Taptile Controls - How do they work?

[Dan]

Taptile - Ditch the switch one-touch mood lighting and dimming solutions for the bathroom and kitchen

How the hell does this work?

We're baffled on TilersForums.co.uk and I thought we'd ask you guys.

It's either touch sensitive or static I thought, but i couldn't see either working when 6 or 8 controls are near each other on a thick tile.

Does anybody actually know how they work or what?

 

[johnboy6083]

i think its gotta be similar technology to the touch screen phones ect. exactly how much do these cost then? you fitted any?

 

[Guest123]

Probably using one of the technolgies listed in the link....

Touchscreen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[snowhead]

Looks like the unit is under the whole tile, the graphic is stuck on after tiling, works up to 18mm thickness.
Exactly how they work is probably closely guarded, but it's something projected forward thro' any object up to 18mm thick, including tiles, so Radio wave would be the best guess, something like Radar only more localised and more acurate:


The system overcomes traditional limitations within wet areas of the home, where ugly pull cords, or switches and dimmers placed outside the room have been the norm.

Taptile™ is different. Fixed to the rear of the tile or drywall, the Taptile™ touch sensor projects an array of waterproof and highly sensitive buttons through a thickness of up to 18mm. Each sensor has six buttons which provide three programmable mood light settings plus individual control and dimming of the three active circuits. This enables you to create the desired level of mood lighting whilst in the bath or shower. The front of the tile or drywall is decorated with either self-adhesive artwork (supplied), tile grouting via a stencil, or by adding features such as mosaics, shells or buttons to the surface, creating a seamless, attractive match to the room décor.
The units combine safe extra low voltage (SELV), 100% sealed to industrial standards, with a wireless connection to existing lighting circuits, while meeting all building and safety regulations for both renovations and new build.

 

[Dan]

The whole unit does go behind the tile. You can etch tiles then to put "buttons" on, or stick stickers on, or have nothing at all there.

Nobody can work out how it works on TF. ?!?!

 

[MarkieSparkie]

From promotional material in the trade press:
At the heart of the system is the 6 way waterproof touch sensor. This slim and easy to install unit simply sticks behind any tile, wood, ceramic, or drywall area that you would like to use as your touch surface. As the 8mm thick unit is fitted behind the surface and is 100% sealed, you can fit it directly in wet areas.
Because the touch sensor is fitted behind your chosen surface, a method to identify the position of the touch areas needs to be identified.
A simple clean self adhesive decal is supplied as standard, which can be stuck to the front surface of the tile or other surface, aligned with
the touch sensor on the rear.
Taptile is a simple, clean and safe lighting solution, unique in providing a touch sensitive lighting control system to your bathroom.
Why not turn your home bathing experience into something you might expect in a spa.
DITCH THE SWITCH!
The sensor simply requires 5v from the power adaptor supplied. Taptile is flexible allowing you to use several touch sensors in each room. You might want one at the entrance of the room for general control, one by the sink to control and brighten the vanity light, one at the side of the bath to dim the lights and create relaxing mood as you lie back and soak in your bath and even one in your shower cubical to turn on the fan when things get a bit steamy. These multiple sensors can be configured to control the same or different circuits depending on your scheme.
With Taptile the choice is yours.
The wireless dimmers/switches
The Taptile touch sensors control wireless receivers and are typically configured to control two independent dimmable lighting circuits, as well as third non dimmable circuit, used to switch appliances such as extractor fans. The communication between the sensors and the receivers is completely wireless and uses the home automation 433 MHz standard.
Each dimming receiver can control 210/300W of lighting, allowing easy dimming of spotlights, ceiling lights as well as accent lighting. The switching receiver can control loads up to 1KW.
Receivers are easily paired to each position on the touch sensor and multiple receivers can be arranged on a single channel to accommodate larger loads.
However you can be as creative as you dare by using our etch kit accessory or simply by painting on your icons. Why not try sticking mosaics or other identifiers onto your surface to identify the touch areas.
The Taptile power unit
Each Taptile system is separately powered by a simple 3 pin plug which delivers the 5v low voltage to each touch sensor.
The power unit is fitted outside of the bathroom area (in an airing cupboard or ceiling void for example), and a 3 meter cable length comes as standard to allow for easy installation.
The power unit uses tiny amounts of power and is green to use throughout the home.
Accessories
Our starter kit gives you all you need for the most simple configuration however with the flexibility Taptile offers, you may wish to build your own lighting scheme from the below to create your dream scheme.
Individual live neutral dimmable wireless receivers Individual live only dimmable wireless receivers Individual live neutral switching wireless receivers Individual touch sensors
Etch kits for tile decoration