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even corporations. The focus may be on lavishentertaining, with palatial entertainment roomsfor parties and business or family gatherings,or family nesting with plentiful children’s andteen activities to encourage them to entertainfriends at home. Luxurious bedrooms and bathsfor owners and guests, entertainment choicesincluding home cinema, exercise gym, spa,swimming pool and tennis courts – as well as acomplete home-office with computers, officeequipment and global communications 24/7 –are all standard in a home-resort.

Exotic gardens and outside entertainment areas– terraces, grottoes, walks & paths, swimmingpools and ponds – are typical settings for home-resorts, with interior and exterior spaces flowingtogether in places.

Home-resorts usually rely on automation tocontrol the numerous systems required tosupport and service a property of this size andcomplexity, with intelligent lighting controls inthe vanguard of specified systems. And as withall home-automation, convenient and intuitiveease of operation is important for owners andtheir guests.

As the world’s wealthy become morenumerous and the world shrinks, thephenomenal growth of ‘home-resorts’ isevident worldwide. Even for those fortunateenough to be able to afford the best ofeverything, one thing becomes harder toachieve as time passes – a luxuriouslifestyle in personal privacy. Overcrowdedcruise liners, once-secluded resorts overrunby budget tourists – as the world’s tastefor exotic adventure and travel spreads tothe masses, privacy is at a premium.

Charter yachts and 7-star hotels may offerthe finest of accommodations, personalservice and locations, but they are stilltemporary and expensive abodes. What the wealthy aredoing in response is creating their own havens of luxury.In effect – home-resorts!

Not to be confused with resort homes, which have beenaround for centuries, the modern home-resort – enabledby the wonders of modern technology, driven by theforces of wealth and the desire for luxury in seclusion –is a different development indeed.

Encompassing clusters of main buildings, landscapedgrounds featuring pools and waterfalls, with infinity

pools and spas, terraceswith spectacular views,luxurious indoor andoutdoor entertainmentareas, home cinemasand AV rooms, customkitchens, and master —suite bedrooms andbathrooms — homeresorts are becoming asymbol of achievement.

Owners of home —resorts include wealthysingles, families and

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Home-resorts by definition have numerous roomsand levels with many entrances and outdoor areas.With homes of this nature, and many owners toobusy to supervise the final lighting layout duringdesign and construction, it is often impossible toascertain just how an area will be used until it isoccupied. Flexible software-based lighting controlsystems with multi-point/multi-channel switching –and the ability to operate with all types of standardand specialized lamps – allow lighting ‘scenes’ andoperations to be finalized at commissioning stage,and easily reprogrammed at any time thereafter tosuit a customer’s wishes.

And of course, system failure would be unthinkablein such a property, so 24-hour/365-day operationalreliability, elimination of single-point-of-failure, easeof maintenance and superb product support are ofoverriding importance for any lighting control systeminstalled.

Home-resorts vary as widely as their owners andlocations – yet certain common characteristics definethese magnificent residences.

There will inevitably be lavish entertainment areas,replete with sumptuous or expensively minimalistdecoration, furniture and the latest in AV equipment.Spacious and comfortable bedroom suites withprivately controlled environments, high-techgymnasium and spa facilities, and extravagantoutdoor pool and leisure facilities in landscapedgrounds are all taken as said.

All of these areas have different functions, andrequire different lighting and lighting controls. Anintelligent lighting control system, correctlyspecified, installed and maintained, provides thelevel of convenience and control expectedthroughout the property with programmable controlof all exterior and interior lighting.

The recommended solution for lighting luxuryhome-resorts is installation of complete-buildingswitching and/or dimming systems to control lights

in the major buildings in the cluster, networkedtogether with a centralized monitoring and controlsystem. With stand-alone systems provided for eacharea, single-point-of-failure vulnerability isminimized. This effectively creates a whole-homesystem for controlling lights in all main buildings,augmented by smaller dimmers in guest bungalowsand suites.

Exterior, security and landscape lighting are bestinstalled as stand-alone scene dimming and/orswitching systems networked to a centralized mastercontroller.

Lighting control systems provide convenience andsimplicity of operation by replacing conventionalfixed wired layouts with a flexible software basedsystem adaptable to the owner’s current and futurerequirements.

A basic switch layout concept for home-resorts couldinclude:

• a master panel by the front entrance forowners to select ‘welcome’ scenes or turnon security lights

• a centralized switchpanel in a hallwayopposite the main Living Hall

• a switchpanel inside the Living Hall withremote control option and temporarysettings for entertaining

• a dual-zone switchpanel in the kitchen areato control inside & outside area lighting

• an (optional) master switchpanel in MasterBedroom so lights can be dimmed or turnedoff from one location before going to bed,leaving pre-programmed lights on asrequired.

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LIGHTING HOME RESORTS - ROOM BY ROOM

LIGHTING HOME-RESORTS – THE SMART WAY!

Larger home-resorts can expand on these conceptswith additional switchpanels located throughout theproperty and linked to the control system, and/orwith a central PC or touch-screen controllerprogrammed for whole-property coverage.

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LIVING HALLA multipurpose living hall – frequently openingout to incorporate an exterior terrace,swimming pool or gardens – is usually the coreof a home-resort. This will typically be spaciousand lofty, often with multiple levels and niches,where the owner can entertain businessassociates or guests can party and dance. AVsystems, large screens, entertainmentsystems, water features and aquariums, as wellas wet bars and buffet/serving stations, andof course plentiful and comfortable lounges andsofas, can all be expected in the Living Hall.

Intelligent lighting controls for this focal areamust feature true ‘scene’ dimming, as againstsimple ON/OFF or manual faders. Light levelscan be dimmed for more intimate occasionsor in certain zones, with other areas ablazewith pre-programmed room lighting toenhance the party mood.

Architectural interior lighting can be expectedin the Living Hall using concealed fluorescentlamps, low voltage lamps, cold cathode neon,and wall washers, uplighters and downlightersand others. Futronix lighting controllers andancillary systems can provide complete controlover all of these, allowing lighting scenes tobe programmed for any mood or requirement,with dynamic or subtly fading transitionsbetween scenes.

A Futronix PFX System is the recommended solution for such a large and complex space, networked with theother dimming and switching racks installed throughout the property to allow centralized control.

The architecture and decoration of the Living Hall are frequently highlighted with controlled fluorescent dimmingfor ceiling coffers or under cabinets and counters, or interior and exterior architectural and atmospheric lightingusing extremely subtle color lighting washes. Other systems can trigger opening and closing of sunshades anddrapes, or other events, according to detected ambient light.

FAMILY ROOM

Even if the house is full of guests, the wealthyhave families too, so normally the privatequarters will be removed somewhat from theLiving Hall and other ‘entertaining’ areas. Witha ‘scene’ dimmer controlling lighting in the familyroom, light levels can be dimmed for watching amovie on television, or raised a little for viewingsports programs or children’s cartoons. Aconvenient remote handset allows users to easilyraise light levels for a moment to read DVD titlesor adjust equipment settings. Reading,entertaining personal friends, or hosting anintimate family gathering can all require differentsettings for various room lights.

Lighting for the family room could be controlledby a PFX scene dimmer, networked as part of awhole-house lighting control system, with localswitchplates for selecting room lighting scenes.

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Master bedrooms for home-resorts will normallycomprise a suite of rooms, including one or morebedrooms, his-&-hers bathrooms and WCs, walk-inclosets and dressing rooms, and often a privatestudy or lounge. Large screen TVs and personal AVsystem are usual, and can be operated as part ofthe lighting control system if desired. For mastersuites, individual lighting scenes allow for setting‘scenes’ for TV viewing, reading, sleeping, romanceand even lighting a path to the bathroom.

Doors or full-height windows opening to a patio and/or private pool or jacuzzi are typical, with lightingcontrols incorporated with master suite controlsystems. Al fresco table lighting, garden lighting –even in-pool lighting – can be controlled as part ofthe master suite system, as can motorizedsunshades, curtains or blinds.

Again, a networked stand-alone PFX System dimmeris perfect for this application, although anotheroption is installation of smaller stand-alone Hx orP-Series dimmers. The master bedroom – wherethe owner’s day begins and ends – is also a logicalplace for a master switchpanel, so that every lightin the house can be dimmed or turned off with asingle touch from one switchpanel before going tobed, leaving pre-programmed security lightsswitched on.

OTHER BEDROOMS – such as guest or children’sbedrooms – can also be linked into Futronix whole-house systems, providing night-lighting, morningwake-up lighting, and other features. Alternatively,smaller stand-alone P-Series or Hx dimmer unitscan provide similar features.

Home-resorts will typically have several dining areas– main dining room, breakfast terrace, snack bar,sun lounge or conservatory, al fresco terrace, gardenpavilion, garden barbecue, poolside, owner’s privatedining room – and more. Areas adjacent to an openkitchen, bar or terrace may be divided into zonesfor dining, relaxation or entertainment – withdifferent types of lamps and levels for each zone.

Depending on location, lighting controls for diningareas may be part of a larger scene dimming systemsuch as installed PFX systems, or stand-alonedimmers in exterior locations.

DINING ROOMS & AREAS

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A master-suite bathroom should be a place of retreatand relaxation for a busy owner. Dimmed lights arebeneficial for a relaxing bath – and for peace of mindin a wet area, the ideal lighting control is an extra lowvoltage switchplate linked to a PFX.

With no live mains power behind the unit to short ifwater splashes onto the switchplate, the owner canbrighten or dim lights over the vanity, illuminate wallsconces, and dim overall bathroom lighting from anearby switchpanel without danger. Polished stainlessswitchplates are recommended for bathrooms for easeof maintenance.

Futronix systems can also control mirror demisters,blinds and window shades and music systems so witha single touch of a switchpanel, the ideal scene canbe set to fade gently in. Soothing lights and music,reduced sun glare, switchable heated towel rails,temperature controls – even water-safe flat screenTVs – can all be controlled by touching a single buttonon a Futronix switchpanel.

Lighting in other bathrooms throughout the mainand outlying buildings in a home-resort can alsobe programmed into a Futronix-based whole-house lighting control system to provide similarfeatures for all occupants.

There will usually be bedrooms within the mainbuildings for family and close friends, but forcasual or business guests, free-standingbungalows set in the grounds some distance fromthe main house can ensure space and privacy forall. Natural, subtly atmospheric lighting isdesirable for these guest suites, with individuallighting controls operating all lights in eachbungalow.

Ideal lighting controllers for guest bungalowsinclude the Hx remotely-mounted wirelessdimmer, or P-Series stand-alone dimmers. Withthese dimmers, different zones and areas suchas bedroom, bathroom, lounge/dining area, canbe controlled by a single dimmer unit. These canbe completely stand-alone units, or can benetworked to a central control location for masterswitching, while still providing total individualcontrol over bungalow lighting.

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HOME CINEMAS

Home-resorts will usually feature adedicated home-cinema – frequentlya miniaturized version of acommercial cinema with curtains,tiered theater seating, wall sconcelighting and soffited overheads withconcealed lighting. Multi-scenelighting is usual, programmed forpre-show and after-show fade-in/fade-out transitions combined withmusic, all controlled by Futronixsystems with integrated control froma single universal remote handset.

Viewing movies can be stressfulrather than relaxing if a home cinemais too dark. Just as commercialcinemas create the ideal fi lm-

watching environment by adjusting and dimming lights, dimming home cinema room lights increases imagecontrast and improves detail, clarity and color.

Other lighting commonly installed in home cinemas includes compact fluorescent concealed overhead lights, walluplighters and downlighters, LED lighting for seat/row location, and even stage lighting. In addition to all installedlighting systems, versatile Futronix dimming systems can control motorized screen curtains, screen lifts, windowshades and AV systems to effortlessly recreate the authentic experience of ‘going to a movie’.

The Home-Icon TouchScreen Controller can provide all these features when integrated into a whole-houselighting control system, or a P-Series dimmer can provide control for a stand-alone home cinema lighting system.

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KITCHENS & SNACK BARS

Home-resorts normally have superb kitchen equipment and appliances installed in spacious kitchens, repletewith work islands, AV systems, flat screen TVs and computers used for recipes and internet. Home-resorts oftenhave more than one kitchen, with kitchenettes at poolside or in guest bungalows, and frequently extensiveoutdoor barbecue, range and servery setups for outdoor entertainment for large numbers of guests.

Lighting for kitchens can be programmed as part of a central multi-room dimmer system, or with a stand-alonescene dimmer covering just the kitchen and perhaps an adjacent snack bar area. Lighting will typically featurefluorescent lighting above countertops, with halogen or low voltage lighting over kitchen or dining table areaproviding atmospheric lighting forfamily or intimate dining. A single-room dimmer can control task lightingfor areas requiring bright lighting atsinks, work areas and appliances, withdimmable lighting in snack-bar ordining areas.

Lighting controllers can control allthese kitchen lighting fixtures, as wellas any installed AV and TV sets, andshades and blinds.

Beside the kitchen door is also anideal location for a dual-zoneswitchpanel providing convenientone-point control of both interior andexterior lighting.

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The den or study is a room where daily stress is laidaside for a while, and personal pursuits come tothe fore. Such a retreat may feature hi-fi, TV orplasma screens, reclining easy chairs, mini-bars andlibraries.

Dimmed overhead lights and a few soft table lampscan create a soothing ambiance for listening tomusic, or a brighter scene is conducive to readingthe latest news or finishing paperwork.

A P-Series dimmer is ideal for lighting these rooms,or control can be integrated into a whole-housesystem with the Home-Icon TFT Color TouchScreencontroller.

EXTERIOR & LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FORHOME-RESORTS

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MAKING A HOME-RESORT DAZZLE WITHAUTOMATED LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Home-resort owners and designers will also want – atleast some of the time – to create dramatic architecturallighting effects for the exterior.

‘Scene’ dimming for exterior lighting can be provided bya home-resort’s exterior lighting control system. With aPFX system installed, subtle variations of ambiance canbe programmed with auto-sequencing to highlight specificexterior features or areas.

A home-resort’s security, exterior, and landscape lightingwill include mixed dimming & relay switching of non-dimtypes.

For non-dim lighting, Futronix relay switching panels offerrobust and accurate control. Relay switching units usedfor exterior lighting should also control water featuressuch as pumps and fountains, as well as any non-dimgarden lighting, front gate and perimeter lighting.

Home-resort owners can make their gardens andwater features dazzle with automated lighting toenhance the beauty of nighttime surroundings bycreating depth in the landscape.

Landscape lighting should blend with other exteriorlighting to enhance the owner’s enjoyment of thegardens and home at night – and to increase safetyand security.

Many equipment options are available for landscapelighting – the most common is ‘bullet’ type uplightersand downlights for illuminating trees and shrubbery,grazing walls with light to enhance texture and form,and highlighting selected features. Other optionsinclude in-water lights for pools and ponds, in-ground lights for flush-mounted accent lighting, andfloodlights for widespread wall washing.

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will shine both up and down. These are also effectivemounted inside stone or terracotta garden lanterns,or in bamboo-pole luminaire/uplighters.

Underwater lights provide general illumination forponds or pools, while spots can be effective forlighting water features, with different colors fordifferent seasons. Floating lights are available witha weighted base.

In-ground lights are used to up-light shrubberyand trees, and should be almost invisible in daytime.These are more ‘permanent’ than other low-voltageoutdoor lights, so careful planning is important. Anadjustable baffle on the lens helps minimize glare.In-ground lights are available as spotlights orfloodlights.

Attractive landscape lighting is best achieved witha variety of lights, but all should be of durablematerials – lots of copper & brass, and thick metalsthat won’t corrode in a few years. As for installation,the goal is to make the entire system as invisibleas possible, especially the wiring.

Decks, terraces and patios are frequently not usedat night because badly placed lights dazzle the eyesand attract unwanted insects. In these areas,landscape light fixtures rather than deck lights arepreferred. Mounted on posts or railings at waist levelor lower, these provide ambient light without glare

or drawing in bugs. Where possible, wiring shouldbe concealed inside posts and under decks.

Deck lights with ‘scene’ dimming provide greatflexibility in setting moods for outdoor living andentertaining. Even tree lights can be dimmeddepending on season – in summer trees with morefoliage need more light.

LIGHT SELECTION FORLANDSCAPES

Different types of lights meetdifferent needs – selecting thecorrect light for the purpose isthe first step.

Trees are best lit with ‘bullet’lights – an uplit tree providesan interesting focal point forvisually separating areas of alarge property. Watertightcolor lenses provide daylight-visible color accents forgardens and pools.

Floodlights are used to lighthome exteriors for security,and to illuminate areas offoliage too large for ‘bullets’.Appearance is a considerationdue to the size of units, soattractive unit design isimportant.

Walkway lights are ideal for paths, also forflowerbeds and for adding decorative accents duringthe daytime. Again, appearance is important asthese lights usually remain visible – many units aredesigned as decorative features. Coverage diametershould ensure complete light coverage for selectedareas.

Deck lights are small area lights designed forconcealing on decks and patios. They should bemounted low to avoid glare, though some designs

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As with all lighting installations, careful planning isimportant. Typically, illumination will highlight trees,walkways, pools, flowerbeds and gazebos orpavilions. For pools and water features, reflectedlight from waterfalls and fountains creates dancingsparkles on rocks, plants and patios.

Other areas requiring exterior lighting includeswimming pools, spas and hot tubs, gazebos andpavilions, tennis courts and even boat docks.

However, lighting should also be planned to detertrespassers and enhance safety. Walkway lights canhighlight the path to the main door, especially if ahome-resort has many doorways. Outdoor stairwayscan also be illuminated for safety.

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Automation is easily achieved for landscape lighting.Scene dimming – using PFX dimming systems –enhances the beauty and versatility of gardens andgrounds, while motion detectors reduce energy costsfor terrace lighting, and provide an additional levelof security.

For entertaining, aesthetically pleasing landscapelighting can transition through subtle or dynamiceffects, but when the guests depart bright securitylights fade up.

For landscape and exterior lighting, dimmers within-built astronomical timers are highly re-commended. With a standard clock function timeror PC, owners must adjust manually for seasonaldaylight saving changes. With an in-built astro-nomical timer, the clock knows when the sun isscheduled to come up or go down every day,based on latitude & longitude, and lights can beprogrammed to follow this clock.

With ‘scene dimming’ lighting controls, owners cancreate different landscape lighting scenes and zonesfor different times of day and varying ‘moods.’ Thesecan be relatively complex scenes, and they cantransition slowly or dynamically for variety. Withintelligent lighting controls, difficult situations canbe eliminated – for example, when a ‘garden party’scene is selected, all lawn sprinklers will switch off,and so forth.

For Jacuzzis, spa tubs and swimming pools,controlled lighting can create extremely subtle colorgradations - continually varying imperceptibly - aslighting washes for walls, pool lighting and otherfeatures, and even underwater lights. Or for late-night bathers, a detector can trigger a discreet trailof light along the path to the pool.

An intelligent outdoor lighting control system canalso interface with AV equipment, spas, fountains,pool pumps, sprinklers, gazebo lighting, PA and othersystems.

Whether owners want to add security, show offplantings, spotlight fall colors or eliminate shadowyareas, landscape lighting coordinated with homeautomation adds beauty, safety and value to home-resorts.

ADDING AUTOMATION TO LANDSCAPELIGHTING

MATCHING NEEDS & SYSTEMS FOR PERFECTHOME — RESORT LIGHTING

Futronix’ range of all-digital lighting controllers’includes systems ideally suited to the many andvarious requirements of luxury home-resorts.Intelligent lighting control systems providecentralized control of unlimited-channel lightingthroughout a home-resort, and Futronix ancillarysystems and accessories are designed to customizeselected channels to allow spe-cialized features forspecific purposes and areas.

For such large and complex homes, the flagship PFXSystem is typically the core lighting controllersystem specified to provide ‘scene’ dimming for themain buildings, and frequently for exterior lightingas well. Related systems are designed for switchingheavy-duty interior and exterior lighting, andcontrolling large-scale curtains, blinds andsunscreens in window-walled lounges andentertainment areas.

Other dimmer systems, such as the innovativewireless Hx scene dimmer and the P-Seriesresidential dimmers provide most of the samefeatures for lighting smaller multi-room or single-room spaces.

Various ancillary systems and accessories providea multitude of compatible options, extending thereach of these Futronix systems to virtually everyaspect of lighting control. The complete range ofintelligent lighting control systems manufactured byFutronix includes compatible, networkable solutionsfor any and all challenges involved in lighting luxuryhome-resorts.

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Home-resort owners or guests can control thelighting for individual rooms or areas with thesupplied remote handset or from convenientlylocated Futronix switchplates, many featuring an IRdisplay window to receive commands and displaystatus.

Futronix switchpanels are available with functionalityranging from simple 3-button panels up to 8-buttonpanels, all providing an appropriate level ofcomplexity. With simple ‘one-touch’ commands formost functions, users do not need to search throughcomplex menu trees to operate simple functions –a real benefit for owners, guests and even thecleaners.

Additionally, to maintain uniform style throughoutthe property, all Futronix single-room dimmers andPFX switch-panel outstations are visually designedto complement each other in a range of styles andfinishes, so networked and stand-alone dimmers canbe installed in the same home-resort. And if roomdecor is changed, switchplates are available instandard Futronix finishes, or custom switchplatescan be ordered to complement the new decor.

The elegant new range of ultra-thin Futronix Eclipsewall-mounted screwless switch panels feature adisplay with IR receiver, are individually addressableand have programmable group functions.

Master switchplates, capable of controlling lights inevery room – a handy feature in large home-resortsto avoid turning off lights manually before leavinghome or going to bed.

Stylish, robust, timeless – Futronixswitchpanels combine multiplexfunctionality with simple elegance inminimalist designs. Striking yetunobtrusive, all switchplates areavailable in brushed or polishedstainless steel, polished brass andwhite metal.

FUTRONIX SWITCHPLATES – THE STYLISHFACE OF FUTRONIX

Home-resort lighting control systems fall into twomain categories – whole-house and single-roomsystems.

Whole-house lighting control systemsA whole-house lighting control system based on theFutronix PFX System com-mands lights throughout ahome, including outdoorentertaining and gardenareas, and security lighting.

PFX intelligent lightingcontrollersBuilt around a range ofstandard modules, PFXsystems are flexible andpowerful enough to controllighting for an entire resort-home, and multiple units canbe linked to create systemsof unlimited size. In con-junction with the in-builttimer, these systems can also create the realisticimpression that a property is occupied even duringextended vacations.

The PFX System is simply the most advancedprofessional dimming system available for sizableluxury houses. For the ultimate in user convenience,the quiet and reliable PFX manages lighting usagewith energy efficiency and increased functionality.

An unlimited channel lighting control and whole-building automation system, the PFX System is amodular system of linked dimmer racks and switchpanels installed throughout a home-resort. TheFutronix PFX features true ‘scene dimming’ in allrooms or areas, and a comprehensive list of featuresand options unrivalled by competing systems. Arange of accessories adds functionality in specificareas.

The PFX can provide multiple functions, with up to20 lighting ‘scenes’ per room, hundreds’ of ‘extra’scenes, and macros to run pre-set lighting‘environments’. Operational flexibility, security, andease of operation via touch-screen user interfaceare beneficial features of the PFX System.

SELECTING THE IDEAL LIGHTING CONTROLSYSTEMS FOR HOME-RESORTS

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An extremely flexible solution for lighting guestrooms or bungalows– or other outlying rooms in ahome-resort – is the innovative Futronix HxController, installed either free-standing ornetworked to the centralized control location or BMS(Building Management System).

The Hx Controller is a powerfulremotely mounted dimmer with 8channels of dimming andswitching, 4 channels of 1-10Vdimming, 24/7 timer, hardswitching inputs from a normallight switch, occupancy inputs, andwall switchplates featuring a displaywith IR receiver. The versatile Hxdimmer is available in both wired andwireless versions.

Designed for mounting in the overhead ceiling cavityor other electrical void, the Hx unit will connect toother equipment including switchpanels, PC or touchscreen controller. Modular design allows fornetworking multiple units and provides for multi-point switching control as well as one-touch lightingcontrol via the supplied remote handset.

Particularly relevant for home-resort guestbungalows is the Hx unit’s versatility. As well as roomlighting of all types, the Hx can be programmed tocontrol most automated devices, including curtains,drapes, as well as mirror demisters and energy-saving non-dimming CF Compact FL lamps forbathrooms. And guests always appreciate thesimplicity and convenience of centralized one-touchcontrol of lighting in the bungalow’s several rooms.

Guest bungalow/suites usually comprise a singlelarge area divided into zones for dining, relaxationand entertainment, and adjacent kitchen/ breakfastbar. Each zone requires different types and levelsof lighting – and possibly other system automationas well. With the Hx Dimmer the inconvenience ofgetting up to alter lights and other systems frominconveniently located manual switchpoints isvirtually eliminated.

The unique Hx dimmer’s multi-point, multi channelswitching, sophisticated lighting control andnetworking options are typically available only withmuch larger centralized dimming systems. And likePFX and Enviroscene dimmers, Hx dimmers canconnect directly to Home-Icon Color TouchScreenControllers for user-friendly control via an intuitivegraphical interface.

HX WIRED/WIRELESS REMOTE-LOCATIONDIMMERS

With ‘scene dimming’ area lighting can beeffortlessly transformed for ambient or moodlighting, architectural illumination, guest roomlighting variations, and lighting public areas suchas lobbies, corridors and balconies. Most types oflighting can be controlled by the standard PFXSystem, including continuous tungsten, low voltage,halogen, neon/cold cathode, and fluorescent (highfrequency).

A comprehensive range of accessories and optionsfurther enhances the capability of Futronix dimmers.The PFX’s in-built 24/7 timer can schedule selectedscenes for atmosphere, special events, or security.Multiple functions and macros to run pre-setenvironments are available when a Home-Iconcontroller is connected to the PFX System, and theHome-Icon’s 365-day astronomical timer canprogram lighting and automation events up to oneyear in advance.

All system operations can be performed centrallyfrom a linked PC and/or Futronix Home-Icon HI-CColor TouchScreen controller, or from a remotecontrol handset or wall-mounted switch panels.Separate PFX Systems - one or more per floor – arelinked to a color touch screen in the central controlroom.

Parties, business functions, dinners and celebrationsare frequent activities in most home-resorts, andthese also have special lighting requirements. Forexample, movement detectors are usefulaccessories in dining rooms to conserve energy whenrooms are set up, then left empty for long periodsbefore an event begins.

The PFX System’s X-Bus protocol allows all powerand data to be sent down a single multi-strandedcable, daisy-chained to each control switch plate inturn. This useful feature for lighting control –especially for large pillarless areas such as LivingHalls – requires significantly less cabling andinstallation, and provides greater reliability due tofewer components and connections, easierterminations and more robust cable.

Even for complex installations, Futronix PFX Systemsare easy to specify and commission, with simplewiring and space requirements.

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P-SERIES RESIDENTIAL DIMMERS

For family and guest bedrooms in main buildings,or guest bungalows, another option for stand-alonedimmers is one of the P-Series dimmers. These unitsare also useful for single-area lighting controls forkitchens, games rooms, spa/saunas or con-servatories.

These dimmer units have all control and dimmingfunctions built into the one module, plus an integraltimer; they offer 20 programmable scene settings,and provide multi-zone localized control with multi-point switching with the same ease and flexibilityas PFX Systems installed in a home-resort’s mainbuildings.

Designed with in-builtX-Bus protocol, P-Seriesdimmers can connect toswitch-panel outstations,providing multi-zone/multi-room control andmaking them the mostversatile stand-alonedigital scene dimmersavailable. P-Series dimmer units can also dimfluorescent tubes – perfect for bathrooms, or forkitchenettes in a free-standing bungalow. And guestsalways appreciate the convenience of being able toselect lighting scenes from the comfort of their chairor bed using the remote control handset.

Designed to arrange the lights in just one room orsuite of rooms, single-room systems can add visualappeal to one special area in the house – perhaps ahome theater, a family room or an elegant sittingroom – or control lighting in a bedroom, kitchen orbathroom. Futronix Hx and P-Series digital dimmersprovide superb dimming control for single — roomsor single-area/multi-room installations.

SINGLE-ROOM LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEMS HOME — ICON COLOR TOUCHSCREENCONTROLLER FOR HOME-RESORTS

A well-planned lightingcontrol system for a luxuryhome-resort may wellincorporate multiple dim-mers of different types. Theideal solution to providingsystem-wide remote controland monitoring of PFX andHx dimmers and otherautomation systems is linking all installed systemsto a Futronix Home-Icon TouchScreen Controller.

The Home-Icon system’s powerful central processorintegrates and controls lighting systems in any sizebuilding, operating as master controller for Futronixdimmers, switch panels and accessories. Home-Iconprovides effortless mastery of multiple functions, withone-touch macros to run pre-set ‘environments’ forlighting and for whole-house ambient control.

For luxury homes such as home-resorts, otherequipment can be controlled by the Home-Iconincluding curtains, blinds, motorized projectionscreens, home cinema equipment – even AVequipment, security alarms – to provide whole housemaster control. Although Home-Icon integratesreadily with controls for these switching/relay-basedsystems, unlike other systems, users still retaincontrol to adjust levels, scenes, and functions at anytime.

A Home-Icon controller also provides the home-resort owner with master automation control for theentire property, with an in-built 365-day astronomicaltimer to program lighting for special events andholidays far in advance.

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PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ESSENTIAL FOR THEAUTOMATED HOME-RESORT

There is virtually no limit to the investment you canmake in a ‘smart’ home-resort. With intelligentlighting control systems – whether operated as aseparate system or linked to a whole-houseautomation control system – the ultimate successof the installation hinges on professionalspecification, installation and commissioning.

Home automation systems must be intuitive enoughto enable even casual guests to operate systemson a basic level. If done the right way the wholesystem should recede into the background to theextent that it becomes unnoticeable.

For large home-resorts, not having an automatedlighting control system means endlessly switchinglights on and off or adjusting dimmers, AVequipment, pond and fountain pumps, and closingand opening curtains or blinds.

With a properly specified intelligent lighting controlsystem professionally installed and programmed,visible clutter is minimized, and operation iscomprehensive and effortless.

What home automation and intelligent lightingcontrol really does for a homeowner is enhancecontrol over the home environment, provide morechoices in lifestyle and leave more time free forbusiness or leisure.

Wherever a luxury home-resort is located, withappropriate intelligent lighting control systemsinstalled, owners can enjoy the benefits of subtleor dazzling lighting and ambiance, combined withoperational simplicity and reliability.

MANAGEMENT, CONTROL & SECURITY WITHAUTOMATED LIGHTINGFutronix dimming and switching units are typicallyinstalled out of sight in an electrical control roomwith equipment, wiring and accessories arrangedfor easy cabling, installation, programming,inspection and maintenance.

The home-resort owner (or manager) can programand monitor all operations from a centrally-locatedPC or Home-Icon TouchScreen controller in his office,or from a remote handset or laptop computer.

Futronix lighting controls monitored from a centrallocation also enhance owner and guest security - amajor concern for luxury properties – with entranceand occupancy detection, security and perimeterlighting subject to automated commands, andemergency lighting linked to installed securitysystems.

And as all Futronix systems are fully compatible bothbackwards & forwards, an investment in a dimmingsystem always retains its value, while maintenance,service and spare parts always remain available.

Simplify complex lighting systems forluxury home-resorts . . .

. . . with intelligent lighting control systems from Futronix!

The Home-Icon controller can re-program lightingscenes, raise and lower lighting circuit levels andsave system changes. Master control of theproperty is simplified with the full color TFTtouch-screen.

For large home-resort installations, the touch screendisplay is usually located in the main entrance hall,the owner’s office or in a separate control/distribution room. With all features set-up from thecolor Touch-Screen interface, Home-icon combinesease of operation with flexibility, and can be fullyweb enabled with its own web site pages anddynamic data display.

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