Procedure to create a Group to extend your lights.
Applies to all Gen I and Gen II devices, Twinkly PRO and Twinkly Plus.
Grouping is the feature that shapes Twinkly magic!
Just a click on your app is all you need to let all your devices dance together in the magic of Twinkly!
You can join together multiple Capsule Strings, Icicle, Curtain, or Bulb Strings with the same LED profile and the same controller type, thanks to the App.
After configuring your first Twinkly, you can add a new device immediately after, following the wizard.
Alternatively, access the “Devices” menu and click on “+” to add another Device. The onboarding procedure will restart from the beginning, guiding you through the configuration of the new device.
Brief Grouping features an overview
Twinkly lights can be virtually joined via the app, in order to have multiple devices working together. This allows you to get extended lighting effects on the same object or objects at some distance between them.
Groups can be created between devices with the same LED profile and between RGB and RGB+W ones. While AWW devices can only be grouped with other AWWs.
Moreover, to create a group of Twinkly, you need to connect each Twinkly to the local Wi-Fi network (or to the router in case of Ethernet controllers) and ensure your smartphone joins the same network too.
After configuring your first Twinkly, you can add a new device immediately after, following the wizard.
Alternatively, access the “Devices” menu and click on “+” to add another Device. The onboarding procedure will restart from the beginning, guiding you through the configuration of the new device.
Important note:
We recommend to read this article to learn more about grouping devices with different LED profiles.
Creating a group
To create your Group, follow these steps:
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Open the app and open the “Devices” menu (LED icon in the bottom right corner)
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Select the installation that contains the devices you wish to group.
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Tap on the + icon on the top right corner of the screen
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Click on “Create Group”
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Choose the type of group you want to create
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Select the devices to join in a group
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Name your Group as you prefer (it will be useful to distinguish them later on)
Groups behave as individual devices. You can find them in the device list and they have a status icon. The icon is green if all the devices that are part of the group are on and correctly connected.
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If the group status icon is gray it means that one or more devices within the group are switched off or disconnected.
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Grouped items can’t be controlled individually by Alexa and Google Assistant.
Groups types
Join Groups make your single devices act like a great big Twinkly
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They extend the number of available lights up to the sum of led lights on each Twinkly
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They have a group layout
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They can be mapped as a single device
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Once you've mapped all your lights in your group, you’ll be able to apply basic and advanced effects to it.
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Usually, Join groups are mostly used to make several devices act like a bigger one on a setting, for example, a x-mas tree.
Follow the step-by-step procedure to Join Groups
Sync Groups allow the simultaneous application of the effects on all the Twinkly that are part of the group
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They extend the number of available lights up to the sum of led lights on each Twinkly.
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Each Twinkly keeps its basic layout, even if it has been mapped.
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Sync Groups cannot be mapped as a single device.
Follow the step-by-step procedure for Sync Groups
Area Groups to arrange your lights in extended scenarios
When creating an "Area " group, you can three possible options:
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The Camera Mapping: allows you to map the devices on your scene with your smartphone (only 2D)
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Horizontal tiles (for iOS only): with this option, you can create a new layout automatically, with all your devices tiled with horizontal alignment.
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Vertical tiles (for iOS only): dedicated to vertical installation
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Area Editor: allows you to set the layout of your individual devices exactly as they are positioned in real space.
Follow the step by step procedure for Area Groups
Can I create a group among Twinkly PRO, Plus, and Retail devices?
Grouping Capabilities and Compatibility
It is important to be aware of the following limitations and capabilities regarding the grouping of Twinkly products, as understanding these can significantly enhance your experience when setting up and using your lighting systems.
Firstly, it is crucial to note that Twinkly PRO Ethernet products cannot be grouped with Twinkly PRO Wi-Fi, Twinkly Plus, or Twinkly Retail. This means that if you have a setup that includes Twinkly PRO Ethernet, you will need to keep it separate from these other product lines to ensure proper functionality and performance.
Similarly, Twinkly PRO Wi-Fi has its own restrictions and cannot be grouped with Twinkly Plus products. This limitation is essential to consider when planning your lighting arrangement, as mixing these types could lead to complications in control and operation.
On a more positive note, Twinkly Plus can be successfully grouped with both PRO Wi-Fi PlusPLC21 and PlusPLC22, as well as Twinkly Retail products. This flexibility allows for a broader range of combinations, enabling users to create more elaborate lighting displays. However, it is vital to keep in mind that there may be noticeable differences in colour and brightness between the various models due to the distinct types of LEDs used in each. Therefore, while grouping these different products can enhance your setup, it may also lead to inconsistencies in the visual output.
Furthermore, if you decide to create a mixed group that includes both Plus and Retail products, it is important to understand that the group will adopt the characteristics of the Retail devices. This shift means that you may lose access to certain functionalities, such as the ability to use the WebApp or integrate with DMX/Artnet systems, which could limit the overall control and customisation of your lighting display.
When it comes to multi-controller groups, it is essential to ensure that all controllers in use are of the same model. For example, if you are using an SPI controller, all controllers in the group should also be SPI controllers. This uniformity is necessary for seamless operation and to avoid any potential issues that could arise from mixing different controller types.
Additionally, the Twinkly Plus Controller offers some versatility, as it allows you to connect different types of LEDs to the same controller. For instance, you can connect strings of lights into one port while using bulbs in another port. This capability provides users with greater flexibility in designing their lighting arrangements, allowing for a more creative and personalised setup.