News

Xicato's Award-Winning Bluetooth Mesh Solutions Paired with GRE Alpha Dimming Modules Bring Expandable Solutions to Iconic Hotel

As you know, we place great store in finding innovative solutions for your LED lighting problems. By teaming up with leading partners in the industry, we have been able to keep the momentum going toward the full data potential of intelligent lighting control.

Today we are excited to share the news that Xicato is shining a spotlight on our constant voltage BLE protocol dimming modules (SLD-DIM-XG series). Using Xicato Bluetooth wireless mesh technology, these high-quality LED drivers feature direct peer-to-peer communication between nodes, ensuring instantaneous response to input from switches, sensors, and mobile devices without the need for hubs or a central controller.

The SLD-DIM-XG4 played an instrumental role in the Bluetooth lighting system redesign for the magnificent Gran Melia Jakarta hotel in Indonesia. It was determined that Xicato's Intelligent Gateway with open API and Bluetooth mesh wireless controls (XIG), Intelligent Drivers (XID) and GRE Alpha's XG4 dimmer was the overall best solution for the project. Xicato's Bluetooth mesh scalability meant that not only could it address the hotel's current needs, but it could also easily be reconfigured and expanded as the need arises.

GRE Alpha's XG Dimming modules are part of the Xicato's GalaXi ecosystem and runs on Xicato's GalaXi app, allowing quick and seamless installation and commissioning of lighting systems. The performance benefits and costs savings are huge:

• Compatible with Xicato Controls devices and switches
• Easy setup and installation
• Instantaneous flicker-free dimming
• Performance monitoring and scene setting with app support
• Compact size, high reliability
• 3-year warranty

Unlike other controllers in the market, components in GRE's XG series empower OEMs with the flexibility to choose between several vendors to mix and match various solutions based on features, form, and pricing to meet an end customer's lighting control requirements. While the original SLD-DIM-XG supports one channel, the 400-watt XG4 supports four.

If you have any questions about the SLD-DIM-XG series or any of our other high quality LED drivers, we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our customer service and support teams are always happy to help.

Looking ahead: Lightfair 2021, the most anticipated event in the lighting industry, will take place at the Javits Center in New York City this fall. GRE is preparing for an in-person exhibit and, if you'll also be in attendance, we'd love to catch up. Keep an eye out for further details.

Today we are excited to be sharing news about the Tokyo Lighting Fair that took place from March 9th to 12th at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight). Normally, one of the largest comprehensive lighting exhibitions in Japan, this event observed Covid protocols and attendance was strictly limited.

GRE Alpha at Nikkei Messe

As you may know, to further our goal of providing quality LED power solutions to different corners of the world, GRE Alpha opened a Tokyo office in 2017. The Tokyo Lighting Fair was a superb opportunity to exchange ideas with our Japanese customers and friends. It was GRE's first in person event since the Pandemic began, and we genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to make that human connection again.

On display at the GRE booth were some of our most advanced modular and dimmable LED drivers created by working with leading partners in the lighting field, like Citizen and EnOcean. These are lighting control modules that have been enhanced in multiple ways to provide more performance flexibility and meet specialized customer needs.

ENO-DIM-JP – GRE Alpha's EnOcean® dimming module, designed with 6 individual lighting segments, allows for smooth, flicker-free diming of lighting fixtures using any of EnOcean's® certified energy harvesting wireless switches. Compatible with any constant voltage LED driver, the diming module allows for seamless integration into existing LED lighting systems or new building automation projects with ease.

TUNABLE WHITE FOR CITIZEN – GRE's tunable white dimming module with EnOcean® energy harvesting switch seamlessly integrates with Citizen's white COB allowing for separate tuning of brightness and color temperature. This collaborative effort will lead to continuing new developments in greener, more effective lighting.

6-IN-1 DIMMING MODULE – GRE Alpha's 6-in-1 dimmer with built-in thermal shutdown provides full range 0-100%, smooth, high resolution diming performance for a wide variety of constant voltage LED diming applications. Flexible and easy-install, this unit comes with a multi-colored LED indicator and integrated strain relief and terminal cover.

Dimming modules which meet Global standards

Flicker-free dimming in action

Also on display were GRE Alpha's SLD/GLD Dali intelligent dimmer for home automation, the 95% efficient Smart-Dim-PWM (pulse width modulation) 240W LED dimming module, and the revolutionary XLD-Dim Eco-Dim DC variable resistor.

As promised, GRE's expert team will continue to work intensively to meet the worldwide demand for smart connected lighting with new power supplies used for smart and IoT lighting as well as upgrades to existing products. Thanks to events like the Tokyo Lighting Fair, we get the input and inspiration needed to develop new and better products.

If you have any question about the products mentioned here, are seeking driver selection expertise or anything else, we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our customer service and support teams are always happy to help. Looking forward to connecting with you in person soon.

Digitizing our World with Energy Harvesting, Battery-Free, Wireless Lighting Technology

When EnOcean pioneered their trailblazing energy harvesting technology, the world of LED lighting was instantly and forever changed. Using sustainable energy from motion, light, and temperature to power their wireless sensors, the basis for digitized buildings, services, and processes in the Internet of Things (IoT) was formed. By partnering with industry innovators like GRE Alpha, EnOcean has made a monumental contribution toward achieving the full data potential of intelligent lighting control.

A recent 3-page spread in the EnOcean Alliance Journal (Japanese version) had GRE Alpha’s/ EnOcean joint technology powering solutions on full display. With an eye on advancing smart building/office lighting solutions, the spotlight was on GRE Alpha’s upcoming 6 channel output, dimming module, which uses EnOcean’s energy harvesting technology. A variation of GRE’s original 1 channel wireless dimmer, ENO-DIM-JP.

The new ENO-DIM-JP module is designed with 6 individual lighting segments opening worlds of new usage scenarios in intelligent building applications.

Source: GRE Alpha

With expanding ecology requirements and a wide variety of demands for the lighting environment (low current and high voltage), GRE Alpha has further leveraged EnOcean’s energy-harvesting technology and their own LED driver and dimming expertise in further partnerships with global CoB suppliers. Those efforts are speeding up the path to advances in tunable white lighting control solutions that highly flexible, maintenance-free, and easy to install.

Interestingly, the very same GRE/EnOcean technology that is doing so much to advance the lighting industry is also making inroads into non-lighting applications like wireless gate control and sanitizing spray systems. The EnOcean Alliance Journal 2020 JP spread featuring GRE Alpha lighting control technologies appears on pages 21,22 and 23. For more information about the upcoming 6 control dimming module or any GRE Alpha product, please visit the GRE enquiries page.

GRE Alpha Electronics, Ltd.,  a world leader in the design and manufacture of modular LED power supplies and accessories today announced a strategic partnership with Finland based CasambiTechnologies, the pioneer and market leader in wireless lighting controls and networks based on Bluetooth low energy.

Casambi’s embedded Bluetooth module is designed for integration with LED driver, lighting control systems and light fixtures. The new partnership will allow the expansion of GRE Alpha’s industry leading line of constant voltage BLE (Bluetooth low energy) dimming modules, featuring direct, peer-to-peer communication between nodes, ensuring instantaneous response to input from switches, sensors and mobile devices without the needs for hubs or a central controller.

GRE’s Executive Director, Richard Fong, pointed out that, “In this partnership, we have two pioneering solutions joining forces– GRE’s unique modular approach and Casambi’s early development of a Bluetooth low energy based lighting control system”.With GRE Alpha’s advanced LED dimming module and LED driver expertise and Casambi’s state-of-the-art Bluetooth wireless technology (2 million nodes installed worldwide), we are confident that our products can help OEM lighting companies and contractors quickly upgrade their lighting systems to smart connected lighting.”

Bluetooth low energy is now poised to become even more universal in the growth of electronics and Internet of Things (IoT). Casambi technology provides a mesh network where all the intelligence of the system is replicated in every node and creates a system with no single points of failure. This can be easily integrated into LED drivers, LED bulbs or LED modules, creating an optimal solution in terms of ease of installation and functionality with minimal additional hardware and deployment costs.

With their smart lighting modular technology and Casambi solution, GRE Alpha will be able to provide their customers with the benefits of the world’s most robust, cost-effective and future-proof wireless lighting control solution. This goes hand in hand with GRE’s pledge to provide exceptional, hassle-free user experience, high performance and scalability to enable best-in-class LED powering solutions for the widest possible variety of industry applications. 

About GRE Alpha

GRE Alpha® Electronics, Ltd. specializes in the design and manufacturing of solid-state lighting power supplies and lighting control accessories, which are the lifeblood of indoor and outdoor LED lighting systems. Their superior performance products are the power behind LED lighting systems. GRE’s unique modular approach allows their dimming modules and drivers to be used either with existing systems of new setups.

For more information on Casambi-ready BLE dimming modules or any other GRE Alpha products and services or to speak with a service representative or set up a one-on-one appointment with a technical expert, visit https://grealpha.com/contact/

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Messe Frankfurt has decided jointly with its partners ZVEI and AVEH and the Trade Fair Advisory Council to resume its normal biannual schedule. They will hold the next Light + Building event from March 13 to 18, 2022.

The world's largest trade fair for lighting and building services, Light + Building presents the latest products in the fields of lighting, electrical engineering, home and building automation. It is known as the industry hotspot for architects, planners, electrical installers, retailers and the real estate sector from all over the world. For companies like GRE Alpha, it is easily the largest global event for the LED and solid-state lighting sectors.

In an email dated the 7th of May, the Light + Building team stated: "The health of all event participants, i.e. exhibitors and visitors, has the very highest priority for us. At the same time, we must take the earliest possible steps to ensure that all concerned incur no unnecessary costs. This was not an easy decision to take and we are now focusing all our efforts on ensuring that the next Light + Building in 2022 is a complete success."

GRE Alpha's Executive Director, Richard Fong was quick to respond: "Although we were looking forward to meeting our customers and presenting our newest innovations at the Light + Building Trade Fair, we support the postponement decision 100%. The health, safety and well-being of our employees, customers and partners has always been and will always be a number one priority for GRE Alpha."

2020 marked the 10th edition and 20th anniversary of the Light + Building Trade Fair. The theme of the fair was slated to be "Connecting, Pioneering, Fascinating." Here's hoping connected lighting and building services technology comes back just as strong as ever and Light + Building re-emerges as a beacon for the industry and a platform rich in the exchange of ideas.

Count on GRE Alpha to keep you posted with any further information on Light + Building. In the meantime, we are going all out to serve our valued customers through the pandemic and beyond -- and, as always, working behind the scenes to take our LED drivers and dimmers to the next level. Watch for news about GRE's SLD Dim 1X with digital filtering and the highest resolution to date.

From the entire team at GRE Alpha, stay well and stay safe!