Articles and whitepapers

Product Article: Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS - Straightforward Natural and Artificial Light Control (3/2/2008)

By John Niebel, Lutron

When the original Lutron GRAFIK Eye was developed, it set the bar when it came to creating an easy-to-use, versatile multi-scene preset lighting control solution for residential applications. The GRAFIK Eye's popularity was proof of both its installer- and user-friendliness. Since then, the focus for the product development team at Lutron has been to watch how installers are using the system and build this functionality into the integral unit in order to make their lives easier.

Although the original GRAFIK Eye 3000 could be integrated with lights and shades, the newly-launched GRAFIK Eye QS is easier to design and install, and allows the control of lights and shades from one unit. It simplifies procedures, and offers end-users other features that make their lives easier as well. In addition, it is available in a wide range of colours to match any interior design scheme requirement.

The Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS wallpanel with flap closed.

Improved capabilities

The capacity of GRAFIK Eye QS remains the same as the original, with as many as six lighting load levels per unit and four scene presets available, offering built-in ease of use from the wall panel or a wireless remote. However, the two-digit LED readout of the GRAFIK Eye has been replaced with a display that facilitates bespoke programming of the system and has additional timer capabilities, enabling for example, the lights to fade up gradually at 8pm whilst the blinds come down, or curtains are drawn.

Outwardly, the new GRAFIK Eye QS looks very similar to the original, until the flap is lifted, and many new features are revealed. Control of lights and shades is via easy button control from one device, and they can be controlled together or separately. There are larger backlit, engravable buttons that have been designed for easier operation for first time users, and override buttons have been included to adjust temporary lighting levels or shade positions. Another improvement is a timeclock that has been incorporated to provide scheduling options to meet any country's individual energy code requirements.

The Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS wallpanel with flap open to reveal an improved display.

To assist with energy saving, there are now three easy-to-use panels to control up to three groups of Lutron Sivoia QS motorised shades and curtains, enabling daylight sensing and corresponding energy savings to be built into the system. There is also an easy-to-read information display that has been designed to show light levels in each zone and energy consumption levels for easy monitoring, enabling the user to see timeclock information and real-time energy savings achieved across the lighting system as the lamps are dimmed.

Direct connections to occupancy sensors have been built in, offering a straightforward link to motorised window treatments, wired IR AV controls and other GRAFIK Eyes. Furthermore, if the shade control is not required initially, it can be added to any QS unit at any time, without there the wallpanel having to be altered in any way.

The QS development team at Lutron has also ensured that the GRAFIK Eye QS can interface to blinds, projection screens, audio-visual equipment, climate controls, and security systems for an integrated 'total control' system. In addition, QS can be used with a variety of light sources, including incandescent, magnetic and electronic low-voltage, and neon/cold cathode products.

(To see an interactive demonstration of the energy saving readings and blind and curtain control functions available with the new QS system, Lutron has developed a user-friendly GRAFIK Eye QS online experience at www.lutron.com/cms/default.aspx?appid=1009)

Easy to install

Installation of the GRAFIK Eye QS is similar to the original, with only a few significant differences. It has new terminal blocks that allow for easier installation, and a complete QS system typically has fewer parts and pieces than a standard lighting control system, so there is less to install and wire. Examples of this increased integration include a built-in timeclock and occupant sensor connection, in addition to there being no need for an interface to Lutron motorised window treatments. The new system can be used with existing wiring, and all GRAFIK Eye accessories connect using just four low-voltage wires.

European focus

A 120V version of GRAFIK Eye QS was launched in the U.S. in 2007, and is already proving popular with installers and end users across the pond. With a 240V version having been introduced into Asia and South America, and a 100V version into Japan, the highly-anticipated CE version of GRAFIK Eye QS was launched at ISE and will be available throughout Europe shortly.

John Niebel is Director of Residential Development for Lutron EA Ltd. Lutron Electronics is a leading designer and manufacturer of lighting controls and architectural lighting control systems for residential, commercial and institutional applications.

www.lutron.com/europe