI system. Profile 30306, on the other hand, enables Casambi scene control via DALI, with a limit of 16 scenes. This profile also supports push-button control, making it a more flexible option for scene-based integration.

The Salvador 1000 series allows DALI drivers to be integrated into a Casambi network. It supports both DALI DT6 and DT8 drivers and provides a solution for controlling DALI luminaires through the Casambi app. The Salvador 1000 series enables easy programming and control of wired DALI devices alongside Casambi-ready luminaires, making it suitable for hybrid lighting networks in large-scale installations.

The "Nearby luminaires" control allows you to group and control all luminaires within Bluetooth range of your device. This feature is useful when you want to control multiple lights without selecting them individually, especially in situations where luminaires are spread across different areas but still within range.

Bluetooth technology is the foundation of Casambi’s wireless mesh network, allowing devices to communicate with each other over short distances. The mesh structure enables signals to hop between devices, extending the range of the network. Bluetooth ensures that all devices in the network can be controlled remotely, creating a flexible, scalable, and reliable lighting control system.

The Salvador 1000 series is a device that bridges wired DALI drivers with Casambi’s wireless mesh network. It allows users to control and program up to 64 DALI drivers individually or in groups via the Casambi app. Salvador devices enable hybrid networks that combine both Casambi-ready and DALI devices, providing flexibility for lighting installations that use both wired and wireless components.

The "More" tab provides access to several important settings and features, including Timers, Switches, Network Setup, Nearby Devices, Change Network, App Settings, and FAQs. This is where you manage advanced configurations, set up automation, and troubleshoot your Casambi network.

Casambi-enabled devices are often integrated directly into luminaires, allowing for wireless control of the lighting system. This setup enables users to remotely manage lighting scenes, dimming, and other lighting functions without additional hardware. The devices use Bluetooth mesh technology for communication, making them ideal for residential, commercial, or industrial applications.

Casambi has a dedicated developer website where you can access detailed documentation, FAQs, and guides related to the Casambi API. This resource provides everything needed to start integrating custom solutions with Casambi networks.

The Casambi app is compatible with iOS and Android devices. The app is regularly updated to support the latest versions of these operating systems. It is recommended to use devices that meet the minimum OS requirements for optimal performance.

Devices must be added to a Casambi network to communicate with each other and share network settings. Networks allow the devices to form a Bluetooth mesh, enabling efficient control of individual luminaires or groups of lights. Even if only one device is used, adding it to a network ensures it receives the necessary configurations and can be controlled via the Casambi app.