Installation out of sight means that equipment, wiring and accessory components can be arranged for easy cabling, installation and programming, at the same time simplifying inspection and maintenance. Throughout an installation the X-BUS® control cable is 'daisy-chained' from one switch panel to the next, minimizing cabling and simplifying maintenance. Each switch panel can then be configured at installation to operate a single zone or any number of zones, or to act as a master to them all.
Programming and Setting Up by Remote Control
Programming and setting up of all parameters can be done by remote control, from the (optional) remote control handset, PC laptop or Home-Icon Colour Touch Screen Controller. This keeps switch panels simple and clean.
Remote Control Handset
Dimming levels, master raise and lower, fade rate and sleep timer duration can all be programmed and selected from the convenient (optional) remote control, and lighting levels can be temporarily adjusted without storing them. A major benefit of the remote control is in commissioning and programming of systems where the PFX System dimming equipment and the lighting are some distance apart. Any element of the system can be programmed using the remote control handset, eliminating the need to carry around a laptop vulnerable to damage or theft.
Remote control units for the PFX Lighting Control System are available with 2 levels of capability – limited reprogramming is available from the basic [20 key] RC20 unit, while advanced programming can be performed with the [50 key] RC50 unit. Both remote controls offer password protection, meaning that after handover property management or staff can make an alteration to lighting – either temporary or permanent – using only the remote control unit (no laptop required), while the commissioning engineer can set access priority levels and limits to reprogramming.
Home-Icon® Color Touch Screen Controller
The PFX Lighting Control System can also be controlled remotely from Home-Icon Color Touch Screen controller which links PFX dimmers together and provides for multiple functions, with one-touch macros to run pre-set ‘environments’ for lighting control and for whole-building ambient control. The Home Icon timer comes with a 365 day astronomical timer which has the capability for special events and holidays.
Timer
The PFX Lighting Control System’s in-built 7-day 24-hour timer is separate from the Home-Icon or PC timer and acts with or instead of them. It can be programmed to select any scene at any time or day of the week – up to 70 different events each week (10 per day), for any circuit. Commercial uses include programming a building’s daily lighting schedules to switch circuits on and off and adjust levels, setting up ‘special event’ programming and lighting displays, and programming lighting for security requirements.
Switch Plates
Outstation switch plates can be used as multi-location switches to select scenes in any or all areas or rooms. Designed to complement contemporary commercial décor, stylish Futronix switch plates are hand-finished 2mm solid metal in polished brass, polished or brushed stainless steel, and white powder-coated brass with engraved logo. Now available is the elegant new Futronix ‘Eclipse’®Glass range of switch plates and accessories.
Security Sequence
A lighting sequence lasting a few minutes or many hours can be programmed – automatically sequencing through pre-set scenes and displaying each one for any variable length of time – to light specific areas at selected times, or to give the impression that the property is occupied.
Display
The PFX Lighting Control System can be programmed to create subtle or dramatic lighting displays by linking a series of scenes and programming the duration and fade rate. Commercial uses include architectural exterior or interior lighting, special events, retail displays and exhibitions.
LED / Fluorescent dimming
8 channels of 1-10v industry standard led / fluorescent dimming control are available via an optional card (either an internal card which is pre-wired if ordered with the PFX System, or a wall-mounted add-on unit), and each of the 8 channels can control up to 30 fluorescent ballasts. More cards can be added as necessary. A relay switching unit is available to provide ‘positive on/off switching’ supply power to the ballasts.
DMX and colour LED dimming
The DMX interface allows designers to add colourful and ‘bright white’ LED effects to a lighting scene as a discrete background element. As the only effective control of colour LED lighting, the DMX 512 interface addresses the latest low energy, high output LED design trends while fitting easily into existing Futronix lighting control systems.
Specialist Lamps
Futronix DSD® sinewave dimmers are designed for controlling modern halide lamps such as LED, SON, and Metal Halide. Using patented technology, this range of dimmers varies the amplitude of a reconstructed mains sine wave according to the level of dimming required.
Expansion and Zones
The PFX System can be programmed to create any number of lighting zones, where a zone corresponds to a room or area. PFX System dimmers can be used to build a system with just a few channels or several thousand – virtually unlimited in size. Standard size PFX chassis, each with its own intelligence, come supplied with the option of 6, 8, 12, 16 or 32 channels of dimming on board.
Partitioning
Large areas such as ballrooms or conference rooms can also be partitioned into smaller function rooms, each with its’ own independent controls. Futronix PFX dimmer racks are typically located in separate DB (distribution board) rooms with input from switch plates located in the rooms and service areas. Using automatic or manually-controlled partition position switches (see installation guide), lighting for each smaller area or combination of areas can be controlled as though it was one room, with full scene setting capability.
X_BUS® protocol
X-BUS allows all power and data to be sent down a single multi-stranded cable, daisy-chained to each switch plate in turn. This means less cabling and installation, with greater reliability due to fewer components and connections, easier terminations, and more robust cable. The PFX’s X-BUS protocol is an especially useful feature for lighting control for large pillarless areas such as ballrooms or exhibition halls.
Commercial Quality & Durability
For commercial or residential projects with comprehensive dimming requirements, the PFX System’s all-digital design and commercial build-quality assures extremely reliable, trouble-free operation. Easy to install, highly reliable, and able to cope with lamp wattage changes, short-circuits, overloads and wiring alterations, PFX Systems are designed and fabricated for rugged commercial use. The PFX System dimmer features generously rated heatsinks, a very high level of short circuit protection, and robust construction. Futronix designs and manufactures all of its own products, guaranteeing superior quality, proven reliability and extended life.
Backward Compatibility
Since 1994, when Futronix first introduced the digital dimmer, all Futronix products have been designed to be fully compatible both backwards & forwards. In addition to the reliability provided by Futronix advanced all-digital design and superb build quality, Futronix policy of always maintaining backward compatibility means that a substantial investment in a dimming system will retain its value over the years, with maintenance, service and spare parts always available.
Energy
Dimming lighting saves energy. The PFX System creates an energy efficient lighting environment, with up to 98% of unused lighting energy saved through dimming, and bulb life prolonged by 30% or more because fading a lamp digitally is gentler on the filament than just switching it on or off.
Windows Software
Programming/operating software runs under Microsoft Windows® using an RS485 interface. Any circuit can be set as any physical channel and programmed to be on any phase, in any zone or set as a switching or dimming channel. For each scene the circuits can be programmed, temporarily re-adjusted, modified, set for on/off switching and block downloaded/uploaded.
PFX System lighting control for luxury residences
In addition to commercial applications, the PFX System also provides the perfect ‘one-touch’ solution for whole house lighting control for luxury homes, and can control many other programmable home automation features including air conditioning and heating, audio visual equipment, curtains – even water features.
The PFX System is ideal for multi-zone dimming control for a luxury residence and grounds, PFX dimmers feature operational flexibility, security, and ease of operation via remote control, laptop or the Home-Icon* TFT Colour Touch Screen Controller (*multiple functions and macros to run pre-set environments are available when a Home-Icon controller is connected to the PFX System).
Typically, separate PFX System controllers - one or more per floor – are linked by an RS485 network to a colour touch screen. Switch plates are located in all rooms, with master switch panels located beside main doorways. Additional master switch panels can be installed wherever desired. Customer requirements for controlling fans and demisters, or curtains, blinds and screens - even Home Cinema and AV equipment - are easily satisfied.
For residential applications, a convenient sleep delay feature for bedrooms switches off lights after a pre-set delay of up to 2 hours, and the timer can be set to fade up bedroom lights in the morning with a ‘wake-up’ scene. ‘Welcome’ scenes – which automatically switch on selected house lights for your return home – or security settings – can be programmed, as well as temporary settings for entertaining.
PFX System provides 14,000 channels of dimming for the
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
Futronix are proud to have been selected to design, fabricate and commission the largest single architectural lighting control system ever built – a 14,000 channel installation for the prestigious Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. The Burj Al Arab Burj Al Arab is testimony to the flexibility of the PFX System to adapt to the most complex of requirements and meet the highest of standards.
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The powerful all-digital PFX Lighting Control System from Futronix is one of the most advanced lighting control systems available for hi-end installations such as exclusive hotel and leading commercial buildings.
Accurate, quiet in operation and highly reliable, PFX lighting control systems provide cost effective management of lighting usage combined with increased functionality. 
Futronix has completed a wide variety of PFX System commercial lighting installations in over 50 countries – including the world's tallest and most expensive hotel, the 'World's Best Hotel', and the largest conference center and shopping complex in Asia.
