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FAQ

Technical insights and answers to the most frequent questions regarding LED dimming, control protocols, and system integration for yacht lighting projects.

Dimming Methods

No. The brightness of an LED depends on the current passing through the diode, which can be regulated using different methods. PWM is very widespread because it allows for good light stability and maintains color better, but it is not the only possible solution.

The three main dimming methods are: • Analog dimming (current reduction) • PWM – Pulse Width Modulation • Hybrid dimming (a combination of the two)

Analog Dimming Reduces the current passing through the LED. The LED remains always on, but with less current, it produces less light.

  • 500 mA -> 100% light level
  • 250 mA -> 50% light level
  • 50 mA -> 10% light level

Possible disadvantages: color variation, instability at very low levels.

PWM dims the LED by turning it on and off very quickly. The brightness depends on the ratio between “on” time and “off” time. The frequency is very high, so the human eye perceives only a variation in intensity.

  • 100% light level -> Always on
  • 50% light level -> On half of the time
  • 10% light level -> On for short pulses

Main advantages: light stability, more constant color.

Many modern drivers combine the two methods. Typically: from 100% to 30%, analog dimming is used; from 30% to 0%, PWM is used. This approach guarantees stability, flicker reduction, and better performance in video recordings.

Protocols and Control Systems

DALI, KNX, and DMX are not LED dimming methods. They are communication protocols used by control systems to send commands to the lights: switching on/off, brightness adjustment, activating lighting scenes.

  • DALI: Architectural lighting
  • KNX: Home automation
  • DMX: Entertainment / Scenography
  • Crestron / Lutron: Integrated control systems

No. PWM is not a communication protocol, but an electrical method for dimming the LED. The difference is fundamental:

  • DALI / KNX / DMX: Send commands to the system
  • LED Driver: Interprets the commands received
  • PWM or current control: Physically regulates the LED

Control flow diagram:

Control System (Yacht) → Protocol (DALI / KNX / DMX) → LED Driver → Dimming Method (PWM or current control) →LED

The choice of protocol is not made by the lighting manufacturer. It is defined by:

  • AV/IT/control system integrator
  • Shipyard’s electrical designer
  • The shipyard itself

The protocol is part of the plant architecture, not the lights themselves. The lights must be compatible with the driver and the chosen control system.

In a simple connection, a lamp uses two wires: positive and negative (power supply). In some systems, a third wire dedicated to the dimming signal is added, separating control from power.

Three-wire configuration:

  • Wire 1 — Positive (power)
  • Wire 2 — Negative (power)
  • Wire 3 — Dimming signal

In modern yacht systems, dimming is often managed directly by the driver via protocols such as DALI, KNX, or DMX.

Driver → LED (short):
The signal travels a very short distance.
Risk: Low.

Dimmer line LED (long):
 The signal travels through long cables.
Risk: High.

On long lines, the PWM signal can be affected by: cable length, voltage drops, electromagnetic interference, and driver characteristics. In complex systems like those on superyachts, it is preferable for the PWM to be generated by the driver near the LED, rather than transmitted along the power line.

LED Drivers and Power Supply

LED Driver The LED driver is an electronic power supply designed for LEDs. It transforms the system voltage (e.g., 230V AC or 24V DC), provides stabilized current to the LED, and often manages dimming. An LED cannot be connected directly to the mains: it requires stabilized current.

Dimmer The dimmer is a device for controlling brightness. It does not power the lamp; it sends the regulation command to the driver via signals such as DALI, 0–10V, PWM, KNX, or DMX.

In short: the driver powers and stabilizes. The dimmer commands.

Yes. LEDs must always be powered through an electronic driver that regulates current and protects the LED. The driver can be: • Integrated into the lighting fixture • Remote (separate, near the spotlight) • Installed in the electrical panel

In yacht projects, it is very common to use remote drivers because they facilitate maintenance and integration with control systems.

  • Integrated Driver: Inside the lighting fixture (decorative fixtures or very compact ones).
  • Remote Driver near the spotlight: Separate, in proximity to the light point (max 50 cm). This is the most common configuration on yachts.
  • Driver in the technical panel: Centralized with power and control. (Centralized systems with high integration).

The choice depends on: system architecture, accessibility for maintenance, and thermal management.

  • Constant Current: The driver maintains a constant current (e.g., 350 mA, 500 mA, 700 mA). Used for: LED spotlights, spots.
  • Constant Voltage: The driver maintains a constant voltage (e.g., 24V DC). Used for: LED strips, linear lighting, indirect lighting.

Integration in Yacht Projects

Because in yacht projects, several actors with different responsibilities are involved: lighting manufacturer, system integrator, electrical designer, and shipyard.

If the system architecture is not clearly defined at the beginning of the project, the following may emerge: • Incompatibility between drivers and protocols • Dimming problems • Maintenance difficulties on board

In superyachts, lighting, audio-video, and control are often integrated into the same system. If technical decisions are made separately, it can lead to: • Complex and non-optimized cabling • Technical incompatibilities between components • Costly modifications during the advanced construction phase.

It is advisable to define the system architecture during the concept phase. Beyond Illumination operates as the governance level of the architecture, ensuring consistency between lighting, AVL, and control systems.

AV/IT

How is internet connectivity guaranteed in the middle of the sea?
We deploy advanced hybrid systems that combine multiple technologies to ensure maximum stability:

Satellite Connectivity (LEO): Integration with low-latency, high-speed services like Starlink Maritime for global coverage, even during transoceanic crossings.

Coastal 4G/5G Networks: High-gain antennas capable of picking up cellular signals up to 20 miles off the coast, significantly reducing operational costs.

Marina Wi-Fi: Wireless bridging systems that connect to the port’s network when the yacht is docked.

Absolutely. We design the network by performing a predictive heat-map analysis of the yacht’s structure, which is often shielded by steel, carbon fiber, or reinforced glass. We use marine-grade Access Points strategically installed in both interior ceilings and waterproof exterior areas (flybridge, beach club). This ensures seamless roaming, allowing you to move from bow to stern without ever dropping a connection.

Cybersecurity is our top priority. We install enterprise-level Firewalls to protect the onboard network, completely isolating guest and crew traffic from the yacht’s critical navigation and engineering systems. Additionally, we configure secure VPNs so you can work from the sea just as safely as you would in your office.

Can I watch Netflix, Sky, or Prime Video while underway?
Yes. Thanks to the high bandwidth of modern satellite and cellular systems, 4K streaming is smooth and buffer-free in any cabin. For areas with limited coverage, we integrate local media servers (such as MovieServer or Plex), allowing you to watch hundreds of movies and TV series in UHD without consuming any internet data.

We work hand-in-hand with interior designers to offer completely hidden, bespoke solutions:

Custom lift mechanisms: TVs that rise from custom furniture or drop down from the ceiling only when needed.

Mirror TVs: Premium, artistic mirrors that transform into high-definition screens when switched on.

Outdoor/Waterproof TVs: Ultra-high-brightness, anti-glare screens specifically treated to withstand salt mist and direct sunlight on the sun deck.

Yes, our systems feature full multi-zone management. Guests on the flybridge can party to a Spotify playlist, while the owner enjoys a movie in the main salon, and the crew listens to the radio in the mess. Every area can be controlled independently or synced together in “Party Mode.”

Are the onboard systems easy to operate, or do they require a technician?
Simplicity is at the core of our designs. We replace the clutter of multiple remotes with a single, intuitive, custom-designed interface built on premium ecosystems like Crestron. You can control audio, video, lighting, shades, and climate from a single iPad, your smartphone, or elegant wall keypads.

All our systems come equipped with 24/7 remote monitoring and support. If a component experiences an issue, our shore-based engineers can run diagnostics, reboot hardware remotely, and resolve 90% of software glitches instantly, ensuring your holiday is never interrupted and avoiding the need for an onboard technician.