Light Stream™ Reference Manual

1. How does Light Stream™ work?

Light Stream™ uses ordinary E12 Socketed SPT2 or SPT1 wire to power bulbs equipped with wireless transmitters and receivers. The bulbs will receive and relay signals from both the Controllers and paired Switches. Because some functions of the bulbs are directly controlled by interrupting their power supply, it's imperative that bulbs are connected directly to a controller or switch without any additional hardware on the line.

Wireless connection: App/Device to Controller: Bluetooth ?
Controller to Switch(s) and bulbs: 2.4G Wireless ?

Diagram Description: A smartphone (?) labeled "APP" connects wirelessly via Bluetooth (?) to a "CONTROLLER" (?). The "CONTROLLER" (?) and a "SWITCH" (?️) both connect wirelessly via 2.4G Wireless (?) to "BULBS" (?).

2. General Installation

No more than 200 bulbs may be used on a single switch or controller. If more than 200 bulbs are required for a job, add Switches as needed.

NOTE: Switches should not be placed further than 25 ? away from the controller or blocked by any significant architectural structure. Architectural or strong wireless interference could disrupt the communication between the Controller and Switch.

Diagram Description: Two house illustrations. One labeled ">200 Bulbs" shows a house with many lights connected to a controller and switch. The other labeled "<200 Bulbs" shows a house with fewer lights connected similarly. A note indicates that non-socketed extension cords connecting runs of LS bulbs are permitted as long as there's no additional hardware added between the connections.

3. Do Bulbs need to be connected to a controller or a switch?

YES. All bulbs must be connected directly to a controller or switch.

4. Can a Controller or Switch(s) be connected to each other or other devices on the same line?

NO. Each of these components must be connected to their own power source. DO NOT add a photocell timer or other similar device before or after the controller or switch.

Diagram Description: Two illustrations showing correct wiring. One shows a controller and switch connected directly to power outlets (✔️). Another shows a controller and switch connected to bulbs.

5. Bulbs must be installed, in order, Channels 1-6

Bulbs are preassigned channels 1-6 from the factory. Bulb channels are represented by a colored O-Ring (⭕) on the base of the bulb. When installing, be sure to follow the pattern of channels in sequential order.

Channel Colors:
1: Red
2. Green
3. Warm Clear
4. Amber
5. Blue
6. Yellow

Diagram Description: Six bulbs are shown in sequence, numbered 1 through 6, each with a colored O-ring.

6. Install the App (iOS or Android)

Search VLC Light Stream™ in your device's app store and install the version with the icon shown here. Do not install the app with the Blue colored icon.

NOTE: When launching the app, you MUST allow ALL permissions requested by your device or the app will not function correctly.

Diagram Description: Two app icons are shown. The correct icon is a faceted crystal. The incorrect icon is a blue colored light bulb. Text states: "Do not download the original Light Stream 'Remote Lights' app".

7. Pairing your phone and the Controller

Once the app is open, you can add a controller using the setup wizard, or by selecting the add a controller option. Follow the prompts to connect.

Diagram Description: A smartphone (?) is shown near a controller (?), with a "10 feet" indicator. A QR code on the controller is visible, with text indicating "Enter this to manually pair (instead of scanning)".

8. Setup Wizard Menu Options

Several options are available to help you set up your controller.

• I'M NEW TO THIS AND WOULD LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT HOW TO CORRECTLY SET UP MY SYSTEM: Use this option to access the on-line tutorials.
• I'M READY TO SET UP A CONTROLLER AND PAIR MY BULBS AND SWITCHES (SETUP WIZARD): This option will guide you through first pairing switches, then bulbs.
• MANUALLY CONNECT TO A CONTROLLER: This option will connect and sync to a controller, and open the controller's home page.
• MY SYSTEM IS ALREADY SET UP, I JUST NEED TO CONNECT TO IT WITH THIS DEVICE: This option is the same as manually connecting. If your controller has already been set up, this option will connect and sync all current controller settings and pairings to your phone.

Diagram Description: A stylized icon representing a "SETUP WIZARD".

9. Pair Switches to your controller

If you're using a Switch(s) on your project, they need to be paired prior to pairing the bulbs. In the App, go to Manage Devices / Pair Switches and follow the prompts. Once all your switches are paired, (correct number of found switches appear on the app popup), end the pairing process.

To Force Pair: If your Switch was previously paired to another controller (Power status light is slowly blinking red prior to pairing), you may force pair it by unplugging, then plugging in the switch to power while the controller is running the Pair Switch process.

Diagram Description: A controller (?) and a switch (?️) are shown with wireless connection indicators between them.

10. Pair Bulbs to your Controller and Switch(s)

Go to Manage Devices / Pair bulbs to begin the pairing process. Bulbs will turn green and blink when paired.

Note: The bulb pairing process is activated by the controller or switch turning off then on the bulbs rapidly. If the bulbs do not turn off/on at the beginning of the pairing process, there may be a problem with the setup of your wiring (See #3 or #4 on this guide). If the bulbs are not able to receive the power cycle from the controller or switch, they will not be paired correctly.

Diagram Description: Two bulbs are shown. One is green with a checkmark (✔️) labeled "Paired". The other is red with a cross (❌) labeled "Not Paired".

11. Indicator Lights

12. Changing the Fuse (2021 Controllers)

Controllers manufactured in 2021 include a replaceable fuse located in the plug. To change the fuse, unplug the controller from the outlet, slide out the fuse cover, and, using a small flathead screwdriver, remove the old fuse. Insert a new replacement Fuse, and slide closed the fuse cover.

5 Amp Fuses are installed by default by the factory. 7 Amp fuses are available by contacting customer service.

For replacement fuses, contact customer support at Protalk@VillageLighting.com

Diagram Description: An illustration of a fuse (⚡) within a plug, with labels indicating its components and specifications (e.g., "GANGDA GD03-F", "E484072", "C UL US"). A note "Use only with a fuse rated 5A, 125V" is present.

13. Maintain controller connection

If the connection between your device and the controller is lost, it can disrupt the controller functions. Be sure to:

1. Always stay within 10 ? of the controller when using the app.
2. Do not close the app or switch to another app when the app is syncing with the controller (pop up with spinning wheel ⚙️ will be visible during these processes).

Diagram Description: A smartphone (?) is shown within 10 ? distance of a controller (?).

14. Sliding multi-function graphic

Describes the three states of the sliding multi-function graphic:

• Select ON to power on the controller and paired switches. The timer does NOT run in this position.
• System is completely off.
• Select the far right button (timer mode) to activate the timer. Controller will immediately begin following your saved timer schedule.

Diagram Description: Three graphical representations of a slider or button interface, showing "ON", "OFF", and a timer icon.

15. Setting a schedule Overview

Simple Schedule: Schedule up to 3 on/off times per day, each with one theme. Select either an on time, or photocell on, and an off time.

NOTE: Times cannot overlap and must be set to the same calendar day. If you wish to have on/off times beginning in the early morning, set that as the first on-time, followed by your evening on-time as the 2nd time. In this scenario, you would NOT use the photocell option.

Custom Schedule: Use this option to schedule a different theme every day.

16. Creating a Theme

See Appendix A for more information on creating themes.

17. LS2 VS LS3 Bulbs

Light Stream™ 2 Bulbs (Manufactured prior to 2018), must have a different firmware installed on the controllers to function properly. When setting up your controller for the first time, if your controller firmware is already version 50 or higher, it will, by default, set up for Light Stream™ 3 bulbs.

You may switch between firmware versions anytime by selecting the Update Firmware version option in the Manage Devices Menu.

18. Manage Devices Menu

(Visit our YouTube channel to see more info on using the app)

Pair Switches

Follow the prompts to pair switches. Stop the pairing process once the desired number of switches are found. Switches must be plugged in and not already paired to another controller to be found by the app. See Step 9 on this sheet to force pair a Switch.

Pair Bulbs

Follow the prompts to pair all bulbs. The bulb pairing process is activated by a quick interruption in power to the bulbs. They will turn off then on quickly. This activates the pairing process. ALL bulbs connected to the controller or paired switch will be paired regardless if paired before to another device. Continue the pairing process until all the bulbs are green.

If a bulb or bulbs don't pair, ensure they're turning off / on quickly when you begin the process. Failure to install Light Stream correctly, such as adding in extra components between the controller or switch and bulbs, could prohibit the bulbs from turning off/on and will result in failure to pair. You may repeat the pairing process as often as needed.

If paired switches are used on your system, bulbs attached to switches will begin pairing process later than those attached directly to the controller.

Un-pair Switches

This process will un-pair all switches currently paired to the controller. Switches must be plugged in to receive the signal. If successful, controller status light will blink rapid red.

Update Controller Firmware

Follow this process to check for, and update controller firmware. Please ensure you remain close to the controller at all times during the update and do not exit the app.

Please note that there's currently two versions of firmware, 40X series for Light Stream 2 bulbs, 50X Series for Light Stream 3 bulbs. Your system will continue to check for the firmware version for the bulbs originally paired to the controller.

To update your controller to be compatible with a different light stream bulb series, you may use the “Change Firmware Version” process.

Manage Bulb Channels

DO NOT ATTEMPT if you're not an experienced Light Stream user. The pass-code for this process is: 2020

This function should only be used by experienced Light Stream users. Failure to follow the process correctly could result in a broken system. This process is to either revert your bulbs to their default channel (Light Stream™ 3 bulbs only), or, reassign channels to bulbs. You may assign a bulb a channel from 1-10.

Steps:

1. First, you select which bulbs to affect by the change (all bulbs plugged into the controller or paired switch will be affected by this process): All Unassigned bulbs (Flashing), All bulbs, or specific Bulb Channel.
2. Next, you select what channel to assign to your above selected bulbs: Option 1: Assign a particular channel, Option 2: Restore to Default Channel.

Once you've made your selection, continue. The bulbs should turn Blue when update is complete.

Update Switch Firmware

The update switch firmware process happens in 3 stages, make sure your switch is paired to the controller and plugged in.

1. The firmware is downloaded into the Controller and your device.
2. The app begins to broadcast the firmware update to all the controllers.
3. Switches receive the broadcast and begin to update firmware. Status lights will blink rapidly during the update. Do not unplug any hardware or close the app during this update.

Note: Older switches may be required to perform a power cycle to initiate the firmware update, but after it's been updated to the most recent version, this power cycle will not be required for future updates.

Follow the promptings on the screen to complete the process.

Update bulb firmware

There are currently no updates available. This process has been locked.

Calibrate Photocell

If your Light Stream controller does not turn on at the darkness level you desire, you can use this feature to set the darkness parameter for your desired on time. Please note it must be your desired darkness at the time you set the photocell. Because there's many variables to the light affecting the light sensor, actual on times might vary slightly.

Change Firmware Version

If you're using Light Stream 2 bulbs and update to Light Stream 3, you may update your firmware to Light Stream 3 (version 50X series). Follow the instructions on the pop up to perform this change.

Please note: If you do update and you've paired switches to your controller. You will also need to update the switch firmware after the controller is completed.

19. Troubleshooting

Appendix A: Navigating the Theme Creator Tool

Diagram Description: A smartphone screen is depicted, showing the "Color Theme" interface. Options include "Name your theme" (with a text input field, e.g., "Christmas"), and "Choose theme colors" for Channels 1 through 6. Each channel has selectable color circles, a cross (❌) indicating no color selection, and a star (⭐) icon. Text near the star icon explains: "Click here to activate the random twinkle mode for this channel. Note: When twinkle is activated, fading is not available." Below the channel list, there is a "+ Add Channel" button and a question "Why would I need another channel?". Further options include "Fade Speed" (with a slider and value, e.g., "10 Seconds") and "Save Settings" / "Cancel" buttons. Text near the color selection circles explains: "Choose a second or third color to create fading effects. NOTE: There is a slight flash of red color when fading some combinations of colors. This is a known limitation of the Light Stream bulb. To avoid this, choose a fade between a primary colors (red, Blue, green) and/or Warm White." The "Select the duration of time between color fades." is indicated by the Fade Speed control.