Sports lighting with Adquio

Managing the lighting of multiple sports fields in Switzerland was a challenge for our client. Each switching on or off of floodlights required physical movements with a tablet, making operations difficult, especially at night. Although Casambi technology was already in use, its limited range prevented efficient control. However, this story changed thanks to an innovative solution from Adquio, presented by our local partner RNHC Services.

The challenge

The client’s main challenge was to achieve effective remote control of the field luminaires. Although the lighting installation was already running on wireless technology Casambi wireless technology, its limited range and the need to go out into the field made any routine operation difficult.

This not only consumed time, but also increased operating costs and the risk of human error. The manager wanted a way to save time and work safely, without relinquishing full control of each focus.

The proposal

When RNHC Services became aware of this situation, it proposed an advanced solution based on Adquio Mini, the central controller, together with a customized touch screen control panel. The idea was to install an Adquio Mini as the brain of the system and a Lithernet Gateway to ensure connectivity. In addition, a custom interface would be designed on a control panel (10″ screen) located next to the manager’s desk.

This screen would replicate all scene calls in customized, accessible and visual buttons, allowing to launch these lighting scenes and to see the on/off status of each luminaire in real time. In summary, RNHC promised a flexible, scalable and fully customized solution, as Adquio is accustomed to in its projects.

From doubt to emotion

At first, the customer was reluctant. He thought it would complicate the installation and that he only needed his tablet. However, at Adquio we decided to go further: we developed a prototype of the control interface specifically for his case. We created a customized demo on an Adquio Mini connected to a screen, showing in real time what the operation would be like. On the day of the presentation with the Swiss distributor, the person in charge attended with some scepticism.

However, when he saw the demo in action, everything changed. Within minutes, he saw how he could turn lights on and off instantly from his office. How the on-screen icons would reflect the status of each light, and how through pre-configured scenes he could adapt the light according to the event. The tone of the conversation shifted from doubt to enthusiasm: “This is just what we required!” he exclaimed. That tangible demo, where theory became image, was the turning point that transformed his initial rejection into enthusiasm for the project.

Implementation

Finally, the Lithernet Gateway was installed on top of a mast above the central office, ensuring a stable Bluetooth connection to all Casambi nodes in the fields. The Adquio Mini was placed in the electrical panel and the control screen was fixed next to the manager’s desk. From there, it is now possible to manage all the sports lighting remotely.

Thanks to this integrated solution, our customer can enjoy centralized and user-friendly control: he no longer needs to travel to the field to check whether a luminaire is on or to launch lighting scenes. Everything is done from his workstation in a few seconds. This translates into very clear benefits for him:

Secure remote control: Turn any light bulb off or on from the office without unnecessary walking.
Dynamic lighting scenes: Configure groups of luminaires by scenes (training, matches, rest) with one touch on screen.
Real-time monitoring: Instantly visualize which luminaires are on or off, avoiding forgetfulness.
Reliable connectivity: The Lithernet guarantees continuous signal even over long distances or with obstacles in the open field.
Time and energy savings: Less time spent commuting and optimization of consumption by controlling lighting from the workstation.