Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Automation using GDC 2000AR and Dynalite lighting system

This is topic Automation using GDC 2000AR and Dynalite lighting system in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Peter Castle (Member # 1997) on 09-06-2019, 11:56 PM:

Is anyone familiar with interfacing a GDC2000AR with the Philips Dynalite lighting system?

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 09-07-2019, 08:52 AM:

As with most modern automation systems, there are usually multiple options to interface with them. The base layer is typically some sort of network protocol. Using suitable interfaces, you could hook into that protocol directly, using some sort of 'bridge interface' - in the case of cinema servers, in the form of a TCP/IP->Dynalite bridge. However, these systems usually enable the use of many different operating devices, like button/wall panels, wire interfaces, etc., and it could also be possible to use one of these devices (if available/employed already) to tap into the system (e.g. by using server GPIOs, or a JNIOR).

Maybe you can tell us what you already have besides the light fixtures and how you operate them currently. Or will this be for a new installation?

- Carsten

Posted by Peter Castle (Member # 1997) on 09-08-2019, 11:30 PM:

Our automation through the GDC consists of connection to our projector (NEC3240) for picture format changes, lamp off, etc. and our sound processor (Datasat AP20) for sound format changes and volume levels.
We had an earlier lighting system which we connected to via wiring into a switch panel and GPIO. But a refurbishment of our venue removed that control in favour of new lighting and a DynaLite control system. We have no physical switching in the booth - but as we are not in there much these days, so that doesn't matter. Provided we can access the controls, hopefully via ethernet, possibly wireless.
Isn't there anyone in cinemaland who is stuck with this form of lighting?

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 09-09-2019, 04:52 AM:

So, how/from where do you operate this system currently?

You could also ask the installer of the system for a wired and/or networked control option.

- Carsten

Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 09-09-2019, 06:51 AM:

You probably need the DLLI8I8O dry contact interface and a Jnior or similar to connect between it and your server. The Dynalite controller has to be programmed to recognize the interface and assign what the inputs do.
There is some direct network control available but without any API info or any idea of the protocol, you use a Philips program on a computer (or phone/tablet/whatever) As a rule cinema servers are locked down to only install programs signed by the manufacturer ... I've had zero luck in getting outside programs accepted (by Doremi/Dolby at least). The dry contact interface is the easiest way to go.
Dynalite is somewhat similar to the Lutron "Grafik Eye" system.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 09-09-2019, 06:35 PM:

I am not familiar with the Dynalite Dimmer, but the GDC does have a GPIO available that could be used if it just requires dry contacts.

Mark

Posted by Bruce Cloutier (Member # 9615) on 09-10-2019, 07:20 AM:

I am not familiar with the Dynalite system so we are looking into it. It appears to support a whole host of protocols like BACnet etc. (See The Dynalite System Explained - page 10) I am not sure if these are all available standard or if they are options. Peter, do you know what might be available in your installation?

BACnet is messy and we would prefer to utilize a more simpler interface over Ethernet. I do have the BACnet specifications we just haven't pulled the trigger on getting JNIOR to handle it. I wonder what it would take to get the details of the Ethernet interface?