Knapstein gesture control explained: Dynamic White by hand movement
Quick summary: Knapstein gesture control
Knapstein equips selected pendant luminaires in the RUNA and ZERA series with integrated gesture control. Via contactless hand movements in front of the sensor, the luminaires can be switched on and off, dimmed, and adjusted steplessly in colour temperature from warm white to cool white – this function is called Dynamic White. An upstream wall dimmer is neither required nor permitted. The ZERA series additionally features a master/follower system that allows multiple reflectors of a luminaire to be synchronised and subsequently fine-tuned individually.
What is Knapstein gesture control?
With Knapstein gesture control, a contactless sensor registers hand movements within a defined detection range and converts them into control commands. Depending on the gesture and duration of the movement, the luminaire is switched on or off, dimmed, or adjusted in colour temperature. The control electronics are integrated directly into the luminaire – no app, external receivers, or additional control wiring is required. Entering the detection range is indicated by a brief flash of a function LED.
RUNA series (art. no. 51.486, 51.487, 51.489, 51.532)
In the RUNA series, the sensor is located at the centre of each of the two light strips – one for the upper light, one for the lower light. Both sides can be adjusted separately and independently in brightness and colour temperature. The system is completely self-contained: no app, no network, no wall dimmer.
ZERA series (art. no. 51.517, 51.518): master/follower system
The ZERA pendant luminaires feature multiple reflectors and a master/follower system. The master reflector – marked at the factory with a red dot sticker – automatically transfers all settings to all follower reflectors (synchronisation function). The follower reflectors can then be adjusted individually and independently using their own gesture control.
Operation (RUNA and ZERA)
- Switching on and off: A simple swipe motion over the sensor switches the luminaire on or off.
- Dimming: Holding the hand above the sensor for longer dims the light source up or down. Important: dimming must always be completed to the maximum level (fully bright or fully dim) before the direction can be changed.
- Setting the colour temperature (Dynamic White): Briefly dim and remove hand from sensor → the luminaire flickers briefly (= colour change mode active). Within approximately 2 seconds, pass your hand over the sensor again and hold it until the desired colour temperature is reached. The colour temperature always changes fully in one direction first (fully warm or fully cool). If the sensor is not activated for 2 seconds, the luminaire flickers again and returns to dimming mode.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need a wall dimmer for Knapstein gesture control?
No. Knapstein gesture control neither requires nor is compatible with an upstream wall dimmer. All light control is performed exclusively via the integrated sensor directly on the luminaire.
What does the flickering mean on Knapstein luminaires?
The flickering is a status signal: one flicker after briefly dimming = colour change mode active. A second flicker after approximately 2 seconds without interaction = return to dimming mode.
What is Dynamic White?
Dynamic White refers to the stepless adjustment of colour temperature via gesture control – from warm white (approx. 2,700 K) to cool white (approx. 6,500 K), depending on the luminaire model. The switch is made through a defined gesture: briefly dim, remove hand, short pause, then hold again until the desired colour temperature is reached.
How does the master/follower system of the ZERA series work?
The master reflector – identified at the factory by a red dot sticker – automatically synchronises all follower reflectors when operated. The individual followers can then be fine-tuned independently using their own gesture control – for example, for different brightness or colour temperature per reflector.
Do I need an app or network connection for Knapstein gesture control?
No. Knapstein gesture control is completely self-contained and requires no app, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or additional hardware. All control electronics are integrated into the luminaire.
Which Knapstein models feature gesture control?
Gesture control with Dynamic White is integrated into the RUNA series (art. no. 51.486, 51.487, 51.489, 51.532) and the ZERA series (art. no. 51.517, 51.518). At Leuchtenland.com, you will find all available models with gesture control.
In summary:
Knapstein gesture control offers a robust, fully self-contained solution for contactless light control – with no wall dimmer, no app, and no external hardware. Dynamic White enables stepless colour temperature adjustment directly by hand movement; the master/follower system of the ZERA series allows synchronous control of multiple reflectors with subsequent individual adjustment. At Leuchtenland.com, you will find the Knapstein RUNA and ZERA series with integrated gesture control.
