[gce123]

Had an enquiry from someone who has a problem with a Leax lighting controller. Not sure of the model number yet (still trying to find out) but I think it controls about 10 circuits of lighting.

Being a Lutron boy myself and not knowing anything about Leax controllers (other than they're out of business) I wondered if anyone out there has any Leax service manuals or technical info that you are willing to share?

Or better still, since this enquiry was a long way from where I'm based, if there's anyone near Colchester who would be interested in taking this work on then please let me know.

Thanks,

Graham

[neilball]

Smartkontrols used to use Leax products with a modified firmware so they could integrate it with their heating controls. This was the Scenemaster 8000 range which used Echelon Lonworks as the coms bus. While I don't think they could help a great deal they may still have datasheets for the products. However they dis not use any Leax software tools so this would still be an issue. The other problem will be if there are any hardware issues as there is no stock available (SK did enquire to see if they could buy any remaining stock from the administrators for their spares stock but there was nothing available).

Depending on the number of keypads and load configuration it may simply be easier/more cost effective to replace the lot though! Something like the Helvar 458 range would be a direct replacement and could use the existing wiring to the keypads without any problems. Probably around a days work to make the changeover and for kit that will be supportable long term.

[gce123]

Thanks Neil, appreicate your help. Did warn this client that it could all need replacing.

What is the cable to the Leax keypads, just wondering if I could replace the system with Grafik Eyes (needs 4 core cable, 2 data, 2 power).

Graham

[neilball]

Leax is usually wired with a 4 core (2 twisted pair) cable, normally Beldon 9744. It is a free-topology network so keypads could be star-wired, wired in series, in parallel or any combination.

[Alex Hill]

VC Electronics used to manufacture the PCB's for Leax.
The other company that is supported by Leax Inc is based nearer to you in London 0754 549 1379

[JACK WHITE]

Hi everyone

As an electrical contractor working in central london I have seen this problem happening more and more.

I work directly with an ex LEAX engineer for repairs and programming who is very good.

Alternatively I have been working with Dynalite replacing faulty LEAX dimming racks with their units, in this instance we can extract the data from the leax panel and transfer the scenes directly so a lighting designer will not be necessary.

Dynet is the switching system used by Dynalite which uses the same wiring as LEAX, although new switch plates will be required.

Contact me if you experience a fault and I will put you in touch with my man.

Thanks (and sorry if this sounds like spam!)

Jack

[KarenBloom]

Hi all,

I worked with Leax for over nine years so know quite a bit about the Leax system, I too have access to engineers through the correct channels.

VC Electronics made all the pcbs/dimmer cards for Leax and did so for at least seven years.

Leax produced two versions of dimmer cards the first version (with wire wound coils) – if this card was to fail then a complete re-build of the system would be required, depending on the installation could take a day or two. The most recent dimmer card (mk11) is made up of the power & node (memory) card. The power card is interchangeable without the need for any programming, if the node card was to fail then again a complete re-build would be required.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any help

Karen