Integration Alternatives

A selection of DyNet messages are openly available for use by third-party vendors to transfer information to and from the DyNet network. If the third party has an RS-485 port, this can be directly connected to the DyNet network, although it is recommended that direct connection is only performed on small networks. On larger networks, the recommended connection method is via a Dynalite network gateway, which provides optical isolation and message filtering between the two networks. Common examples include:

  • AV systems with RS-485/RS-232 capability and built-in DyNet compatibility, such as AMX & Crestron.

  • High-level interface where a third party desires master control over part or all of the lighting system.

  • Status feedback for the lighting system.

  • Notification of alarm conditions such as circuit breaker trips, and/or load current monitoring.

Dynalite provides gateways for several conversion methods that translate DyNet into other protocols. In some cases this conversion can be bi-directional. Some of the available options include:

  • DyNet to/from Somfy

  • DyNet to/from KNX

  • DyNet to/from DMX512

  • DyNet to ACT

  • DyNet to custom strings over RS-232

One technique is to use a Dynalite RS-232 gateway, which can transmit custom packets. The basic idea is to write a script with several tasks. Each task contains a custom string that is transmitted out of the RS-232 port when the task is executed. Expanding upon this concept, it is then possible to use the Start() statement at the top of the task that will cause the task to listen to the DyNet network for a particular message, i.e.: a Preset message in a particular Area, and then send the custom string out of the RS-232 port when the correct Preset message is heard. A basic form of this type of control is:

  • Smart Panel Preset 1 Area 200 > DNG232 Task1 > VCR "Play" string

  • Smart Panel Preset 2 Area 200 > DNG232 Task2 > VCR "Pause" string

  • Smart Panel Preset 3 Area 200 > DNG232 Task3 > VCR "Stop" string