[RichardK]

I'm looking for a lighting control system that will allow all the usual, such as scene control, IR, etc., but I also want to be able to control the lights using analogue controls that look like mains dimmer switches.

The LEAX SceneMaster 8000 looks like it does what I want, so as the title of the post says - has anyone used it?

[neilball]

I worked for Smartkontrols who used to resell Scenemaster 8000 kit, so I've installed more than a few systems in my time although only with standard keypads. As the engineering tools and implementation were unique to smartkontrols I cannot comment on sourcing directly from Leax, but in hardware terms generally their system was ok. Some issues with hardware faults and static sensitivity on some of my projects and the odd firmware gremlin that could have been smartkontrols issue or Leax but was not resolved before I left.

If you want a keypad that looks like a traditional rotary dimmer then I would also suggest you look at the ranges from Helvar - the keypads are the same for both Digidim and Imagine systems. I now resell Helvar kit so I do have a bias towards them now

[RichardK]

Nothing wrong with a bit of a bias

The issues with the system don't sound too good, but as what I'd be doing will be fairly straightforward, I'd hope not to encounter them.

I have looked at the Helvar products, but from what I can see on the website the style of the rotary controls isn't quite what I'm after, although as the controllers are DALI compatible I may be able to get one in the right style from someone else. The attached pic shows what I'm after.

I've also got Hamilton-Litestat's Digital Mercury, iLight's iCAN and LEAX's SceneMaster 4x4 on my list of possibles.

[neilball]

I would not worry too much about Leax, the basic hardware is fine and or dimmed circuits you should not have any problems. Once the static problem was identified they did modify their keypad design to provide a proper earth path which fixed the problems I encountered. The other issues could have been because Smartkontrols replaced the Leax firmware with their own code.

Although the Helvar system is DALI based you would need to speak to them about integration ssues as they use their own software tools designed around their hardware, and this may not necessarily be compatible with non-Helvar products.

You can also ask them about "specials" as they will readily price for modified plates so may be able to replicate the Hamilton style including knobs.

I'm guessing that you only need 4 circuits and 1 or 2 keypads. If so then the Leax Scenemaster 8000 system will not be suitable - it is unlikely to be cost effective for such a small application. The Scenemaster 4x4 should be ideal but from what I've seen it is fully integrated into a 2G button keypad rather than having a dimmer style plate. Helvar do have the Digidim 4 unit which an also use any of their keypads although it will include a standard 4 scene unit in the box along with an infra red remote control. It's a good price although you would still need an additional keypad and commissioning software/programming lead to commission.

HTH

Neil B.

[RichardK]

Thanks for that. You're right about the size of what I'm doing. I'm only after controlling 4 circuits in one room, but because I of the rotary control I'm having to go for the more expensive solutions, although given the amount I'll be spending on the rest of my kit, they don't seem quite so expensive!

LEAX will be at the Grand Designs Live show, so I'll hopefully be able to get more info then.