Leax Lighting Control System

KSparrevohn101 · 10-09-2009, 11:09 AM

Hi everyone

We have been asked to make some amendments to a LEAX lighting control system. From what i understand they went into administration some time ago and there does not seem to be anyone out there who offers any kind of technical support.

Does anyone know anything more about them?

Is it possible to make changes to the system without the original programme files etc?

Thanks

Katie

gce123 · 10-09-2009, 12:02 PM

Hi Katie, see my previous thread to this one. Suspect we got the same call from the same person. Colchester by any chance?

Graham

KSparrevohn101 · 10-09-2009, 12:14 PM

No its in London.

We have told them to rip out the whole lot ... seems the best way forward!

Katie

neilball · 10-09-2009, 12:54 PM

I belive that small systems with simple requirements can be programmed from the keypads and/or buttons on the dimmers (I'm assuming it is a Scenemaster 8000) and larger projects require software tools which will no longer be available.

Leax used Echelon Lonworks as their network protocol which means the comms network is free-topology which can sometimes be an issue when considering replacment with re-use of existing cabling. The normal spec for their network wiring was Beldon 9744, a 2-pair unshielded cable. It is a bit unusual because it has one black/red pair and one black/white pair so you have to be careful to correctly identify which black core is which!

DaveChester · 10-09-2009, 3:05 PM

Even with the programming software (which we have access to) you need the original files or it means redoing it all from scratch.

We are ripping Leax out on a fairly regular basis because of this and the lack of spares. I feel really sorry for the clients. Things like this dont help our industry one bit.

neilball · 10-09-2009, 3:25 PM

I've heard today that the fabrication/assembly for Leax was done by a 3rd party who still has the tooling/firmware etc to make new keypads and is happy to run these off on small-scale orders so it appears there is still the opportunity to get spares. I don't know if this extends to dimmer hardware as well. Once I get the details I'll post it up.

chuffnuts · 17-09-2009, 4:03 PM

It's not in Chelsea be any chance?

I've had a fair few experiences where customers have wanted to rip out there Leax systems.

neilball · 18-09-2009, 7:58 AM

I don't know if you have seen the other thread but Alex Hill posted his details and can offer support if required.

*Syphon Filter* · 18-09-2009, 8:33 AM

LEAX are well and truely bust now. But I do know a 3rd party who bought up all their remaining stock.

If anyone is in need of spares please drop me a PM and I will supply contact details.

As for programming changes, without the original files or the commissioning tool I think you will be out of luck.

DaveChester · 25-09-2009, 8:40 AM

Support how?

Programming is easy and there are a few who can. Sourcing spares etc is trickier.

Which camp do this company you recommend fall in to?

neilball · 25-09-2009, 8:49 AM

Alex Hill is ex-Leax and still has links to Leax in the states. He suggests he can supply both hardware and programming services.

HKFred · 13-10-2009, 7:31 AM

Can you advise how I can get in touch with Alex Hill? I am in need of several programmable key pad light switches. I did deal with Simon Hill on this problem last year and did receive parts from him but find that I can no longer reach him on the email address or his mobile telepehone he gave me. Very costly to tear out the entire system in my home if there is a way to obtain some key pad switches to replace several that have gone bad. Anyone can help? Many thanks.

neilball · 13-10-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HKFred

Can you advise how I can get in touch with Alex Hill? I am in need of several programmable key pad light switches. I did deal with Simon Hill on this problem last year and did receive parts from him but find that I can no longer reach him on the email address or his mobile telepehone he gave me. Very costly to tear out the entire system in my home if there is a way to obtain some key pad switches to replace several that have gone bad. Anyone can help? Many thanks.

You can find a recent post from Alex Hill in this thread

rt1 · 06-11-2009, 6:43 AM

Does anyone know how to store a new setting made with the keypad

for example to enter programming mode on setting 1 I can:

press and hold off
press and hold 1
release off
release 1

you are the able to change the light settings on each channel however I can't remember what to press to save the new setting and if I press off it goes back to the orig setting!

Very frustrating, any advice greatly appreciated
thanks vm

Jon Goss · 06-01-2010, 1:39 PM

forward me your mail address and I will send you the sheet for the plate programming regards

Jon Goss

Jon Goss · 06-01-2010, 1:43 PM

VC made kit for leax for years, Martin Davies the ex Leax production manager now works foe them and can program systems. He is still based in the Battersea area. on every rack there is a reference (under the big cover it will be a rack numver then three sets of digits eg 13337-07464-20069 if you can find these they cross refer to the database used originally if we can get a copy then there is no need for complete re-programming.

regards

Jon Goss

JACK WHITE · 06-01-2010, 8:23 PM

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

Jon Goss · 06-01-2010, 10:49 PM

Hi Jack,

I worked for Leax as commercial and development manager for a year and a half leaving back in 2007, subsequent to that I spent 20 years working for ECS and Philips (who now own Dynalite) as European support manager. Having been in the lighting control industry since '88 you see companies come and go and the overall reputation of the industry rise and fall. There are a lot of very dedicated engineers out there who d otheir best to deliver working systems and it gets a little dissapointing when for all the usual reasons companies drop the ball some way or another. I now work independently with a number of other engineers providing resource, help, design to a number of companies so if we can move the overall industry forward and make a resonable living in the process all the better for all concerned. I way passed the politics and the need for recognition life is too short.

If you know anyone that needs help or pointing in the right direction I will always try to give the best advice I can. Still in touch with engneers from 7 different companies so try to be as impartial as possible. Seems to be the ideal of this forum which is why I signed up today.

Ian J · 22-01-2010, 1:48 PM

As Katie decided what she intended to do some four months ago I don't see the point in keeping this thread open as all it is serving to do is to attract self interested parties to try and promote themselves which wouldn't be so bad if it was done openly but unfortunately it isn't.