Practical guide · Outdoor lighting controls
Know what each lighting control actually changes.
A color or palette chooses the colors your lights use. An effect determines how those colors appear or move. A preset saves a combination of settings, and a schedule decides when a supported action runs. Hardware and firmware determine which controls are available and how the result appears.
A quick guide to the controls
| Control | What it changes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Single color | One selected color. | An amber look for an everyday evening. |
| Palette | A blend or set of colors used by a compatible effect. | Red and green for a Christmas look. |
| Effect | The pattern or movement of the colors. | A steady display or a moving pattern. |
| Preset | A saved combination of related settings. | A named Holiday evening look. |
| Schedule | When a configured action should run. | A fixed time or a supported sunset-relative action. |
| Reported state | The most recent state received from the controller. | Whether the controller reported the requested setting. |
Choose the colors before fine-tuning the motion
For a simple look, select a single color. For a blended look, select a palette and an effect that uses it. A palette and an effect work together; they are not competing choices.
Speed and intensity change the character of supported effects. Their exact behavior depends on the effect. Brightness controls overall output, so compare the result at the property rather than relying only on the screen.
Use presets for repeatable choices
Once the combination works, save it with a name that the household will recognize. Keep an everyday preset separate from seasonal experiments. If several controllers need the same look, verify each intended device rather than assuming that identical settings produce identical physical results.
In Unity, related lighting adjustments are grouped together, with a preview above the controls. Custom palettes require compatible firmware; the interface identifies that requirement where the device capability is available.
Treat a schedule as an action with prerequisites
Check the property time zone, which devices are targeted and whether another schedule overlaps. Sunrise and sunset scheduling also needs the property’s location. A controller must be available to receive the action.
After a change, review reported state and the physical installation. If the state is old or the controller is offline, resolve the connection issue before interpreting an unchanged preview as a hardware failure.
Common questions
What is the difference between a palette and a preset?
A palette defines a set or blend of colors. A preset saves a fuller combination, which may include the palette, effect, brightness and other supported settings.
Why can a preview differ from the lights?
The physical result depends on the LED layout, controller configuration, firmware, brightness and whether the command reached the device. A preview illustrates the intended look rather than measuring the installation.