Network of 2 or more ProfiLux

[Matthias Gross]

I have been asked how to connect several ProfiLux with each other to be able to access all of them via one LAN-connection.

1. The ProfiLuxes (silly plural, i know) must be connected to each other. Best way to do this is to use a PLM-RS485 expansion card. This card provides a RS485 bus where up to 31 ProfiLux can be connected to. If you have only 2 ProfiLux to connect you can simply use a 4pole 1:1 western-cable to connect 2 RS485-cards.
2. One of the ProfiLux devices must have a LAN-card. This ProfiLux has the function to communicate with a PC and to route the communication to all connected ProfiLuxes. Therefore the "router-function" must be enabled in this device (see manual "communication").
3. All ProfiLuxes in this network must have different addresses. I recommend that the router has address 1 (is standard) and to change the addresses of the other ones.

If you now connect to ProfiLux with address 1 (this can be adjusted in ProfiLux-Control under Connections) you will access the router.
If you connect another address than 1 the message will first be received by the ProfiLux with the LAN-card, this ProfiLux will recognize that the message is not for itself and then forward the message to all other ProfiLux (acts a a router) over the RS485-bus. If there is one ProfiLux with that address it will reply, send the answer back to the ProfiLux with address 1 (the router), this ProfiLux will forward the reply over LAN to ProfiLuxControl.

I hope i could make it a little clear...
Some more about this topic can be read in the manual.

 

[MSHUR]

Matthias ask me to write a small review on my experience how to set up two Profilux witch are connected via RS485.
1.Used hardware and wiring.
Each profilux must have a network interface card -RS485.Two controllers can be connected together by using RS485 cable. Very important to have 4 pole cable with 1:1 connection. regular telephone cable will not work.
2. settings in Profilux
Controller witch has a LAN card will act as a router. under "communication" check option <router> assign address <1>. This settings must be safe. Second controller must have a different address in my case its <2>.
3. Settings in Profilux control program
Now we have to established connection between Profilux control and Controller -2.
Under "connection " we have to make a second connection with address<2> .This way if we would like to connect with controller -2 , controller -1 will rout massage to the controller -2.. I hope i am clear here

4. What i gain by having a small network between two controllers:
Between dimmable ballasts , fans i didn't have ports to run my Tunze pumps... I was undecided either to get a EX card or second controller. Money wise it wasn't much of a different and i choose second controller .
This way i have all my lighting with digital power bar connected to one , all probs and Tunze connected to a second controller plus regular power bar.
If anyone needs help in this kind of set up ,please feel free to contact me...


mike

 

[LooklikeME]

Could you network the Profilux lite to a regular Profilux?

 

[Matthias Gross]

no, the ProfiLux Light has no extension slots -> you can't use a RS485-card

 

[jjk_reef00]

Does anyone know where I can get the rs-485 expansion cards? I want to network 2 of the profilux plus2 together.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Never mind, I can use another card.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

dont do it! upgrade to P3 and purchase the expansion box far simpler.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Thanks, that's what others have recomended.