Ra2 is a game changer - i have the hook up

[Fiasco]

This is what I mean by inline module. Something that goes somewhere in the line and is controlled either as part of a scene from a keypad or just automatically via automation. I rely on them for several areas where you don't have control via a wall switch. The come bother in dimmer modules and relay/contactor models. IMHO a lighting system is not complete without something like these. Some people 'cheat' and take a regular switch and pull the button off of it and use it in a box inline but that not the same as a dedicated module.

No RA does not have that. I can see the value in it and will forward that product to my Lutron rep.

Cheating w/ a switch isn't the same as you suggested. The most obvious reason... a switch can't handle an entire 20amp circuit.

 

[Steve]

Well if it is a relay switch it can. In the other techs there are dimmer switches and relay switches. The relay switch is a simply relay/contactor designed for inductive loads, etc that can't be dimmed. Even still it is not the same. Here are a few ways that I use them...

1. Wired in attic to an 'inline' bathroom fan that is also in attic. It comes on automatically with shower lights and stays on for 45 min after lights go out or it can be controlled via a keypad button.
2. Wired in cabinet base to control a shaving mirror. Comes on as part of a 'shave' scene.
3. I have several Outdoor outlets that are tapped off of interior outlets. The interior outlets are in locations where they are never used. The inline modules are tucked into the outlet box and covered with blank plate. Outdoor outlets (in some cases several in series) are now controlled via automation or by keypad button. This works great for holiday lighting without having to put 'appliance modules' outdoors.
4. Control several rows or banks of recessed lights via 1 switch. Load on switch control first bank, subsequent banks are wired with inline module in attic and controlled separately with keypad or an 'all banks on' button can be programmed.

All of these things would be very difficult without these types of modules. It's one reason why I maintain UPB in addition to other technologies but it would be a dream to have one tech that has ALL the right components.

 

[electron]

While this thread sometimes sounds like a commercial, it is a very interesting thread!

I personally use a 20A PCS UPB inline module to control my pool pump.

 

[Herdfan]

I have read about RA2 but have not got my hands on any devices yet. I thought homeworks was a hardwired system. Why would you be comparing a hardwired system to RA 2?

You might be surprised how many builders/integrators will spec RadioRa for a new house because it is what they or their electrician can get from distribution. HW4 would most certainly be a better solution, but they can't get it. HW also has a rock solid wireless system.

I would like to here your opinions on why RA2 is a better product than UPB, INSTEON, JETSTREAM, Z WAVE, RA 1 ect.

That list would take too long. Lets just say I had a house full of Insteon devices. I now have HW Wireless.

 

[Herdfan]

For receptacles I use the RRD-3LD-XX tabletop lamp dimmer.

I hide these.

I built 2 of these for my HW Wireless system. Since I was hitting the 64 device limit, I could not use 5 of these. So I went and bought a dual gang handy box and a drill repair cord. I installed a HRD-10D and a receptacle in this box. Plug the lamps into the receptable and the drill cord into the wall and you have a homemade RRD-10LD. I then hide it under the couch.

I was surprised that it worked in a metal box but it has never missed a command. In fact, the only time my HW wireless system has ever missed a command was when my wife unplugged a repeater and didn't plug it back in. I fixed that by hardwiring the repeater and hiding it.

 

[Fiasco]

I was surprised that it worked in a metal box but it has never missed a command. In fact, the only time my HW wireless system has ever missed a command was when my wife unplugged a repeater and didn't plug it back in. I fixed that by hardwiring the repeater and hiding it.

Ah yes, some electronics must be hidden from family members especially small children. You never know when they will decide to see if the new smaller RA2 repeater will fit down the toilet unlike the older large RA chronos you had to replace when they decided to see if it would fit down the toilet.

 

[Esbelectric]

Herdfan - just curious how many loads and keypads your hw system has and how much it would cost if someone wanted the same setup that you have. Also i think that alot of the members here are the type who like to be able to make changes to their systems, i know that can be done easily with ra2 and an hai panel. What kind of programming changes can be made by the end user to a homeworks system.

 

[Esbelectric]

Does Lutron make an in-line relay or dimmer module? That would also be a killer for me and it also a reason why I maintain a hybrid Jetstream and UPB network. UPB (or others not being discussed) have more more product available than some like Jetstream and maybe? Ra2? Without outlets, inline modules, etc the product line is too limiting.

Could you switch a parking lot full of 200W sodium hallide fixtures with a RA switch? Coupled with a contactor, absolutely.

Or, say you wanted to control a mechanical pool filter with RA. You would use a contactor inline with the RA switch and take advantage of RA's timeclock to schedule your filter. The same would apply to an outdoor hottub.

fiasco - thanks for the very detailed info you have provided in this thread, there have been almost 800 views, i think that is great exposure for ra2. Also i think those shades look great. I do have to ask though, what is a sodium hallide fixture? Just giving you a hard time, you are obviously very well informed about ra2 and again great info.

 

[Fiasco]

btw the hybrid keypad is wayyy overpriced, i will gladly cut in a bigger box

I'm sure they are more expensive but... (and I'm suprised this didn't occur to me earlier)

A hybrid keypad replaces a regular keypad AND a maestro. If you cut a bigger box as you say you still would have to purchase both items to perform the same function.

I have not priced a hybrid yet but I'm guessing though more expensive then a regular keypad it prices the same or less then a regular keypad + maestro (- labor to cut in and rewire a box = savings).

When I pull a quote for a hybrid I'll report back if that is indeed the case.

 

[Esbelectric]

I'm surprised that didn't occur to me either, that does make more appealing, although it is still lower wattage, still that is a much narrower price gap once you figure that in, makes me wonder if I would really rather cut in a bigger box

 

[Fiasco]

BTW, iPhoners.

I have mentioned CommandFusion a few times. CommandFusion iViewer is a free app. The free app has limited functionality but presents enough functionality to give you a taste of what it can do controlling your RA lighting system. It has a free download GUI builder.

If you have RA2 and want to try it out, I would be happy to help you get started out w/ a CommandFusion remote screen on your iPhone.

 

[Esbelectric]

What hardware would be required fiasco, other than an iPhone/touch/pad?

 

[Fiasco]

While this thread sometimes sounds like a commercial, it is a very interesting thread!

I personally use a 20A PCS UPB inline module to control my pool pump.

I was looking at UPB for some yard lighting/receptacle control. There are 3 lighting subpanels in the yard seperated by 600' or so controlling many receptacle rocket posts. Too great a distance for RF and trenching in control lines wasn't an appealing option.

I have not used UPB yet so I would be interested in your take on using UPB controls outside in Nema 3R enclosures.

 

[Fiasco]

What hardware would be required fiasco, other than an iPhone/touch/pad?

RadioRa 2 main repeater connected to your house's wireless network.
at least one RA maestro device controlling a load
iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

Do you have an iPhone, iPad or iTouch? I could whip up a quick GUI and let you control my house.

 

[Esbelectric]

What hardware would be required fiasco, other than an iPhone/touch/pad?

RadioRa 2 main repeater connected to your house's wireless network.
at least one RA maestro device controlling a load
iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

Do you have an iPhone, iPad or iTouch? I could whip up a quick GUI and let you control my house.

I have a ra2 main repeater hooked to my wireless network, ra2 dimmers, and an ipad.

Would I need to run something on a pc connected to the network to make it work?