Simarine Light Switch
User Manual V1.0
1. Introduction
Simarine's Light Switch is a Multifunctional 12V DC double switch with integrated dimmers. It can be used in all 12V DC installations for LED lights and other devices requiring a maximum current load of 5A. The switch features two independent buttons with DC dimming functionality for 12V LEDs. The power source is common for both buttons, with each button independently controlling one channel. Width modulation (400Hz) and 12V pulse are implemented for LED dimming. Simarine's SICOM allows the switch to be used in multiple ways, controlling one or more lights from different locations. Each switch is equipped with two 16-position rotary switches.
2. Safety
Only qualified electricians with proper safety equipment should perform the installation of Simarine electronics. When working with batteries, wear protective clothing and eye protection.
CAUTION: Do NOT connect anything to a damaged battery. It could heat up, catch fire, or explode.
3. Overview
The switch features two buttons, labeled Switch 1 and Switch 2.
Button Functionality:
- Short press of Switch 1 or Switch 2: ON/OFF
- Long press of Switch 1 or Switch 2: Dimmer functionality
If two channels are connected in parallel, the current limit doubles to 10A.
When using two light switches connected via a SICOM cable, the second switch does not require an additional power source as it shares the same address as the first switch.
4. Installation
4.1 Operation
The multifunctional switch can be connected in a daisy chain for multiway switching. It operates in three modes:
- PWM mode: Pulse Width Modulation for dimming LED lights.
- ON/OFF mode: Switching 12V ON or 0V OFF on outputs.
Both buttons can simultaneously control both outputs in PWM and ON/OFF modes.
4.2 Mounting
CAUTION: Install the power unit in a clean and dry place protected from accidental spilling of liquids.
All measurements are in millimeters (mm).
Diagram Description: A diagram shows the mounting plate dimensions. The outer dimensions are 60mm x 60mm. There are four mounting holes, each 6mm in diameter, positioned at the corners. The distance between the centers of opposite mounting holes is 45mm. There are also four smaller holes, 7.5mm in diameter, located near the edges, likely for cable entry or securing.
4.3 Cables
CAUTION: Failure to observe the required cable cross-sections can damage the shunt, wiring, or cause a fire.
SICOM data cable: For SICOM connection, use the supplied cable.
| Cable length | Cable type |
|---|---|
| < 5m | No limitations |
| >= 5m | 2x2x0.25 mm² twisted pair (recommended) |
4.4 Detailed view
Connectors:
- J1: Female RJ9 connector for SiCOM communication.
- J2: Female RJ9 connector for SiCOM communication.
Controls (CH1 - Channel 1, CH2 - Channel 2):
- SW3: 16-position rotary switch for Switch Address (Orange).
- SW4: Two-toggle DIP switch to control both outputs (Yellow).
- SW5: Two-toggle DIP switch to enable/disable writing light status to non-volatile memory (Blue).
- SW6: 16-position rotary switch for Buttons Address (Purple).
Diagram Description: A diagram shows the switch interface with labels J1 and J2 for SiCOM connectors. Below these are terminals labeled CH1 and CH2. The terminal block is numbered 1 through 6, with labels: 1 - GND (DC power source negative terminal), 2 - +12V (DC power source positive terminal), 3 - CH1+ (Positive terminal to LED light Channel 1), 4 - CH1- (Negative terminal to LED light Channel 1), 5 - CH2+ (Positive terminal to LED light Channel 2), 6 - CH2- (Negative terminal to LED light Channel 2).
5. Multiway switching
The SICOM communication standard enables multiway switching. Each switch has two 4-pin RJ9 female connectors. Switches are connected using SICOM cables with RJ9 male connectors on both ends.
The communication standard used is RS485 physical layer. The maximum number of devices on the same bus is 32, and the total length of the SiCOM serial bus must not exceed 30 meters.
Proper addresses must be set for communication between multifunctional switches. Each rotary switch has 16 positions, labeled from 0 to F (hexadecimal number system).
5.1 Setting addresses
Rotary switches SW3 and SW6 provide a total of 16 positions (0 to F - hexadecimal). These are used to set a unique address for the switch and its buttons.
The button is the smallest entity requiring an address for proper multiway switching operation. If buttons on different switches share the same address, they are configured for multiway switching. For three or more switches, all must have the same address for a single button function.
Rotary switch SW3 addresses the multifunction switch itself. Rotary switch SW6 addresses the buttons on the switch.
Factory default: SW3 is set to position 0, and SW6 is set to position 1.
5.2 Rotary switch SW3
To enable communication between two or more multifunctional switches, all SW3 rotary switches must be set to the same position. SW3 determines the high part of the button address, which is common for the entire switch. The lower part of the button address is determined by SW6.
Example: SW3 rotary switch is set to position "2" on the multifunctional switch.
5.3 Rotary switch SW6
SW6 rotary switch sets the address for the buttons. One position on SW6 defines the address for both button 1 and button 2.
Example: SW6 rotary switch set to position "8" defines addresses for both buttons.
Each button can be configured for multiway switching independently based on its position on SW6.
5.3.1 Table SW6 address positions
The addresses for Button 1 and Button 2 are determined by the position of the SW6 rotary switch. The table below lists SW6 positions and their associated addresses.
| SW6 position | Button 1 address | Button 2 address |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | C | 3 |
| 1 | C | 2 |
| 2 | C | 1 |
| 3 | C | 0 |
| 4 | 8 | 3 |
| 5 | 8 | 2 |
| 6 | 8 | 1 |
| 7 | 8 | 0 |
| 8 | 4 | 3 |
| 9 | 4 | 2 |
| A | 4 | 1 |
| B | 4 | 0 |
| C | 0 | 3 |
| D | 0 | 2 |
| E | 0 | 1 |
| F | 0 | 0 |
The complete address for each button is a combination of the SW3 address and the SW6 address from the table. If SW6 is in position "F", Button 1 and Button 2 have the same address, which can lead to communication issues as received messages cannot be assigned to the proper button.
6. Simultaneously Control Both Outputs
Note: This option is disabled by factory default.
The multifunctional switch can be configured to simultaneously control two outputs using both buttons. This functionality is available only in PWM and ON/OFF modes.
When a button is pressed, both outputs turn ON or OFF. If a button is continuously pressed, dimming begins on both outputs.
The SW4 DIP switch is used to enable both buttons to simultaneously control both outputs.
Example: SW4 toggle switches are set to ON to enable buttons to control all outputs. Default setting is OFF.
| Logical state | ON position | OFF position |
|---|---|---|
| Contact number | 1 | 2 |
| Output Control | ON | X |
| Simultaneous Control | X | OFF |
Description: The SW4 DIP switch positions enable controlling both outputs simultaneously with both buttons. Position 1 (ON) enables simultaneous control, while Position 2 (OFF) disables it.
7. Saving light status
Note: This option is disabled by factory default.
The multifunctional switch can be enabled to save the states of outputs (ON/OFF, dimming index) in non-volatile memory. This option is enabled using SW5. The switch status is saved 6 seconds after any changes to the outputs.
SW5 toggle switch positions enable saving the state of lights.
| Logical state | ON position | OFF position |
|---|---|---|
| Contact number | 1 | 2 |
| Save status | ON | X |
| Disable saving | X | OFF |
Description: The SW5 DIP switch positions enable saving the light status. Position 1 (ON) enables saving to non-volatile memory, while Position 2 (OFF) disables it.
8. Setup modes of operation
Factory default mode is PWM mode. To select ON/OFF or Push Button mode, the switch must be set up. The best time to change the mode is just before installation.
When one or both buttons are in setup mode, the RGB color LED around the button will flash. Each mode flashes in its own color:
| Flashing colour around the button | Mode |
|---|---|
| Magenta | PWM mode |
| Yellow | ON/OFF mode |
| Green | Push button mode |
| Blue | OK, Save successful |
| Red | Error when saving the setting |
8.1 Setup procedure
The setup procedure is as follows:
- Before entering setup mode, disconnect the multifunctional switch or turn the power source OFF.
- To enter setup, press the button (or both simultaneously) before turning the power ON.
- While holding down the button(s), turn the power source ON. After power is ON, continue holding the button(s) for 3 seconds.
- After 3 seconds, the LED around the button will start flashing in the color associated with the mode (Magenta is the factory default). The button is now in setup mode.
- Releasing the button(s) cycles through the setup modes in a round-robin fashion (PWM → ON/OFF → Push button → PWM, and so on).
- Once the desired mode is selected, it must be saved to be activated. Press and hold the button(s) for at least 3 seconds to save. The setting will be saved in flash memory.
- If saving is successful, the LED will flash blue 4 times. If an error occurs during saving, the LED will flash red.
- Note: If both buttons were pressed to enter setup mode, both must be pressed to save new settings. Otherwise, a timeout will occur, and settings will not be saved.
- If saving was successful, the blue light flashes four times, indicating the switch is ready to work in the new mode. The saved setting is stored in non-volatile memory and will persist even when the power is off, until changed again via setup mode.
9. Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage range | 8 - 16 V DC |
| Outputs | 2 |
| Maximum load (Amps per output) | 5A |
| Power consumption (Power OFF) | 1mA |
| Power consumption (Power ON, no load on outputs) | 3mA to 20mA. Depends on the environment light. Over the day RGB LEDs are shining brighter than in the night. |
| Dimming | 12V, 400Hz PWM - Pulse Width Modulation (Default) |
| Connectivity | SiCOM port |
| Dimensions (NLS) | 60mm x 60mm x 42mm |
