PLC LODESTAR+ User guide

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Gateway Commissioning & Start-up Guide
Gateway
Commissioning &
Start-up Guide

3101 111th Street SW •Suite F •Everett, WA 98204
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Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................5
LODESTAR+ Gateway...........................................................................................................5
Features and Benefits..................................................................................................5
Software....................................................................................................................5
LODESTAR+ System Overview................................................................................................5
Elements Needed for Commissioning......................................................................................6
General Commissioning Process.............................................................................................6
Basic Network Framework.....................................................................................................6
LODESTAR+ Gateway Installation.....................................................................................................7
Gateway Placement & Guidelines..........................................................................................7
Connecting Gateway to the Local Area Network (LAN)............................................................7
Wireless Network Requirements.............................................................................................8
Powering the Gateway..........................................................................................................8
LED Behaviors............................................................................................................9
Powering the Lighting Controllers..........................................................................................9
LODESTAR+ Gateway Configuration.................................................................................................9
Installing the LODESTAR+ Mobile App....................................................................................9
Setting Up a Wi-Fi Connection on Mobile Device...................................................................10
Getting Started in the App...................................................................................................10
Account Creation................................................................................................................11
Finding the Gateway..........................................................................................................12
Confirm and Name the Gateway..........................................................................................14
Verify Account....................................................................................................................16
Dashboard...................................................................................................................................17
Zones..........................................................................................................................................18
Installation Tips for Commissioning Zones..............................................................................18
Radial Commissioning...............................................................................................18
Powering One Zone at a Time...................................................................................18
Creating the First Zone........................................................................................................18
Scanning for Light Nodes..........................................................................................19
Assigning Light Nodes to a Zone................................................................................22
Setting High-End Trim..........................................................................................................24

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Navigating the App............................................................................................................24
Dashboard View.......................................................................................................24
Zones View..............................................................................................................25
Schedule View..........................................................................................................25
Device View.............................................................................................................35
Testing Devices...................................................................................................................26
Testing a Zone....................................................................................................................26
Creating Additional Zones...................................................................................................27
Deleting a Zone..................................................................................................................27
Primary Method for Zone Deletion..............................................................................27
Secondary Method for Zone Deletion..........................................................................27
Zones Menu.......................................................................................................................28
Manage Devices......................................................................................................29
Unpairing Devices from Network................................................................................30
Holiday Lockout........................................................................................................31
Viewing Zone Information.....................................................................................................31
Editing a Zone...................................................................................................................32
Removing Devices from Zone.....................................................................................32
Unpairing Devices from Zone.....................................................................................33
Renaming a Zone.....................................................................................................33
Deleting a Zone........................................................................................................33
Naming a Device.....................................................................................................34
Schedules....................................................................................................................................35
Schedule Behaviors.............................................................................................................35
Standard Zone.........................................................................................................35
Time-Switch Zone......................................................................................................35
Default Schedule.................................................................................................................36
Editing Schedules................................................................................................................36
Modifying Day Groupings..........................................................................................37
Modifying Schedule Times.........................................................................................40
Modifying Scheduled Days........................................................................................40
Modifying Occupied Light Settings..............................................................................41
Modifying Schedule Settings......................................................................................41
Creating New Schedules.....................................................................................................43
Deleting a Schedule............................................................................................................43

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User Control.................................................................................................................................44
About Schedule Overrides....................................................................................................44
User Control with the LODESTAR+ Mobile App......................................................................44
Installing the LODESTAR+ Mobile App........................................................................44
User Control Using Existing Account Credentials..........................................................45
Local User Control Without Account Credentials...........................................................46
Remote Connectivity............................................................................................................46
Maintenance and Support..............................................................................................................47
Gateway Software Updates.................................................................................................47
Time/Day Updates..............................................................................................................47
System Menu.....................................................................................................................47
System Information....................................................................................................48
Email Support Request................................................................................................49
End User License Agreement......................................................................................49
Privacy Policy ..........................................................................................................50
Remove Gateways....................................................................................................50
Sign Out..................................................................................................................51
Create Account.........................................................................................................51
Delete User Account...................................................................................................52
Closing System Menu................................................................................................52
Appendix A: Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................53
Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions........................................................................................55

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Gateway Commissioning & Start-up Guide
Introduction
This guide is meant to serve as a comprehensive reference for start-up, programming, and commissioning the LODESTAR+
Gateway, which runs the LODESTAR+ Lighting Control System offered by PLC Multipoint.
LODESTAR+ Gateway
The LODESTAR+ Gateway is designed to be a reliable and secure solution for smart lighting control in small- and medium-sized
commercial exterior installations. It acts as an intelligent lighting control hub, processing data and programmed schedules to
optimize the environment while also enabling user control via the LODESTAR+ Mobile App.
Features and Benets
• Optimizes automation of commercial lighting control in exterior environments
• Simplifies lighting control by minimizing frills and maximizing the performance of critical functions
• Installs simply through mobile device commissioning using the LODESTAR+ Mobile App, can come pre-commissioned
• Enables scalability for small- and medium-sized commercial projects:
• Up to six (6) Gateways can be managed via one mobile app account
• Up to 120 Lighting Controllers can be added and managed per LODESTAR+ Gateway
• Up to 30 lighting zones each containing:
• Empowers local users to adjust lighting levels with the LODESTAR+ Mobile App
• Permits off-site operation via remote connectivity with the LODESTAR+ Mobile App
• Employs a sophisticated, lean embedded hardware design for low latency control responsiveness
• Utilizes a standards-based communication protocol over wireless mesh network topology
• Updates software automatically, and manages over-the-air software updates to connected devices
Software
The LODESTAR+ Gateway comes with software pre-installed. During commissioning the Gateway will download applicable
software updates over the Internet and immediately install to the latest version. Uninterrupted Internet connectivity over time will
allow the LODESTAR+ Gateway software to update its software automatically, ensuring that important updates are applied to
the device as required.
Internet connectivity is required during initial start-up for time synchronization, after which a consistent connection is recommended.
LODESTAR+ System Overview
The LODESTAR+ System is a powerful and intelligent IoT-enabled wireless control platform offered by PLC Multipoint, providing
reliable, automated, and secure lighting control that can be implemented and operated simply.
The LODESTAR+ System supports a variety of lighting control devices and control modes. Contact PLC Multipoint to learn
more. However, in its simplest and standard implementation, PLC Multipoint has purposefully tailored the LODESTAR+ System
for simple exterior lighting control in small- and mid-sized commercial installations.
The LODESTAR+ System offered by PLC Multipoint supports control of exterior lights using Lighting Controllers, such as the
LODESTAR+ Lighting Controllers.
One LODESTAR+ Gateway can support up to 120 Lighting Controllers. One LODESTAR+ System can support up to six (6)
LODESTAR+ Gateways, thereby supporting 720 Lighting Controllers on a single LODESTAR+ System network. The LODESTAR+
Mobile App can be used to reconfigure zones, schedules, and more at any time.

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Gateway Commissioning & Start-up Guide
Elements Needed for Commissioning
Note that many LODESTAR+ Systems are shipped to end sites pre-commissioned.
• Mobile device (smartphone or tablet) with Wi-Fi capability
• Available Local Area Network (LAN) connectivity with:
• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connectivity (for mobile device to connect via Wi-Fi); and
• Wired LAN connectivity (for LODESTAR+ Gateway to connect via Ethernet)
• LODESTAR+ Mobile App (available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
• LODESTAR+ Gateway
• Lighting Controller(s)
General Commissioning Process
1. Install LODESTAR+ Gateway
2. Install the LODESTAR+ Mobile App
3. Discover the LODESTAR+ Gateway
4. Create First Zone
5. Scan for Lights (Lighting Controllers)
6. Set High-End Trim (if desired)
7. Test Devices
8. Create Additional Zones (repeating process above)
9. Edit Schedules
Basic Network Framework

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LODESTAR+ Gateway Installation
Gateway Placement & Guidelines
• The Gateway is not rated for outdoor use and must be located indoors.
• The Gateway should initially be installed against a window facing the parking lot or area lights with the Controllers.
• The Gateway should have a clear line-of-sight with one or more of the Lighting Controllers.
• The Gateway should be near a power outlet (120VAC).
• The Gateway should be near an Ethernet jack – a physical Ethernet cable is required to connect to the Internet.
• The Gateway should be secured in an area that limits physical access from unauthorized users.
• Note that installation of the Gateway Installation in an enclosed area or cabinet will significantly degrade RF performance,
and the Gateway should never be installed within a metal enclosure.
Connecting Gateway to the Local Area Network (LAN)
A wired Local Area Network (LAN) connection is necessary for operation of the Gateway.
• The Gateway uses DHCP to obtain an IP Address from the local LAN.
• The Gateway communicates to the cloud using HTTPS and will need to be allowed in the firewall.
The Gateway uses HTTPS because this protocol is typically permitted through firewalls.
This connection is necessary to communicate with mobile devices with wireless connectivity to the same network (for system
commissioning and local control), and for connectivity to the Internet. The LAN should provide continuous Internet connectivity,
which is required to:
• Allow mobile devices with login credentials to be used for remote (off premises) connectivity
• Allow automatic updating of the Gateway software
• Allow the Gateway to coordinate software updates to networked devices
• Maintain accuracy in day and time settings for schedules
This step is typically accomplished by plugging the Gateway directly into the Wi-Fi router or access point, but the network
configuration at the site may provide for alternative options for LAN connectivity.
Note: It is strongly recommended that a local IT security professional be involved with the network configuration and set-up to
ensure the installation meets security needs. Follow best practices for connection to the corporate IT network via Ethernet, and to
ensure that only authorized users can connect to the Gateway.

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Gateway Commissioning & Start-up Guide
Using the included Ethernet cable, connect the Gateway
to an active LAN port via the RJ45 Ethernet jack.
See diagram for details on the jack location.
Wireless Network Requirements
The Gateway communicates to the Lighting Controllers outside the building using a wireless mesh network over 2.4 GHz.
The Gateway needs to be within a recommended distance of approx. 300 feet, line of sight, of at
least one Lighting Controller. Sight specic conditions may require less distance for initial hop.
Please note that if the Lighting Controller is not located on an outdoor facing window, then the range may be reduced by the
building wall, depending on the material.
Powering the Gateway
The LODESTAR+ Gateway is supplied with a 5V Power Adapter. To provide power to the Gateway, connect the adapter into a
standard power outlet that supports 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Although settings are stored in the Gateway memory and will
be retained in the event of a power loss, continuous power is recommended to ensure system operation.
THE GATEWAY IS POWERED BY AN UNCONTROLLED (ALWAYS ON) POWER OUTLET.
It is recommended that an Uninterpretable Power Supply (UPS) be used in-line with the 5V power
adapter to maintain power to the Gateway during power outages.
When powered, the green and red Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs) on the side of the Gateway provide insight into
device status.

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LED Behaviors
Following is a table describing LED behaviors:
LED State Meaning
Green (Solid) The Gateway is operating normally
Green (Blinking) The Gateway is going through one of a couple normal conditions that will last for a brief time.
This includes:
2 blinks – Joining is enabled (to allow new Lighting Controllers or other devices to connect).
4 blinks – The Gateway is updating its software
Red (Blinking) The number of blinks in series indicate a connection error.
Errors include:
2 Blinks – The Gateway does not have an IP address.
3 blinks – The Gateway received an IP address but can’t connect to the Internet.
4 blinks – The Gateway can connect to the Internet but is unable to contact the cloud server.
Green (Solid) Gateway is installing a new software image and will reset shortly. Do not unplug.
& Red (Solid)
If neither the green nor red LED are illuminated, review the Troubleshooting section in this document.
Once the green LED on the Gateway is solid and the red is not illuminated (indicating normal operation),
proceed to the next step.
Powering the Lighting Controllers
Refer to Lighting Controller specific documentation. However, for the LODESTAR+ Lighting Controllers from PLC Multipoint:
• Verify luminaire voltages to ensure the proper LODESTAR+ Lighting Controller is used. There are two versions of the
LODESTAR+ Lighting Controllers: (a) one for 105-305 VAC; and (b) one for 315-530 VAC.
• The outdoor/exterior parking lot luminaires must always have constant power applied. It is strongly recommended
that the luminaires are wired directly to the circuit breaker. This will ensure that power always remains on the
luminaires, even during the day when the luminaires are typically turned off.
LODESTAR+ Gateway Conguration
Installing the LODESTAR+ Mobile App
If not already done, install the LODESTAR+ Mobile App on the mobile device to be used for commissioning. The app is avail-
able in the Apple App Store for iOS devices (requiring iOS version 9.0 or higher) or in the Google Play Store for Android
devices (requiring Android version 6.0 or higher).
Note: Screen captures included in this document highlight the iOS experience for the LODESTAR+ Mobile App. Although there
are slight differences in the appearance, commissioning using Android devices is consistent with iOS.

3101 111th Street SW •Suite F •Everett, WA 98204
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Gateway Commissioning & Start-up Guide
Setting Up a Wi-Fi Connection on Mobile Device
A wireless connection to the LAN is necessary for the mobile device to be used for system commissioning. This is accomplished
by joining the mobile device to the Wi-Fi network associated with the LAN (often referred to as a Wireless Local Area Network).
Ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled on your mobile device, and search through the available Wi-Fi networks to find the Wireless Net-
work Name (SSID) for the appropriate network. If unclear as to the correct SSID, contact the building management or network
administrator.
If connecting to a dual band Wi-Fi router, wireless networks in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies can be selected.
Note: Do not connect to an available network that has been congured as a Guest Network.
As typically congured, Guest Networks restrict access to connected devices on the network.
Connection of a mobile device to a Guest Network will not allow the mobile device to connect
with the LODESTAR+ Gateway.
If any difficulties are encountered joining the wireless network, please contact the network administrator for the building.
Getting Started in the App
Launch the LODESTAR+ Mobile App on your mobile device by tapping the app icon.
While the app loads, a screen will appear featuring the LODESTAR+ logo.
If the mobile device is not able to connect to a local network or the gateway,
an error screen will appear with detail on the connection error.
See the Troubleshooting section of this document for details on
resolving connection problems.