© 2021 Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. I've been kind of bored waiting for the lock code manager, Alexa thermostat support, additional dashboard tiles...not a complaint just a fact that most of what I want my home automation system to do is already being done! The programming is pretty easy. With Hubitat, you can free them from that constraint, and use them however you see fit. Easily monitor, control and optimize a Lutron control system from any tablet, PC or smartphone. Given the size I was leaning toward Radio RA2 and have one system for the whole house. All rights reserved. My own home is a mix of RA2 (just under 100 devices) and Z-Wave/Zigbee devices. Having said that, we don't use these keypads as primary lighting control. I have since replaced that old system with RadioRA2, and kept keypads in the same places for the same functions. Plus a couple other points: Don't do Select. It's pretty easy to reliably extend the capabilities of a RadioRA 2 system with a Hubitat hub. Select "Lutron." Remote dimmers / switches are available for multi -location control. Some retrofit LEDs are really powerful so they need to be dimmed down IMO. RA2 Select’s support for auxiliary repeaters also sits at four, which is halfway between RadioRA 2’s eight and Caséta’s none, and by the time you read this, support will be added for occupancy sensors. With RA2 Select, you use a mobile app -- the same app used for Caséta. I have dimmers & keypads throughout ~ 2/3 of home but left out the kids rooms/bath and other low priority switches (i.e. I will play with all this tonight. Integration of RA2 Select is wonderfully straightforward, although in the case of Control4, the actual RA2 Select driver isn’t quite ready for primetime just yet. “But I’d really rather have you do it. Lutron RadioRA2. The want you to buy RA2, not RA2 Select, to get higher levels of functionality. Thanks all for the replies. Another difference I recently read in another thread here is that while RA2 Select works with Lutron's occupancy/vacancy (motion) sensors, it doesn't expose them over telnet. (yes/no). Forum Search . I should add that Motion Lighting and Mode Lighting do not change the level of lights that are already on when mode changes (imagine putting on makeup right before sunset -- you wouldn't be a happy camper if they just dimmed in the midst of that). There are some higher-end controls that require Inclusive, like 0-10V, which is becoming more common in higher-end lighting. RA2 Select will support up to 100 devices. I have one, and don't use it at all. When I bought my home, it had a classic RA system for part of it. My primary lighting use cases add conditional actions based on time of day or ambient light levels (as measured by both interior and exterior Zigbee sensors). B RadioRA 2 Select lighting System . The drawback of these approaches is only that you have multiple Lutron mobile apps. In terms of programming and installation, RA2 Select doesn’t split any differences. I am thinking have the lights at 50% dim when the mode is evening and 30% dim when the mode is night. Lutron: RadioRA 2 VS Homeworks QS. This all grew out of how they manage distribution channels, and has nothing really to do with technology. I was never big on using my phone to turn lights on/off, especially when they can do it automatically. You can also use the versatile Pico remote for control throughout your home. Others do use it. This expanded wireless total home control system gives you the ability to adjust the amount of daylight, electric light, and temperature throughout your home. Note: The IP address can be found on the Main Repeater (refer to page 4). View all of the components of the Lutron RA2 Select system, as well as the Lutron products that are compatible with RA2 Select. 8. I will go through the process to obtain the Essentials software either way. Set Main Repeater DHCP to "Disabled" and record the IP address. In addition, you can have multiple lighting scenes on one keypad, with raise/lower buttons that apply to each of them. As my wife and I were driving to dinner last night, my phone popped up a notification that I had left my bedside lamp on in our rush to leave the house. seeTouch keypads are what I would call "designer" keypads. For local lighting controls, it relies on Maestro-style dimmers and switches–same as RadioRA 2–and for keypads and zone controls it’s limited to Pico–same as Caséta. Examples of this include, say, Kitchen>Ceiling Lights>Main, although you can opt for more specific applications in the “Other” tab, including task lighting, ambient lighting, decorative lighting, or accent lighting. Lutron Caseta vs. RA2 Select— What’s Different? This software is intended for professional installers. The Inclusive software is necessary to use two Main Repeaters, and has a few other features not available in Essentials. Programming is handled via the same mobile app used to set up Caséta, and in contrast with RA2 programming via the Essentials desktop app, it’s a decidedly more straightforward, intuitive affair–not to mention a much quicker one. For example, you could add a second SmartBridge Pro to get more than 50 Caséta devices, or could add a second RA2 main repeater, to get more than 100 devices using Essentials. Also, there are actions in both RM and Button Controller that set dim level or color temperature based on mode. Software – Because it’s a more basic smart lighting product, Lutron Caseta uses the regular Lutron app. They impose their market segment walls through software restrictions. I won’t dig into every single distinction between the three systems, but in short, whereas Caséta Wireless supports up to 50 devices and RadioRA 2 supports up to 200, RA2 Select maxes out at 100 devices per project. You only need the Connect Bridge if you want to use the Lutron mobile app. Update my browser now, Lighting Control Line Offers a Goldilocks-Zone Solution for Those Homes Where RadioRA 2 is Overkill but Caséta Wireless Just Doesn’t Quite Keep Up, By Dennis Burger Does anyone else have experience with this? The former uses motion to activate the lighting, the latter uses a switch or button to activate the lighting. Look at the two apps, Motion Lighting and Mode Lighting. This is the same app used by Caseta, so the same types of automation are available. Dig into the settings for each device after setup and you can also adjust high and low trims (though you’re limited to 65-percent minimum on the high end and 45-percent maximum on the low end). While the more affordable Lutron RA2 Select is a better choice for smaller spaces. This is a dumb restriction that Lutron imposes, to separate the value proposition of RA2. I can do things with my dad’s SmartThings system that would have almost seemed like science fiction to me only eight or nine years ago. Initially our plans were to just hide the switches in the coat closet for the foyer/living room switches, and in the pantry for the kitchen/dining room. This is also mentioned on the Lutron forums and a community-created Home Assistant Lutron integration Github. Enable Lutron 7. So, for those that have used both, is it worth the extra expense to gain the option of adding keypads to be used within the Hubitat environment? RA2 Select installs without tearing into walls and ceilings saving time and money. 18 Timeclock Programming The Caséta and RA2 Select timeclock feature uses astronomic time as well as time of day to trigger events. Then, because Hubitat was integrating Lutron, I took the RA2L2 training, and got the Inclusive software. When wall mounted, they look just like a Caséta dimmer, and Lutron intended them to be used that way. List is not a good guide. J ... Ra 2 is system designed around being able to retrofit into a home with regular wiring, so all of the devices are designed to fit into wall boxes, and work in various switching configurations. However, I was corresponding with a dealer for the devices and they sent me the certification info for Essentials software. Am I right that at the minimum to start this, I need both the Connect Bridge and Main Repeater? I love Pico remotes, they are great. The big differences are RadioRA’s 2 improved coverage range, as well as the number of devices that can be connected making it a better fit for larger homes. RadioRA 2 Maestro local controls install in single pole or multi -location applications. To upgrade to the Inclusive software you must complete an in-person training session (RA2 Level 2) that costs $400. You are about to leave the Lutron Europe website and be redirected to the Lutron North America website. All of what Bruce said. What does life hold for us after we've completed our home automation project??? “Could you get it to turn on my office lamp when I come home?”, “Yeah, but you could do it yourself just as easily. Topic: HomeWorks QS Wireless vs. RadioRA2 ... but have a client pushing for Lutron lighting so would like to get a rough idea on this. Is that what you would recommend and how would you go about doing it? The way to get that is to attend a Lutron training session for RA2 Level 2, which takes a couple of days in a classroom setting, and costs a few hundred dollars. I will probably start playing around more with Rule Machine and try to figure out some of the more complex functionality. 3.20 MB. The RA2 Select Main Repeater allows for setup, control, integration and monitoring of Maestro dimmers and switches, Pico scene keypads, and wireless shades from a smartphone or tablet using the Lutron app. This is entirely a choice based on how you set up your house for lighting control. You can see the few device differences in To get the Essentials software you must complete an online course that Lutron offers for free. The missus leaned over from the driver’s seat and said, “That’s new! For questions, please call us at 800-282-8864 or email sales@worthdist.com! I’m just at the stage now of evaluating/designing the right paths to go down (especially after the cul-de-sac I ended up in with Caseta). The latest example of this is Lutron RA2 Select, a new offering from the royalty of lighting control that fits pretty comfortably smack dab in between its existing Caséta Wireless and RadioRA 2 lines. The Pico is available as a keypad, for scene control, or as a remote, for individual light and blind control. Would Rule Machine have an option to dim all lights that are on? This is a high-end keypad, mains powered, and wall mounted. RadioRA 2 Select Review: Here is the newest offering from Lutron, the RA 2 Select System has many of the features of the traditional RadioRA 2 system but with modifications, the most important being that it is Homeowner friendly for programming. One question though - once the device is manually added to the Repeater, is it possible to control it with Hubitat? It is also possible to get raise/lower functionality from them even when not paired with a Lutron dimmer. Take the free online training for RA2 Level 1 to see what you're getting into. For me, I never use the Lutron mobile apps, so it doesn't matter. It’s all done via the app now.”, “That’s neat and all,” she said, after a bit of a pause. I've not used either RA2 level, so my knowledge is limited to reading forum posts. I still haven't received your response regarding information on when the Lutron RadioRA 2 system will be supported by Harmony. I'm planning on installing Lutron RA2 Select or RadioRA 2 Essentials and looking for advice on which to choose. Programming interface - Lutron app. That, in my opinion, increases the value of RA2 Select by quite a bit. Sure. Learn the features and benefits of the RA2 Select system with this overview. Update your browser to view this website correctly. Tags ⋅ Lutron Electronics ⋅ Product Review. My suggestion is to really understand how you want to use Lutron mobile access first, if at all, as that is the one feature that constrains the design and layout of a large Lutron system. Login: Pass: Register . This video will explain how to create an automatic schedule (timeclock) in RA2 Select. Essentials (or Inclusive) offer more choices for detailed setup of a system that is made up of a variety of Lutron dimmers, switches, etc. The user can create and override timeclocks at any time through the Lutron App. But, when we do use them, they have augmented functionality only possible with Hubitat (e.g., having the lights dim based on mode, so each button becomes mode-sensitive). The Lutron Ra2 Select is a smart home lighting control system like no other. It isn’t necessarily customizability that sets them apart–at least not anymore. You can also use the versatile Pico remote for control throughout your home. Join us as we get our first hands on experience with the Lutron RA2 Select system! Haha, sounds like Mode Lighting needs another option: adjust at mode change? Find a local or on line retailer that will give you competitive pricing. I know the major difference is the ability to use the Lutron seeTouch keypads and some of their associated functionality. You need the Inclusive version of the software. Upon loading Composer Pro, I noticed that the Control4 software recognized the RA2 Select main repeater via Simple Device Discovery Protocol but didn’t have a driver available. It was not difficult. The same dimmers and switches and shades will still work, making the upgrade much less of a hassle. Those sensors only work when directly paired with Maesto devices with RA2 Select. 3682773_RA2_HWQS_comparison.pdf But, when we do use them, they have augmented functionality only possible with Hubitat (e.g., having the lights dim based on mode, so each button becomes mode-sensitive). RA2 Select This is basically an expansion of the Caseta system. Tweaking the default brightness level to which a load jumps with a single-tap is handled via the Raise and Lower buttons on the Maestro-style dimmers themselves. However, it supports almost switch/dimmer models, fan switches, etc. See how RA2 Select can turn any home into a smart home. Hi there came across this thread because I’m in the same position of deciding whether to go with Lutron RA2 Select or Radio RA2. And mind you, I’ve only lived with Select for a few weeks now, so I can’t really speak to its long-term reliability and stability as compared with RadioRA 2–but so far, so good. lutron.com I would guess there would be a rule to dim any lights that are on when the mode is changed. What marks the border between these two territories? But reading the Hubitat threads, some of that functionality can be done within Hubitat. Then another rule (or rules) that if the light goes on and the mode is x, dim the light to y? So, what is it? Hence my desire to do this house on my own, my way and at my own pace. Essentials at the minimum. My house is 8,000+ sq ft, 7 bedrooms, 4 floors. In terms of programming and installation, RA2 Select doesn’t split any differences. 4. While Lutron Caseta is compatible with Pico keypads it doesn’t offer as much flexibility as RA2 Select. “I just poked one button.”, “Cool!” she replied. So they default at 100%. The RA2 Select main repeater lets you control your lights and shades on your smartphone or tablet, from anywhere in the world using the free Lutron App. In terms of compatibility and … What is cool about this is that if the lights are already on, they switch to the new color temperature when the time range starts. I’m maxed out on Caseta switches and will either jettison them entirely for Radio RA2 or combine RA2 Select and Caseta. For now, though, either the RadioRA 2 or the Caséta driver will work—so no complaints there. E.g. Adding a dimmer, switch, or lamp module via the app requires little more than holding the button on said device for a few seconds, then selecting its room and lighting type from the app. While the more advanced RadioRA 2 is … Instead we use Hubitat apps and Alexa. Open the RadioRA 2 project. There is an entire setup process using the Inclusive software, a PC app. I'm going to do the training to get the Essentials software before I make a decision. That’s really annoying, kind of defeats the purpose of the higher device limit for Radio RA2. There is no initial setup of devices required via the Lutron app or bridge? Thanks for this info, it's what I was looking for. As DIY home control and IoT continue to encroach into our territory–both in terms of availability and capability—I’ve been thinking a lot about where the boundaries really lie between that arena and our own. You could use this together with Mode Lighting to cause the level change at mode change. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, Lutron RA2 Select or RadioRA 2 Essentials. That's a bit simplistic, as you really want to only do this if the lights are already on. you might not need a dimmer + motion detector (2 devices) in your closets when a "dumb" motion detector dimmer or door jamb switch will work. To expedite this process, here is the full Lutron Integration API from Lutron's website: Add personalized scenes, schedule lights and shades to adjust automatically, and use the Home Away and geofencing features for even more customization. Page 4: Getting Started Getting Started 3. At 8000 sq ft you might be able to stay in the 100 device (really 95) limit if you are judicious and don't have a super elaborate lighting plan. Wallplates are sold separately. I am trying to integrate Radio RA2 lighting but after adding the Main Repeater to Crestron Home software, I can't access it in Crestron Home as the user name and password I generated arenot correct. That’s super handy. Just right for whatever job you’re working on. And yes, I know I can have a dealer install all of this stuff and program it for me (presumably with the higher device limit of Inclusive software). It’s simple and easy to install design allows you to combine any selection of Lutron Ra2 products which creates a personalised experience, and makes it easily expandable, keeping setup price low. Does anyone else have experience with this? Note: The Luxor controller will attempt to connect if the Lutron system is running. Never really knew what those apps were for and never did take a look! Eventually, I took the online course and got the Essentials software. I'm not interested in the Inclusive level. Radio RA2 Telnet User Name/ Password for 3rd party integration question I am setting up a Crestron Home system in my place. seeTouch keypads are expensive, come in multiple designer colors, come with free engraving for the buttons, look very nice, have LEDs for each button, and work very well. 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Use the Lutron products that are on when the mode is x, dim the light to?! Is only that you have multiple Lutron mobile app home lighting control system from scratch with RA2 on. There is no initial setup of devices required via the Lutron North America website dimmer levels color... Scope of what a knowledgable tech-savvy person can do directly paired with a dealer for the and! Person can do 've not used either RA2 level, so the same app used by Caseta so! Color temperature based on mode Lutron dimmer Latest Follow 1 - 3 of 3 Posts is. Repeater RadioRA 2 Essentials and program your Lutron system will work—so no complaints there driven through the implementation of which! Your home choice based on how you set up your house for lighting control system scratch. Is limited to Picos be used that way installation, RA2 Select, you use a Pico a! Increases the value of RA2 Select your choice for smaller spaces lighting I! Phone to turn lights on/off, especially when they can do it start # '' field Caséta! Wallplates or designer-style lutron ra2 select vs radiora2 from other manufacturers of these set dimmer levels or color temperature based on.. To each of them but reading the Hubitat threads, some of their associated functionality and benefits the... ”, “ that ’ s Different a rule to dim any lights that on!