Centralite Elegance Operating instructions

Elegance
PC Programming Guide
Programmer’s Guide

Table of Contents
1. Section 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................1
2. Section 2: Download and Setup..................................................................................3
3. Section 3: Getting to Know Your Screens ..................................................................8
3.1 Main Screen ..........................................................................................................8
3.1.1 Open a New File ..............................................................................................8
3.1.2 Open a Customer File........................................................................................8
3.1.3 Saving a Customer File......................................................................................9
3.1.4 Connecting to the Elegance’s MCP ....................................................................9
3.1.5 The “Send” Command ......................................................................................10
3.1.6 The “Receive Command” ..................................................................................11
3.2 Loads Configuration Screen ..................................................................................12
3.2.1 Relay Panels ....................................................................................................13
3.2.2 Load Selection Screen........................................................................................13
3.2.3 Edit Load Screen ..............................................................................................14
3.2.4 Testing Utilities ................................................................................................18
3.3 Input/Switch Configuration Screen ......................................................................19
3.3.1 Active Stars Tab ................................................................................................20
3.3.2 Input Selection Screen ......................................................................................20
3.3.3 Edit Input Screen ..............................................................................................21
3.3.4 Address Input Screen ........................................................................................22
3.3.5 Button Capture ................................................................................................23
3.4 Scenes Configuration Page ....................................................................................25
3.4.1 Making a New Scene ........................................................................................25
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3.4.2 Add Loads to a Scene........................................................................................26
3.4.3 Editing Loads in a Scene ..................................................................................27
3.4.4 Triggered Scenes ..............................................................................................29
3.4.5 Special Scenes..................................................................................................30
3.4.6 Scenes Page Tools ............................................................................................31
3.5 Display Screen ......................................................................................................32
3.6 Clock Configuration Screen ..................................................................................33
3.7 Astronomical Clock Screen....................................................................................34
3.8 Timed Events Screen..............................................................................................35
3.8.1 Absolute Time..................................................................................................35
3.8.2 Relative to Sunrise/Sunset ................................................................................36
3.8.3 Button Enabled Timed Events ............................................................................37
3.8.4 Testing Timed Events........................................................................................38
3.9 Settings Screen ......................................................................................................39
4. Section 4: Options ......................................................................................................40
4.1 Multiple Systems ..................................................................................................40
4.2 Three-Phase Systems..............................................................................................40
4.3 Backup Save Settings ............................................................................................41
Appendix A ........................................................................................................................42
Appendix B ........................................................................................................................44
Appendix C ........................................................................................................................46
Warranty ............................................................................................................................51
Notes..................................................................................................................................52
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Section 1:
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the CentraLite® Elegance™ or Elegance XL lighting control
system! Because of the large number of loads and switches available, the Elegance system requires a
PC for programming. The CentraLite Elegance Configuration Software uses a familiar Windows
environment for configuring and programming your Elegance system. This guide will show you
how to configure your Elegance System using the Elegance PC Programming Software.
Programming the Elegance system through a PC is simple and can be picked up rather quickly with
practice. To program the Elegance system with a PC, 4 things are vital to have prior to leaving for
the job site. These include:
1. A computer with a free serial port. If your computer does not have a serial port, then a
USB to serial adapter can be used. We recommend using the IOGEAR GUC232A adapter.
(www.iogear.com)
2. The latest version of the Programming Software which can be downloaded at
www.centralite.com Please be sure to download the latest updates as they change regularly.
3. A straight through serial cable. The serial cable can be bought or made. If made, the only pins
you will need are 2, 3, and 5. Make sure this is a straight through cable and NOT a NULL
MODEM cable.
4. Finally, you will need an Elegance Master Control Panel (MCP).
Each Elegance Master Control Panel (MCP) can handle up to 48, 96 or 192 controlled loads
(depending on the controller) and 384 switch inputs. If more loads are needed, multiple MCP's can
be connected via RS-232. For clarity, loads are defined as any set of lights, fans, or devices controlled
by one solid state relay. Inputs are defined as any switch or keypad button attached to a
STARS chain.
Loads are controlled by a 12-, 24-, 36-, or 48-Relay Panel. The Relay Panel contains an intelligent
relay controller that resides within the panel. The addressing of the relay controller (assigning
specific identification to each relay and controller) is made by terminating (attaching) the connecting
cable to the appropriate location on the MCP. Each relay controller handles 24 relays. The first relay
connector on the MCP controls relays 1-24, the second controls relays 25-48, etc. The Relay Panels
contain solid-state relays, which are capable of dimming lighting loads. Switches are terminated in
plug-in connectors on the STAR controllers. The STAR controllers are housed in a GP-16 box which
can be located within a finished wall or in an open area such as an attic or mechanical room. Each
STAR controller can operate up to 24 switch inputs. The STARS inputs can be wall switches or any
other contact closure input.
Scenes are lighting scenarios that create moods around the home. Scenes are programmed from the
Scenes Configuration page. Scenes should only be programmed after the loads have been named
and configured.
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The Elegance system features an astronomical real-time clock that can keep track of sunrise and
sunset. The clock is used to trigger events that can activate or deactivate scenes at certain times of
the day and certain days of the week.
Remember that if you have any trouble you can visit our helpdesk at www.centralite.com or call us
toll free at 877-466-5483 with any questions.
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Section 2:
Download and Setup
The Programming software is available for download at www.centralite.com. To download the
program, follow the steps below:
1. Point your browser to www.centralite.com and click on Products.
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2. Next scroll down and click on Programming Software.
3. When a dialog box pops up, click on Run to begin installation of the Elegance
Programming software.
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4. Click Run on the next dialog box that appears.
5. Click Next on the following dialog box.
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6. Accept the defaults for the next box and click Next.
7. Accept the defaults for the next box and click Next. (You can choose to have an icon in the
Windows quick launch bar if desired. Simply check the box that says Create a Quick Launch
Icon.
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8. Click Install to begin the installation of the software.
9. Click Finish to complete the install and begin using the Elegance Programming Software.
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Section 3:
Getting to Know Your Screens
3.1 Main Screen
When the Elegance Programming software is started, the first screen you will see is known as the
Main Screen. From here, you can jump to any of the screens you need. There are some important
elements of this screen that you need to become familiar with.
3.1.1 Open a New File
When the software is opened, a blank file is created. This file is your template for all new customer
files. All of the information in the file is set to default values.
3.1.2 Open a Customer File
From the File menu, click Open. You could also hit the Open button on the Main Screen. This will
open a dialog box that asks for the file name. Browse to your saved file Location and click Open.
This will open your customer's file and load all of the information into the program. You will be
brought back to the Main Screen.
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3.1.3 Saving a Customer File
It is a good idea to constantly save your work. To save a file, click on the File menu then on Save or
click on the Save button from the main screen. Save the file in a location that you can remember
and easily return to. (ex. C:\EleganceFiles) It is also a good idea to save the file with the person's
address as opposed to their name. You might have several customers with the same last name or
the house may be sold to someone else. The address will normally stay the same.
3.1.4 Connecting to the Elegance's MCP
To transfer all programmed information, you must first be connected to the Elegance system
through a RS232 cable. This cable plugs into the RS232-1 port on the MCP. The other end plugs into
a communication port on your computer. Make sure that the unit is on and all dip switches are in
the off position unless multiple MCP's are used. There are two ways to connect using the software.
These include Automatic Port Scanner and Manual setup.
Connect Using Automatic Port Scanner
This is the easiest way to connect your software to your MCP. This option is set as default. When
you open the program, the Automatic Port Scanner should start scanning your ports to see if an
Elegance system is connected to one of them. If the program connects to the MCP, a green RS232
box will be displayed in the upper left section of the Main Screen. To disable this option, click on
the RS232 Menu from the Main Screen, and uncheck the Automatic function.
Connect Using the Manual Technique
If the Automatic Port scanner did not work for you or you want to manually change Com Ports,
then the Manual Technique would be the better option. From the Main Screen click on the RS232
Menu and then Setup then click Select Com Port. From there, select the Com port that you are
connected to. After a Com Port is selected, click on the Connect Option in the same RS-232 Menu.
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Am I Connected?
If you have successfully connected to the Elegance MCP, a green RS232 image should appear in the
center of the screen along with the firmware version of the Elegance. If you do not see this or the
RS232 is red, then you need to try to connect again. You might need to change to a different Com
Port.
A good way to test your connection would be to hit the All On button to turn on all of the lights in
the All On scene. Click All Off to turn the corresponding lights off. You can also click the Get
Time Button to return the time in the clock of the MCP. Finally, you can click Display to monitor all
of the loads in your house. This button will take you to the Display page will be discussed later in
this manual in section 3.5.
3.1.5 The Send Command
To send all programmed information to the MCP, you must click the Send button at the top of the
Main Screen. From the Main screen, the Send button sends load, input and scene information.
Clicking Send from other screens only sends that particular screen's information. For example, if
Send is clicked from the loads page, then only the load information is sent. The same is true for the
Send button on the Inputs and Scenes pages.
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3.1.6 The Receive Command
If you are unable to locate your file for a job, the Receive command can be very useful. The
Receive command from the Main Screen will gather all of the information in the MCP and load it
into your programming software. After this is done, click the "Save" Button to save the information
into a new file. Note Only do this if necessary. Just like the send button, clicking on the Receive
button from any other screen will only receive the data for that particular screen. For example,
clicking on Receive from the inputs page will only receive the Inputs data.
Note: Because of memory constraints on the MCP only settings will be returned. No names will
appear in a Received file. However, the file will have all other settings relative to the loads,
inputs, and scenes.
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3.2 Loads Configuration Screen
The Loads Configuration Screen is used to modify the properties of each load. From this screen the
programmer can define if a load is a standard Lighting Load, Low Voltage Relay Board (LVRB), or
Fan Speed Control Board (FSCB). Each load can be individually configured to behave as the user
wishes. To access the Load Configuration page simply click the Loads button from any screen.
Note: When programming a system is it logical to program the loads first. This ensures that all
loads perform as desired during input and scene programming.
The Load Configuration screen is divided into three main sections. These areas include a Load
Selection Area, Load Editing Area and Testing Tools Area. Each of these sections will be discussed in
depth in the following sections.
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3.2.1 Relay Panels
Each MCP has eight relay driver outputs. These outputs are used to drive Relay Drivers Boards for
Relay Panels, LVRB's, and FSCB's. At the top left-hand side of the Loads Configuration window
there is a tab labeled Relay Panels. By clicking on Relay Panels a drop down menu appears. From
this menu select the number of Relay Drivers that will be used on this particular MCP. The default
selects all eight relay drivers. The amount of relay panels selected corresponds to the amount of tabs
above the Load Selection window.
3.2.2 Load Selection Screen
The Loads Selection window has up to eight tabs at the top that each represents a relay driver
output on the MCP. The Load Selection screen gives the programmer the ability to name each Relay
Driver output and to designate them as a standard Relay Driver, LVRB or FSCB. By keeping the
LVRB and FSCB boxes unchecked the output will be considered a Relay Driver will be set up to
control standard dimming panels. Remember each relay driver controls twenty-four relays. If an
Elegance system had to interface two 48 relay panels 4 relay driver outputs would be required to
control the 96 relays. Also, checking the LVRB or FSCB option causes the Load Editing window to
change. Since LVRB's are not dimmable the dimming options are removed from the load editing
screen. Since 16 relays are available per LVRB only 16 loads show up when a relay driver is
designated as a LVRB. Likewise if FSCB is checked only FSCB settings are shown. To begin editing
a load simply select the correct relay panel output and double-click on the desired load. This will
allow you to move on to editing the parameters of the load.
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3.2.3 Edit Load Screen
After choosing a load to edit the programmer can begin configuring the particular load. As
mentioned in the previously there are three types of Edit Load screens. Each one is shown below:
Each of these windows have several features in common. The common features include All On, All
Off, Vacation, and Control ON/OFF. You can also set the Preset Level which is the level at which the
load will operate when turned on.
1. All ON - Checking this box adds the load to the All On scene
2. All Off - Checking this box adds the load to the All Off scene
3. Vacation - Checking this box adds the Vacation Scene. The vacation scene once activated will
trigger random loads to simulate activity in the home. Note: Once the button is pressed to
trigger the vacation scene the homeowners have ten minutes to exit the house and use any
buttons or controls required. After the ten minute exit time the scene will activate. The scene
will only trigger loads between 5:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. Once the users return home and
press any button the scene will be turned off.
4. Control On/Off - Clicking this command will allow the programmer to turn the load On/Off
from the Elegance software. This is useful when testing the load to make sure it is working
properly.
If most of the loads you’re programming have similar settings, there is a Global Parameters button
that allows settings to be set for all Lighting Loads. For example, most loads on a particular system
are dimmers with Soft On and Soft Off engaged. Simply turn the desired features on in the Global
settings to make all loads dimmers with Soft On/Off engaged. Now only the lights that are you do
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not want to have these settings have to be changed. Note: You must send the settings to the MCP
for them to take affect.
Standard Dimming Panel Controls
The figure below shows the Load Editing window options for a standard relay driver. These are the
options for the 24-, 36-, 48- and 96- Relay panels.
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1. Dimmer- If the load a dimmable light
check this box to enable dimming. (Lights
such as Fluorescent, Metal Halide, etc...
should not be dimmed).
2. DimRate- The amount of time, in seconds,
for the light to go from 0-100 % while
pushing and holding the button. If the
preset level is set to 50% then the time
would be half of what you insert as the
DimRate.
3. Soft On/Soft Off- Enables Soft ON/OFF
feature. This feature allows loads to ramp
to preset levels.
4. SoftRate- The time in seconds, for the
light to go from 0 to 100% when a button
is tapped. The SoftRate is typically shorter
than the DimRate.
5. All On/All Off- Whether or not the load is
included in the built in All On and All Off
scenes.
6. Vacation and Alarm Flash- Whether or
not the load is included in the built in
Vacation or Alarm Scene respectively.
7. Minimum- When checked this will cause
the load to dim down to a specified Global
minimum level before turning off. Used to
remove the flicker with electronically
dimmed low-voltage lighting.

LVRB Load Controls
If you have checked the LVRB box on the right hand panel of the load screen, you will notice that
the middle panel looks a little different than the Standard Relay Panel or FSCB. The settings are
described below.
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1. Press and Hold- Allows the relay to
be held open or closed as long as the
button controlling it is held down. When
the button is released, the relay will then
release to its normal state of open or
closed.
2. Toggle- Allow for a button push to
either close or open the relay on
depending on whether it was wired as
normally open or normally closed.
Another button press will then toggle the
relay to either open or close.
3. Pulse- Allow the relay to stay open or
closed for the allotted period set in the
dropdown box next to it.
4. All On/All Off- Whether or not the load is
included in the built in All On and All Off
scenes.
5. Vacation and Alarm Flash- Whether or
not the load is included in the built in
Vacation or Alarm Scene respectively
6. Control On/Off- Allows the programmer
to turn the load on/off directly from the
software.
Note: Relays 9-16 can be assigned as
Interlocking. These ties the operation of the
two relays together. Flip-Flop forces the
relays to always have opposite state.

FSCB Load Controls
If you checked the FSCB box from the Load Selection screen you will notice that the Edit Load
Screen looks different. Below is the screen that you will see.
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1. All On/All Off- Whether or not the load
is included in the built in All On and
All Off scenes.
2. Vacation and Alarm Flash- Whether or
not the load is included in the built in
Vacation or Alarm Scene respectively
3. Control On/Off- Allows the programmer to
turn the load on/off directly from the
software.