South Gym Lighting Plan

Current State

• Fixtures: Old fluorescent tube fixtures throughout the space. Aging ballasts, no dimming capability, fixed color temperature. Tubes are becoming harder to source.
• Dimming: Two ETC SmartPack 12x1200W wall-mount dimmer packs are available (24 channels total, 1200W per channel). One is currently installed in the South Gym; the second is available but not yet installed.

Requirements

• General illumination sufficient for sports and active use (gymnasium layer)
• Dimmable lighting for worship, presentations, and events (event layer)
• Physical wall switches for daily gymnasium operation – simple, familiar, no dependency on AMX or network
• Zoned control – ability to light different areas independently (e.g., stage area vs. full gym)
• Reliability – low maintenance, long lifespan
• Energy efficiency – reduced operating costs vs. current fluorescent fixtures

Architecture

The lighting system is split into two independent layers, each optimized for its use case:

Both layers are controlled by a single ETC Paradigm ACP. The Paradigm outputs sACN to an ETC Response 0-10V Gateway for gymnasium fixtures, and DMX512 directly to SmartPacks for event lighting. Both layers are managed through a single RS-232 link from AMX using the Paradigm Station Access Protocol (PSAP). Despite sharing a controller, the two layers remain operationally independent – different fixtures, different dimming technologies, different physical outputs. The gymnasium layer can also operate fully independently via physical button stations.

Control Authority – Gymnasium Layer

The Paradigm button stations are the primary authority for the gymnasium layer. AMX is a secondary input:

• Button station ON – fixtures are on. AMX cannot override this.
• Button station OFF – AMX can control the gymnasium fixtures via Paradigm serial commands (turn on, adjust dimming).

This gives school staff simple physical control for daily use, while AMX retains the ability to incorporate the gymnasium fixtures into coordinated event presets when the button stations are not in use.

The Paradigm ACP manages the arbitration between button station inputs and serial commands using its built-in priority system. Button station inputs are assigned higher priority than the serial input.

Control Authority – Event Layer

The event layer is AMX-only. There are no physical switches. AMX sends RS-232 commands to the Paradigm ACP via PSAP, which outputs DMX512 to the SmartPacks. The Paradigm’s local presets provide a fallback if AMX is unavailable – presets can be recalled from button stations (if event presets are assigned to a station) or from the Paradigm’s front panel in the rack closet.

Gymnasium Layer – ETC Paradigm ACP

Why Paradigm?

The facility already uses ETC Paradigm architectural controllers for house lighting elsewhere in the building (see Lighting/2018 Handover for the existing installation). The Paradigm ACP provides:

• 0-10V dimming – the Paradigm outputs sACN over Ethernet to an ETC Response 0-10V Gateway (RSN-LV-R3), which provides 24 channels of 0-10V sink control for gymnasium fixtures
• Button station inputs – ETC Unison Heritage button stations (or similar) provide simple physical wall switches
• RS-232 serial port – a single RS-232 link from AMX (via EXB-COM2 port 1, PSAP protocol) controls all lighting – both gymnasium and event layers
• Built-in preset storage – the Paradigm stores its own presets, so button stations work independently of AMX
• Institutional familiarity – staff and volunteers already know the Paradigm button stations from the rest of the facility

Fixtures

Design Targets

• Target illuminance: 70 fc average on the floor (exceeds IES RP-6 recreational minimum of 30-50fc; provides headroom and allows dimming down for cleanup/setup use)
• Dimming rationale: 0-10V dimming is primarily for reducing output during cleanup, setup, and casual use where full sports-level illumination is unnecessary. This does not substantially affect fixture cost since most high-output LED gymnasium fixtures include 0-10V drivers as standard.
• Mounting height: ~20’ trim (open exposed ceiling, no drop ceiling)
• Lumen maintenance: Design should apply a light loss factor (LLF) of ~0.85-0.90 so that maintained lumens still meet the 70fc target at end of useful life. This means the initial design targets ~78-82fc.
• Adaptability: The 0-10V dimming also provides insurance – if 70fc proves to be more than needed after installation (or after future surface changes increase reflectance), the system can be dialed back without replacing fixtures.

Specifications (TBD)

• High-output LED suitable for sports illumination
• 0-10V dimmable (compatible with Paradigm ACP output)
• Impact-rated for gymnasium environments (IK08 minimum, IK10 preferred – balls will hit fixtures)
• Controlled glare / low UGR for overhead sports (volleyball, basketball involve looking upward)
• CRI 80+ minimum (CRI 90+ if games may be video recorded/streamed)
• CCT TBD – sports/gymnasium use typically 4000K-5000K (single fixed CCT likely sufficient since atmospheric lighting is handled by the event layer)
• Efficacy 140+ lm/W preferred (energy code compliance and reduced operating costs)
• Mounting: pendant-hung or chain-mounted from exposed structure at ~20’

Preliminary Photometric Estimate (Zonal Cavity Method)

A rough zonal cavity calculation provides planning-level fixture counts and power estimates. These numbers are useful for electrical circuit sizing and budgeting before a fixture is selected. A proper photometric layout using DIALux evo (free) with real fixture IES files is still needed for the final design – the zonal cavity method cannot verify uniformity, glare, or point-by-point illuminance. DIALux can import DWG floor plans directly and produce point-by-point illuminance grids, uniformity ratios, and UGR glare ratings.

Assumed room dimensions: ~100’ x 60’ (~6,000 ft²). Actual dimensions TBD – these are planning estimates only.

Inputs:

Room Cavity Ratio (RCR): 5 x 20 x (100 + 60) / (100 x 60) = 2.67 (moderate)

Estimated Coefficient of Utilization (CU): ~0.58 for a typical wide-distribution LED high bay at this RCR with these dark surfaces. This is the weakest assumption – actual CU depends on the specific fixture’s photometric distribution and could range from 0.50 to 0.65, swinging the fixture count by ~20%.

Fixture count estimates:

N = (70 fc x 6,000 ft²) / (Lumens per fixture x 0.58 x 0.87)

Total wattage converges around ~6,000W (~1.0 W/ft²) regardless of fixture size, which should be well within energy code limits.

Spacing check: For 28 fixtures (30,000 lm) in a 7x4 grid: ~14.3’ x 15’ spacing, S/MH ratio ~0.75. This is within the typical S/MH max of 1.0-1.5 for wide-distribution high bays, so uniformity should be achievable.

Future state impact: When walls are renovated from brick (~25%) to painted drywall (~65%), the CU increases to approximately 0.65-0.70. The same fixtures would then produce roughly 80-85fc – the 0-10V dimming accommodates this without changing hardware.

Photometric Calculation – Remaining Prerequisites

The preliminary estimate above is sufficient for planning. A final photometric layout requires:

• Confirmed floor dimensions (length x width)
• Uniformity requirement – IES RP-6 recommends min:avg ratio of 0.7 or better for recreational sports (minimum 49fc if average is 70fc). Confirm this is acceptable or if a tighter ratio is needed.
• Glare requirement – is there a specific UGR target, or “as low as reasonably achievable”? The sports played in the gym (basketball, volleyball, badminton) determine how critical upward glare control is.
• Fixture IES photometric files – once candidate fixtures are identified, their published photometric data (.ies files) drive the layout calculation, including spacing-to-mounting-height ratio (S/MH).
• Projection screen location – gymnasium fixtures at full brightness may wash out the screen surface. The photometric layout should account for fixture placement and shielding near the screen.
• Structural mounting points – the exposed ceiling structure determines where fixtures can physically be hung. This may constrain the ideal photometric layout.
• Alberta energy code (NECB or equivalent) maximum lighting power density (W/ft²) for gymnasiums – confirm the fixture selection and layout comply.

Surface Reflectances

The photometric calculation should use the current state for design purposes – this is the worst case (darkest surfaces, least reflected light). The future state will increase reflectance, which raises effective illuminance. The 0-10V dimming can then be used to dial back output if needed.

Note: The wall change from brick (~25%) to painted drywall (~65%) is significant – it roughly doubles wall reflectance, which will noticeably increase overall light levels in the space. This reinforces the value of 0-10V dimming for post-renovation adjustment.

Zoning

Button station presets could include:

• “Full Bright” – all gymnasium zones at 100%
• “Half Gym A / B” – one half on, the other off (if the zone split is needed)
• “Off” – all gymnasium zones off

Wiring

• 0-10V signal pairs from the Response 0-10V Gateway to each fixture or group of fixtures. Low-voltage, small gauge. The gateway can be mounted near the fixtures (closer to the loads) to keep 0-10V runs short.
• Cat 5e/6 from the Paradigm ACP to the Response Gateway (sACN over Ethernet). This can share the existing AV network (VLAN 22) or use a direct connection.
• Line power to the gymnasium fixtures from the electrical panel (separate from SmartPack circuits). The 0-10V signal controls dimming, not line power.
• Button station wiring from wall-mounted stations to the Paradigm. Low-voltage (ETC button stations use a proprietary low-voltage bus).

Event Layer – ETC SmartPacks (via Paradigm ACP DMX Output)

Available Equipment

24 channels of dimming at 1200W per channel. The SmartPacks are existing equipment being reused – they provide ample dimming capacity for the space and are already proven in the facility. Each SmartPack requires a 60A two-pole breaker and is hardwired with a single feeder (6/4 SO or SJO cable). See Electrical Plan for circuit details.

Both SmartPacks will be wall-mounted together in the rack closet. This keeps DMX cable runs short (from the Paradigm ACP’s DMX output) and centralizes all power distribution equipment. Relocating the kitchen SmartPack constitutes a new installation under the Safety Codes Act and requires a fresh inspection. A pre-installation condition assessment is not needed – SmartPacks are built for heavy theatrical use, and any channel issues will surface during commissioning.

Why SmartPacks + Paradigm ACP? The SmartPacks accept DMX512, and the Paradigm ACP has built-in DMX512A output ports. AMX sends RS-232 commands to the Paradigm via PSAP (the same serial link that controls the gymnasium layer), and the Paradigm outputs DMX512 to the SmartPacks. This eliminates the need for a separate RS-232-to-DMX bridge – one controller handles both layers. Presets are stored locally in the Paradigm’s non-volatile memory and can be recalled from button stations or the Paradigm’s front panel if AMX is unavailable. See equipment reference.

Alternative: DFD 2322DMX. A DFD 2322DMX RS-232-to-DMX bridge is available as a documented alternative if the Paradigm’s DMX output proves unsuitable for the SmartPacks (e.g., timing issues, channel count limitations). The 2322DMX would restore the original two-serial-link architecture. See equipment reference.

SmartPack Compatibility

ETC SmartPacks are forward-phase (leading-edge) dimmers. This affects fixture selection:

• Incandescent/halogen: Fully compatible, dims smoothly
• LED fixtures: Must use LED fixtures with drivers rated for forward-phase dimming. Not all LED drivers are compatible – incompatible drivers can cause flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range. ETC publishes compatibility lists for their dimmers.
• Non-dim loads: SmartPacks can be configured per-channel for non-dim (switched) mode if some circuits don’t need dimming

Fixture selection should prioritize SmartPack-compatible LED fixtures to get both the energy savings of LED and the dimming flexibility the SmartPacks provide. (See equipment reference for SmartPack specs.)

Alternative Considered: ETC ArcSystem Pro (Rejected)

ETC ArcSystem Pro fixtures (DMX-controlled architectural LEDs with built-in drivers) were evaluated as an alternative to conventional fixtures on SmartPacks. ArcSystem would eliminate the SmartPacks entirely — fixtures take DMX directly from the Paradigm ACP and handle their own dimming, with smooth dimming to true zero, CRI 90+, and 50,000-hour LED life.

Why it was rejected: cost. For a 100x60’ gymnasium event layer (~20-28 fixtures for stage wash, general fill, and perimeter zones), ArcSystem Pro four-cell fixtures at ~$1,100-1,300 USD each put the fixture-only cost at $24,000-35,000. Conventional LED or incandescent fixtures on the existing SmartPacks would be $1,000-5,000 for comparable coverage. The SmartPacks are already owned and provide 24 channels of forward-phase dimming at no additional cost.

ArcSystem does simplify wiring (DMX daisy-chain vs. dedicated power home runs per SmartPack circuit) and avoids forward-phase dimming compatibility concerns, but neither issue justifies a 10x+ fixture cost premium in a multi-purpose gymnasium. ArcSystem is better suited to dedicated performance venues where dimming quality is the primary requirement.

Fixture Protection

The gymnasium ceiling is exposed (open structure) – there is no slatted ceiling to shield event fixtures from ball impacts. Any theatrical or architectural fixture mounted in the open ceiling needs physical protection.

Options:

The SSRC Spotlight Cage is the better fit for individual fixtures scattered across zones. The Gym Light Cage is better if fixtures are clustered in rows along a pipe or truss. Both are available in black, white, silver, or custom colors.

Fixture protection cost should be factored into the per-fixture budget when selecting event layer fixtures.

Fixtures

TBD. Event fixtures should be:

• Forward-phase (leading-edge) dimmable – compatible with ETC SmartPacks
• Good dimming curve (smooth, low minimum without flicker)
• High CRI for formal events and food service
• Appropriate fixture types per zone (general, accent, stage)

Zoning

All 24 SmartPack channels are available exclusively for the event layer. Zoning can be fine-grained.

Control Path (Both Layers)

                                          PARADIGM ACP
                                          (enclosure TBD -- ERn or DIN rail)
                                          ──────────────────────────

Button stations ──────► ETC Paradigm ACP ──── sACN ─── Ethernet ──► Response 0-10V
(wall-mounted,                │                                      Gateway (RSN-LV-R3)
 primary authority)           │                                           │
                              │                                      0-10V (24ch)
                              │                                           │
                              │                                           ▼
                              │                                     Gymnasium fixtures
                              │                                     (ceiling-mounted)
                              │
                              ├──── DMX512 ──┬──► SmartPack #1 (Ch 1-12)
                              │              │
                              │              └──► SmartPack #2 (Ch 13-24)
                              │                        │
                              │                        ▼
                              │                   Event fixtures
                              │                   (ceiling/wall-mounted)
                              ▲
                              │
AMX processor ── RS-232 ──────┘
(via EXB-COM2 port 1,
 PSAP protocol)

Wiring

The event layer requires new wiring from the SmartPacks to fixture locations:

• Individual home runs from each SmartPack channel to its fixture group. SmartPack channels need individual circuits, not daisy-chains.
• Existing fluorescent wiring is not reusable for per-channel dimming. New circuits required.
• DMX cable from the Paradigm ACP’s DMX512A output to both SmartPacks, in its own low-voltage raceway separate from SmartPack power feeds.

Design Considerations

Existing Wiring

The current fluorescent fixtures are daisy-chained in approximately 8 groups. The existing wall switches are dry-contact, connected to a switching box next to the electrical panel. This wiring is not directly reusable for either layer – SmartPack channels need individual home runs, and the gymnasium fixtures will likely need new circuits as well (different fixture locations, 0-10V signal pairs, different switching). The existing conduit paths from the old switching box cannot be reused as pull paths either – the old switching box and the new rack closet are on opposite sides of the facility, so new conduit runs are required.

The existing ~8 groups may inform the gymnasium zoning layout – if the fixture positions and groupings are reasonable, new circuits can follow similar zones.

Emergency / Exit Lighting

Emergency and exit lighting is on a completely separate system, independent of both the SmartPack circuits and the gymnasium layer. No AMX preset or SmartPack fault can disable it.

EXB-COM2 Port Allocation

The AMX EXB-COM2 in the South Gym rack has one serial port allocated for lighting:

A single RS-232 link to the Paradigm ACP controls both lighting layers. Port 2 is available for future expansion.

AMX Scene Presets

AMX presets coordinate both layers simultaneously. Each preset specifies the state of both the gymnasium layer and the event layer, all managed through the Paradigm ACP via PSAP commands:

Note: If the gymnasium layer button stations are active (wall switches on), AMX cannot override them to off. The “Wedding” preset would leave the gymnasium layer in whatever state the button stations dictate. In practice, whoever sets up for an event would turn off the gymnasium wall switches before recalling an event preset.

Open Questions

Electrical & Code

• What is the distance from the rack closet to the farthest fixture location? Long runs affect voltage drop and conductor sizing (applies to both layers).
• How many conductors will share each conduit from the closet to fixtures? Conduit fill derating (CEC Table 5C) could require upsizing wire.
• Forward-phase dimmers produce harmonic content on neutral conductors – do shared neutrals need to be upsized per CEC Rule 4-024? (Event layer only – gymnasium layer uses 0-10V dimming which does not produce harmonics.)
• Does minimum illumination for paths of egress need to be enforced as a floor in AMX programming and/or Paradigm programming (e.g., “Wedding” dimmed zone can’t go below code-required levels)?
• Has the available fault current at the new panel been determined, and do the SmartPacks’ internal overcurrent devices have adequate interrupting ratings?
• Does the full scope of work (SmartPack relocation, new panel, home runs, gymnasium fixtures, Paradigm, button stations) need a single electrical permit, and has the AHJ been consulted?
• Are there any code requirements for emergency or exit lighting (Alberta Building Code / NBC)?
• What electrical circuit feeds the gymnasium fixtures? This is separate from the SmartPack circuits. Sizing depends on fixture count and wattage.
• What is the Paradigm ACP’s power requirement and how is it fed? Depends on enclosure choice (ERn has its own AC input; DIN rail P-ACP-D uses an external 24V PSU).
• What is the Response 0-10V Gateway’s power requirement? Requires 18-24 VDC via external PSU (ETC PS-DIN24). Where is the gateway mounted, and how is the PSU powered?

Gymnasium Layer – Fixture Selection & Photometric Design

• What are the floor dimensions (length x width)? Required for photometric calculation.
• What uniformity ratio is required? IES RP-6 recommends min:avg of 0.7 for recreational sports (min 49fc at 70fc avg). Is this acceptable, or is a tighter ratio needed?
• What specific UGR (Unified Glare Rating) target is required, given basketball and volleyball involve looking upward? Or is “as low as reasonably achievable” sufficient?
• What impact rating (IK rating) is needed for fixture lenses? IK08 minimum, IK10 preferred for gymnasium use. Confirm based on sports played.
• What CCT (color temperature) for gymnasium fixtures? 4000K-5000K is typical for sports. Single fixed CCT likely sufficient since atmospheric lighting is the event layer’s job.
• What minimum CRI is required? CRI 80+ for sports; CRI 90+ if games may be video recorded or streamed.
• What is the maximum acceptable ambient light level on the projection screen surface? Gymnasium fixtures at full brightness may wash out the screen – fixture placement and shielding near the screen matters.
• Where are the structural mounting points in the exposed ceiling? This constrains where fixtures can physically be hung and may limit the photometric layout.
• Does the Alberta energy code (NECB or equivalent) set a maximum lighting power density (W/ft²) for gymnasiums? Confirm compliance with fixture selection.
• How many existing fluorescent fixtures are there, and what type?
• How many gymnasium zones/circuits are needed?
• Do any use cases need a “Half Gym” zone split (e.g., two classes sharing the gym)?

Event Layer – Fixture Selection

• What is the minimum dim level required for events like weddings – is 10% sufficient, or does the aesthetic need fixtures that dim below 5%?
• Do SmartPacks have a minimum load threshold per channel below which forward-phase dimming doesn’t work correctly with LED drivers?
• Is tunable white (variable CCT) needed to shift warmer for ceremonies and cooler for sports, or is a single fixed color temperature acceptable?
• What minimum CRI is required, considering formal events and food service (dinner events)?
• Are perimeter/wall accent fixtures a different type (strip, wall-wash, sconce) than the general field fixtures, and have those been separately checked for forward-phase compatibility?
• Does the stage/front zone need a different fixture type than the general field (e.g., lower-mount theatrical fixture)?
• How many event zones/circuits are needed (up to 24 available)?

Physical Installation

• What is the usable wall area in the rack closet for two SmartPacks, and is there space for both while maintaining code-required working clearances in front of all electrical equipment?
• How do SmartPack output wires exit the units (top/bottom/side), and is there clearance for conduit sweeps given the rack and other equipment?
• What is the thermal load from both SmartPacks, and has it been added to the rack closet ventilation sizing?
• What is the demolition plan for existing fluorescents – has an asbestos survey been done on fixture bodies, ballasts, or ceiling materials?
• Do existing ballasts contain PCBs (pre-1979) requiring hazardous waste handling?
• What happens to the existing dry-contact switching box once decommissioned?
• Is the renovation happening in a fully vacated gym, or are there schedule constraints (school calendar, events) that limit the work window?
• What lift equipment can physically enter the gym, and are doors wide enough?
• Can the existing ~8 daisy-chain groups be mapped to inform the new zoning layout?
• Where will the Paradigm ACP be mounted (rack closet, near the electrical panel, elsewhere)? The enclosure type is TBD – either an ERn wall-mount control enclosure (Mk1 or Mk2) or a DIN rail enclosure with a P-ACP-D (Mk2 only).
• Where will the Response 0-10V Gateway be mounted? It can be near the ACP (rack closet) or near the gymnasium fixtures to keep 0-10V cable runs short. DIN rail mount, requires only Ethernet and 24V DC power.
• Where will the Paradigm button stations be mounted? Near the main entrance? Multiple locations?

Control Integration

• What fade times are required per preset (e.g., slow crossfade into “Wedding,” snap to “Cleanup”)?
• When AMX fires a room preset, what is the defined sequence between lighting (both layers), audio, and video commands?
• For the M32R override scenario, is there a corresponding lighting state change?
• Is there a requirement for auto-off after inactivity (occupancy sensing)? The Paradigm supports occupancy sensor inputs if needed.
• Is time-based scheduling needed (e.g., “School Gym” at 7 AM, “Off” at 10 PM)? The Paradigm supports time-based scheduling natively.
• The Paradigm does not have a built-in heartbeat like the 2322DMX’s H 1. AMX must use poll-based watchdog (periodic PSAP status queries) to detect a dead serial link. What polling interval is appropriate?
• How many Paradigm presets are needed to cover both gymnasium and event layer scenes? The Paradigm supports a large preset count – confirm capacity for the combined scene list.
• Should a button station near the gymnasium entrance include event layer preset buttons (e.g., a “Wedding” button) for non-technical fallback?
• What is the DMX channel assignment plan for the SmartPacks (which Paradigm DMX channels map to which SmartPack channels/fixture zones)?
• Who is responsible for configuring the Paradigm ACP in ETC LightDesigner (presets, zones, button station assignments, DMX channel map)?

Cross-Reference Updates Needed

The Paradigm-as-both-layers architecture affects several other plan documents:

• control.md – AMX Responsibilities table: Paradigm ACP controls both layers via PSAP. Update serial protocol details, monitoring, and failure/fallback.
• equipment-reference.md – add ETC Paradigm ACP entry with specs, PSAP protocol, and button station details. Update 2322DMX entry as alternative/spare.
• electrical.md – update DMX control path (Paradigm ACP replaces 2322DMX as DMX source), RLNK outlet 4 now spare, grounding references.
• rack.md – position 24 now available (Paradigm ACP mounts in ERn or DIN enclosure, not in rack). RLNK outlet 4 now spare.
• networking.md – update EXB-COM2 references (serial bridge to Paradigm ACP, not 2322DMX), failure table, IP assignment notes.