FAQ
General
Section titled “General”How is Spectoda different from competing systems?
Every lighting control system is suited to a different type of installation. Spectoda is strong in wireless and hybrid control, remote service and operation without a central unit. There is no single central controller that would stop the whole installation if it failed.
Another advantage is that Spectoda installations work locally by default. A server connection is not required for basic lighting control.
Who develops the system?
Spectoda hardware, software and communication layers are developed by our own team. This gives us flexibility when adapting the system to projects, market requirements and customer needs.
System
Section titled “System”How many luminaires can I have in one installation?
Each device in a Spectoda Network has a unique address. The maximum number of addresses in one Network is 254.
If a project needs more addressable points, it can be designed as multiple Networks connected through Spectoda Connect or another project-specific interface.
Which controllers are master and which are slave?
All controllers are on the same level. You can connect to a controller via Bluetooth Low Energy and control the whole mesh network through it.
Which protocol do Spectoda devices use to communicate with each other?
Spectoda devices use ESP-NOW, a communication protocol developed by Espressif Systems. It allows multiple devices to communicate without Wi-Fi and works in the 2.4 GHz band.
What is the communication latency?
Latency between two Spectoda devices is less than 0.001 seconds, which enables real-time lighting control.
Sending instructions from Spectoda Connect to the Network via Bluetooth Low Energy is typically below 0.01 seconds.
Can one faulty unit stop all lights?
No. Spectoda is designed so that one failed unit does not stop the whole lighting system.
Can Spectoda be used in homes?
Although Spectoda is not focused primarily on home lighting, it can also be used in apartments or houses. Typical examples include time automation, app control and dimming.
Can Spectoda control spotlights or smaller luminaires?
Yes. The important factor is using a suitable driver, for example DALI or 0-10 V / 1-10 V.
Lighting control
Section titled “Lighting control”Can I control lights remotely?
Yes. With remote control and the required gateway/cloud setup, selected installations can be controlled remotely.
Can I control the lights from the app when the internet is down?
Yes. Spectoda Connect connects to luminaires via Bluetooth Low Energy for local control.
The app is built as a progressive web app, so the last loaded version can remain available on the device even without internet access.
Does the system need to be connected to a server or Wi-Fi?
Not for basic lighting control. Spectoda devices work locally by default.
Server connection is required for advanced features such as Spectoda Analytics, remote control and remote service. These features are provided through Spectoda Gateway and cloud services.
Project delivery
Section titled “Project delivery”I have a project that needs lighting control. What should I do?
We will be happy to help.
Write to info@spectoda.com or call +420 733 585 225. We will discuss your project, propose a solution, prepare a quote and help with setup remotely or on site.
Does every installation require a Spectoda technician on site?
Smaller projects without additional functions can often be configured without a technician visit.
For larger projects, commissioning and setup usually happen directly on site.
Compatibility
Section titled “Compatibility”What types of lights can Spectoda control?
Spectoda can control many types of lighting, including:
- ceiling lights
- pendant lights
- wall or table lamps
- floor lamps
- track lights
- outdoor luminaires
- spotlights
- biodynamic luminaires
- digital and analogue LED strips
The system shows its full potential with addressable LED strips, where it supports smooth animations and helps avoid signal transmission issues.
Different luminaire types require different Spectoda Controllers or drivers. See Products or contact our team for compatibility guidance.
Are Spectoda controllers compatible with DALI drivers?
Yes. DALI luminaires are typically controlled by controllers from the SC Industry family. For analogue 0-10 V / 1-10 V control, use the relevant Spectoda controller or extension.
Can Spectoda control public lighting?
Spectoda is currently intended mainly for commercial, residential, industrial and custom lighting installations. Public street lighting is not a primary supported use case at the moment.
Can Spectoda lights be connected to a smart home system?
Not yet. Standard smart home systems such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home or Alexa are not currently supported. We plan to add integrations in the future.
When do you plan to add compatibility with Google Home, Alexa and similar systems?
The current expectation is 2026.
Can Spectoda be connected to a building management system?
Yes, project-specific integration can be handled through an API or a communication interface such as MODBUS, depending on the project setup.