When the "Export Switches" parameter is enabled in the Casambi CBU-DCS DALI gateway, Casambi-based switches (such as wireless wall switches or push-buttons) are made available to the DALI network as DALI-2 compliant input devices—specifically, as push-button instances.
Note: the number of instances a switch uses is, usually, in direct relation to the number of buttons of the switch. For cases such as Xpress or EnOcean switches, the instances relate to their preset buttons. Even though a button from the switch is not configured, it still uses an instance. Consider this when designing the network, having in mind the 64 input device limit and 80 instances limit.
Use cases:
The Export Switches feature in the Casambi CBU-DCS gateway is ideal for integrating Casambi wireless switches into DALI-based lighting systems, allowing them to function as DALI-2 compliant push-button devices. This is particularly useful in retrofit projects or flexible environments like offices, schools, and retail spaces where installing wired DALI switches is impractical or costly.
By exporting Casambi switches, users can assign button actions (such as toggling lights, dimming, or activating scenes) directly within the DALI commissioning tool, enabling seamless interaction between wireless controls and wired infrastructure. It also supports dynamic reconfiguration, making it easy to adapt control layouts without physical rewiring.
Behavior of Exported Casambi Switches in DALI Commissioning Tools:
When the "Export Switches" setting is enabled in the Casambi CBU-DCS gateway, any Casambi-compatible switches—such as wireless push-buttons or wall-mounted control units—are made visible to the DALI network. These switches are presented as DALI-2 compliant push-button input devices.
Once exported:
- The DALI commissioning tool detects each Casambi switch as a standard DALI-2 push-button device. Each switch or button instance is assigned a unique DALI input address, just like a physical DALI-2 switch would be.
- These switches can then be configured within the DALI tool to perform specific actions. For example, a button press can be mapped to:
- Turn a group of lights on or off
- Dim lights up or down
- Trigger a predefined scene
- The button press events are transmitted in real time from the Casambi network to the DALI system via the CBU-DCS gateway. This allows the DALI controller to respond immediately to user input from Casambi switches.
- Depending on the capabilities of the DALI commissioning tool and controller, you can configure different behaviors for short press, long press, and release actions.
- This integration allows Casambi wireless switches to seamlessly control DALI luminaires, even though they are not physically connected to the DALI bus.