BLOG User Guide

The Casambi app

The Casambi app is the central tool for operating and configuring the entire Casambi lighting system. It is available free on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) and requires no account to use core functions. The smartphone communicates directly with devices in the BLE Mesh network without any hub or gateway in between.

The app has two main modes: a simplified user interface for controlling scenes and dimming levels, and a technician mode (accessed via the network password) for adding, removing, naming, and reconfiguring devices.

Getting started: creating a new Casambi network

When you open the Casambi app for the first time with a powered Casambi device nearby, the app will display the option 'Take network into use'. Select it and the app automatically scans and adds all Casambi devices in Bluetooth range to a single network.

Once the network is created, name each device by its physical location, for example 'Downlight meeting room A1' or 'LED strip bar counter'. Naming devices accurately from the start saves significant time when configuring scenes and troubleshooting later.

Grouping luminaires

After adding devices, the next step is grouping them by functional zone. In the Casambi app, go to Luminaires and assign any luminaire to one or more groups. A group might be all lights on floor two, or just the track lights along the wall of a display area.

Clear grouping is the foundation for effective scene creation. A well-structured scene controls each group independently rather than individual luminaires, which makes the system far easier to manage as the project scales.

Creating and managing scenes

A scene in Casambi is a saved snapshot of the lighting state. To create a new scene, adjust each group to the desired state, then go to Scenes > Add Scene and save. The app allows scene names in any language and supports custom icons for quick identification.

A typical hotel project has between 10 and 30 scenes depending on the number of zones and operational requirements. Scenes can be recalled manually via the app, triggered by a scheduled timer, or activated by a presence sensor.

Automatic scheduling with timers

Casambi supports time-based scheduling either at fixed clock times or based on the sun's position (sunrise/sunset) using the project's GPS coordinates. Timers are stored in each device's firmware, so they continue to run even when the smartphone is off or out of range.

To set a timer, go to More > Network Setup > Timers and tap 'Add Timer'. Define the activation time and the scene to trigger. Multiple timers can run in parallel, each calling a different scene at a different time.

Sensor-based automation

Casambi is compatible with presence and occupancy sensors as well as daylight sensors from brands including Casambi, Steinel, JUNG, and Helvar. Sensors are added to the network exactly like any other Casambi device, then linked to the relevant luminaires or groups in the device settings.

Sensor configuration in Casambi is flexible: you can set specific lux thresholds, define the delay time before lights switch off after the space is unoccupied, and choose which scene triggers when the sensor activates. This is the foundation for LEED-level energy-saving lighting deployments.

Troubleshooting common issues

Common issues when operating a Casambi system and how to resolve them:

• Device not showing in the app: confirm the device is powered and Bluetooth is enabled, move within 10 meters of the device, and restart the app.
• Scene not working correctly: check whether all devices assigned to the scene are online in the network. A grey luminaire icon means the device is offline.
• Timer not triggering: verify the network timezone is configured correctly under Network Setup > Location.
• Lost network access: restore from a Casambi Cloud backup file, or contact someone with Administrator access to re-invite you to the network.