DALI School: Master Lighting Control with Helvar

1. Helvar DALI Router

The heart of a larger, network-based control system is the router. Unlike standalone DALI buses, a router allows you to connect multiple loops over standard Ethernet (TCP/IP).

What you need to know:

• Capacity: A standard router from Helvar (e.g., Helvar 905 or 910) typically has 1 to 2 DALI subnets. Since each subnet supports the standard 64 addresses, a dual-channel router can handle up to 128 DALI devices.
• System Architecture: By connecting multiple routers in a local network, you can scale the system to thousands of luminaires, all of which can communicate with each other and be controlled centrally or integrated with building management systems (BMS).

2. Programming & Commissioning

The Helvar Designer software is used to configure addresses, create groups, scenes, and logic in Helvar’s router system.

Key steps in system setup:

1. Discovery: The program scans the DALI loop for connected drivers, sensors, and panels.
2. Addressing and Grouping: Each physical device is assigned a unique address. Fixtures are grouped virtually based on the room’s layout, completely independent of how the cables are physically routed.
3. Logic and Scenes: This is where you program functions such as daylight compensation, time control, and emergency lighting scenarios.

3. The Future of Lighting

DALI-2 is the updated global standard that solves the single biggest problem with first-generation DALI: compatibility between different manufacturers.

The difference that saves the project: Previously, the DALI standard was primarily certified for drivers (receivers). Sensors and keypads (control units) were often the manufacturer’s own proprietary solutions. With DALI-2, sensors and panels are also standardized, allowing you to mix brands in a whole new way on the same bus.

Helvar’s modern product line is fully DALI-2 certified, which guarantees more stable communication, better error reporting, and stricter hardware testing requirements.

4. Circadian Rhythm & Color Control

People thrive best under light that mimics the sun. With Tunable White (adjustable color temperature), buildings can implement Human Centric Lighting (HCL) —light that changes in intensity and color temperature throughout the day to support our biological clock.

The Technology Behind It:

To run Tunable White effectively, DALI DT8 (Device Type 8) is required. Instead of using two separate DALI addresses for warm and cool light, DT8 uses a single address to control both color temperature (Kelvin) and intensity. Helvar’s routers have built-in functions to automatically manage this color curve seamlessly throughout the day.

5. Troubleshooting the Bus

When a DALI system fails to respond, 95% of the time it is due to physical faults in the cable or power supply. Here is a quick checklist for installers on-site:

Do you need help with system design or product selection? 
Please contact our product specialist:

Daniel Landmark: daniel@visono.se