FlexElite Product Guide Maximum Flexibility Bring bright, beautiful direct-view LED lighting to structures of all sizes and shapes
FlexElite gives you everything you need to bring direct-view lighting to structures of all sizes and shapes.
Introduction Design 2 4 What makes FlexElite different? 6 8 Meet the family Key features Maximizing control 12 14 FlexElite showcase 16 20 FlexElite specifications and dimensions FlexElite accessories and configuration 22
Direct-view lighting without limits Look at almost any urban skyline and you ll see spiraling towers, curved façades of glimmering glass, and asymmetric elements. From high-end residential towers to world-class arenas to iconic bridges, these exciting structures push the boundaries of architecture far beyond the traditional. But lighting them can be extremely challenging. Now FlexElite the latest innovation in our Flex family of direct-view LED luminaires lets you bring advanced, attention-getting LED light to large, complicated structures. Modular design, exceptional illuminance, long run lengths, IntelliHue advanced color control technology, and other innovations make FlexElite the right choice for the most challenging lighting installations and your most ambitious designs. Spread a complex arrangement of hundreds or thousands of bright nodes of tunable white light and dynamic color light along irregular surfaces. Create eye-catching effects and impressive video displays. FlexElite can do it all, with maximum performance and flexibility. We ve been exploring the potential of direct-view lighting for more than a decade, bringing new excitement, attention, and beauty to landmark buildings, bridges, stadiums, and other high-profile structures around the world. Our full family of directview LED luminaires creates bright, addressable points of light (the Flex family and ArchiPoint) and lines of light (the Accent family and VAYA Tube family) that can be mounted on the exterior of a structure, highlighting architectural details, adding visual interest, and transforming buildings into eye-catching icons. Our direct-view luminaires can display video, stunning color effects, messages, and more. Meet FlexElite FlexElite is the latest, brightest, and most flexible member of our popular Flex family, and it includes a from-the-ground-up design of all major elements, from its form factor to internal electronics to mechanical design. We created FlexElite to meet the challenges posed by large, unconventional buildings and structures. At its core, you ll find an innovative modular design that lets you create the exact number and configuration of nodes that you need for your design. FlexElite s sections and jumper cables click together quickly and easily, allowing unequalled customization impossible with less-modular solutions. With FlexElite, you choose the node count and the spacing between nodes that meets the exact needs of each project. Longer run lengths and node spacing let you take on larger challenges than possible in the past. High performance and four-channel options No matter how you choose to configure FlexElite solutions, you ll get exceptionally high-performance output of over 100 lumens per node. Brighter nodes as much as 5x brighter than other Flex luminaires enable you to get more reach and impact. FlexElite s unequalled flexibility continues with native fourchannel options, including IntelliHue, RGBW, and RGBA. Looking for maximum flexibility? Choose FlexElite FlexElite is the right choice for a wide range of applications from white or color effects that engage and evolve to messages that inform to elaborate video shows that dazzle. No matter how large, curved, or irregular a building or structure might be, FlexElite can cover it with individually addressable LED nodes enclosed in a resilient, rugged form factor that s designed to resist wind and rain, heat and cold. How you choose to use direct-view lighting is up to you. But with FlexElite, you can be confident your creative vision will become a reality.
Photography: Darius Kuzmickas 5
What makes FlexElite so flexible and great? FlexElite luminaries look different than other members of the Flex family such as icolor Flex MX gen2 and icolor Flex LMX gen2. Its nodes are encased in a sleek, low-rise aluminum and glass form factor. Inside, FlexElite is different, thanks to a brand-new electronic and mechanical design. Here are just some of the significant strengths that FlexElite brings to wide-ranging outdoor direct-view installations. 6 Large-Scale Installations FlexElite s modular design frees you from the limitations posed by static numbers of nodes on flexible cables enabling longer run lengths and node spacing. You can choose sections with the number of nodes you need. Plus, multiple jumper cable lengths let you get the node spacing you need for your design achieving the right resolution. FlexElite can deliver run lengths of up to 100 meters (330 feet) with variable distances between nodes. The result? With FlexElite, you can take on a wide range of outdoor applications, from arenas to office buildings to bridges. Brighter Output FlexElite is the brightest Flex luminaire available, outputting more than 149 lumens per node. Brighter output lets you take on larger structures and create ambitious, largescale designs that get noticed. And our lumen measurement complies with IES LM-79-08 testing procedures, ensuring accuracy. Four-Color Options FlexElite luminaires are designed natively as four-channel luminaires. Choose IntelliHue for the highest quality white light and dynamic color in the same luminaire. IntelliHue also includes our proprietary Chromasync technology for maximum color consistency. FlexElite is also available as RGBW or RGBA color solutions, depending on your specific needs. Simple Installation Push-and-click connectors ensure reliable connections, while intuitive mounting options make it easy for installers to make FlexElite part of any structure. Proven Reliability FlexElite is designed to be extremely reliable, year after year. Thanks to smart design, extensive testing, and years of experience, FlexElite can handle extreme conditions, humidity, heat, cold, and ice delivering reliable performance. Complete Solution An advanced, reliable luminaire is a critical part of your direct-view lighting solution, but it s not the only element that matters. That s why Color Kinetics offers a full range of complementary solutions including power/data supplies, controllers, and much more. All designed and optimized to ensure seamless integration and years of trouble-free operation. For example, we designed our PDS-400 48V CA4 power/data supply specifically for FlexElite. And FlexElite integrates with ActiveSite, our remote monitoring solution. Maximum Output We designed all FlexElite nodes for maximum output, ensuring high performance that goes well beyond comparable luminaires.
Modularity means flexibility The most distinctive feature of FlexElite is its remarkable modularity. While the Flex family of direct-view luminaires is known for its flexibility it s in the name, after all FlexElite takes this flexibility further. Its unique multi-part design gives you a set of components that you can combine to create a custom solution that meets your specific needs. You can choose sections with various node counts and node spacings, as well as leader and jumper cable options. FlexElite gives you everything you need to bring direct-viewing lighting to structures of all sizes and shapes. 7
Choose the FlexElite luminaire that meets your needs FlexElite is a natively 4-channel design, enabling you to choose the exact color capabilities that you need including IntelliHue, RGBW, and RGBA. Which FlexElite solution is right for you? It depends on your specific application. Choosing your 4-channel option is just part of the unequalled flexibility that FlexElite brings you along with node count, node spacing, run length, and more. You can mix 4-channel FlexElite luminaires in the same installation, and also integrate other offerings from the Flex family, such as EssentialWhite (ew) or EssentialColor (ecolor) luminaires. 1 FlexElite IntelliHue For the highest-quality white and dynamic color light More and more lighting designs call for white and color light, since it expands capabilities and impact. That s why FlexElite IntelliHue delivers exceptional white light, as well as rich, saturated, color light and colorchanging effects all in the same advanced precisely controllable luminaire. Breakthrough IntelliHue technology from Color Kinetics enables FlexElite to produce millions of saturated colors and pastels, as well as tintable, tunable white light. It s the right choice when you need a luminaire that can do it all, and give you greater control over white light. FlexElite IntelliHue luminaires integrate Chromasync, our color consistency technology, which adjusts the color point with pinpoint precision to deliver improved color consistency from luminaire to luminaire. With Chromasync, colors are more consistent, regardless of the specific LEDs used, date of manufacture, and other manufacturing variables. In short, Chromasync allows FlexElite luminaires to achieve exceptional color precision. 1 Go to www.colorkinetics.com/products/application/direct-view/ for more information on the Flex Family including icolorflex LMX gen2, icolor Flex MX gen 2, Flex Compact (iw and ew), and ew Flex Micro. Photography: Juan Carlos Cantero 8
FlexElite icolor, RGBW Go beyond RGB by adding white light FlexElite icolor, RGBW luminaires add a separate white LED that creates better-quality whites than possible with traditional RGB luminaires. Choose it when you need quality white light and color in the same luminaire, including pastels and saturated reds. FlexElite icolor, RGBA For installations that emphasize warmer tones Color requirements for a direct-view installation can be very specific, particularly when trying to match a brand color, or emphasize a certain range of colors such as fire tones. That s why FlexElite lets you choose the right 4-channel solution for your application. FlexElite icolor, RGBA luminaires add a separate amber LED that expands the available range of colors to include warmer tones, such as rich gold, yellows, and oranges. 9
10 Photography: Lucas Saugen
FlexElite integrates advanced technologies from Color Kinetics Color Kinetics is setting new standards for consistency and accuracy by developing advanced technologies that are integrated into our luminaires, including FlexElite the latest member of our Flex family. These technologies work together to deliver everescalating levels of quality, performance, and accuracy required for your most innovative and ambitious projects. Optibin our LED optimization technology begins the color consistency process by grouping (or binning) LEDs by flux as well as center wavelength. This proprietary binning optimization process uses an advanced bin selection formula that exceeds industry standards for chromaticity to guarantee uniformity and consistency of hue and color temperature for all our luminaires. Integrated into all FlexElite luminaires. Chromasic our custom-designed microchip integrates power, communications, and control to enable next-generation LED lighting systems and networks. Chromasic combines digital LED control and communication technology in a tiny package enabling pixel-level control. Chromasic technology creates whole new possibilities for small-scale installations comprising a few light nodes to large-scale installations with hundreds of thousands of individual light nodes each equipped with the intelligence to be automatically addressed and controlled. At the core of all FlexElite luminaires. IntelliHue our advanced approach to color mixing enables the same FlexElite luminaire to provide high-quality intelligent color and exceptional white light. Multiple channels of LED light sources combine to produce a full spectrum of precisely controllable light, including millions of saturated colors, pastels, and uniform white light, all with unrivaled color accuracy across the entire range of color temperatures. Available with FlexElite IntelliHue luminaires. Chromasync our color consistency technology adjusts the color point with pinpoint precision to deliver improved color consistency from luminaire to luminaire. With Chromasync, colors are more consistent, regardless of the specific LEDs used, date of manufacture, and other manufacturing variables. Chromasync allows FlexElite luminaires to achieve high color precision. With Chromasync enabled, luminaires within the IntelliHue family can achieve color variation of less than 2 MacAdam ellipses (2 SDCM) across multiple luminaires without programming or additional manual tweaking to find the optimal output and color mix. Available on FlexElite IntelliHue luminaires. To find out how innovative technologies within our advanced luminaires can help you do more visit www.colorkinetics.com/learn. 11
FlexElite Designed to deliver exceptionally bright points of light Node Options. FlexElite lets you choose from 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 node sections, getting the number of nodes to achieve the light coverage and resolution that matches your vision. Rugged Node Design. FlexElite s 60 mm (2.4 in) diameter node features a clear flat glass lens in a sturdy aluminum housing, as well as an interior overmold for water protection. This enclosure protects FlexElite s electronics from harsh environments, ensuring maximum reliability, year after year. 12 Simplified Mounting. A single node mounting clip makes it easy to attach FlexElite to structures of any size or shape.
Light Options. Choose from FlexElite IntelliHue, FlexElite icolor RGBW, and FlexElite icolor RGBA. IntelliHue RGBW RGBA IntelliHue technology produces millions of saturated colors, pastels, and high quality white light, in the same precisely controllable luminaire. RGBW luminaires add a separate white LED creating better-quality whites compared to RGB. RGBA luminaires add a separate amber LED which expands the available range of colors to include warmer tones such as rich gold, yellow, and orange shades. Modular Components. FlexElite s sections and jumper cables click together quickly and easily, enabling you to create highly customized solution. Locking Connectors. Overmolded endto-end locking connectors supply power and data. Add extra space with jumper cables, if necessary. Fully Tested and Approved. Thanks to smart design and extensive testing, FlexElite meets the IP66 standard and passes numerous rigorous tests based on real-world conditions ensuring reliability even in challenging conditions. The Flex Family FlexElite With Optional Dome Lens. A textured, squat dome lens fits snugly over the clear flat lens, increasing uniformity and viewing angle, and has a more visible profile. FlexElite 60 mm (2.4 in) diameter node features a clear flat glass lens in a sturdy aluminum housing. Available in IntelliHue, RGBW, RGBA. Flex LMX gen2 and Flex Compact Click here for more information about the complete Flex family. Flex MX gen2 Flex Micro
Exceptional lighting takes more than a flexible luminaire To unlock the full potential of your FlexElite luminaires, you need the right components to power and control it. Philips Color Kinetics completes your solution with: Controllers Our broad line of controllers brings you differing capabilities that match your specific needs, the complexity of your project, and your budget. Our controllers offer the industry-standard DMX protocol or our proprietary, scalable KiNET protocol for Ethernet networks. Because of addressing limitations, DMX is appropriate for relatively simple installations, or for light shows in which multiple luminaires or luminaire nodes operate in unison. Because it is not subject to DMX addressing limitations, Ethernet is the preferred environment for intricate colorchanging light shows. And FlexElite can also be used with third-party controllers. 14 Monitoring and Management ActiveSite is the first-ever cloud-hosted connected lighting system for architectural LED lighting installations. ActiveSite allows you to remotely monitor, manage, and maintain an installation site from anywhere in the world, using a secure web connection. World-class FlexElite luminaires Power/Data Supplies FlexElite accepts Ethernet input from the PDS-400 48V CA4 to support long runs not subject to DMX data and addressing limitations. This high-wattage, outdoor-rated power and data supply is perfect for large-scale architectural and media applications. It supports runs of up to 100 meters (300 feet) per output port, with up to 160 nodes per run.
Photography: pat138241 15
Flex Showcase Example 1 Highlighting singular elements of bridges and other structures FlexElite can be integrated into bridges and other large-scale structures as part of an overall architectural lighting plan. FlexElite s inherent flexibility allows it to be mounted on unconventional surfaces, such as steel cables. And its rugged design ensures reliability in even the harshest environments. Photography: Kaan Verdioglu 16
Example 2 Drawing attention to unique architectural features FlexElite can create lines of bright direct-view nodes that follow the contours of unusual architectural designs, enabling them to get more attention, day and night. And FlexElite IntelliHue can deliver dynamic color and white light, depending on the specific and evolving needs of lighting designers and building owners. Photography: Philips 17
Flex Showcase Example 3 Bringing new light and motion to marquee lighting FlexElite can be mounted directly on curving canopies and other unusual surfaces. And with FlexElite s dome lens, you can create the impression of an old-style theater marquee, making each node more visible. Changing the color, adding motion it all brings new interest and attention to public spaces and more. Photography: Joseph FREY, LEA 18
Example 4 Lighting a tall building s crown A mesh of FlexElite direct-view luminaires can bring emphasis to the top of a building or any unusually shaped architectural detail. With FlexElite IntelliHue, the building s crown can be highlighted with white light or dynamic color, changing to mark holidays, sports victories, or other special events. Photography: Xavier Boymond 19
Specifications and information Lumens per node Efficacy lm/w CRI Power per node FlexElite IntelliHue All channels full on 132 52.8 80 2.5 W Lumens @ 2200 K 150 2.5 W 2700 K 137 2.5 W 3000 K 131 2.5 W 3500 K 141 2.5 W 4000 K 149 2.5 W 5000 K 140 2.5 W 5700 K 136 2.5 W 6500 K 131 2.5 W FlexElite icolor, RGBW All channels full on 111 44.4 2.5 W Lumens @ 2200 K 93 2.5 W 2700 K 117 2.5 W 3000 K 120 2.5 W 3500 K 118 2.5 W 4000 K 115 2.5 W 5000 K 114 2.5 W 5700 K 112 2.5 W 6500 K 110 2.5 W Per single channel R 36 / G 68 / B 19 / W 79 Per combined channels R+G 114 / R+B 52 / G+B 86 FlexElite icolor, RGBA All channels full on 103 41.2 2.5 W Per single channel R 37 / G 68 / B 19 / A 60 Per combined channels R+G 120 / R+B 55 / G+B 82 General Information Viewing Angle 120 LED Channels Input Voltage Housing Material Lens Approbations Environment Node Dimensions IntelliHue = Red/Green/Royal Blue/Lime Green RGBW = Red/Green/Blue/White RGBA = Red/Green/Blue/Amber 48 VDC via PDS-400 48V CA4 White or Black PBT plastic and powder-coated aluminium Tempered glass UL/cUL, FCC Class A, CE Dry/Damp/Wet Location, IP66 60 x 97.81 x 27.66 mm (2.36 x 3.85 x 1.09 in) Weight 152.4 mm (6 in) to 1 m (39.3 in) node spacing 1 node 0.22 kg (0.49 lb) 2 nodes 0.35 kg (0.77 lb) to 0.51 kg (1.12 lb) 5 nodes 0.73 kg (1.61 lb) to 1.18 kg (2.6 lb) 10 nodes 1.37 kg (3.02 lb) to 2.3 kg (5.07 lb) 20 nodes 2.65 kg (5.84 lb) to 4.55 kg (10.03 lb) 20
Dimensions and configuration information Nodes Mounting clip Ø 60 mm (2.36 in) Node Spacing Through Hole Ø 4.5 mm (0.18 in) 5.49 mm (0.22 in) 35.66 mm (1.4 in) 84.9 mm (3.34 in) 97.81 mm (3.85 in) 27.66 mm (1.09 in) 87.95 mm (3.46 in) Ø 55.36 mm (2.18 in) Ø 10.3 mm (0.41 in) Node in Mounting Clip 93.87 mm (3.7 in) Input Output 24.95 mm (0.98 in) Input 23.63 mm (0.93 in) Output 28.6 mm (1.13 in) Ø 20.75 mm (0.82 in) Ø 25.6 mm (1.01 in) Node spacing options 152.4 mm (6 in) 304.8 mm (12 in) 500 mm (19.6 in) 609.6 mm (24 in) 1 m (39.3 in) 21
FlexElite connections Complete installation details including Installation Instructions, can be found on the product page. Connecting leader cable to node section Leader cable Connecting node sections Connecting node section, jumper cable, node section Connecting jumper cable to jumper cable Connecting node strings while maintaining 152.4 mm (6 in) or 304.8 mm (12 in) node spacing For further information Complete details including Installation Instructions, Specification Sheets.ies files, and product drawings can be found on the product page. FlexElite IntelliHue FlexElite Color, RGBW FlexElite Color, RGBA 22 Beam Angles Flex Nodes Cable Lengths LED Channels Control Options Custom luminaires available Custom Engineering Housing Colors Additionally, we can engineer unique solutions to exactly fit your specific lighting project needs. Download the Custom Products Brochure
Accessories Accessory options lets you customize icolor Flex LMX gen2, iw Flex Compact and ew Flex Compact. Item Number Philips 12NC FlexElite Leader Cable, 7.5 m (25 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-00 912400136420 FlexElite Leader Cable, 15 m (50 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-01 912400136421 FlexElite Leader Cable, 30 m (100 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-02 912400136422 FlexElite Leader Cable, 60 m (200 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-03 912400136423 FlexElite Jumper Cable, 305 mm (1 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-04 912400136424 FlexElite Jumper Cable, 500 mm (1.7 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-05 912400136425 FlexElite Jumper Cable, 610 mm (2 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-06 912400136426 FlexElite Jumper Cable, 1 m (3.3 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-07 912400136427 FlexElite Jumper Cable, 1.5 m (5 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-08 912400136428 FlexElite Jumper Cable, 2 m (6.6 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-09 912400136429 FlexElite Jumper Cable, 3 m (10 ft), Black, UL/CE 108-000085-10 912400136430 FlexElite Dome Lens, Black, 10 pieces 120-000204-02 912400136444 FlexElite Single Node Mounting Clip, Black, 10 pieces 120-000204-00 912400136442 Power Supplies PDS-400 48V CA4, UL 109-000035-00 912400135914 PDS-400 48V CA4, CE 109-000035-01 912400136495 Configuration and planning Regardless of the size and complexity of your installation, the planning time you spend up front can help streamline the installation and configuration of your luminaires. Keep these points in mind as you plan your installation: Want to display video on your structure? You may be a lighting designer who wants to tap the power of video, a municipality that wants to turn a landmark into an icon, or a building owner/manager who wants to draw attention to your office tower, stadium, casino, or other structure. Before you dive into video, there are some initial questions you need to ask yourself, key elements you ll need to create a complete solution, and some specific technical considerations that you need to address by reading Color Kinetics Video Guidelines. Configuration Calculator Create a lighting design plan that identifies and locates all luminaires, Data Enabler Pro devices, and controllers. Use Configuration Calculator to determine how many luminaires you can install in a single run, and the maximum distances between Data Enabler Pro devices, luminaires, and controllers. QuickPlay Pro Flex luminaires operate in 8-bit mode by default. To address luminaires, including switching between 8-bit mode and 16-bit mode, download QuickPlay Pro. Additional considerations Determine whether to address luminaires and configure your lighting system offline or interactively. With offline configuration, you stage and configure your system off-site, prior to installation. Offline configuration can be convenient when luminaires are to be installed in multiple locations or locations with difficult access. Interactive configuration is typically performed by an experienced technician, after luminaires have been installed. The interactive method can save time, since you only connect and test your luminaires once. 23
2018 Signify Holding. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. No representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information included herein is given and any liability for any action in reliance thereon is disclaimed. Philips and the Philips Shield Emblem are registered trademarks of Koninklijke Philips N.V. All other trademarks are owned by Signify Holding or their respective owners. Photography: egon69 DAS-000249-00 R00 7-18 Philips Color Kinetics www.colorkinetics.com