Lutrons RadioRA2 - Page 8

Maybe so, but they don't provide homeowner access to their website to download the RA2 software. I designed and installed an original RA system in a 1700 SQ FT townhouse and programmed it manually. Even used the klugey RS-232 to Ethernet interface to link to a computer and control via 3rd party software.

But my RA2 system has too many dimmers, switches, and keypads to try to program manually, even though I've laid out all of the scene and zone logic myself. If my installer hadn't left me with a copy of the software, I would have no way to get it (or to your point, I'm just not smart enough). There is no way that I can see for an average homeowner to do this as a DIY without the aid of someone who is licensed to get access to the software. And an authorized installer isn't just going to give you the software for nothing.

I will check but I believe an installer can provide level 1 software to a homeowner after installation.

I have a ra2 main repeater for sale...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/vbcla...do=ad&id=13916

I didn't realize the new architecture had a main repeater and aux repeater. I ordered 2 main repeaters thinking I could set one as an aux like in original ra. I was mistaken and my mistake could be your gain!

HTguru

Have you upgraded your ra repeater to the latest firmware?

I noticed on mine that the new firmware doesn't return a response when you query for the LED status of the main repeaters integration button led's.

So, for example

?device,1,101,9
should return the led state of button 1 on the main repeater like so
~device,1,101,1 or ~device,1,101,0

If you have upgraded to the latest firmware could you telnet into your main repeater and run the first ? command listed and see if you get a response?

Yes, I have upgraded to the latest firmware.

When I telnet and run the ? command I do not get any response. Just a blank line and a return to the gnet prompt.

Sure you don't need another main repeater? Make me an offer!

I wrote a support ticket for Lutron. I doubt they intended to nix that query/response.

I am pretty sure the way you get to the 200 device limit is by using two main repeaters, but you have to be level 2 certified to set it up....

Correct.

I actually don't need more than 100 devices. I just need more coverage than 1 repeater will provide.

Anyone want to trade a main repeater for an auxillary repeater?

Lutron newbie here. I have an existing HT setup which currently uses Insteon for control of two lighting circuits (cans and sconces) and one relay (inline duct fan for rack enclosure exhaust). The Insteon stuff has been the least reliable part of the control system, so I'm looking to replace it with *reliable* radio-based dimmers/relay and an IP or RS-232 based interface.

Radio Ra2 seems ideal, if somewhat pricey, but after reading all 219 posts I'm still not clear if I'll be able (competency issues aside) to configure even my simple system without the distribution-restricted software. I think that all I need to do is to learn the Integration ID of each device, then build the appropriate OUTPUT commands. And should be able to do that via telnet, from Fiasco's very informative posts. Is it that straight forward?

Thanks,
Mark

The system has to be programmed w/ software to use rs232 or Ethernet commands.

Did someone make this trade with you?

3no- call a few local installers, find out if any of them will provide the SW, if you buy devices from them, or do the initial install.

Or, try contacting some pros via PM.

Just an FYI, from a Lutron wholesale Dealer, if you bug your local Lutron Rep. enough and have a 1/2 day for training you can get the software yourself for free, and usually a free lunch as well...

If you are in Southern California or can get here we have regular trainings at the 'Lutron Experience Center' in Irvine. I believe there is also one in NY and FL. (edit & PA)

Either way if your dealer can muster enough people they will come to their shop and do a training. Start bugging them!!!

paul@hankselectric.net

I'm not so sure about that, spiwrx. I doubt Lutron would piss off all their installers, to satisfy a handful of DIYers.

If you look at the problems the pro installers have had, described in various threads, they're usually not the run-of-the-mill difficulties. The Lutron reps, nor tech support, don't want to deal with a multitude of calls from amateurs.

The RA2 course is 2 days, BTW.

Agreed. The installer is supposed to be the support point of contact, thus the required training.

Really, for the installation of a intuitive lighting control system, you want someone with experience in design and programming. Having consistent led feedback and keypad button layout is important and could be challenging with no 'training'.

I find there are a lot of 'just because you can, doesn't mean you should' with lighting control. These systems should be kept very simple and intuitive. (imo)

I have to agree with you, however some of the DIY people I meet from AVS, are far more educated than many so called 'installers' I deal with every day. I Just don't think you should generalize like that.

The Ra2 system is intuitive and easy enough for most DIY to do basic lighting control. Beyond basic functionality, sourcing a more experienced installer could be beneficial.

Lutron has expressed no limits or prerequisites to us about who can attend L1 RA2 training. Ultimately they want to sell the stuff, and who better to sell it than people educated on it and own it.

I was thinking the same thing when I saw the original post....


Then again, some DIY's will want to take the RA2 further than some installers will want to go (at least for any reasonable price). The whole system is very well designed and easy to program. It's the kind of thing you could play with for hours on end, tweaking bits here and there until you get everything perfect. (Now if only they'd get a fan controller released...)

I can verify this. I had a system installed with 20 dimmers and lamp controllers, 5 motion detectors, and 5 in-wall keypads and 3 remotes. The installer did the electrical work and the initial programming but left me with a copy. I used the system for a few weeks and made notes of everything I wanted to change or add. I then used the software with about a 30 minute demo from my installer (no class) to make the changes. I wasn't totally happy with the results, so I've done 4 versions of changes. Now that I'm satisfied and I've had a chance to use it for a couple months to ensure that everything works as expected (those All Off functions are the hardest to get right), I've finalized the keypad labels and we're getting those ordered this week.

For lighting control, the software is pretty easy, certainly no more difficult than most of the DIY software out there. It may not have a drag and drop interface like some, but the programming logic and principals are the same.

My simple DIY project is making progress, but I'm stuck. I've installed and set up the devices (2 dimmers and a switch) and the main repeater using the software. They work just fine.

My problem is on the IP integration. I have the correct commands, as they work via telnet, but my IP controller (iRule) is not connecting to the main repeater. I have the correct IP address for the main repeater, but the controller wants to know the port. No where in the Essentials software, telnet info or googling the web can I find any info on an IP port for the main repeater.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

If you have been using just a regular Telent client to test then, by default it is connecting on port 25. You tried that?

I've tried port 23 (which is the default telnet post), and the iRule app says it's connected, but the main repeater isn't responding to #DEVICE commands. Which makes sense, as coming in on port 23 the iRule app (or any control software) would need to open a telnet session with login/password just to send a command.

Is port 23 telnet protocol the only IP integration entry into the main repeater?

Port 23 is correct. After you get connected, you will have to send the username and password before you can send commands or receive monitoring status.... The main repeater just needs a line feed and carriage return sent between the username and password (terminated with the same - just like all the commands), so you can actually send it as one initialization string without any pause or wait..

I have written a two way interface with my RadioRA2 system and iPad that supports all the (working and non-working) integration commands WITH full logic and also a database that allows for dynamic scene generation/play back plus recording of all system usage (primarily to show historical system usage graphically). Does irule support two communication, or just the ability to send commands?

Sorry, 25 is FTP isn't it, been a while since I had to worry....

I would have sworn the Integration guide had an example showing sending userid and password but I can't find it. I suppose you could try removing the Telnet userid and password altogether from the Integration Settings, if only to see if that will do the trick? I plan on doing my own touch screen programming starting sometime soon so I'll also be chasing this.

I was looking at RadioRA2 stuff and found this thread. As I didn't see an answer to this question I figured I can start here with providing answers

Irule does currently not support 2-way. It has been promised as an upcoming future by the developers (active here on AVS). It was delayed as the ipad came out sooner than they had originally intended and for obvious reasons it was more important to put out a product for the ipad and get that customer base.

So it is coming and super excited about it then I will add lightning stuff

iRule doesn't but CommandFusion does!

Here is my RA page from my iPad home controller. Left column is individual ra switches, mid column is dimming slider, right column is group or scene buttons. The lighting control columns are scrollable (I have 20 or so dimmers/switches)

Does CommandFusion require Crestron?

No cf can talk to pretty much anything

Anyone know if the RA2 packages are vendor-specific, or Lutron driven?

For example, Classic RA had the 'Safe Entry Package', which seemed pretty standard across vendors.