Only dealers can change Lutron RA2 IP address - Page 3

If the homeowner can have enough control to add another login for a new iPad, or adjust the timercontrol events so that something turns on at 5pm instead of 8pm, there is nothing for you dealers to worry about. This idea of having such absolute control to babysit the homeowner over every little setting is going to drive away customers (like me) to other products.

If you're wondering why I'm not using another product (yet) it's because it's not so easy to uninstall the Lutron components considering all the labor involved. The thing is that I didn't do enough research to read other homeowner's experiences about being locked out of the system settings. My intent is to help educate so people can make more informed decisions before purchasing.

Another reason I haven't removed the Lutron system is because I like the industrial design and the artistry that goes into the Lutron RA2 products. It blends very nicely with the interior decor. So in a way, I'm putting up with the nonsense to have nice looking devices.

I don't know what installation you're talking about (an imaginary one?) because mine was done by an experienced authorized Lutron dealer. We ran into quirks that are not his fault at all, but rather designed into the product. The issue here is not about DIY vs. dealer installation, but rather the issue is homeowner ability to manage automation settings after the dealer leaves the house. Lutron designed it to "call the electrician to plug the toaster into a different kitchen outlet" if I can use an analogy. Even if something is installed professionally the homeowner should be able to manage certain settings that are user preferences (timer settings) or that are interdependent with other homeowner managed devices that tend to change (logins for iPad, home network). What has that got to do with DIY? Very little. Instead it's about homeowner ability to manage settings that could be affected by other consumer devices, after it is professionally installed.

No, my dealer does understand the Lutron product line. The dealer and his company are very good. I'm making my own independent observations based on the inherent design of the product.

Lutron can fix this, and if someone from Lutron happens to come across this thread, here's an opportunity. Create a software tool for the homeowner so that the homeowner can change the IP address if needed. The tool should also allow the homeowner to edit telnet logins for iPhones/iPads, and to edit the Timercontrol settings if the homeowner wants to change the time when the lights turn on and off.

Even if Lutron gave the homeowner such basic management access, they could still make the ability to add new Lutron devices a dealer-only capability in order to prevent DIY. I am OK with that. But it is ridiculous to prevent the homeowner from managing their own system when other consumer devices (network router, iPhone, etc.) require a setting change.