Lutron Spacer System vs Grafik Eye

I, like you, wanted a set-up with zones and simple scene lighting. Having only two zones I used two spacer preset dimmers with IR. This gave me 5 scenes (four scenes+ all on/all off). For each scene I can set the levels of brightness for both zones seperately. So although not infinate, it does give me many combos of lighting.

I use a Harmony 1000 which works flawlessly. I have never had any problem with IR bleedover from aiming the remote at the screen, but my dimmers are a little further away than it sounds like yours will be. But I do know that the "cone" of IR signal that I aim at the dimmers is relitively small, so I don't think you will have a problem.

I did not install a master dimmer in my set-up because my switches are not near my entrance, so there is no way to touch them when I come in. So instead, my remote is on its' charging stand at my entrance and I set a one touch button for all lights (dimmed) to come on as I enter. Since you have yours at the entrance you may want to consider a master switch. They are more expensive than the preset dimmers so you'll have to weigh that in. You dont need one, I'm just sayin'.

Also, you may know this, you will need four switches, one for each zone. Either four presets, or one master and three presets.

I believe for Spacer that's correct. The dimmers/switches have a transparent back cover, so it literally repeats IR from the master switch "behind the scenes", flooding the gang box with IR internally that is picked up by receivers in the other switches/dimmers. Interesting way to solve the problem and gets rid of wiring between switches and the issues that go along with that...


If that's the case you can save some money by using Spacer switches instead of dimmers. But I think you'll need to have them all in one box. You might have to order 4-gang plates from the web, but they're available.

Jeff

Black wall plates of all kinds are available at Menard's up to 3 openings at very reasonable prices. I paid around 19 cents a piece for single opening ones and around a dollar and small change for the 3 opening ones. I am sure they can order the 4 opening ones for you. I have ordered several odd configuration wall plates from them with no problems. 4 gang boxes in both metal and plastic are available at both Home Depot and Menard's. The metal ones are a bit pricey I agree, but the plastic ones are around $5 at both places. I don't know about Lowe's. Even though I am not Muslim, I quit doing business with them after they pulled their advertising from a TV program dealing with Muslim familes. I don't support companies that discriminate. They could decide not to support white, college educated, poor people next with that kind of thinking, then where would I be?

If the four-gang box/cover is too hard for you to get, you can mount two two-gang boxes next to each other, keep in mind the distance between them must be based on the size of the two cover plates. There is a way for them to be in seperate boxes, with a master in one box with a preset switch, and the other two presets in the other. I am looking for a link for you that has someone explaining how they did this. I remember it does have something to do with a type of repeater. I'l post it when I find it. But if you go with the four-gang box, easiest IMHO, you caneasily put four presets or three presets and one master. Either way, if all four switches are in the same box then they would all receive the IR signal at the same time.

[quote=Crash11;22096001] So if my remote is sending out a signal to go to say "scene 2"....why do the dimmers need to communicate with each other? Don't they all get that signal independently from the remote?


The only time they "communicate with each other" is when you install a master. The master communicates with the others. If you install four presets, they each have an IR receiver on the front of the switch.

Also, keep in mind the spacer dimmers come in 600w and 1000w sizes, order correctly.

See this link

http://www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocum..._submittal.pdf

I think the master is the only one that understands "Scene 2", and it repeats "dimmer up/down" to each individual one. Using the remote by itself, I assume there is some dimmer addressability and they're sending multiple codes in a macro...


Yes you are.


No you're not.


Oh, sorry - this is 'abuse'... You want 'understanding', two doors down on the left... (sorry, couldn't resist an "Argument Clinic" reference...)

Jeff

Basically the only difference between the Master and the the Preset dimmers, is 1: that the master has buttons on it which you can push to activate the different scenes and 2: it can send signals via clear backs (on the switches) to the other switches. The Preset switches can operate scenes via a remote or a Master, but they do not require a Master to work. They "Understand" " Scene 2" ect.

Ah, ok, yeah that makes sense since from the dimmer's perspective, it's just "preset A/B/C/D" - the fact that other dimmers are involved - it doesn't care...

Thanks for the clarification.

Jeff

What kinda price difference between let's say a four spacer system compared to a Lutron 3404 or similar can be had for around 300-400 on the Bay.

If you can use the switches for 2 zones instead of dimmers, looks like it would be ~$250-300 for the Spacer setup (master controller, 2 dimmers, 1 switch) - assuming you put the star ceiling/rope/step lights on one switch. If you want more individual control, you're certainly getting close to a 4-zone GE.

Jeff

eBay has then pop up all then time for around 300-500. Used and new.

Looking at the Spacer specs, it is possible with "accessory" products to put them in separate boxes. But it will cost you more $$$.


I suggested the switches ("Spacer switch") because they're usually cheaper than a dimmer for the same system - but looking on the web, that doesn't appear to be the case. The dimmers are cheaper than the switches - probably due to volume/popularity...


You'll have to call a dealer if you want an authorized dealer price. They aren't allowed to post pricing on the web, but can sell via the phone. I used Hank's Electric for my purchases.

Jeff

I found my white 6-zone GE on Craigslist ($150) and spray painted the front cover black. It took time to mask it all off, but in the end I figured if it didn't work I would just buy a new cover. I have yet have anyone say "hey, did you paint that cover!"

Nice....!

If I need to have 6 zones is that doable with the spacer system? I also want to have a master scene switch in another part of the room. Can I have 6 "preset" dimmers in one location and put the master elsewhere? Would this be cheaper than going with a GE? I would need a black GE.

You can do this with a "remote" master control (which is different than a regular master control). They cost about $200 for the MC and $100/ea for the dimmers.. maybe cheaper on the 'bay.

I did the math when I wired my theater and a used GE is difficult to compete with, provided you are willing to wait and bid intelligently. You can always order a different color faceplate from your supply house if you don't want to paint it.

Tim