Alps
Alps Lighting Project, France
In the 2023 Alps lighting project in France, Sundrax Entertainment Lighting deployed the RadioGate Arma product to improve lighting control. This setup provided reliable and effective illumination throughout the mountainous terrain of the Alps.
The Alps serve as a major hub for tourism and winter sports, but the region also presents a challenging mountain environment where installing cables is highly difficult. Lighting systems must be designed and maintained with the potential for complicated repairs in mind.
For projects like this Alps lighting installation, Sundrax developed rugged wireless transceivers known as the RadioGate Wireless Signal Transceiver in the Arma enclosure. These units were delivered through the French distributor Algam. This marked one of the initial collaborative efforts where the client needed dependable performance, Ingress Protection-rated enclosures, and reliable operation over extended distances.
RadioGate Arma: beDMX Protocol over Bluetooth 5.0 with a Sealed Enclosure for Harsh Environments
The RadioGate units enable bidirectional wireless transmission of Digital Multiplex (DMX) signals in the 2.4 gigahertz frequency band, supporting up to four DMX universes. The 2D2C and 4D2C models also function as bidirectional converters for DMX, Art-Net, and Streaming Architecture for Control Networks (sACN) protocols. These devices support merging of DMX streams. Each RadioGate can operate as either a transmitter or receiver, with the mode configurable via buttons on the enclosure.
The transceivers employ the patented beDMX protocol, which continuously monitors the radio spectrum to identify and avoid interfered channels. This allows the devices to switch instantly to clear frequencies. As a result, Sundrax wireless systems resist interference from Wi-Fi networks and other equipment in the same frequency band, ensuring consistent performance in the demanding Alpine terrain.
The maximum transmission distance reaches 1,500 meters when using directional antennas.
The RadioGate Arma enclosure is engineered for operation in severe conditions. The device functions across a temperature range of -40 to +70 degrees Celsius and at humidity levels up to 100 percent. Its sealed, milled enclosure made from aluminum alloy includes integrated cable glands and rubberized buttons, eliminating potential failure points.
With an Ingress Protection rating of 65, the RadioGate Arma is fully sealed against dust and resistant to water jets from any direction, making it suitable for mountain deployments.
Laser engraving on the enclosure ensures that labels remain legible after years of use. Power options include 100 to 250 volts alternating current from mains supply or 12 to 24 volts direct current.
Achieved Benefits
The RadioGate Arma enabled DMX-based lighting control in the Alps where conventional wired solutions were impractical. It delivers a dependable and adaptable communication link from the control console to the fixtures, regardless of their placement.
Key technical benefits include:
● Tolerance for voltage surges up to 305 volts, supporting reliable operation in variable power conditions;
● Support for Remote Device Management (RDM), enabling remote setup and monitoring of lighting fixtures;
● Galvanic isolation to shield DMX ports from electrical noise;
● A robust enclosure designed for extreme environments.
These features contribute to consistent performance without interruptions, as verified through field testing and deployment results.
