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Multiple Group Linkage

Video Tutorial: Watch the companion video V24: Multiple Group Linkage for a visual explanation of these concepts.

Overview

Linkage allows lights within a group to communicate with each other. When one sensor detects motion, other linked lights in the group can respond—typically at a reduced brightness level. This creates intelligent, coordinated lighting that follows occupants through a space while saving energy.

What Is Linkage?

Linkage enables lights in the same group to share motion status:

  • When one light's sensor detects motion, that light turns on at 100%
  • Other linked lights in the group turn on at the linkage light level (a reduced percentage)
  • This provides ambient light in adjacent areas without full brightness

Example

In an open office: 1. Person walks near Light A, triggering its sensor 2. Light A turns to 100% 3. Lights B, C, and D (linked in the same group) turn to 50% (linkage level) 4. As the person moves to Light B, it goes to 100%, and Light A eventually dims

Linkage and T2 Override

Linkage can override normal T2 behavior:

Scenario Behavior
Normal T2 After T1 expires, light dims to T2 dim level
With linkage If another light in group detects motion during T1, light dims to linkage level instead

This means linkage level takes precedence over T2 dim level when group activity is detected.

Enabling Linkage

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Navigate to the Groups page.
  2. Select the group you want to configure.
  3. Tap the Linkage button.
  4. Toggle linkage ON for this group.
  5. All member lights will now communicate motion status.

Important Requirement

For a light to respond to linkage commands, its motion sensor function must be enabled—even if no physical sensor is connected. This enables the firmware to receive and respond to linkage signals from other fixtures.

Adjusting Linkage Level

The linkage brightness level determines how bright linked lights become when triggered by other sensors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access the linkage settings for your group.
  2. Locate the linkage brightness slider.
  3. Drag to set the desired level:
  4. 100% = Linked lights turn fully on
  5. 50% = Linked lights dim to half brightness
  6. 30% = Linked lights provide low ambient level
  7. Tap Save Linkage Brightness to apply to all members.
Space Type Linkage Level Rationale
Open office 50% Balanced visibility and energy savings
Corridor 30-50% Wayfinding with efficiency
Classroom 80% Consistent learning environment
Warehouse 30% Maximum savings with safety coverage
Meeting room 80% Comfort during meetings
Storage room 30% Energy priority

Multiple Group Membership

A single light can belong to up to 20 groups. This enables sophisticated linkage scenarios.

Use Cases

  • Boundary lights: A light at the edge of two areas can respond to motion from either area
  • Overlapping zones: Create natural transitions between spaces
  • Flexible control: Different groups for different purposes (e.g., one for linkage, one for scenes)

Implementation

  1. Add the "boundary" light to both Group A and Group B
  2. Enable linkage for both groups
  3. The light responds to motion detected in either group
  4. Ensure the light is in a logical physical position (typically at the boundary)

Caution

  • Don't overuse multiple membership—it can create confusion
  • Document which lights belong to multiple groups
  • Test thoroughly to ensure expected behavior

Enabling Linkage: Complete Checklist

  • [ ] Create group with appropriate member lights
  • [ ] Enable motion sensors on all members (even those without physical sensors)
  • [ ] Enable linkage for the group
  • [ ] Set appropriate linkage level
  • [ ] Tap Save Linkage Brightness
  • [ ] Test by triggering one sensor and observing linked lights

Linkage Behavior Summary

Event Light A (motion detected) Other Linked Lights
Motion at Light A 100% working level Linkage level
T1 expires, no motion Enters T2 May dim to linkage or T2
Motion at Light B Linkage level Light B at 100%
No motion in group T2 → Off sequence T2 → Off sequence

Troubleshooting

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Linkage not working Motion not enabled Enable motion sensors on all members
Some lights don't respond Not in group Add lights to group
Linkage level wrong Settings not saved Save linkage brightness again
Unexpected behavior Multiple group conflict Review group memberships

Quick Reference

Action Steps
Enable linkage Groups → Select group → Linkage → Toggle ON
Set linkage level Linkage settings → Adjust slider → Save
Multiple groups Add light to both groups → Enable linkage on both

Based on Keilton+autani App User Guide v9.7