Shadow-Caster continues to redefine marine lighting innovation with the Light Commander Plus, an advanced NMEA 2000 lighting control platform designed to provide boat builders and boat owners with complete command of onboard lighting systems. Built around marine industry standards and engineered specifically for the harsh marine environment, the Light Commander combines intuitive control, system integration, and virtually limitless lighting customisation in a single solution.
The Light Commander, available from IMP, enables users to control up to six independent lighting zones per module, supporting both RGB and RGBW lighting systems. The controller seamlessly integrates with NMEA 2000 networks and multifunction displays (MFDs), delivering centralised control from leading marine electronics brands while eliminating the need for separate communication bridges.
Key features
• Up to six lighting zones per controller, expandable to 12 or 18 zones using additional modules.
• Native support for RGB and RGBW lighting.
• NMEA 2000 backbone and MFD network connectivity.
• Integrated Wi-Fi and mobile app control on selected models.
• Built-in audio input and microphone for synchronised music-to-light effects.
• Multiple lighting scenes including fade, rotation, colour-changing and strobe effects.
• IP67-rated waterproof housing and connections for long-term marine reliability.
• Instant-on switch inputs for local control even without an MFD.
• Global vessel-wide lighting management from a single interface.
Benefits for boat builders
For OEMs and boat builders, the Light Commander offers a fully integrated lighting platform that simplifies installation while delivering a premium user experience.
The all-in-one architecture reduces the number of components required, minimises wiring complexity, and provides clean OEM-friendly installations through waterproof Deutsch-style connectors. Builders can offer customers sophisticated lighting control through existing helm displays, smartphone interfaces or dedicated switches, helping differentiate vessels in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The scalable architecture ensures that the same platform can be used across multiple vessel sizes, from small leisure boats to large luxury yachts, with custom mimic panels available, simplifying production and support requirements.
Benefits for boat owners
For owners, the Light Commander transforms onboard lighting from a simple utility into an immersive experience.
Whether setting subtle ambient lighting for evening cruising, creating entertaining colour displays for guests, synchronising lighting with music, or improving visibility around decks and entertaining areas, users can create and store customised scenes tailored to every occasion. The ability to manage all lighting zones from a single interface provides convenience, flexibility and a more enjoyable boating experience.
Expanding the system with digital lighting control
Shadow-Caster has further extended the capabilities of the Light Commander through integration with the SCM-DLC Digital Lighting Controller, creating a truly comprehensive lighting ecosystem for modern vessels.
The SCM-DLC is engineered to work seamlessly alongside Shadow-Caster lighting controls and the latest generation of digital LED strip lighting. By connecting the DLC to the Light Commander ecosystem, users can move beyond conventional lighting control and unlock advanced digital effects, animated lighting sequences and highly customised visual experiences.
What the Digital Lighting Controller adds:
• Advanced control of digital LED strip lighting.
• Creation of intricate lighting patterns and animated effects.
• Dynamic colour transitions and custom lighting sequences.
• Compatibility with modern digital LED strip protocols.
• Integrated overcurrent protection.
• Shadow-NET connectivity for seamless expansion.
• Easy integration with existing Shadow-Caster control systems.
A unique total lighting solution
Together, the Light Commander and SCM-DLC provide a uniquely powerful lighting platform capable of controlling:
• Underwater lighting
• Hardtop and spreader lights
• Courtesy and cabin lighting
• RGB and RGBW accent lighting
• Digital LED strip lighting
• Music synchronisation effects
• Custom lighting scenes and vessel-wide automation
The result is a fully integrated, scalable lighting solution that allows designers, builders and owners to create a distinctive signature lighting experience throughout the vessel. From elegant ambient illumination to striking animated displays, the Shadow-Caster ecosystem provides centralised control of virtually every aspect of onboard lighting.
Further details on the new Shadow-Castor platform are available from IMP.
