You can control lighting with lighting controls, but how do you go about this with an existing DALI installation without spending money on the entire overhaul? If you are a new tenant moving into an existing space and want to have a control of lighting in your own space, this article might be useful to you.

The world of lighting control is evolving, and the Casambi Salvador Series is at the forefront of this transformation. Launched in 2024, this innovative range of DALI controllers blends together the reliability of DALI wired lighting systems with the flexibility of wireless technology.

What is the Casambi Salvador Series?

The Salvador Series is a set of devices designed to connect wired DALI lighting systems to Casambi’s wireless control platform. DALI is a widely used standard in lighting, allowing precise control over things like brightness and colour temperature through wired connections. Casambi, by contrast, specialises in wireless control, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to manage lights via their smartphone app.

The Salvador Series bridges these two approaches. It lets you keep your existing wired DALI setup while adding the ability to control it wirelessly through the Casambi app. Essentially, it turns your wired lights into smart devices that you can adjust with a tap, without needing to overhaul your infrastructure.

How It Works

The Salvador Series works by connecting to your DALI drivers, then the Salvador controller communicates with the Casambi network, making your wired lights appear as virtual devices in the app. This means you can dim lights, create lighting scenes, or set timers just as you would with wireless Casambi-ready fixtures. It’s a seamless way to modernise a wired system while keeping its core reliability intact.

One of the standout features of Salvador is its ability to support hybrid networks. This allows you to combine wired DALI lights with wireless Casambi devices in a single network, offering flexibility for projects that need both types of systems. The series also supports key DALI standards like D4i for data analytics, DT6 for single-channel dimming, and DT8 for Tunable white and colour control, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of modern luminaires.

The Salvador Series Models

The Salvador Series is divided into three product lines. The Series 1000, Series 2000, and Series 3000 are each tailored to different project sizes and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the models and their key features.

Salvador Series 1000

The Series 1000 includes three models: SAL-1016, SAL-1032, and SAL-1064, which support up to 16, 32, or 64 DALI drivers. These controllers rely on an external power supply for the DALI bus, making them well-suited for installations where the power infrastructure is already in place. They provide a straightforward way to integrate wired DALI systems into the Casambi network, enabling app-based control for a range of project sizes.

Salvador Series 2000

The Series 2000, with models SAL-2016, SAL-2032, and SAL-2064, also supports up to 16, 32, or 64 DALI drivers. What sets this series apart is its integrated 130 mA power supply and a real-time clock (RTC) with backup. The RTC enables advanced scheduling, such as automatically adjusting lights based on the time of day. Additionally, cable strain relief simplifies installation, making this series ideal for projects that need standalone functionality and precise automation.

Salvador Series 3000

The Series 3000 features the SAL-3016 model, designed for smaller setups with up to 16 DALI drivers. Its compact size and integrated 32 mA power supply make it perfect for installations where space is limited. This model delivers efficient performance for boutique projects or constrained environments.

Applications of the Salvador Series

The Salvador Series is highly versatile, fitting into a variety of settings where wireless lighting control is needed. Here are some examples of where it shines:

• Offices: Lights can adjust dynamically to occupancy or daylight levels, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient workspace.

• Retail: Lighting scenes can highlight products or change with the seasons, enhancing the shopping experience.

• Education: Classrooms benefit from reliable, adjustable lighting that supports different activities, from lectures to group work.

• Heritage Refurbishments: Historic buildings can be upgraded with modern control without disrupting existing wiring, preserving their architectural charm.

These applications show the ability of Salvador Casambi series to adapt to diverse needs, from large commercial spaces to smaller, specialised projects.

Technical Highlights

The Salvador Series is built for scalability and performance. Each controller and DALI driver counts as a single node in a Casambi network, with a maximum of 250 nodes per network, plenty for most installations. The system uses Bluetooth Mesh Technology for robust wireless communication, operating at 2402–2480 MHz with a maximum output power of 8 dBm.

It is designed to be user-friendly. The Casambi app automatically detects Salvador units and DALI drivers within Bluetooth range, simplifying setup. Series 2000 and 3000 models include integrated power supplies, reducing the need for external components. However, DALI-specific switches and sensors should not be connected directly to Salvador units to avoid compatibility issues; instead, Casambi-ready or EnOcean switches and sensors are recommended for optimal performance.

The series also supports advanced features like Human Centric Lighting, Occupancy Detection, and Daylight Harvesting, which can be tailored to specific applications. For example, D4i data can be extracted and sent to the Casambi Cloud via a gateway, enabling energy monitoring and third-party integration through the Casambi API.

Why does Salvador stand out?

The Salvador Series stands out because it combines the best of wired and wireless lighting control. Wired DALI systems are known for their reliability, especially in large or complex buildings where wireless signals might struggle. By adding Casambi’s wireless platform, the Salvador Series makes these systems more accessible and adaptable, allowing users to manage their lights with the ease of a smartphone app.

It’s also a sustainable choice. Instead of replacing an existing DALI setup, the Salvador Series extends its lifespan by adding modern functionality. This reduces waste and saves on the costs of a full system overhaul. Plus, its support for hybrid networks means you can mix wired and wireless components as your project evolves.

Discover the Salvador Series with 299 Lighting

If the Casambi Salvador Series sounds like it could fit your next project, 299 Lighting is here to help you explore its potential. We can guide you through selecting the right models and integrating them into your space, whether you’re working on a sleek office or a historic refurbishment.

To learn more, check out our page on Casambi, or drop us an email.