Illuminated Ceiling Project
The project in Caloundra, Queensland, Australia, involves a large-scale outdoor architectural installation that uses ArtGate Arma Ethernet to Digital Multiplex converters housed in enclosures rated for Ingress Protection 65. This level of environmental protection is essential in coastal environments, where equipment must withstand exposure to moisture and salt spray.
A 60-meter canopy equipped with 1500 embedded light-emitting diodes functions as a glowing ceiling over Bulcock Street. Each light-emitting diode is individually controlled through an Ethernet network, with ArtGate Arma devices converting Art-Net or streaming Architecture for Control Networks signals to Digital Multiplex. The system generates intricate, continuously varying lighting sequences that provide dynamic illumination along the street.
Equipment for the installation was supplied by our partner Smartscape to the Sunshine Coast Council. The selection of ArtGate Arma converters for this public-sector project demonstrates their proven reliability and operational stability, which were critical in an application requiring consistent performance without failures. Our converters, engineered to meet established industry standards, are well-suited for challenging installations such as the Aurora Caloundra project, where robust and durable lighting control systems are necessary for long-term success.
Equipment Used: ArtGate Arma
ArtGate Arma is an advanced converter enclosed in a reinforced housing that enables bidirectional data exchange between Ethernet networks and Digital Multiplex interfaces. It supports remote configuration and diagnostics of connected lighting fixtures through Remote Device Management protocols. The device handles signal merging in modes such as Highest Takes Precedence, Latest Takes Precedence, Automatic, and Priority, along with data redundancy features to ensure uninterrupted operation.
Power for the device can be supplied from standard electrical mains at 110 to 250 volts or through Power over Ethernet.
ArtGate Arma incorporates a built-in two-port network switch capable of 10/100 megabits per second speeds, which permits daisy-chain connections of multiple units over Ethernet without requiring separate switching hardware.
Device settings can be adjusted using a web-based interface, compatible third-party software, or the ARISTO application.
The converter provides two or four Digital Multiplex ports equipped with terminal blocks for secure and reliable wiring. Installation involves mounting on any flat surface with provided clamps. The duralumin enclosure offers resistance to fine dust and water ingress. ArtGate Arma operates effectively across a temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius, even at 100 percent relative humidity.
Achieved Benefits
- Configuration storage: The device supports saving and loading of setup profiles, which streamlines the replication of installations and reduces time spent on initial commissioning.
- Reliable network-based access to settings, including support for assigning a fixed Internet Protocol address.
- Protection against electrical interference and voltage variations via galvanic isolation on the Digital Multiplex ports.
- Energy efficiency: The converter for Art-Net or streaming Architecture for Control Networks to Digital Multiplex signals consumes only 5 watts under full load.
- Flexible connectivity options: All XLR ports on ArtGate Arma are bidirectional, allowing for versatile input and output configurations.
Conclusion
The lighting installation on Bulcock Street in Caloundra provides effective illumination while modifying the surrounding environment, increasing pedestrian activity, and promoting a sense of relaxation. Sequences of sparkling and shifting lights, which static systems cannot replicate, are made possible here.
As you travel toward Bulcock Beach or Happy Valley, either crossing or proceeding along Bulcock Street, you will observe this canopy of changing lights, reliably managed by our ArtGate Arma converters regardless of weather conditions. Specialized equipment for lighting control enables the execution of large-scale projects and the development of distinctive urban lighting features.
