Helvar proudly launches the new DALI-2 Imagine 945 Multi-Master Application Controller, a significant addition to the Helvar Imagine solution family. The 945 controller is engineered to meet the needs of the smart building era, focusing on scalability, performance, and a future-proof design.

DALI-2 is available for every project 

DALI-2 is the de facto industry standard and an advanced, future-proof foundation for Intelligent Lighting. It is the only truly official lighting protocol with formally certified control devices, such as luminaires, sensors, panels, and application controllers, and its compliance is verified through independent testing by the DALI Alliance (DiiA). Designed for modern intelligent buildings, DALI-2 enables a seamless shift from basic connectivity to intelligent, integrated lighting and building systems.

Designed for the smart building era

The new Helvar Imagine 945 delivers DALI-2 capabilities to projects of all sizes and complexities. It extends Helvar’s certified DALI-2 family and sets a new standard for intelligent lighting control in everyday projects. This launch enhances Helvar’s offering by providing a solution specifically scaled for the majority of the commercial market. The 945 sits alongside Helvar’s flagship 950 controller – the premier choice for large-scale projects – ensuring customers can choose a reliable, market-leading DALI-2 controller for the entire spectrum of project needs

With one of the widest ranges of DALI-2 certified devices in the market, Helvar’s portfolio represents verified quality, interoperability, and future-proofing. For project stakeholders, this means reduced integration risks, smoother delivery, and assurance that their investment is protected by a global leader in intelligent lighting control.

Specification with confidence, delivery with certainty

Helvar backs its technology with decades of expertise and a clear ‘Concept to Completion’ approach. Designing a modern lighting system needs technical skill and insight into end-user requirements. As a founding member of the DALI Alliance, Helvar is a strong advocate for open standards and building certifications, helping projects remain compliant with evolving regulations while ensuring systems deliver lasting performance and value.

Designed for real-world projects

Helvar’s commitment to delivering reliable, real-world solutions is demonstrated by its long-standing strategic partnership with the University of Bath. Building on years of collaboration, the University is now beginning a multi-year programme to upgrade and optimise lighting controls across its campus through Helvar Insights.

As a trusted partner, the university recently conducted a real-world installation of Helvar’s new 945 and 950 Application Controllers in busy halls of residence. This project provided a powerful illustration of the advancements in Helvar’s DALI-2 technology. While the 950’s capacity to manage four subnets made it a perfect replacement for two older 910 routers, the trial also showcased the shared benefits of the new platform, including the 945’s ability to seamlessly handle complex existing wiring systems.

“We are highly satisfied with the 945 performance“, said James Short, Building Management System Supervisor, at the University of Bath. “Its enhanced capacity, reliable operation, and user-friendly features make it a robust and innovative solution for lighting control, setting a new standard for DALI lighting control performance.“

The installation demonstrated the platform’s advanced diagnostic capabilities, identifying and resolving a previously unnoticed wiring issue. This ensured a flawless operation in a demanding environment. The inclusion of an LCD display further enhances usability, making the 945 and its features a clear progression over previous models and a powerful asset for any DALI-2 project.

In Finland, Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), with over 10,000 students across 40 programmes, recently installed one 945 and two updated 950 controllers, supported by Helvar Insights for monitoring light, occupancy, and indoor air quality – for example, CO₂, temperature, and humidity levels. This solution helps TAMK optimise energy efficiency and improve the quality of the learning environment for students in the long term.

The future-proof foundation for intelligent buildings

The Imagine 945 and 950 controllers connect directly into the wider Helvar ecosystem, including hybrid wireless lighting control with Helvar ActiveAhead and Helvar Insights cloud services for analytics and optimisation. Connected to the Insights cloud, the solution enables energy reporting, space utilisation analysis and recommendations, maintenance alerts, and automated emergency testing and reporting.

Because lighting sensors are typically the densest sensor network in a building, they are a practical way to capture valuable data about space conditions. Combined with occupancy data and analytics, this gives building owners a clearer picture of how their spaces are used – and how to improve them. With these foundations, lighting becomes more than illumination – it becomes a source of insights and data-driven optimisation. Owners and operators can cut energy use, lower costs, streamline maintenance, and enhance comfort, while continuously optimising performance and supporting long-term sustainability goals.

“The Imagine 945 makes DALI-2 accessible for every project, from small upgrades to large campuses. It’s about giving specifiers and building owners confidence and flexibility – as Helvar solutions scale to deliver intelligent buildings that are truly future-proof ”, says Thet Oo, Offering Manager at Helvar.

Simplified specification

The 945 and 950 Multi-Master Application Controllers simplify specification and provide quality and efficiency gains, such as fast commissioning set-up with tough durability. The two-subnet architecture of 945 offers flexibility for typical buildings and is perfectly scaled to fit the majority of a specifier’s project portfolio. Being a certified DALI-2 product, the Imagine 945 enables interoperability and integration benefits. Both Helvar’s Multi-Master Application Controllers bring further value to DALI-2 projects by adding Helvar’s unique features and benefits on top of the standard, such as immense flexibility and scalability as well as data-driven optimisation for energy savings, sustainability, and wellbeing.