HX System lighting and home automation control

The Unique HX-Series

Perfect for residences & condominium units, the Hx features multi-point, multi-channel switching, combined with sophisticated lighting control and networking options typically offered only by much larger centralized dimming and home automation systems.

Today's open-plan residences typically feature a large area divided into zones for dining, relaxation and entertainment. Each zone requires different types and levels of lighting - and possibly other home system automation as well. Hx dimmer provides discrete lighting control over individual areas while maximising the convenience of operating lights and other systems from conveniently located switch points.

The remotely mounted Futronix Hx modules are unobtrusive yet powerful lighting and automation controllers. Using the X-Bus® protocol, the versatile Hx unit can be controlled from multi-point switch locations, or from the convenient IR remote, PC or color touch screen.

Hx Dimmers allow full reprogramming and mastering at any time, unlike conventional switching layouts where once lighting is installed no further changes are possible. Contractors appreciate the flexibility of programming for ultimate user requirements, as all parameters are adjustable in software.

Versatility

Offering much more than just intelligent dimming, the Hx lighting control system can also control a host of other programmable home automation features - including curtains and drapes, TV and screen lifts, mirror demisters even water features - and can interface with occupancy detection and security systems to provide intelligent home automation.

Hx Dimmers provide the ultimate in flexible hotel guestroom lighting control. Lounge, bedroom and bathroom lighting for suites and guestrooms throughout a hotel can be controlled by Hx Dimmer units - either free-standing or networked to PC or BMS (Building Management System).

The Hx™ all-digital design has a unique combination of 16 channels of scene dimming, relay switching, 0-10v dimming and DMX coloured lighting control. It can control all types of room lighting including LED, tungsten, halogen, low voltage as well as most switched devices and energy-saving lamps.

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Switches

Elegant control switchpanels for the Hx lighting controller can be located as required, for maximum user convenience. Switch plates can be used as multi-location switches to select the scenes in any or all of the different rooms or areas. Futronix' elegant switch plates are crafted of robust 2mm solid metal and individually hand-finished in lacquered polished brass, polished or brushed stainless steel, white and stylish champagne metal. Also available is the new Futronix ‘Eclipse' range of glass switch plates and accessories. Switch plates are standard single gang UK size.

COMPLETE CONTROL SYSTEMS FROM FUTRONIX OFFER UNRIVALLED ADVANTAGES

Timer (optional)

The Hx dimmer's timer can be programmed to select any scene at any time or day of the week - up to 70 different events each week (10 per day). Uses range from ‘welcome' scenes - which automatically switch on selected house lights for your return home - to security settings, giving even more control over lifestyle and home security.

Programming & Setup

Programming and setting up by remote control keeps switch plates simple and attractive. Wiring switch panels on one 4-core low voltage cable ‘daisy-chained' from one panel to the next minimizes cabling and simplifies maintenance. During installation each switch panel can be configured to operate a single zone or any number of zones, or to act as a master to them all.

Zones & Expansion

A distinctive feature of the Hx lighting controller is its ability to set up multiple lighting zones, where a zone corresponds to a room or area. The Hx dimmers come complete with 800W of dimming per channel on board. For bigger systems with even more flexibility, more Hx dimmers can be connected together to form systems with 32, 48, 64 or more channels of lighting control.

Security

Program a security lighting dimmer sequence that lasts a few minutes or many hours - automatically sequencing through pre-set scenes and displaying each one for any variable length of time - to give the impression that the property is occupied.

Display

Create subtle or dramatic lighting displays to draw attention to an area or to pick out certain items in a display by linking a series of scenes and programming the duration and fade rate. Residential applications include home cinemas - to create a ‘transition' light show before and after a film - and architectural or landscape lighting. Commercial uses include retail displays and exhibitions.

Remote Control

Dimming levels, master raise and lower, fade rate and sleep timer duration can all be programmed and selected from the convenient remote control handset. Lighting controller levels can be temporarily adjusted without storing them. A major benefit of the remote control is in commissioning and programming of systems. The Hx lighting control system can also be controlled by 3rd party remote control devices, including touch screens via the industry standard interface.

Remote control units for the Hx are available with 2 levels of capability. Limited reprogramming is available from the basic [20 key] RC20 unit, while advanced programming can be performed with the [50 key] RC50 unit.

Your smartphone is now a Futronix remote control!

Use your i-Pad or i-Phone to take control of Futronix lighting controls and other home electronics devices using Logitech Harmony. Eliminate that cluttered mess of remotes, by consolidating all your
remotes into one single i-Phone or Android application. Select your favorite lighting scenes, fade lighting levels, close the blinds, power up the surround sound system, turn up the volume and flip through channels automatically with a simple swipe or tap.

The Harmony Smart Control uses the power of your smartphone or tablet to deliver an intuitive graphical experience, with up to 5 iPhones, iPads, Android phones or tablets all working together seamlessly. It's
easily setup, simply by selecting Futronix and other devices you wish to control, from the menu. During setup, the Harmony App will check that everything is working as expected and help
you correct any settings.

For more information Visit:  myharmony.com

LED Lamps and Energy Saving

Futronix dimmers are compatible with most quality, dimmable LED Lamps – Futronix have tested many well known brands and have produced a recommendation sheet based on that experience.

The best lighting designers use LEDs especially for accent lighting, and blend their schemes with other lamp types such as tungsten and halogen. By mixing different lamp types together a more attractive blend of overall lighting can be achieved.

Dimming the classic warm colours of tungsten or halogen lighting saves energy. Bulb life is also prolonged by 30% because fading a lamp is gentler on the filament than just switching it on or off.

Home Automation

The Home Automation partners that integrate to Futronix continues to expand, ensuring that Futronix can offer comprehensive solutions to customer requirements, while remaining at the forefront of lighting control and home automation technology. The new additions add ease of operation, enhance user experience and maintain Futronix at the forefront of technology.

Futronix now offers wireless WiFi capability for the HX, Enviroscene and PFX systems, making them perfect companions for operation from PC tablet using the Futronix Home-icon touch screen software.

The new additions add ease of operation, enhance user experience and maintain Futronix at the forefront of technology.

For a complete list of companies Futronix partners with please see:
Touch Screen Controls

Home-Icon Color Touch Screen Controller

Programming and operation of the Hx lighting control system can all be done from the Futronix Home-Icon© TFT Colour Touch Screen Controller. This dynamically updated interface links dimmers together and provides for multiple functions, with one-touch macros to run pre-set ‘environments' for lighting and for whole-house ambient control.

LED / Fluorescent DMX colour LED dimming

DMX-512 control card

4 channels of 1-10v LED or fluorescent dimming control are available as standard.

Using arrays of coloured and white LED's, impressive lighting effects can be created as discrete background elements using different scenes. The required colour blended levels of the LED’s are controlled by the optional DMX interface. The DMX standard has become the primary control protocol for low energy, high output colour LED's.

The Futronix DMX-512 compatible extension board, integrates DMX controlled lighting and other devices to the HX, Enviroscene and PFX range of lighting controls. Using standard scene setting control to adjust DMX device parameters such as colour, level or position.

The DMX512 card is a PFX digital to DMX full speed transmitter. Which down-converts PFX digital output signals to DMX’s 256 levels. It programs exactly the same way as any normal circuit scene from remote control, PC or touchscreen.

Remote Install Location

Installation out of sight means that lighting control equipment, wiring and accessory components can be arranged for easy cabling, installation and programming, at the same time simplifying inspection and maintenance.

Rugged Quality and Durability

For luxury homes with comprehensive lighting control requirements, or for light commercial installations, the Hx's all-digital design and build-quality assure reliable, trouble-free operation. The Hx lighting controls features generously rated heatsinks, a very high level of short circuit protection, and robust construction with an enclosed steel chassis. Futronix designs and manufactures all of its own products, guaranteeing superior quality, proven reliability and extended life.

Energy

Lighting dimmers save energy. With the Hx, up to 98% of unused lighting energy is saved through dimming, and because fading a lamp digitally is gentler on the filament than just switching it on or off, bulb life is prolonged by 30% or more.

Hx Dimmers and Home automation – System Features

4 channel scene dimmer (Hx-12); 1 channel scene dimmer (Hx-2)
4 channels of relay switching (Hx-12); 1 channel of relay switching (Hx-2)
4 channels of 1-10v fluorescent ballast dimming control
4 channels DMX control (optional)

Hx-12 Dimmer features:

• controls 16 channels in the following format:

  4 channel scene dimmer
  4 channels of relay switching
  4 channels of 1-10v LED/ fluorescent ballast dimming control
  4 channel DMX-512 (option)

• multi-zone (can control up to 12 rooms independently)
• 20 programmable scenes per room/area
• infra-red remote control
• built-in LED information display and infra-red receiver
• variable fade rates from 0.5 seconds to 2 hours (to gradually turn lights on/off)
• temporary circuit adjustment without save
• master raise and lower
• exit delay
• sleep timer
• built-in 24-hr 7-day event timer (battery-backed)
• security settings
• permanent memory (in the event of a power blackout you don’t lose pre-set scenes or need to re-program your dimmer)
• hard switching inputs from normal light switch
• occupancy detector inputs
• card & address system
• Communication port for PC or color touch screen interface (Futronix Home-Icon)
• designed for quick electrician-friendly installation.

Dimmer Specifications HX system Home Automation

• 8 channels @ 800W – Max 2.5kW
• No minimum load on any channel
• Controls: tungsten, halogen, low voltage, neon and fluorescent (HF & CF).