St. Michael's Church Lighting Upgrade

Overview

St. Michael's Church, a masterpiece of brick Gothic architecture constructed in 1376, serves as one of the primary cultural centers in Lüneburg. Its events include choral performances and organ concerts. The church features a distinctive organ built in 1708 by Matthias Dropa. This instrument, unique worldwide, was once played by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Rather than viewing the historical significance of the building and its furnishings as an obstacle, we treated it as an opportunity to develop a refined and respectful integration. We incorporated a Digital Multiplex receiver into the organ to highlight with lighting not only the space, its columns, and vaults but also the instrument itself, which frequently serves as the focal point for musical events at St. Michael's.

Equipment Used

RadioGate Solid wireless Digital Multiplex transceivers

Wireless Digital Multiplex transceivers like the RadioGate series are well-suited for historical structures because they enable lighting control without the need for cable installation. The RadioGate units deliver reliable bidirectional communication across four Digital Multiplex universes. With support for the Remote Device Management protocol, they enable remote diagnostics and configuration of fixtures, which streamlines maintenance and operation.

The system functioned as a straightforward setup solution:

• The transmitter was positioned adjacent to other wireless equipment, such as Astera light-emitting diode fixtures, behind a substantial stone column.
• Both the transmitter and receiver were connected directly to power sources, establishing a stable link immediately.
• The receiver, installed 50 meters away within the organ, operated without any signal disruptions.

All RadioGate devices can function in either transmit or receive mode, allowing for rapid deployment of wireless Digital Multiplex lighting systems under various conditions. Configuration is handled directly via buttons on the device housings.

This project employed the direct current-powered version of RadioGate, connected to the church's existing electrical system without requiring additional converters. An alternating current version is also available.

Benefits Achieved

• Heritage preservation: Wireless technology addressed the lighting needs without altering the historical walls or interior. This approach is critical for a site like St. Michael's Church, where maintaining the original ambiance and operational functionality is essential, ensuring no interference with weddings, baptisms, or other services.
• Rapid installation and adaptability: The wireless Digital Multiplex system reduced setup time while permitting quick adjustments to lighting arrangements. This flexibility supports tailoring the lighting design to meet the specific demands of different events.
• Dependability and scalability: The durable build and consistent signal transmission of RadioGate reduced the likelihood of equipment failures, supporting seamless and professional event execution. As a system compliant with industry standards, it accommodates future expansions as needs evolve.

Conclusion

By integrating RadioGate technology, St. Michael's Church updated its technical setup and reinforced its dedication to delivering quality cultural experiences, enhancing traditional event formats.

New wireless DMX RadioGates at work in St. Michaelis, Lüneburg, Germany. Installation done by PROTONES Veranstaltungstechnik with the help of LX Service.

Plug and play at it’s best: 

"We just plugged power and data to the RadioGates and had a solid connection straight away. No trying around with positions for the transmitter, just on their DC rack with another transmitter and a huge stone pillar of the church only a meter away in direction to the receiver, which sits approx 50m away inside the big organ of the church one floor up on the balcony (the organ on which Johann-Sebastian Bach learned to play the organ btw). Good job on those new RadioGates, congratulations"