Expanding from Lutron Classic

[aka23]

My home currently has lighting control with Lutron Radio RA (classic). There are a few dozen components. The lighting is integrated into my URC remote with various macros. For example, when I am done watching TV at night and ready to head to bed, I can press one button to simultaneously turn off all theater devices and form a lighting pathway to my bedroom. I think I'm at the limits of what I can do with Lutron Radio RA (classic) and my MX-900 remote, and I want to expand to other times of home automation. Skimming through the site some things I've seen that interest me are integrating in motion sensors, climate control, security cameras, and long distance control via the Internet. I'd prefer to continue to use my existing Lutron lighting if possible. Looking through this site and others, I've seen dozens of automation manufacturers and am not sure of the best option for my situation.

Does anyone have recommendations of what hardware/manufacturers to focus on? Note that I prefer to do it my self over using an installer. My budget is flexible. I'm more concerned with value, including resale value.

 

[Rupp]

You should download a trial of HomeSeer. I know there is a RadioRA plugin but I'm not sure it's still being developed as most DIYers use one of the main stream protocols like, Z-Wave, UPB, Insteon or X10. HomeSeer can control nearly anything you can throw at it but it requires some tinkering from time to time if the device isn't a common device ie, some serial based contact closure boards. Otherwise there are plugins for nearly all security systems, supports all major protocols side by side, cameras, thermostats, lighting, motions sensors and the entire HomeSeer GUI is web based and accessible from anywhere in the world there is an Internet connection. You can download a trial here: http://www.homeseer.com

 

[aka23]

Thanks. What would be the advantage of choosing HomeSeer over alternatives like HAI, Elk or one of the many others that support RadioRA (via RS-232)? Looking at the 3 websites, I get the impression Homeseer is more software focused than the other two and seems to have a smaller portion of users with RadioRA. On their forum a rep mentioned that they didn't have plans to even support RadioRA2 due to the poor sales of their RadioRA device. In contrast HAI supports both RA and RA2 and seems to have a good number of users choosing both. Elk appears to have similar functionality & price to HAI, but focused more on security (which does not interest me).

 

[Rupp]

Thanks. What would be the advantage of choosing HomeSeer over alternatives like HAI, Elk or one of the many others that support RadioRA (via RS-232)? Looking at the 3 websites, I get the impressionHomeSeerr is more software focused than the other two and seems to have a smaller portion of users with RadioRA. On their forum a rep mentioned that they didn't have plans to even support RadioRA2 due to the poor sales of their RadioRA device. In contrast HAI supports both RA and RA2 and seems to have a good number of users choosing both. Elk appears to have similar functionality & price to HAI, but focused more on security (which does not interest me).

If RadioRA/RA2 is the only interest here then yes HomeSeer wouldn't be for you. HomeSeer is more of a integration automation package where it ties together your Elk/HAI with voice, phone, and other protocols such as UPB and Z-Wave which allows you to control your door locks when it's bed time for example or disarm your security system when someone unlocks your Z-Wave door locks, etc. HomeSeer stopped support of RadioRA due to textremelymly ldemandand for the protocol.