Innerscene

SkySync™

& Mini Hub

User Manual

SkySync is the first sensor capable of capturing the true color of a blue sky and bringing it indoors. Mounted to your window, it streams real-time color and brightness data to your Circadian Sky or Virtual Sun fixture.

The included Mini Hub extends SkySync's range across your building via your local network, ensuring every fixture stays synchronized with the sky outside.

Compatible with	Circadian Sky • Virtual Sun
Firmware req.	v2.0.61 or later
Warranty	5 years

In This Manual

Quick Start ............... p.2

Mount, Aim & Fit the Hood .... p.2

Understanding the Home Screen .. p.3

Pair & Firmware Update ........ p.4

Do You Need the Mini Hub? ...... p.5

Schedule + SkySync Activation .. p.6

Complete Guide

SkySync Settings ............... p.7

Brightness & CCT Limits ....... p.9

Mini Hub Deep-Dive ............. p.10

Multi-Fixture & Communication . p.12

Troubleshooting ................ p.14

Specifications ................. p.15

Quick Start Guide

What's in the Box

1	SkySync sensor (battery pre-installed)
2	Innerscene Mini Hub
3	USB-C cable & wall adapter (for Mini Hub)
4	Mounting tape (Gorilla Tough & Clear)
5	Quick Start card (this document)

Before You Begin

You need a Circadian Sky or Virtual Sun fixture with firmware v2.0.61+ (update to unlock higher CCTs, see p.4)
Choose a window with a clear view of the sky; avoid frosted or heavily patterned glass
Best results: set up on a clear sky day

Step 1 — Mount SkySync to a Window with Double-Sided Tape

1

Clean the inside of the window glass (an alcohol wipe works well) and let it dry.

2

Peel one liner off the included double-sided tape (Gorilla Tough & Clear) and press it onto the flat base of SkySync.

3

Peel the other liner and press the base firmly onto the glass, high enough to see open sky. Hold for about 30 seconds.

4

Press the button on the side of SkySync. A red LED flash confirms the sensor is active and transmitting.

SkySync is rated for indoor use (IP20); mount it on the interior. For outdoor mounting, use the waterproof enclosure (sold separately).

SkySync taped to the inside of a window with the sensor barrel exposed

Taped to the glass, barrel aimed upward (hood removed for aiming).

Step 2 — Aim the Sensor, Then Fit the Hood

1

Connect to your fixture (the Innerscene Studio app or its WiFi, see Step 3) and watch the CCT reading on the home screen.

2

Rotate the cylindrical barrel up or down to point the sky sensor at the most open patch of sky, driving the CCT as high as possible. On a clear day, target 200,000K+.

3

Once aimed, fit the removable hood over the top of the sensor. It blocks warm reflected room light that would otherwise skew the reading, so fit it after aiming and keep room lights low before trusting sample values.

If CCT reads low on a clear day: aim the barrel more steeply, confirm the hood is fitted, and test with room lights off.

SkySync mounted to a window with the hood fitted over the sensor

Hood fitted after aiming for the cleanest sky reading.

Understanding the Home Screen

Once paired, the home screen shows a SkySync status row with live data from the sensor.

Home screen SkySync status row

#	Element	Description
1	Ring indicator	Countdown to the next sensor update
2	Live readings	Sky CCT, ambient CCT, and lux
3	Signal & battery	BLE signal strength and battery % (replace CR2477 below 10%)
4	Gear icon	Opens SkySync settings

Reading the values

On a clear day the Sky CCT reads high (blue sky) while Ambient reads lower and warmer. If the readings look off, re-aim the sensor and confirm the hood is fitted.

Step 3 — Pair SkySync to Your Fixture

1

Connect to your fixture via WiFi or the Innerscene Studio app.

2

The home screen shows "SkySync Found" with a Pair button.

3

Tap "SkySync Found" to open the SkySync page.

4

Tap the detected sensor, then confirm "Pair".

5

The home screen now shows live SkySync data: sky CCT, ambient CCT, and lux.

Connecting to your fixture

On your phone, join WiFi network Innerscene-...
Default password: innerscene
Open 172.30.0.1 in your browser
Or use the Innerscene Studio app

"SkySync Found" appears when a sensor is nearby

Firmware Update (If Needed)

If your fixture firmware is older than v2.0.61, update before pairing. Updating also unlocks higher CCT support.

1

Download Innerscene Studio from the iOS App Store or Google Play.

2

Connect to your fixture via WiFi (Innerscene-..., password: innerscene).

3

Go to Settings → Advanced → Firmware Updates, select the file, and tap Update.

4

Wait ~60s. The fixture flashes its lights when complete. Do not disconnect power during update.

Do You Need the Mini Hub?

SkySync pairs directly with your fixture over Bluetooth at up to 30ft. If the fixture is within range of the window, it can follow the sky on its own and the Mini Hub is optional. The signal bars on the Home screen tell you which case you're in.

After pairing (Step 3), find the SkySync row on the Home screen and read its signal-strength bars (element 3, p.3). Watch it for a minute or two.

What you see	What it means
Sufficient signal 2 or more bars, steady readings	Direct Bluetooth is working. Mini Hub not needed — skip ahead to Activating Schedule + SkySync (p.6).
Weak signal only 1 bar, or occasional "Sensor offline"	Reception is marginal (distance or walls in the way). Add the Mini Hub below for reliable, drop-free coverage.
No bars "SkySync Found" never appears, or frequent "Sensor offline"	The fixture can't hear SkySync directly. Mini Hub required — set it up below.

The Mini Hub ships with every SkySync, so adding it costs nothing but a few minutes of setup.

Add the Hub even with a strong signal if…

You have fixtures in other rooms — the Hub's network relay covers the whole building
You want a redundant path so the sky keeps tracking even if the direct Bluetooth link drops

Not sure?

Two or more bars holding steady for a couple of minutes are a reliable sign you can skip the Hub. If it sits at 1 bar or keeps dropping, add it.

Step 4 — Set Up Mini Hub (If Needed)

The Mini Hub extends SkySync range from 30ft direct to 100ft+ over your network.

1

Power: Connect the included USB-C cable to the Mini Hub, or use Power over Ethernet (PoE).

2

Network: Plug an Ethernet cable into your router (recommended). Or connect via WiFi (see p.10).

3

Done: Mini Hub automatically detects SkySync via Bluetooth and relays data in two ways:

How It Relays

Wireless: rebroadcasts at higher power (+21 dBm) plus Innerscene Wireless mesh, no router (place within 20ft of SkySync, 50ft of fixtures). Network: for longer distances, connect to your LAN for AES-encrypted UDP broadcast. Full details on p.10.

Innerscene Mini Hub — compact gateway with Ethernet, WiFi, and BLE

Activating Schedule + SkySync Mode

Schedule + SkySync mode combines your programmed schedule with real-time sky tracking. There are three ways to activate it:

Method 1: Set Power-On Default to “Use Schedule”

Settings → Power-On Default → Use Schedule. Fixture automatically starts in Schedule + SkySync mode on power-up. Recommended for permanent installations.

Method 2: Enable Idle Resume

Settings → Idle Resume → choose a timeout (15 min, 30 min, or 1 hr). After inactivity, the fixture automatically returns to Schedule + SkySync mode.

Method 3: Tap the Schedule Card

On the Home screen, tap the Schedule + SkySync card to activate immediately.

Set Power-On Default to “Use Schedule”

Enable Idle Resume for automatic return

Tap the Schedule + SkySync card on Home

External Controls Deactivate Schedule Mode

External controls (0-10V, DALI, DMX, Casambi) will exit Schedule mode. To resume, wait for Idle Resume, tap the Schedule card again, or power-cycle the fixture if its power-on default is set to Use Schedule.

SkySync Settings

Access SkySync settings from Home → SkySync row (gear icon) or Settings → SkySync → SkySync Settings.

1 Live Preview Strip

Shows real-time sensor reading and current fixture output at the top of the settings page.

2 What SkySync Controls

Option	Description
Color & Brightness Default	SkySync drives both CCT and brightness — fixture fully follows the sky
Color Only	SkySync sets CCT only; brightness stays at schedule/manual level
Brightness Only	SkySync sets brightness only; CCT follows the schedule

3 Sensor Selection

SkySync has two sensor windows:

Sensor	FOV	Best For
Sky (Narrow) Default	10°	Capturing blue sky color directly
Ambient (Wide)	180°	Overall room-level light including reflections
Average Both	—	Blended reading of both sensors

The narrow sky sensor (black cylinder) captures the true color of the sky. The wide ambient sensor (white diffuser) measures surrounding light.

4 Response Speed

Speed	Transition Time	Effect
Fast	~3 seconds	Fixture closely tracks rapid sky changes (clouds passing)
Normal Default	~10 seconds	Smooth, natural transitions
Slow	~45 seconds	Very gradual changes; barely noticeable to occupants

Sensor Adjustments

Trim what the sensor sees before it drives the fixture.

Brightness Boost

Adjusts fixture brightness relative to sensor readings.

Dimmer

← — slider — →

Brighter

Default: center (match sensor). Useful for compensating for tinted windows that reduce perceived brightness.

CCT Boost

Shifts the color temperature warmer or cooler relative to sensor readings.

Warmer

← — slider — →

Cooler

Default: center (match sensor). Useful for fine-tuning color appearance to your preference.

SkySync Settings — primary controls

1 Operating Hours

Define when SkySync is active. Outside these hours, the fixture reverts to its schedule.

Setting	Default	Description
Time mode	Clock	Clock: fixed times. Sunrise: relative to sunrise/sunset.
Start time	6:15 AM	SkySync begins controlling the fixture
End time	7:15 PM	SkySync stops; fixture follows schedule

Status Messages

"Outside operating hours" — current time is outside your set window
"Low light" — ambient light too low (dawn/dusk/night)
"Sensor offline" — no data received for 10+ minutes
"SkySync paused" — fixture is in manual mode

Operating hours slider

Brightness & CCT Limits

Constrain how bright and how warm/cool SkySync drives the fixture, and trim its response before it reaches the light.

Brightness limits, CCT limits, and tint correction

Brightness Limits

Set a floor and ceiling on fixture brightness. The Min/Max Lux slider defines the range.

When Too Dark: dim to minimum, follow the schedule, or use a fixed warm light (e.g., 2700K).

CCT Limits

The Min/Max CCT slider constrains the fixture's color temperature range (e.g., a 3000K minimum prevents very warm light at sunset).

Tint Correction

The Brightness Boost and CCT Boost sliders bias the output brighter/dimmer or warmer/cooler than the raw sensor reading. Keep them centered to track the sky exactly; nudge them to compensate for tinted glass or personal preference.

Innerscene Mini Hub

The Mini Hub is a compact gateway that ships with every SkySync. It listens for SkySync's Bluetooth signal and rebroadcasts it three ways at once, so fixtures the sensor can't reach directly still stay in sync:

Higher-power Bluetooth rebroadcast (a stronger radio than the sensor's)
Innerscene Wireless mesh (fixture-to-fixture, no network needed)
UDP broadcast over your network (AES-encrypted, port 65003)

Place it within BLE range of SkySync

The Mini Hub's only input is SkySync's Bluetooth signal, so it must sit within about 20ft of the window-mounted sensor with a clear line of sight. Everything downstream (mesh, network) depends on that link.

Innerscene Mini Hub showing Ethernet and USB-C ports

Mini Hub — RJ45 (Ethernet/PoE) and USB-C power

When You Need the Mini Hub

Range Extension

Fixtures are beyond SkySync's direct 30ft BLE range. Mini Hub rebroadcasts at higher power for up to 50ft reach.

Multi-Room

Multiple rooms need sky data — use the network relay for building-wide coverage

Weak or Dropping Signal

Direct reception is marginal (only 1 bar, or occasional "Sensor offline"). Mini Hub rebroadcasts at higher power for a steadier link (see p.5).

Power Options

Method	What You Need	Best For
USB-C	Power supply included in the box	Quick setup, flexible placement
Power over Ethernet (PoE)	PoE switch or injector (IEEE 802.3af)	Clean single-cable install — power + data in one

Power consumption: 0.5W. Power the Mini Hub from the included USB-C supply or over PoE; any standard USB-C charger also works.

Mini Hub powered by the included USB-C cable

Powered by the included USB-C supply (PoE also supported)

Network Connection

Option A: Ethernet (Recommended)

Plug an Ethernet cable from your router/switch into the Mini Hub
The Hub picks up a DHCP address, then fixtures on the same network receive SkySync data via UDP broadcast

DHCP Required for the Network Path

The Mini Hub broadcasts SkySync data over the LAN only once it has a DHCP-assigned IP (standard on any home or office router, no manual setup). Ethernet is the most reliable connection, and with PoE you get power and network in a single cable.

Option B: WiFi

Power on the Mini Hub (USB-C, no Ethernet)
On your phone, join: Innerscene-hub-XXXX
Password: innerscene
Open 172.30.0.1 in your browser
Go to WiFi settings → Connect to WiFi
Select your network, enter password, tap Join

Note

If your WiFi network name or password changes, you'll need to reconnect to the Mini Hub's AP and reconfigure.

Using the Network Path: Put the Hub and Your Primary Fixture on One WiFi

For the network (UDP) path, the Mini Hub and your Circadian Sky primary fixture must be on the same network and subnet, each with a DHCP-assigned IP (the default on any router). UDP broadcast does not cross routers, guest networks, or client-isolated access points.

1. Connect the Mini Hub to WiFi

Power the Hub over USB-C (no Ethernet).
Join Innerscene-hub-XXXX (password innerscene).
Open 172.30.0.1 → WiFi settings → Connect to WiFi.
Select your network, enter the password, tap Join.

2. Connect the Primary Fixture to the Same WiFi

Connect to the fixture (Innerscene-... AP or the Innerscene Studio app).
Go to Settings → WiFi → Connect to WiFi.
Choose the same network as the Hub, enter the password, tap Join.
The WIFI badge appears on the SkySync page once data arrives over the network.

LED Indicators

LED	State	Meaning
Power	Solid on	Hub is powered and running
Ethernet	Blinking	Active network traffic (data relay in progress)
Ethernet	Off	No Ethernet cable connected (using WiFi or not connected)

Mounting & Placement

Mount using a single screw through the hole in the enclosure
Place within 20ft of SkySync for reliable BLE reception
Place within 50ft of fixtures for wireless relay, or connect to your network for longer distances
Ideal location: near a window with SkySync, close to a network drop

Mesh Rebroadcast

All Circadian Sky and Virtual Sun fixtures relay SkySync data via Innerscene Wireless mesh and UDP broadcast. Each relay hop decrements a TTL counter (default: 2 hops) with sequence deduplication to prevent loops. The primary fixture doesn't need to be closest to every secondary — the mesh extends coverage automatically.

Place the Mini Hub in a nearby closet, within BLE range of the window-mounted SkySync, wired to your network by Ethernet.

Multi-Fixture Setup

Three ways SkySync data reaches your fixtures — direct, Mini Hub relay, and network (UDP)

Primary & Secondary Fixtures

Innerscene fixtures use a wireless group system where one Primary fixture coordinates with Secondary fixtures.

Role	SkySync Behavior
Primary	Pairs with SkySync directly. Receives and distributes sky data.
Secondary	Receives SkySync data automatically via mesh. No setup needed — pre-provisioned by Innerscene.

Key Points

Only the Primary fixture needs to pair with SkySync
Multiple Primaries (e.g., in different rooms) can all pair to the same SkySync sensor
Secondaries receive SkySync data through the mesh — no action required
All fixtures relay SkySync data via Innerscene Wireless mesh (TTL-based, up to 2 hops by default) and UDP broadcast if on WiFi
Fixtures also relay Mini Hub broadcasts, extending coverage further

Wireless Group Details

For full details on setting up wireless groups, see the Circadian Sky User Guide.

Communication Modes — Three Ways Data Reaches Your Fixtures

SkySync data can reach a Circadian Sky fixture over three paths. Fixtures accept all of them at once, so extra paths add redundancy rather than compete. The SkySync page shows a reception badge for every path seen in the last two minutes, so you can tell exactly how data is arriving.

1. Direct

BLE

Range: ~30ft

SkySync → fixture over Bluetooth LE. No hub, no network. Best for a single room with the fixture within range of the window.

2. Mini Hub Rebroadcast

HUBP2P

Range: 20ft to hub + 50ft out

SkySync → Mini Hub → fixtures via higher-power BLE plus Innerscene Wireless mesh (P2P). Just add power, no network. The hub sits within BLE range of SkySync.

3. Network (UDP over WiFi/LAN)

WIFI

Range: Whole building (LAN)

SkySync → Mini Hub → LAN → fixtures via AES-encrypted UDP broadcast (port 65003). Best for multiple rooms. Hub and primary must share one network (p.11).

Reading the Reception Badges

Open the SkySync page (Settings → SkySync, or tap the SkySync row on Home) and look at the Status row beneath the live readings. Each badge is a path that delivered data in the last two minutes, shown in priority order:

WIFI HUB P2P BLE

WIFI = network/UDP broadcast, HUB = Mini Hub, P2P = fixture-to-fixture mesh, BLE = direct from SkySync. Seeing more than one is normal and means the data has a redundant path.

SkySync Settings page showing reception badges

Reception badges in the SkySync page Status row

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Solution
"SkySync Found" doesn't appear on home screen	Sensor out of range, not transmitting, or paired to another fixture	Press the SkySync button to trigger transmission. Move within 30ft. Check battery level.
Weak signal (1 bar or dropping)	Distance or walls between SkySync and fixture	Move SkySync closer to the fixture, reduce obstructions, or use the Mini Hub for network relay instead of direct wireless.
CCT reads low on a clear day (<10,000K)	Interior light reflections or poor sensor aiming	Ensure the hood is fitted to block room light. Re-aim the sensor more steeply toward the sky. Test with room lights off. Reposition to reduce glass reflections from interior surfaces.
"Outside operating hours — using schedule"	Current time is outside your SkySync active window	Normal behavior. Adjust the operating hours slider in SkySync Settings if needed.
"Low light — using schedule"	Sensor lux below minimum threshold (dawn/dusk/night)	Normal behavior. Adjust brightness limits or "When too dark" action in Settings.
"Sensor offline — using schedule"	No SkySync data received for 10+ minutes	Press the SkySync button. Check battery (<10% = replace CR2477). Verify sensor is within range or Mini Hub is active.
Mini Hub not relaying data	Network misconfiguration	Verify Ethernet LED blinks. Confirm fixtures are on the same WiFi network/subnet as the hub. Restart the hub by removing and reapplying power.
Fixture not responding to SkySync	SkySync disabled, wrong mode, or old firmware	Check SkySync toggle is enabled. Verify firmware ≥ v2.0.61. Ensure control mode is set to "Automated (Schedule + SkySync)".
Colors look wrong compared to actual sky	Sensor aiming or interior reflections	Ensure the hood is fitted. Re-aim the sensor more steeply upward. Test with room lights off. Use the CCT Boost slider in SkySync Settings to fine-tune color.

Battery Replacement

SkySync uses a standard CR2477 coin cell battery with 10+ year life. The battery level is shown on the home screen and SkySync page.

Replace when the indicator shows below 10%
Battery readings can be affected by temperature; accuracy is ±5%
To access the battery, remove the front cover
CR2477 batteries are widely available online and at electronics retailers

USB-C Hard Power

SkySync includes a sealed USB-C port for installations requiring continuous power beyond the 10-year battery life. Remove the sealing tape and connect a USB-C cable for permanent operation. When USB-C is connected, the battery is bypassed.

Factory Reset & Shipping Mode

Action	How	Effect
Factory Reset	Press and hold the button for 5 seconds until LED confirms	Resets polling interval, TX power, and calibration to factory defaults. Does not unpair.
Shipping Mode	Tap the button 5 times within 5 seconds	Enters ultra-low-power standby (<1µA). Press the button to wake. Used for long-term storage.
Reboot	Press and hold for 10 seconds	Forces a cold restart of the sensor.

SkySync Sensor Specifications

Sensors
Sky Sensor	10° narrow FOV (black cylinder with lens)
Ambient Sensor	180° wide FOV (white round diffuser)
CCT Range	2,200K – 1,000,000K
Lux Range	0 – 100,000+ lux

Communication
Protocol	Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Frequency	2.4 GHz ISM band
Direct Range	30ft to fixture
With Mini Hub (BLE)	20ft sensor → hub, 50ft hub → fixture
With Mini Hub (Network)	Unlimited (via UDP broadcast on LAN)
Update Interval	15 seconds (default, configurable 5–3600s)

Power
Battery	CR2477 coin cell (pre-installed)
Battery Life	10+ years
USB-C	Sealed port for hard-power installations
Operating Hours	Dawn to dusk (auto night suspend)

Physical
Dimensions	1.2″ × 4″ (32mm × 104mm)
Mounting	Built-in adhesive on swivel cylinder base
Swivel	Up/down tilt for sky aiming
IP Rating	IP20 (indoor use)
Outdoor	Waterproof enclosure available separately

Compatibility
Fixtures	Circadian Sky, Virtual Sun
Min. Firmware	v2.0.61
App	Innerscene Studio (iOS and Android)

Safety & Warranty
Battery Safety	UL 1642 Listed
Warranty	5 years

Innerscene Mini Hub Specifications

Connectivity
SkySync Reception	BLE, 20ft range from SkySync
BLE TX Power	+21 dBm (ESP32-S3 built-in antenna)
Wireless Relay	Innerscene Wireless proprietary mesh (no router needed) + BLE rebroadcast
Network Output	UDP broadcast (port 65003, AES encrypted)
Ethernet	10/100 Mbps
WiFi	2.4 GHz, WPA2-PSK, via web UI
Cloud Mode	TCP to Innerscene Cloud (SSL, outbound only) — coming soon

Physical & Electrical
Power	PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or USB-C (5V)
Consumption	0.5W
Enclosure	78mm × 27mm × 20mm
Antenna	Built-in (internal PCB antenna)
Mounting	Single screw to any surface
Operating Temp	0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
LEDs	Power (solid) & Ethernet (activity)
Warranty	5 years

Further Resources

Circadian Sky User Guide	innerscene.com/products/circadian-sky/user-guide
CS Installation Manual	innerscene.com/products/circadian-sky/installation-manual
VS Installation Manual	innerscene.com/products/virtual-sun/installation-manual
Mobile App	Search "Innerscene Studio" on the App Store or Google Play
Support	[email protected]