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AMX Radia dimmer card RDC-DC not turning off the lights

ajay thomasajay thomas Posts: 42
in AMX Technical Discussion
Hi

I have installed an Radia card RDC-DC and a 3 channel RDM-3DC (0-12VDC).I can turn on the lights,dim the light at various levels but i cant turn off the lights.The card is connected by AXlink to the controller.The lights are fluoroscent bulbs and the electronic ballasts used Huco 1-10VDC HF ballasts

Code used to dim the lights and turn lights on
send_level dvRadia,1,100 // turn dimmer channel one ON at level 100
Send_level dvRadia,1,50 //turn dimmer channel one ON at level 50

The below code ,i use to try to turn off the lights but no go,it just dims the light to the lowest level and still is on.

send_level dvRadia,1,1 //turn dimmer channel one OFF
Also tried
send_level dvRadia,1,0

Can someone tell why this is happening or any other way to turn off the lights.This is a very old card that was in stock about 2 years.Maybe i have to update the firmware.Has anyone used send_command to Radia.

example send_command dvRadia,'P01L50' //turn dimmer channel One ON at 50 %

Your help will be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Ajay

Comments

  • kennethkkennethk Posts: 86
    Hi Ajay

    When you control 1-10V HF ballast, you dont have the abillity to dim the lights to complete darknes (0%). You actually need to put in a relay to cut the 230V (120V in the states..?), when lights is below 5-10% percent (as you wish).

    Some ballasts actually have some kind of controlled input (in addition to the 1-10V input) you can control this with, but usually you need a Relay that YOU control with amx, and tell the electrician to connect all the 230Voltage via theese relays.
    Remember, you need 1 relay pr. 1-10V output sone you need to controll.

    As your card, this is an old technology(1-10V) that has been replaced with newer digital standards, that supports dimming 0-100%.

    BTW... In Norway, i say 230V, and everybody knows what i talk about...
    Whats the international phrase for it?? :)
    And whats your Voltage?? 120V??

    Best of luck to you Ajay!!


    Kenneth K
  • ajay thomasajay thomas Posts: 42
    Hi Keneth,

    Thanks for your help.From your comments i would have to buy a relay that converts 240 volt Ac to 12VDc so that i connect it to AMX ni controller relay ports.And do i get a normally close relay so that when i turn the relay on the controller the lights turn off.

    Ajay
  • kennethkkennethk Posts: 86
    You should consult with a electrician regarding the load side of the relay.
    Might be a good ide they bring an appropriate relay.

    Doesnt relly matter if its N.O. Or N.C. since you can !invert in netlinx.

    The relay you can control with the approperiate voltage (some are 12V and some 24V, usually bot ac and dc... At least in europe). Where are you located? You have 230V aswell?


    Kenneth K
  • kennethkkennethk Posts: 86
    By the way...

    A relay doesnt convert!

    Its basicle a switch (eg. Light switch) that is controlled by voltage (eg. 12V) insted of your finger.

    So you need a relay that can switch high voltage(230V), and can be controlled by low voltage(12V).


    Kenneth K
  • ajay thomasajay thomas Posts: 42
    Hi Kenneth,

    I had to switch the dimmer control card RDC-DC to RE-DC/240 which i had lying in the store.Now i m able to switch off the lights,dim,turn on etc. Strange they both say they do the same thing except RDC-DC cant turn off the lights.

    Thanks
    Ajay
  • kennethkkennethk Posts: 86
    Sounds like your ok now :)

    Sorry i couldnt help you out with the Radia products (not useable in Norway).

    The DC only card, CAN turn light totally off, IF the light system had this relay built in(seen it once or twice), but thats rare.


    Kenneth K
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