Smart Dim
Description
The Pipistrel »Smart Dim« is a cockpit panel mounted instrument, used for centralized brightness control of other cockpit instruments and/or lights. Smart Dim enables the user to set the brightness level of all1 cockpit instruments simultaneously. The user has the option to set the brightness level manually or automatically via the integrated light sensor.
The Smart Dim implements a voltage-output signal used for brightness control of cockpit instruments. The output signal’s voltage range is selected in the unit’s menu. Note that the output range is dependent on the power supply voltage. The maximum output voltage is about 0.5V lower than the power supply voltage. Pipistrel’s recommended signal range is 1.0 – 7.0 V. Any number of instruments can be controlled with the Smart Dim, as long as the total output current (sum of all currents from all output pins) is not higher that the one specified.
All of the cockpit instruments that you wish to control by the Smart Dim must have their brightness input signals connected to the Smart Dim unit, as shown in the wiring diagram. Also note that all of the instruments must be programmed with the same signal range.
Note 1: The Smart Dim is able to control the brightness levels only of the instruments that support external brightness control via an analog input.
Wiring diagram
WARNING: When connecting multiple devices in parallel to the same pin, make sure
the total output current is not higher than 30 mA (cumulative current on all output pins).
Pinout
The Smart Dim unit implements a standard male 9 pin d-subminiature connector.
| Pin No. | Description |
| 1 | Power Supply (VDD), 8 – 30 V |
| 6 | Ground |
| 2 | Output signal |
| 3 | Output signal |
| 4 | Output signal |
| 5 | Output signal |
| 7 | Output signal |
| 8 | Output Signal |
| 9 | Output signal |
Technical Specification
| Power supply | 8 – 30 V |
| Power consumption | 18 mA @ 8V 9 mA @ 30V |
| Maximum output current (all pins) | 30 mA |
| Output range | 0 – VDD-0.5V |
| Output Impedance | 10 Ω |
| Initial output accuracy | ±2% |
| Storage temperature | -20°C – 70°C |
| Operating temperature | -10°C – 55°C |
Usage
The main screen consists of a bar which indicates current brightness level. The instrument provides two operating modes: Normal mode and Automatic mode. In the Normal mode the brightness (external voltage) is controlled by a rotary encoder while in Automatic mode the brightness is set based on the current ambient light intensity. By pressing the rotary encoder for 1 second the user can toggle between the two operating modes. Automatic mode icon on the left side of the bar is used as an indicator of the current selected operating mode.
Setup
By pressing the rotary encoder for at least 5 seconds the user enters the settings menu. By pressing the rotary encoder the user can enter sub-menus and confirm setting. Available settings are the following:
*
OUTPUT – Set voltage output range which maps to 0% – 100% brightness range.
The range is defined by the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) voltage values. However, the MIN and MAX values are limited as follows:
| Parameter | Minimum value | Maximum value |
| MAX | 5V | power supply voltage – 0.5V |
| MIN | 0.5V | MAX – 0.5V |
LIGHT – Set the minimum and maximum brightness values, between which the ambient sensor automatically adjusts output (in percent of light sensor input).
TIME – Set the speed at which the instrument responds to the change in ambient light.
Possible settings: LOW, NORMAL (default), FAST.
ROTARY – Set the rotary encoder step size.
Possible settings: 1 VALUE, 2 VALUES, 5 VALUES (default).
ABOUT – Display software information.
EXIT – Return to the Normal mode.