Groups and Scenes #
Groups let you control a collection of devices with one tap. Scenes set those devices to specific levels for a moment in the day. The video below walks through both. The article underneath is the quick reference for when you do not want to scrub through it again.
Groups and scenes do two different jobs. #
The fastest way to set up a useful PIXIE system is to understand the distinction up front. Get this right at the start and the rest of the app makes sense.
A collection of devices that operate together #
Pick the devices you want to control as one (for example, all of the outside lights), give the group a name, and operate them with a single action. Turn on, turn off, or dim the whole group from the home screen.
A snapshot of devices set to specific levels #
A scene is a collection of groups and individual devices, each set to its own level. Tap the scene and every member jumps to the level you saved. Movie Night, Bedtime, Welcome Home: each is one tap.
Creating a group. #
By default, the PIXIE PLUS app provides a single group that contains every device in the home. Most installs benefit from a few more, organised by area or function.
Open Groups #
From the home screen, tap the Groups button.
Add a new group #
Tap the ellipsis (the three dots) in the top right corner and select Add a group.
Select the devices #
Tap the circle next to each PIXIE device you want included in the group.
Name it usefully #
Type a clear name in the group name field (for example, Outside Lights, Kitchen, Front of House). Tap Save at the bottom of the page to confirm.
How a group behaves depends on what is in it. #
This is the bit worth getting right at design time. The mix of devices inside a group dictates how that group can be controlled. Organise your groups deliberately for maximum convenience.
On and off only #
If a group contains any switched device (a device that can only be turned on and off), the entire group can only be turned on and off. There is no group-level dim.
On, off, and dim together #
If every device in the group is dimmable (for example, lights connected to a PIXIE Smart Dimmer or a PIXIE LED Strip), users can turn the group on, off, and dim every device in it at the same time from the app.
Adding or removing devices. #
Groups are not set in stone. Re-shape them as the install evolves or as the homeowner refines how they actually use the home.
Open Groups and tap Edit #
From the Groups screen, tap the ellipsis in the top right corner and choose Edit.
Tap the pencil icon #
Select the pencil icon on the group you want to edit.
Add or remove devices #
Tap the circle next to each device to include or exclude it from the group. Tap Save at the bottom of the page when you are done.
Creating a scene. #
A scene is a collection of groups and individual devices set to specific levels. Tap the scene once and every member jumps to the level you saved. If this is your first time in Scenes, the list will be empty.
Open Scenes #
From the home screen, tap the Scenes button.
Add a new scene #
Tap the ellipsis in the top right corner and select Add scene.
Pick the members #
Tap the circle next to each group and device you want to include in the scene.
Give it a useful name #
Type a clear name (for example, Movie Night, Bedtime, Welcome Home).
Set the levels for each member #
For an RGB LED strip, choose both the colour and the light output level. For a dimmer, set the dim level. For a switched device, set on or off. Tap the back button when each member is set, then tap Save at the bottom of the screen.
Sorting and editing scenes. #
The Scenes page can be reordered so the ones used most often sit at the top. Each scene can also be edited at any time.
Sort the order of scenes #
Open the sort tool #
From the Scenes page, tap the ellipsis in the top right corner and choose Sort.
Move a scene #
Tap the scene you want to move, then use the arrows that appear beneath it to nudge the scene up or down the list.
Save #
Tap Save when the order looks right. Repeat the process to move more scenes.
Edit the contents of a scene #
Open the edit tool #
From the Scenes page, tap the ellipsis in the top right corner and choose Edit. A pencil appears on each scene.
Pick the scene to update #
Tap the pencil on the scene you want to change.
Adjust members and levels #
Add or remove groups and devices, change the saved levels, and tap Done when finished.
Three small habits that save callbacks. #
The handover always goes more smoothly when the groups and scenes are set up the way the homeowner actually lives. A few minutes of thought during commissioning pays back later.
Name groups by area, not device #
Outside Lights, Kitchen, Front of House. The homeowner thinks in spaces, not part numbers.
Keep dimmable devices together #
If you want to dim a whole zone with one slider, do not mix a switched device into the same group. The whole group will lose its dim ability.
Build two or three signature scenes at handover #
Welcome Home, Movie Night, Bedtime. Set them up live with the homeowner so they feel ownership. The rest can be added over time.
Ready to take it further? #
Once the everyday groups and scenes are in place, the next step is automation. PROGRAMode lets the home trigger scenes and groups from time, sensors, or other devices, with no extra tap required from the homeowner.
