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Technical
information
Sphere
Frequently asked questions
Can I have more than one
Controller in a room?
Multiple Controllers can be used to control the same lights in a room (e.g. 1 Wall Controller and 1 Handheld
Controller). Controllers are added by simply duplicating the Haze, Room and Mode switch settings on each of
the additonal Controllers. Note if a Controller sends the same command as the previous command sent from
another Controller, there will be no response. A second button push will be required. (This is a result of the last
Controller command information being held only in the Receivers). One Controller can dim the channels and an
alternate Controller can operate scenes. To do this set the dimming/scene switch to ‘D’ or ‘SC’ as required.
How do I replace a lost or
damaged Controller?
If a Controller is damaged or lost, obtain a replacement and find the record made of the switch settings on the
old Controller then duplicate these exactly on the new Controller. Since all the channel and scene settings are
stored in the Receivers, no reprogramming is necessary.
Where should I install the
Controllers?
Once programming the Receivers has finished, position the Controller(s). As the system is wireless these can be
positioned anywhere in the home, taking into account range limitations. A fixed Controller by the door of every
room equipped with Sphere will be easy to find when entering or exiting.
What is happening if the
lighting seems to change
by itself?
Sphere control commands are heavily encrypted. As such unexpected changes to the lighting in one or more
rooms can only be caused by Sphere Controllers that have the same switch settings being operated nearby,
for instance in adjacent rooms or neighbouring apartments that have the Sphere system. The best way to avoid
conflicting operation is to plan the switch settings in advance for all adjacent and nearby systems. However it
is still possible that interference could occur if a new Sphere system is installed locally. In this case, the House
switch settings on the Controller of the affected room(s) will need altering as follows. (Note that access to the
Receivers will be required to press the Receiver buttons during this process).
1. Change the coding of the House switches on the Controller of an affected room by moving one (or more)
switch to its alternate position. The associated Receivers will no longer respond. Note that at least one switch
needs to be in the up position.
2. Check that the new switch setting does not interfere with other rooms or neighbouring systems.
3. Once a House switch setting has been found that does not interfere with other Sphere systems the channels
of the associated Receivers will need to be reassigned as described in the ‘System set up’ section, page 20, in
effect starting a new installation. As long as the Receivers are assigned to the same channels as before, stored
scenes will be not be affected.
4. If there are more Controllers for the same room, their switch settings should also be updated. Ensure a note is
made of the new switch settings.
Following a period of successful installation and use:
1. If there is no response to Controller commands.
a) Check that the mains supply to the installation is still in place, i.e. no MCB’s have tripped.
b) Check that the controller LED’s light when a button is pushed and that the batteries are OK as described on
page 36.
c) Ensure no room or house switch has been changed inadvertently.
d) Ensure there are working lamps running from affected Receivers / in affected channel(s).
e) Check the points above, and then gain access to and observe at least one of the Receivers (if installed a
Floor Receiver is most convenient) to see if the Receiver LED flashes when the centre button of a Controller is
pushed.
f) If all checks are OK and the fault still occurs, contact the Helpline, page 43.
2. If any of the lighting loads develop unusual behaviour e.g. flicker or cannot be turned off.
a) Check that the relevant connected load is the correct type (pages 34–35).
b) Disconnect the supply to the system by tripping the appropriate circuit breaker / removing the circuit fuse,
then reconnect the supply by resetting the circuit breaker / replacing the fuse (if in doubt contact a qualified
electrician) then operate the system.
c) If after carrying out the above the behaviour continues to occur, contact the Helpline, page 41.
If there are any more questions about the Sphere system or how to use it and to find out about updates and more FAQ’s, please visit the
website www.schneider-electric.co.uk/sphere