Starting with DALI and KNX

[ergo14]

Hello,


I want to buy some CONSTALED 31346 Deep Tunable White LED spots, in my home I have KNX system with a DALI
gateway MDT SCN-DA641P.04S DaliControl IP Gateway PRO64 DALI-2.

I will have 4 spots connected on same circuit.

I want to ask if LUNATONE 89453836 DALI DT8 CW-WW PWM LED Dimmer CV, 12-28VDC 4 A would be a suitable high quality dimmer/driver for these spots?
Or LUNATONE 89453858-HS DALI DT8 - I understand this would allow for two separate circuits?
These drivers also require separate LED Power supply - am I correct?

Assuming I don't want to use separate power supplies (don't have space for them in fake ceilings) should use some other products instead?


Do I need any other equipment to start programming DALI apart from the gateway?

[Smoerrebroed]

I don't know about high quality, but it's a decent piece of hardware and seems to work well (for me). Your assumption about 89453858-HS is correct, and yes, they do require a separate (24 V) PSU. If you won't/can't use a separate PSU, you'll need to select a different device.

Other than a DALI gateway and those respective dimmers you won't need anything else. Having a DALI mouse could come in handy in the long run, but not having one will not prevent you from doing all steps of a regular setup.

[ergo14]

I don't know about high quality, but it's a decent piece of hardware and seems to work well (for me). Your assumption about 89453858-HS is correct, and yes, they do require a separate (24 V) PSU. If you won't/can't use a separate PSU, you'll need to select a different device.

Other than a DALI gateway and those respective dimmers you won't need anything else. Having a DALI mouse could come in handy in the long run, but not having one will not prevent you from doing all steps of a regular setup.

Would you suggest getting a separate PSU or just use 230V versions in the distribution board?

Also another question - I see a lot constant current drivers - but I have no idea how to buy lights compatible with this kind of drivers. How to look for right bulbs?

[ergo14]

Would Lunatone 89453849-24V be a good choice then - it seems to be 230V powered?

[Smoerrebroed]

Would you suggest getting a separate PSU or just use 230V versions in the distribution board?

I would always prefer the 24 V variant. Of course you'll have to be careful with cable length. If you're going to use 230 V, I'd rather recommend the more traditional dim actors (unless you have DALI only and no KNX).

Also another question - I see a lot constant current drivers - but I have no idea how to buy lights compatible with this kind of drivers. How to look for right bulbs?

The description of a product should tell you whether it's CC or CV. Here's an example: https://lumenate.co.nz/products/soraa-mr16-cc-led-lamp

Would Lunatone 89453849-24V be a good choice then - it seems to be 230V powered?

That's correct, but it does not support TW.

[ergo14]

I would always prefer the 24 V variant. Of course you'll have to be careful with cable length. If you're going to use 230 V, I'd rather recommend the more traditional dim actors (unless you have DALI only and no KNX).

I would expect most circuits to be less than 30m (in most extreme case) in total and the cable diameters are 1.5mm^2. I tried some calculators that showed voltage drops around 1V and less.

I'd rather recommend the more traditional dim actors (unless you have DALI only and no KNX).

I have option for both DALI and KNX dimmers - as long I can have them in the distribution box.

[ergo14]

Assuming I go with the 24V versions that require a PSU, I can use one PSU to power up multiple circuits in parallel?

So for example MEANWELL HLG-150H-24A could be used to operate three 40W circuits?

And then the Lunatone drivers would need to be the ones that support at least 8A input current, correct?

I also looked at Lunatone 89453858-HS - can it be reprogrammed to have 0.1% dimming?

One last general question cable lengths in my house will be at most 30m, 1.5mm^2 CU, in your experience, I don't think
there will be more than 40-50W per circuit (4-6 6/8W spots tops) - Is it fine to keep all the equipement in the distribution board?

[Smoerrebroed]

Assuming I go with the 24V versions that require a PSU, I can use one PSU to power up multiple circuits in parallel?

Yes, given that the total wattage of the PSU is not exceeded.

So for example MEANWELL HLG-150H-24A could be used to operate three 40W circuits?

Correct. You should leave some headroom though as the temperature in the distribution box will generally be a bit higher than 20° C.

And then the Lunatone drivers would need to be the ones that support at least 8A input current, correct?

They will need to be the ones that support enough OUTPUT current to power all of your lights (per channel, in case of multi channel devices).

I also looked at Lunatone 89453858-HS - can it be reprogrammed to have 0.1% dimming?

Not sure about that, but I think this is possible - you'll need a DALI mouse for it though.

One last general question cable lengths in my house will be at most 30m, 1.5mm^2 CU, in your experience, I don't think
there will be more than 40-50W per circuit (4-6 6/8W spots tops) - Is it fine to keep all the equipement in the distribution board?

I guess this would be outside of usual specs as you'll have 6,2 % voltage drop which should be limited at 4 %. It could still work, but that is more a question of luck and tolerance so not really deterministic.

[ergo14]

Right, Thank you for all the answers.

I've changed my order at voltus from Lunatone DALI to MDT led controllers. I think I should have more flexibility - and no need for dali mouse. I've looked and I don't think I should have more than 2A on most of the longer circuits. I guess the gateway might be reserved for some fancy DALI lights if we decide we will get one. Besides we are pretty sensitive to flickering and it seems its not possible to set frequency without mouse.