DMX VS DMX and DALI-2 – two very different lighting control protocols, with very different pros and cons. So, how does one choose between the two when designing a lighting system?
a DALI-2 system up to 300ft. This makes installing a DALI-2 system somewhat easier and sometimes more affordable, depending on the size and capabilities of the system.
Since the 1980s and 1990s, DMX512 and DALI have been the main lighting control protocols used across multiple industries. DMX512, or Digital Multiplex 512, is a universal lighting protocol that pretty much any programmable luminaire can connect to.
Configuration and programming is the next factor to consider when choosing between the two systems. Any DALI-2 approved device is built and designed to easily integrate with DALI-2's “Device Type” system. The same thing is true for DMX as any DMX approved device can function in a DMX system. Currently, there are eight different device types, DT-1 through DT-8, representing different levels of functionality. A DALI-2 controller is designed to recognize all eight device types and is therefore able to automatically configure elements in the system, setting parameters per device type. Each DALI-2 system can have up to 64 devices on it making, it an extremely versatile system.
Meanwhile, DALI, which stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, is a regulated protocol that only works with specific types of devices. DALI’s ecosystem goes beyond lighting control and is designed to improve energy conservation with additional periphery devices such as dimmers, occupancy sensors, and daylight sensors and by using building automation. At this point, DALI-2 is the most recent iteration of DALI and provides crucial advancements in functionality. Before diving into the best-use scenarios for each, it’s important to know the difference between DMX and DALI-2. Communication for a DMX system is one-way, from the DMX controller to the lighting fixture. Some, but not all DMX fixtures and controllers allow for RDM (Remote Device Management), which enables bi-directional communication and allows the controller to view and edit some fixture parameters and settings. In a DALI-2 system, the controller, lighting fixtures, sensors, and switches all communicate bidirectionally between each other. Because of this, each system functions somewhat differently. With DMX a specialized, shielded cable (up to 300 meters) is used to connect the system together. CAT5/6 cable is also approved for use as DMX wiring. DALI-2 does not require any specialized cable or wiring; any 2- wire cable will work on 72
designing lighting
Applicable in multiple industries and types of lighting devices, DMX is also a very adaptable protocol. A single DMX “universe” is made up of 512 channels that need to be programmed to work with a DMX controller. This can be done manually on the device, or remotely through the controller if RDM is enabled. Some DMX controllers can handle multiple universes, while others are designed to control a single 512-channel universe. At their base levels, both DMX fixtures and DALI fixtures need to be “addressed” in order to be functional in a system. Additionally, DMX systems on average can perform this function at a much faster rate than DALI systems. The programming ease of both systems varies widely and they are all dependent entirely on the capabilities and interfaces of the system and software being used- which varies widely from manufacturer to manufacturer and product line to product line. Determining where a smart lighting system is being installed