New 8 way LED dimmer is released.

It's out, some new features, supports dimmable LED's via leading or trailing edge dimming, no PWM from the looks, at least based on my reading. (although I'm not technical enough to know if PWM is really a big deal). Upgradable firmware, probably using the USB-C connector on the front. Also it's moved to the Spacelogic white and green colour scheme.

Great news is 8 channels in one unit (also a 4 channel version available), so some board space savings.

https://www.pdl.co.nz/products/detail?CatNo=5508D1D&itemno=5508D1D

https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=BQT2430700

https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=BQT4054600

 

I notice there's new software to setup these devices...can they still be done in toolkit or is the idea to eventually move all devices to this new space logic software? Seems kind of clunky to need to separate bits of software to setup an installation.

 

You can still program the basics like Channel Addressing with CBus Toolkit 1.17, which I have programmed one already, but to use any of the more advanced features you will need to use the Spacelogic Commission Software V2.0 which I have not used to program one yet. I think the plan is to move programming of the whole CBus over to the Spacelogic Commission in the future.

I am interested to see how these new dimmers perform over time over the previous Universal and 4 & 8ch Trailing Edge Dimmers with LED Lights.

 

Good afternoon guys

I have one of the new 8 channel dimmers spare if anyone is interested in it ? They are no longer called cbus they have just branded it all under Schneider now.

 

Hi Jefferson, I have C-Bus in my home >20 years old and it still hasn't missed a beat. (I love my C-Bus) I am about to renovate which will require new ceilings and new downlights, so I will have to replace my old/existing 4ch and 8ch LE dimmers for the new 8ch units. I got all excited when I read that you had a spare unit then I noticed your location I'm in sunny Sydney.
Anyway, posting here to find out from you or anyone else what the new units are like ?
Does anyone have experience with dimming LED's on these new units ?
Can anyone recommend LED's that work nice and smoothly with these units.
Coming from halogen downlights on iron core transformers I would like to achieve nice smooth dimming down to the lowest levels possible - using new LED downlights...

 

Hi mate if you are wanting the item I am more than happy to whip it out looked it's not expensive to send over seas let me know and I'll send you details to chat mate

 

Glad to hear that you like your C-Bus... Its is still (IMHO) one of (if not) the best system available.

How many systems in any market segment are fully backwards compatible with the first released products.

To answer your question about compatible downlights, I've had most success with the Voltex Monaco downlights. They've dimmed well with all of the versions of dimmers I've used. I haven't really tried them on the latest dimmer but I'll have a go at it over the weekend and confirm.

Like almost all LED downlights, if you have one downlight by itself on a dimmer channel, you will almost certainly need a load correction device (LCD) aka load bypass device across the load. This is to dissipate the small amount of leakage current through the dimmer channel when off. I'd be interested to see if this is still an issue with the latest dimmer. I'd imagine it is but again, I'd need to test.

The Monaco downlights can only be purchased by a licenced electrician from Voltex who has an account. If you can't find anyone locally who can provide this service, please let me know and I'll help you (PM me if you need).

 

I find it ironic that humans pay a fortune for a lighting control system that sits out of sight in a cupboard somewhere yet cheap out on the devices that it predominantly controls and people actually see!
Before you get too excited, i have done around 6 or 7 "upgrades" using the Monacos now and will confirm that they do work well with Cbus.
They are still a pretty ordinary lights though!

 

Thanks for the offer Jefferson, but I don't think it makes sense to ship a unit across the planet. I need to get two units anyway. I will get Turks to quote me...

 

Thanks Conformist, you and I have chatted on this subject before, and I am sure you mentioned the Voltex Monaco downlights then also.
I have the 4 ch and 8 ch C-Bus Dimmers (Leading edge) are you saying that the Monaco works properly on these units ? If so, I might not have to fork out the cash for the new LED Dimmers ???

 

Correct. I have Monaco’s running on both 4 and 8 channel dimmers. I even have them on the old D750’s (the flat black dimmers that predate din rail units). They all control Monaco’s well.
An important point..the minimum dim level isn’t as good as halogen lamps. This is due to the minimum conduction angle of the dimmer. Same problem exists with conventional older wall rotary dimmers.

 

Thanks for the follow up Conformist. I will give the Monaco's a try in that case. I am not a licensed sparky but I am an Integrator from way back, so I will see if the sparky that we get via our builder can source these from Voltex. Thanks again.

 

Hi Conformist - I contacted Voltex and got contact details for a couple of local sparkies and have some Monaco's on the way. I have another question arising, when electronic transformers came onto the scene years ago, I recall primary input capacitance being an issue needing to be considered. I think primary input capacitance was a measure contributing to EMC compliance and also from memory the cheaper transformers had higher input capacitance. With that in mind do you consider it safe to put 6 Monaco's onto a 1 amp LE Dimmer Channel ?