Lumascape ZDClink User manual

ZDClink®
Controller with Luxor® Technology
OWNER’S MANUAL
LED Landscape Lighting Controller
Owner’s Manual and Installation Instructions
for the ZDClink Controller
LUXOR

2
Table of Contents
3ZDClink Controller Overview
3ZDClink Controller Components
4Glossary of Terms
4Safety Information
5Installing the ZDClink
Controller
5Locating the Transformer
5Mounting the Transformer
8Running Cable to the Luminaires
10 Low-Voltage Cable
10 Cabling Methods
10 Connecting Cables at the Terminal
Block
11 Operating the ZDClink
Controller
11 Navigating the ZDClink Controller
11 Home Screen
12 Activity Screen
12 Diagnostics Screen
13 Setup Screen
13 Time/Date
14 Language
14 Location
15 Assign
15 Network
16 Backup
16 How to Restore an Existing File
17 Assigning Luminaires into Groups
18 Setting Up Programs
19 Calendar-Based Programming
19 Themes
20 Manual Mode
21 Color
21 Color Palette
22 Color Wheel
23 Mixing Z, ZD Technology®, and ZDC
Technology®
24 Using Other Devices with the
ZDClink Controller
25 Disable
26 Controller Linking Setup
26 Updating to Linking
27 Wired Connection for Satellite
Controllers
28 Chassis Communication and
Assignment
28 Wireless Communication and
Assignment
29 Care and Maintenance
29 Regular Preventive Maintenance
30 Troubleshooting
31 Firmware Updates
33 Fuse Replacement
34 System Reset
34 Facepack Reset
35 Database Reset
35 Chassis Indicator Lights
36 Warranty
38 Notes
41 Luminaire Group Stickers
*Use the stickers attached to the back of this guide to simplify group assignments when programming luminaires at the ZDClink
Controller facepack or with the Light Assignment Module.

LUXOR
Core Cover
Chassis
Facepack Connection
Chassis LED
Terminal Blocks
Fuse Cover
Facepack
LCD Screen
Clickable Scroll Wheel
Home Button
Back Button
Luminaire Assignment Ports
3
ZDClink Controller Overview
The ZDClink Controller is a lighting transformer capable of
controlling groups of lights that are initiated by programmed
events. These events are adjustments of light intensity at set
times. All lights within a system are communicated with and
powered via two-wire connections. All lights within a system
communicate with the same two-wire connections that also
power the system.
Note
The ZDClink Controller is intended for use with
Lumascape low-voltage LED luminaires or devices
containing ZD Technology or ZDC Technology. Use
of other luminaires is not recommended due to the
absence of communication capabilities. It is not for use
with incandescent luminaires.
Figure 1: ZDClink Controller Figure 2: ZDClink Facepack
ZDClink Controller Components

4
ZDClink Overview
Glossary of Terms
Group: An addressed set of lights that is designated numerically
and controlled as a set by the controller
Theme: A predetermined set of groups, intensities, and colors
called to action by the program or manual functions
Luminaire: Light unit that contains an zoning, dimming, or color
capabilities
Intensity: Value indicating the measurable amount of brightness,
from 1% to 100%
Event: The initiation, adjustment, or conclusion of a selected
theme or group with specic intensity and/or color settings
Duration: The length of time an event will run
Hue: The primary attribute of a color; it is represented by a
numeric value between 0 and 359
Saturation: The richness of a color mixed with white light,
from 0% to 100%
Color: The visual combination of hue and saturation
Primary Controller: ZDClink Controller containing a facepack
Satellite Controller: Controller without a facepack
Safety Information
These cord-connected units consist of step-down, isolated,
two-winding-type transformers, circuit breakers, and
associated circuitry intended to supply power to low-voltage,
submersible luminaires.
WARNING — Risk of Electric Shock. Install the power unit 5'
(1.5 m) or more from a pool or spa and 10' (3 m) or more from a
fountain. Where the power unit is installed within 10' (3 m) of
a pool or spa, connect power unit to a GFCI-protected branch
circuit. Do not use an extension cord when connecting the
power unit to the 120 V source. The grounding conductor shall
be
12 AWG (2.05 mm) minimum. The outdoor power unit shall be
connected to a GFCI-protected, hooded, ush-type cover plate
receptacle marked “Wet Location” while in use.
Caution: The supply circuit for the landscape lighting system
shall be protected by a Class A–type ground fault circuit
interrupter, unless it is provided with the landscape lighting
system. This device is accepted as a component of a landscape
lighting system where the suitability of the combination shall be
determined by local inspection authorities having jurisdiction.
Do not connect two or more power supplies in parallel. Not for
use in dwelling units. This presents a risk of re. Do not place
insulation under the terminal plate. Check the connector aer
installation.
Circuit Protection
• 12.5 A for a 150 W controller
• 22 A for a 300 W controller

5
Installing the ZDClink Controller
Locating the Transformer
1. Locate the transformer in a well-ventilated area away from
direct irrigation spray and central to the proposed installation
site of the majority of the luminaires. The primary goal is to
minimize the length of cable runs from the transformer to
the luminaires, which minimizes voltage drop and cable size.
A common mistake is to locate the single transformer on
the service side of the house or in the garage, which might
result in excessively long cable runs to reach lighted areas.
Transformers with power cords must be located adjacent
to a 120 V, GFCI-protected exterior electrical receptacle.
If a 120 V power source is not available at the desired
transformer installation location, hire a licensed electrician
to run a dedicated 120 V, 15 A circuit to the desired location.
For international ZDClink Controller models, the previously
mentioned information applies for 230 V, 10 A circuits.
2. Test all existing receptacles with both a receptacle tester and
a digital voltmeter or amp clamp to verify proper wiring and
voltage at the receptacle.
Mounting the Transformer
Wall-Mount Installation
1. Install all transformers a minimum of 12" (30.5 cm) above the
nish grade, as measured from nish grade to the bottom of
the transformer and according to code.
2. Drill pilot holes into the mounting surface, insert anchors,
and install screws into the anchors, leaving approximately
⁄" (3 mm) of the thread exposed on the screw. Mount the
transformer on the screw.
3. Use a level and a pencil to determine and mark locations for
the bottom anchors. Remove the transformer from the wall.
Drill the anchor holes and install the anchors.
4. Place the transformer back on top of the uppermost
mounting screw. Then install the screws into the anchors at
the bottom of the transformer to secure it to the wall.
Post-Mount Installation
1. Install a pressure-treated 4" x 4" x 36" (10 cm x 10 cm x
92 cm) or larger post in concrete footing.
2. Repeat the wall-mount installation instructions (Figure 3
on page 6) without using wall anchors.
All ZDClink Controllers come equipped with a 5' (1.5 m), 12 AWG
(2.05 mm), three-prong electrical power cord. Only use the
ZDClink power cord in conjunction with a GFCI-protected, 120 V
exterior receptacle (or 230 V receptacle for international/
export version).
Note
When installing the Wi-Fi Module, consider increasing
the installation height to improve signal strength and
screen visibility.

Mounting brackets
120 V power outlet
1½" (3.8 cm) conduit
Power cord
12" (30.5 cm)
minimum
Side View Front View
6
Figure 3: Wall mounting
Installing the ZDClink Controller

4" x 4" (10.2 cm
x 10.2 cm) post Concrete footing
Mounting brackets
1½" (3.8 cm) conduit
12" (30.5 cm)
minimum
Side View Front View
7
Installing the ZDClink Controller
Figure 4: Post mounting

CIRCUITING GUIDELINES
Loads Per Cable
Close Zone: 0 to 40' (0 to 12.2 m)
12 AWG (2.05 mm): 160 W max. 10 AWG (2.59 mm): 180 W max. 8 AWG (3.26 mm): 220 W max.
Far Zone: 80 to 120' (24.4 to 36.6 m)
12 AWG (2.05 mm): 100 W max. 10 AWG (2.59 mm): 120 W max. 8 AWG (3.26 mm): 180 W max.
Mid Zone: 40 to 80' (12.2 to 24.4 m)
12 AWG (2.05 mm): 120 W max. 10 AWG (2.59 mm): 140 W max. 8 AWG (3.26 mm): 200 W max.
Out There Zone: 120 to 160' (36.6 to 54.9 m)
12 AWG (2.05 mm): 60 W max. 10 AWG (2.59 mm): 100 W max. 8 AWG (3.26 mm): 160 W max.
8
Installing the ZDClink Controller
Running Cable to the Luminaires
Aer you install the transformer and determine all luminaire
locations, run a correctly sized cable from the transformer to
the luminaires. Lumascape low-voltage LED luminaires require
between 10 and 15 V for optimal operation and longevity. This is
accomplished by the following:
1. Group luminaires into distance zones as illustrated below.
Do not include a luminaire that is 10' (3 m) away from the
transformer on the same cable run as one that is 100'
(30 m) away.
2. Use the proper cabling method for the application. Center-
load all cable runs to minimize the voltage dierential
between luminaires.
3. Use a correctly sized cable to accommodate voltage drop. As
a general best practice, limit the wattage load per cable run
to no more than 160 W.

LUXOR
15 V tap
15 V
Common
Watts shown are per 12 AWG (2.05 mm) cable. Install
additional cable runs as needed to complete the project.
To increase the maximum wattage, run 8 AWG (3.26 mm)
or double 12 AWG (2.05 mm) to the rst luminaire in the
zone. Use a digital voltmeter to ne-tune circuits.
Out There Zone:
120 to 160'
(36.6 to 54.9 m)
LED 110 W max.
9
Installing the ZDClink Controller
Summary
For maximum light output and LED life, each luminaire should
be provided with 10 to 15 VAC (ZD) and 11 to 15 VAC (ZDC).
Cable Stats
Low-voltage lighting systems are typically installed using
stranded, direct-burial-rated cable. The most common cable
used is 12/2 AWG (2.05 mm) stranded cable. The size of cable
used in wiring the lighting system will be determined by the
wattage load and length of cable run from the transformer to
the luminaires.
It is very important to note that all low-voltage cable has a
maximum rating. Overloading cable can create a dangerous
safety hazard, so be sure to choose the right cable size for
your lighting system.
Figure 5: Wiring example

10
Installing the ZDClink Controller
Low-Voltage Cable
Each low-voltage lighting cable consists of two parts. The part
of the cable that carries the voltage load is referred to as the
Common lead. The Common lead is installed into one of the
two COM terminal blocks. The other wire lead is installed into
one of the two lugs labeled 15 V. Voltage is carried out from the
transformer to the luminaires via the Common side of the cable
and returns back to the transformer 15 V tap via the other half of
the cable to complete the circuit.
Cabling Methods
Within each cabling zone, you may utilize several cabling
methods. The primary objective is to minimize voltage drop by
installing a properly sized feeder cable (home run) to each zone,
and to make sure all luminaires with ZD Technology on each
cable run are receiving 10 to 15 V (or 11 to 15 V for luminaires with
ZDC Technology).
Connecting Cables at the Terminal Block
Transformer terminal block: The ZDClink Controller includes two
Common lugs and two 15 V lugs.
Common Lugs: One conductor from each cable run coming from
the lights to the transformer must be connected to one of the
common lugs. The other conductor will be installed into the 15 V
hot lug.
Figure 7: Back of facepack showing SD card and reset button
Figure 6: Output terminal blocks

11
Operating the ZDClink Controller
Navigating the ZDClink Controller
The ZDClink Controller contains only three user interface
elements:
• Home button: Opens main screen while on any other function
• Help button: Navigates to previous screen
• Clickable scroll wheel: Primary interaction and selection tool
Home Screen
All functions on the controller are accessible through the Home
screen. The default display on the Home screen displays
the following:
• Current time
• Current date
• Sunrise/sunset for the current day (dependent on location;
see Set Location)
• All category options
Figure 8: Home screenshot
All category options are located on the right side of the Home
screen and are selected using the main scroll wheel. Turn the
scroll wheel clockwise or counterclockwise until the desired
category is highlighted in light blue. Press the scroll wheel inward
to select and enter the desired category.
• While in any screen, press the Home button to return to the
Home screen.
• While in any screen, the Back button can be pressed to return
to the previous screen.

12
Operating the ZDClink Controller
Activity Screen
Aer ve minutes of inactivity, an Activity screen will appear on
the LCD screen if the lights are running. The wait time is reduced
to only ve seconds when the current screen is the Home screen.
The Activity screen displays:
• Chassis load: Amp load of controller chassis. Chassis 1-10 are
displayed. Only chassis with an active load will display an
orange load bar.
• Current time
• Source of transformer load: Manual or Schedule
You cannot make selections on this screen; it is simply an activity
display. Press the Home button to return to the Home screen.
Figure 9: Activity screenshot
Diagnostics Screen
Assigned: Controller assigned
Communicating: Controller communicating
Overload: Controller overload indication
Load Status: Controller load as a percentage
Figure 10: Diagnostics screenshot

13
Operating the ZDClink Controller
Setup Screen
All background tools and settings (except color) are accessible
in the Setup screen. Scroll through the various options to set up
the controller.
Time/Date
• Set the three time categories (Hr:Min:Sec) to the current
time settings by pushing the scroll wheel when the
appropriate eld is highlighted, scrolling through the
numeric options, and pressing the scroll wheel again to
nalize the selection.
• Turn past 12 on the hour (“Hr”) setting to adjust a.m. and
p.m., as displayed next to the seconds (“Sec”).
• To convert clock to 24-hour convention, select the “24hr”
selection box.
• Set the three date categories (Month, Day, Year) to
the current date by pushing the scroll wheel when the
appropriate eld is highlighted, scrolling through the options,
and pressing the scroll wheel again to nalize the selection.
• Setting the month, day, and year automatically sets the day
of the week, which appears to the right of the year.
• When activated, Daylight Saving Time (DST), will adjust the
time forward or backward by one hour at the appropriate
dates each year. To initiate it, select On. To deactivate it,
select O.
• Select Auto to sync the controller time clock every 24 hours.
Figure 11: Setup screenshot

14
Operating the ZDClink Controller
Language
In the Setup screen, select the language eld by pressing the
scroll wheel and turning it to the desired language. Press the
scroll wheel again to nalize the selection.
• The language change will not take eect until either the Back
or the Home buttons are pressed.
Location
The Location menu is designed to graphically represent a
controller's location on a map for accurate sunrise and sunset
times based on the current date, time zone, and longitude/
latitude settings.
First, select Location from the Setup screen. While in the
Location screen, select Region. Once region is selected, scroll to
Time Zone and select the current time zone.
If latitude and longitude coordinates are known, enter the values
in the Lat and Long elds. To set latitude and longitude using the
map feature, scroll to Map and press the scroll wheel.
• The full-screen crosshairs designate the user’s location
on the map. The map will change based on the selected
region.
• Latitude is rst adjusted by rotating the scroll wheel to move
the crosshairs up and down. Numeric indicators at
the top right area of the screen will display the actual
coordinate. Press the scroll wheel to select the latitude; it is
set by pressing the click wheel.
• Next, adjust the longitude by rotating the scroll wheel to
move the crosshairs le and right.
• The coordinate settings are automatically saved aer each
press of the scroll wheel. Select the Home button to leave the
Location screen.
• To initiate a reset or adjustment, press the scroll wheel and
repeat the steps listed for setting latitude and longitude.
Figure 12: Location Screen
Figure 13: Location map of the United States

15
Assign
When compatible luminaires are plugged into the luminaire
programming ports, the assign screen will automatically display.
The Assign screen is also accessible under the Setup menu.
Network
By default, the LAN tab will be displayed. The Wi-Fi or label
will be displayed when the Wi-Fi Module is inserted into the
accessory port in the back of the facepack. For more information
on using the Wi-Fi, refer to the separate owner’s manual for
ZDClink Accessories.
Operating the ZDClink Controller
SCAN
Restrict
The restrict function prevents changes to themes.
1. From the Home screen, navigate to the Setup and select
Restrict Themes screens using the scroll wheel.
2. To remove the restriction, deselect Restrict Themes.

16
Backup
The backup function saves all information entered into the
controller, including programs, themes, colors, and setup data.
To create a backup le for your ZDClink Controller, follow the
steps below.
1. Insert an SD card into the side of the facepack with the pins
facing toward the front of the facepack.
2. From the Home screen, navigate to the Setup and then
Firmware screens using the scroll wheel.
3. Navigate to Backup using the scroll wheel.
4. Input a le name for the backup le. You do not need to use
all available spaces.
5. Press Backup.
6. Aer backup is successful, press the SD card inward and then
release to remove the card from the facepack.
How to Restore an Existing File
1. Insert an SD card (pins facing the front) with the preloaded
le into the side of the facepack. Press the card completely
inward and then release. The card will lock into place.
2. From the Home screen, navigate to the Setup and then
Firmware screens using the scroll wheel.
3. Navigate to Backup using the scroll wheel.
4. Input the le name of the desired database to restore. The
lename must match exactly.
5. Press Restore.
6. Aer a successful restore, press the SD card inward and then
release to remove the card from the facepack.
Operating the ZDClink Controller

17
Operating the ZDClink Controller
Note
Always address one luminaire at a time. Attempting to
address more than one luminaire at a time can result
in assignment failures.
Assigning Luminaires into Groups
Figure 14: Luminaire assignment wire diagram
The lighting assignment screen is automatically displayed when
an Lumascape low-voltage LED luminaire or device containing
ZD Technology or ZDC Technology is connected into the
assignment ports of the controller facepack. This mode can also
be forced by navigating to Setup and selecting Assign.
1. Enter this mode by placing two separate wires from a single
Lumascape low-voltage LED luminaire or device containing
ZD Technology or ZDC Technology into each of the
assignment ports on the front of the facepack. The wires
must maintain contact inside the assignment ports during
the entire process.
2. Navigate to Program and press the scroll wheel to
initiate assignment. When complete, the screen will
show “Assignment Successful” or “Assignment Failed.”
If failed, reposition wires and try again. If the problem
persists, the board or device may either be defective or not
programmable.
3. The assigned group number is stored in the device (e.g., LED
board, lamp, CUBE) and not in the facepack. Thus, power loss
or other errors within the ZDClink Controller will not aect
the luminaire assignment. If a device is replaced, the new
device must be programmed to the desired group number.

18
Operating the ZDClink Controller
Setting Up Programs
The Programs screen is where all daily running programs are
set up. Programs are set by scheduling luminaires that have
been assigned to groups or themes. For more about assigning
luminaires to groups, see “Assigning Luminaires into Groups" on
page 17.
1. Each program is designated by a letter (“A” through “G”) at
the top right section of the screen. Select the desired letter
using the scroll wheel prior to selecting the days of the week.
2. Selecting days of the week designates which days the
program will run based on the event settings. Select or
remove each day by highlighting the corresponding box over
each day with the scroll wheel and pushing to select
or deselect.
3. The Event eld species the factors that will initiate a timed
event. Options include sunrise, sunset, or time.
4. The Time eld species what time the programmed event
will occur. Sunrise/sunset times are based o of astronomical
timing set by the location (longitude and latitude) of the unit.
Optional timed osets (± 15-minute increments) are available
for sunrise/sunset events. Time events are determined by
the time of day.
5. The Group/Theme eld species which group or theme is
associated with each event. Scroll right to select groups.
Scroll le to select available themes.
6. The Color eld species the desired color for group events.
Colors are not available for themes.
Figure 15: Programs screenshot
Note on Day Beginning and End
Days are designated to start and end at noon (12 p.m.).
This allows lights to continue running aer midnight
within a single day’s program setting.
The %eld species the desired intensity for each event.
Values range from 0% (o) to 100%. Theme events are limited to
On or O.
You can create multiple events to initiate or change luminaire
intensities, but you must use a separate event to turn them o.

19
Operating the ZDClink Controller
Note
Calendar-based programs are not required for
controller operation.
Calendar-Based Programming
Calendar-based programming allows program(s) to run during
specic dates throughout the year.
To set a calendar-based program, enter the Date-Based
Scheduling screen by selecting the calendar icon located in the
right-hand corner of the Program screen.
Users can select the Start and End dates for each desired
program. Selecting Exclusive will allow the controller to only
run the specied program during the requested dates. The
controller will revert back to the non-exclusive programs aer
the controller is outside of the Exclusive date range.
Themes
A theme is a planned set of groups at stated colors and
intensities. A user can call up themes in the Program menu for
quick setting of a series of groups, or in the Manual menu for
on-demand control. Common uses for themes include location-
based (e.g., gazebo) and lifestyle-based (e.g., vacation or party).
• Themes are set initially by selecting the Theme function from
the Home screen.
• Each theme is designated by a letter (“A” through “Z”) at the
top right section of the screen. Select the desired letter using
the scroll wheel.
• Enter the various groups selected for the theme, with
corresponding colors and intensities.
Figure 16: Date-Based Scheduling screenshot

20
Operating the ZDClink Controller
1. Select the Test Theme checkbox to temporarily turn on all
groups that have been set in a theme. While this function is
active, a user can make adjustments to the theme and see
the changes in real time. Test theme function will end when
a key has not been pressed for ve minutes, the home key is
pressed, or another theme is selected.
2. To completely clear the theme, select the Erase button. This
function clears all elds in the theme and removes the erased
theme from any existing programs.
5. Set the duration, or the amount of time that the group
will run.
6. Navigate to and select the Start button with the
scroll wheel.
7. To stop the countdown, the Stop button should be activated.
This will only pause to allow for adjustments and should not
delete any settings above.
If the group is currently running within a program, the manual
setting will take precedence.
When the manual settings are nished, the regularly scheduled
program will immediately continue operating at the next event
time, even if it was interrupted.
Aer manual settings have been started, the intensity and time
can be adjusted while the program is still running.
Figure 17: Themes screenshot
Manual Mode
Use Manual mode to turn on and adjust lights outside of the set
programs. Manual settings will always take precedence over any
currently running programs.
3. From the Home screen, navigate to the Manual screen using
the scroll wheel.
4. Designate a group number and then the intensity at which
the given group should be illuminated.
Figure 18: Manual screenshot