Synergy SYGS Operation Manual

SYGS Operations Manual

Synergy SYGS
Graphical
Control Station
Operations Manual

CONTENTS

Introduction

Understanding Presets/Scenes and Channels/Zones

Overview Of The SYGS

Home Page
Settings
Timeouts
Options
Passwords
Setup
Access
Colors
Advanced

Basic Operation

Modifying Presets
Adjusting and including/excluding Channels
Duplicating Channel settings

Customization Options

Adding a custom logo

5

7

11

11
13 of the SYGS:
14
15
16
17
18
20
21

27 Operation

28
29
30

31

31

How Do I . . .

recall preset/saved light levels?
modify present/saved light levels?
adjust light levels?
identify the target locations?
identify the lights within a target location?
change target-location labels?
check the firmware version?
determine target locations being controlled?
determine target-location lights being controlled?
restore factory default programming?
check the firmware version?

Troubleshooting

For Advanced Users

SYGS Wiring
The A4 Network

Safety Information
Customer Service
Warranty

34

recall preset/saved light levels?

modify present/saved light levels?
adjust light levels?
identify the target locations?
identify the lights within a target location?
change target-location labels?
check the firmware version?
determine target locations being controlled?
determine target-location lights being controlled?
restore factory default programming?
check the firmware version?

36

37

37
37

38
38
39

CONTENTS

5

INTRODUCTION

This manual contains instructions needed to
configure your remote, wall-mounted Synergy
Graphical Control Station, or SYGS, and to modify
initial factory settings.

The SYGS is an architectural lighting-control station
that allows you to program and recall various light
levels. The available settings will allow your system to
meet a wide variety of applications.

The SYGS is operated by menus and buttons
displayed on an easy-to-use, touchscreen graphic
keypad. Using this keypad, you can control lighting
attributes (fade times, levels) of multiple targeted
lighting groups (called Presets or Scenes), by
adjusting multiple lighting circuits (called Channels
or Zones) within each targeted group.

The SYGS Graphical Control Station you have
purchased was engineered to provide years of
reliable operation for commercial applications.
If assistance beyond the scope of this manual is
required, contact Synergy Lighting Controls.

NOTE: Operational Requirement

The SYGS is dependent on the Synergy controller
to provide preset and channel functions. The SYGS
must be programmed through the Synergy controller
before it will provide any functionality. Please refer
to Synergy Config instructions for station setup
instructions.

6

When the touchscreen is initially powered on, the
Logo screen will appear, showing the Synergy
Lighting Controls logo (Fig. 1).

Slide your finger firmly across the bottom area of
the screen to move to the Home Page of the SYGS
Graphical Control Station (Fig. 2).

NOTE: A pen or other stylus-like instrument will also
work; the SYGS is not temperature-sensitive.

Fig. 1

Swipe to unlock

7

Understanding Presets/Scenes and
Channels/Zones

Presets: Also identified as Scenes, Presets consist
of a set of lighting levels with an associated fade
time. PRESET buttons save and activate Preset
lighting scenes. To create a Preset (up to 16), set
the appropriate intensity for each of its selected
Channels (definition follows).

Channels: Also identified as Zones, Channels are
groups of specific circuits of lights prescribed to
each Preset according to common characteristics,
such as location or function. Arrow buttons on the
Channel screens raise or lower the intensity of the
associated lights.

Fade Time: Fade Time indicates how long it takes
the lights to adjust to the new intensity levels when
each Preset is selected.

Fig. 2

8

Fig. 3

The Home Page is the master control screen for
targeted lighting Presets/Scenes and their respective

Channels/Zones, beginning with Preset

1. IMPORTANT: For purposes of this manual, the

terms Presets and Channels will be used throughout.
To modify the terminology:

• Select SETTINGS, then OPTIONS to get to the

Options screen (Fig. 3).

• Toggle the KEYWORDS section using the < or >

buttons until you get the combination you prefer.
The options are:
Presets/Channels
Presets/Zones
Scenes/Channels
Scenes/Zones

To save your selection, tap the BACK button at the

lower right, then tap SAVE. You will be returned to
the SYGS Home Page. Tap CANCEL to return to the
Home Page without saving the settings (you will be
prompted to confirm this action).

9

OVERVIEW OF THE SYGS

11

Home Page Features

Top Button. This button is Preset button 1. This is
typically used as entry lighting.

Bottom Button. This master-control button turns
off all lights in all Channels. Note that on a station
configured with 0 channels, this button is Preset
button 2. If you wish to have it turn off the lights,
Preset 2 will need to be set as an off Preset.

Presets. Presets are the preset light levels and fade
times stored in the SYGS. The PRESETS button on
the SYGS Home Page (Fig. 2) changes the keypad
view to the initial Presets control screen (Fig. 5).
Each Presets screen provides four Presets at a time,
up to 16. Toggle through each set of four by using
the NEXT or PREV buttons, or by using the PAGE
1 button to return to the first set of Presets. From
Page 1, you can then return to the SYGS Home Page,
or by tapping CHANNELS you can move to the
Channels screen.

OVERVIEW OF THE SYGS

Fig. 2

Fig. 5

12

To create a Preset, select one of the 16 available
buttons. Select the MODIFY button. From here
you can begin selecting and programming levels
for multiple channels by selecting the ADJ LEVELS
button. When selections have been made, press the
“Return” button and then press the SAVE button.

To recall a Preset, simply press the pre-programmed
button for the lighting scene you wish to activate.

Channels. The CHANNELS button changes the
keypad view to the Channels controls screen (Fig.

6). Each Channels screen provides four Channels
at a time, up to 32. Page through each set of four
by using the NEXT or PREV buttons, or by using
the PAGE 1 button to return to the first page of
Channels. From Page 1, you can then return to the
SYGS Home Page, or by tapping PRESETS you can
move to the Presets screen.

Fig. 6

13

Settings. The SETTINGS button changes the keypad
view to the Settings control screen (Fig. 7). From this
screen, a wide variety of system preferences can be
edited. To save your selections, be sure to tap the

BACK button at the lower right and tap SAVE.

Fig. 7

14

SYGS Settings

NOTE: Features on the Settings screens must be
saved to take effect. After selecting your setting
preferences, tap the BACK button at the lower
right, then tap SAVE. You will be returned to the
SYGS Home Page. Tap CANCEL to return to the
Home Page without saving the settings (you will be
prompted to confirm this action).

Timeouts. NOTE: Timeouts on the SYGS screen are
sequential. Using the + or – buttons on the Timeouts
screen (Fig. 8), select the amount of time (5 to 45
seconds; 1 to 60 minutes) for the SYGS to perform
the following functions in order:

1. Screen: Automatically changes keypad view to
Logo Page.

2. Backlight Dim: Automatically dims keypad’s
backlight once on Logo Page.

3. Backlight Off: Automatically turns off the
keypad’s backlight once dimmed.

Fig. 8

15

Options. The Options screen (Fig. 3) allows you to
set the terminology for your use of the SYGS unit.
See Page 6 for more information. Also, the Options
screen gives you the ability to adjust the brightness
of the SYGS display (Fig. 3). Using the + or – buttons,
adjust the screen brightness level from 20% to 100%.

In addition, the Options screen allows you to place
an LED-like indicator on each of the Preset buttons
by placing an X in the blue box at the bottom left of
the screen. Indicator lights provide visual reference
to each Preset status.

Fig. 3

16

Passwords. This setting gives you options (Fig.

10) to set a 4-digit User Password a 4-digit Setup
Password, and a 4-digit Admin Password.

1. To enter passwords for each, tap the password­ field buttons to move to a set of touchscreen
keyboards, alpha or numeric.

2. Toggle between the alpha and numeric
keyboards (Fig. 11) using the lower, right-hand
buttons on each screen.

3. After entering your selected passwords, tap

the OK button to proceed or the CANCEL

button to cancel the action.

4. Tap the BACK button and SAVE your
selection(s).

NOTE: Carefully record and keep your password
in a secure location. Reset of station will not clear
user passwords.

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

17

Important: To initiate the password protections,
allow the SYGS to cycle through its Timeouts.

Passwords subsequently will be required to perform
tasks specific to each security level. The security
levels are as follows:

User Password:

• Locks out all functions (presets, channels,

modify presets, settings)

Settings Password:

• Locks out setting screen

• Optional lockout for Preset Modify function

Admin Password:

• Locks out ability to modify station address

• Locks out password screen

18

Access. The Access screen (Fig. 12) presents five
options for managing fundamental operations of the
SYGS. Tap the button beside each option to place
or remove an X from the buttons. An X appearing
indicates the function is active. NOTE: Setting
changes must be saved to take effect.

Swipe to Unlock:

Creates a moderate level of security by requiring
users to swipe firmly with a finger across the
bottom of the Logo screen to activate the SYGS.
In off mode, the SYGS is activated by touching
anywhere on the screen.

Timeout to Logo Screen:

Resets the SYGS to the Logo screen once the
Timeout settings are reached. In off mode, no
logo appears.

Home Page is Default:

Sets the Home Page as the screen default after
most commands. In off mode, the SYGS defaults
to the initial Presets control screen (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

Fig. 12

19

Settings Password Protects Preset Modify:

Used to prevent unauthorized use of the SYGS
for setting Presets and/or Channels. In the on
mode, the SYGS requires a Setup Password (see
Page 16 about setting Password) to access
Presets/Channels. In off mode, the SYGS allows
access to Presets and/or Channels while
maintaining password protection for Settings.
P: To initiate password protections, allow
the SYGS to cycle through its Timeouts.

Enable USB:

The SYGS is fitted with a Micro-B USB port for
data access via a connecting cable. This allows you
to update the unit’s firmware using your computer.
For example, you can replace the Synergy Lighting
Controls logo with a custom logo (see Page 31).
Data corrections also can be made, if necessary.

Steps for updating the firmware:

1. Connect the SYGS to a computer using
a Micro-B USB cable.

2. After the computer recognizes the connection,
edit data file as needed.

3. When updates are completed, drag edited file
to the SYGS.

4. Before disconnecting the SYGS from your
computer, click “REMOVE HARDWARE
FROM COMPUTER” prompt, then disconnect.

5. Unplug the SYGS to remove power.

6. Wait briefly for the data to update.

20

Colors. This feature (Fig. 13) allows you to customize
the colors representing each SYGS display element.
Following the RGB color scale, use the + or - buttons
to adjust the values of the red, green or blue for the
elements shown on the button in the center of the
screen. Use the PREV or NEXT buttons to toggle
through:
Background
Background text
Preset normal
Preset press
Preset LED on
Preset LED off
Preset text
(Channel) Bargraphs
Button normal
Button press
Button text
Button disabled
Button disabled text
The DEFAULT button returns the color schemes to
the manufacturer’s color settings.

Fig. 13

21

Advanced. The Advanced screen (Fig. 14) adjusts
fundamental modes of the SYGS and provides some
diagnostic information and tools. NOTE: You will be

asked to confirm the resetting of those items that
affect the basic operation of the SYGS.

About:

This screen (Fig. 15) provides information about
the SYGS firmware.

Status:

The Status screen (Fig. 16) provides information
about SYGS for up to 60 (0-59) unique Addresses.
These listed Addresses refer to the available
locations on the Synergy System A4 Network.
Use the NEXT or PREV buttons to toggle through
the 60 Address locations to find information
relevant to each SYGS device, or tap the PAGE
1 button to return to the initial Status screen.

Fig. 14

Fig. 15

22

Calibrate/recalibrate SYGS touchscreen (Fig. 17):
The calibration process begins with a touch of the
initial screen, followed by a sequence of screens
requiring you to touch the crosshairs appearing on
the screens. Accurate touching of the crosshairs
resets the screen calibration accurately. This function
does not affect data. Once calibration is completed,
the view is returned to the Logo screen.

NOTE: If the calibration is set inaccurately, allow the
screen to time out to the Logo screen and/or fade
out. Then, press the screen firmly and continuously
for 30 to 45 seconds to force a recalibration.

Fig. 16

Fig. 17

23

Setup:

The Setup screen (Fig. 9) is the master control for
specifying the Address location of the SYGS (up
to 60) for use on the A4 Synergy System network.
For users with legacy system hardware, it also
allows you to specify the number of Presets
(up to 16) and Channels (up to 32) to be configured.

NOTE: The Legacy Compatible prompt (blue box)
must be marked with an X to allow control of the
Presets and Channels for users with Legacy System
hardware. Legacy Systems can be defined as a Synergy
Lighting Control System running controller firmware

2.65 or earlier. To enable the use of the SYGS with a
Legacy System select the Legacy Compatible prompt
and choose the number of Presets and Channels
configured through your controller.

Fig. 9

24

Reset the SYGS:

Reset the SYGS in the event the SYGS malfunctions;
returns the view to the Logo Screen.
Format/reformat SYGS eeprom (memory) settings
(Fig. 18):
In the event that the eeprom becomes corrupt, this
will erase and reformat the eeprom. All current
settings will be saved back to the eeprom and any
custom logo page will be erased.
Restore factory setting defaults (Fig. 19):
This function restores basic factory settings to the
SYGS but does not erase modified Preset/Channel
configurations, or passwords.

Fig. 18

Fig. 19

25

BASIC OPERATION OF THE SYGS

27

BASIC OPERATION OF THE SYGS

Once lighting levels have been programmed and
saved, they can easily be recalled by pressing the
Preset button you wish to activate. An LED in the
upper left hand corner indicates which Preset button
is currently active (if enabled) or the button color will
indicate the active Preset if LEDs are not enabled.
If a temporary modification is desired, the ^ or v
arrow buttons will adjust the lighting level.

NOTE: The method for modifying all Presets and
Channels is the same. Preset- and Channel-setting
features must be saved to take effect. After selecting
setting preferences, tap the BACK button at the
lower right, then tap SAVE. You will be returned to
the Presets control screen. Tap CANCEL to return to
the Presets control screen without saving the settings
(you will not be prompted to confirm this action).

28

Modifying a Preset

1. Select the Preset you want to set/modify by
using the PREV or NEXT commands from the
Presets control screen (Fig. 5).

2. Once you have reached the chosen Preset,
tap the MODIFY button to view the Modify
screen (Fig. 22).

3. Use the + or – buttons to the right of the Pre
sets window to toggle to another Preset. Or,
adjust the Fade Time setting by using the +
or – buttons to the right of the Fade Time
window. This feature can be set from 0 seconds
to 60 minutes, and serves as a master light­ fading command for all Channels within each
respective Preset.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For Presets that have not yet
been programmed, the SYGS displays the current
Channel settings.

Fig. 5

Fig. 22

29

Adjusting and Including/Excluding
Channels

Within any selected Preset, use the ADJ. LEVELS
button on the Modify screen to view the Adj. Level
control screens.

1. Select the Channel you want to set/modify by
using the PREV or NEXT commands from the
Channels control screen(s) (Fig. 23).

2. Modify the Channels you want to set/modify
by pressing the ^ or v arrow buttons to reach
the preferred light level.

3. Once the Channels settings have been made,
tap the MODIFY button to return to the Presets
controls screen, and press SAVE to protect your
new settings.

4. To exclude specific Channels from the Preset
you are programming, tap the white window
containing the name of the Channel so that
it turns black with white lettering (in colors­ default mode). To exclude all Channels, tap

the EXC. ALL button in the middle of the lower part
of the Channels control screen. The intensity of
Channel(s) excluded remains unchanged when their
respective Presets are activated.

Fig. 23

30

Duplicating Channel Settings

Channel settings may be duplicated for multiple
Presets, which then affect the indicators for each
Preset of which they are a part. For example, setting
Preset 1 and Preset 10 with the same Channel
configurations will cause the LED indicators on those
Presets to behave similarly on the their Preset
control screens.

1. To easily duplicate Channel settings, set the
initial Preset to be duplicated.

2. When viewing that Preset’s Modify screen,
toggle to reach the number of the Preset you
want to have the same settings using the +
or – buttons.

3. Once you reach the number of the Preset
you’re programming with the same Channel
setting as the initial Preset, hit the SAVE button.

4. Follow this procedure for all Presets you wish
to have the same Channels settings as the
initial Preset.

31

CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

Adding a custom logo

On the Logo screen of the SYGS unit is the Synergy
Lighting Controls logo. To replace this logo with
your own logo, you must first connect the SYGS to
your computer. Then, use the SYGS Logo Maker
application to create the logo file you’ll need so
that it can be uploaded into the SYGS firmware.
The SYGS Logo Maker application is available on
the Synergy Lighting Controls Web site (www.
synergylightingcontrols.com).

Steps for updating the firmware to add a custom
logo:

1. Connect the SYGS to a computer using a Micro-B
USB cable.

2. After the computer recognizes the connection to
the SYGS, navigate to the Synergy Lighting
Controls Web site and click on the SUPPORT tab.

3. From there, click on the “SYGS Logo Maker
Setup” wizard and double-click on it to open.

4. Follow the instructions in the wizard for installing
the SYGS Logo Maker onto your computer.

5. Use the wizard to replace the Synergy logo with
your custom logo.

6. When your update is completed, drag the edited
logo file (an .RLL file) to the SYGS connected to
the computer.

7. Before disconnecting the SYGS from your
computer, click “REMOVE HARDWARE FROM
COMPUTER” prompt, then disconnect.

8. Unplug the SYGS to remove power.

9. Wait briefly for the data to update.

32

HOW DO I…

34

HOW DO I…

A quick reference guide on the most common
SYGS functions

How do I ...

recall preset/saved light levels?

To recall a Preset, simply press one of the PRESET
buttons, starting with Page 1 of the Preset control
screen (Fig. 21). The first button calls up Preset 1;
the second, Preset 2; and so on.

modify preset/saved light levels?

Select the Preset you want to set/modify and
tap the MODIFY button (Fig. 22) to view the
Modify screen. Adjust the Fade Time setting by
using the + or – buttons to the right of the Fade
Time window.

adjust light levels?

Move to the channels screen by pressing the
Channels button. Select the Channel you want to
set/modify by using the PREV or NEXT commands

from the Channels control screen(s) (Fig. 23).
Modify the Channels you want to set/modify
by toggling the ^ or v arrow buttons to reach the
preferred light level.

change button labels?

Preset and channel labels can be changed on the
Stations tab in the SYSW Config software.

check the firmware version?

The About screen (Fig. 15) provides information
about the SYGS firmware. You find this under the
Advanced screen (Fig. 14).

determine which Preset is active?

The Preset that is active will be indicated by either
an LED in the upper left corner or the color of the
button being different.

35

determine the Channels being controlled?

Each Channels control screen (Fig. 23) shows
four Channels that can be controlled from that
screen. The text box above each channel indicates
it function. The text box below all the channels
indicates the actual channel number.

restore factory default programming?

Under Advanced (Fig. 14), use the DEFAULTS
button to restore basic factory settings to the
SYGS. This does not erase modified Preset/
Channel configurations.

36

TROUBLESHOOTING

There is no power to the SYGS.

Check and verify all A4 network connections and
verify the system controller is functioning properly.
Refer to the controller operations manual for proper
operating and troubleshooting instructions.

There is power to the SYGS, but it’s not showing
any activity; there is no communication.

Check and verify all A4 network connections and
verify the system controller is functioning properly.
Refer to the controller operations manual for proper
operating and troubleshooting instructions.

There is no error message, but the lights are not
properly responding to my settings.

Each device on the A4 network must have a unique
address. DUPLICATE ADDRESSES ARE NOT
ALLOWED! Using duplicate addresses will cause
poor system performance, erratic operation and
network communication errors.
Check the following:

1. Verify the A4 network address for each station.

2. Verify the A4 network is terminated only at
each end of the network

3. Verify the A4 network does not have any t-taps.

The SYGS touchscreen is not responding when I
touch it.

The screen calibration is not setup. Allow the screen
to time out to the Logo screen and/or fade out.
Then, press the screen firmly and continuously for 30
to 45 seconds to force a recalibration.

The touch screen is broken.

Please contact Synergy Lighting Controls Technical
Service at 800-533-2719 or by e-mail at support@
SynergyLightingControls.com.

The USB is not working properly when I connect it.

Do you have the correct adapter for a Micro-B port?
Go to setting screen and then select access screen.
Ensure that the enable USB box is selected.

37

FOR ADVANCED USERS

SYGS Wiring

A SYGS (up to 60) communicates to the Synergy
System through the Synergy A4 network. Each SYGS
on the A4 network must have a unique address.
DUPLICATE ADDRESSES ARE NOT ALLOWED.

The A4 Network

The A4 network must be properly terminated for
network operation. The network device residing at
each end of the network must be terminated. The
SYSC system controller is normally located at one
end of the network and ships from the factory with
termination activated. Refer to SYGS installation
instructions for termination instructions.

38

Please read this manual thoroughly before using this
device and keep it handy for future reference.

Important Safety Notice

• This document does not cover installation, service,

and maintenance situations. For assistance, contact
Synergy Lighting Controls. See contact information
below.

• Installation and technical maintenance must be

performed by a person familiar with the
construction and operation of this product and any
hazards involved. All applicable codes and
ordinances must be followed.

• Service of the equipment must be performed by

qualified service personnel.

Synergy Lighting Controls, a division of Acuity Brands
Inc., assumes no responsibility for claims arising out of
improper or careless use or handling of this product.

Customer Service

Contact Synergy Lighting Controls Technical Service
at 800-533-2719. Synergy Lighting Controls Technical
Service is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday EST for phone consultation.

Email support:

[e-mail]

Visit Synergy Lighting Controls on the Internet at
http://www.synergylightingcontrols.com for further
information on products, technical data or installation
instructions.

Address:

Synergy Lighting Controls
1440 Lester Rd.
Conyers, GA 30012

39

Warranty

Synergy Lighting Controls warrants all equipment to
be free from defect in manufacturing under normal
and proper storage, installation, and operation for
a period of three (3) years. Our guarantee liability
extends only to the repair or replacement of the
defective part and no labor charges for correction of
the defect by repair or replacement will be honored
by Synergy Lighting Controls unless prior written
authorization has been granted by our Customer
Service Department.

©2011 Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. All Rights Reserved, 10/11 Part No. TS-SYGS-002