I understand that if I buy the Infrared Interface (Model # RA-IR) from Lutron, I can control "scenes" from an IR controller. Please share information, or direct me to information, that will enlighten me about this procedure.

Once I have the interface, I plug it in, confirm that the 'repeater' recognizes it, and.............

Thank you for your time.
Regards,
George Shutrump
[email protected]

You will have to setup your scenes and access the scenes with remote IR commands. Individual circuit dimming is available only thru RS232(I think). Maybe you should contact your supplier or Lutron for some support

Each IR Interface give you 15 scenes that can be set up as individual loads or traditional scenes. Plus an all on and an all off. Multiple IR interfaces can be used in the same system. You will need a Pronto to other universal remote that can learn the lutron codes to access the scenes. The RS-232 Interface is designed for use with home automation systems such as Crestron, AMX, Xplore, etc etc.. I dont think there is a regular PC/software interface. The ful RS-232 documentation is available on Lutrons website if you feel like writing one.

Is this helpful?

[Link: lutron.com]

jcmitch

Thanks JC - It was helpful because it inspired me to telephone Lutron Technical Support, and they said that I cannot control the "fade" feature unless I purchase a 'Graphic Eye' module (I swear, everyone has a different answer). Thus, unless someone has successfully accessed the 'fade' feature with an IR or R232 controller, and is willing to share their knowledge, I am going to let the issue rest.
Thanks for your time.
Be well.
George

What exactly is the "fade" feature you are looking for?

jcmitch

This explains the 'fade' feature which can be manually evoked by holding down the (on/off) switch. According to Lutron, (the tech I spoke with today) you can only program the fade feature with a "Grafik Eye" module. Thank you for taking the time to assist me.
Regards,
George

[Link: lutron.com]

What you've pulled up relates to Lutron's HomeWorks product. The term Fade in HomeWorks is the amount of time over which the dimmer reaches its preset level. Its available on any HomeWorks dimmer AFIK. Then again, you'll need a HomeWorks processor to control them. There are witreless versions

Your request was to explain the fade feature. The switches I have are the same ones used by the Homeworks system. If I "hold down" any of my dimmer switches for 2 seconds, I can invoke the fade feature. My plight is to control the fade feature from a remote. The first conversation I had with a Lutron technician said "you need an RS 232 interface," the next technician said "you need a Grafik Eye module," and I assumed that someone on this forum would be able to confirm one of the statements. Thank you again for your time.
Be well.
George

The switches you have are nothing like the homeworks switches.

Lutron produces a "Graphic Ra" which will fade the way you describe. Smalleset is a 2 load 2 gang unit. It has 16 presets that can be set to fade/ramp instantly to 10 seconds to scene.


You CAN accomplish this through a RS-232 interface, It would be one hell of a programming feat, but it could be done.

You CAN accomplish this with a IR interface as well, but you would have top use multiple scenes in a row in order to ramp them slowly to zero.

I generally use Graphic product in Home theaters where fading to zero is a nice effect, cant really see the value for general use of the lighting system.

Basically, it can be done, but it falls into the realm of "Should" it be done.....

I assume you are talking about the "GRAFIK RA" module? If you are, then you are talking about the "Homeworks" system, and the Homeworks system uses RadioRA switches. I know that much, and I am a neophyte.
Pax,
George

Luton has 6 IR controlable lighting systems:

Spacers-IR cotroled dimmers.

Spacer System-Same as spacers, but will also respond to
scene commands (you can't control fade rate)

RadioRA-whole house lighting control system IR
controlable with an interface You can't
control fade rate with IR, only with an rs232
interface and a device to send it rs232

GraficEye-IR controled Multi zone(2-3-4-6-8-16-24)
dimmers, on some modles you can set the fade
rate of a scene

GraficRA-same as GraficEye, but will interface with
RadioRA (no interface needed)

HomeWorks-control system for any size project.

HomeServe- RF controled part of the HomeWorks system

My Lutron RadioRA system is in place (28 dimmers, 4 switches), and working fine with the Lutron master remotes (6), However, I could not use the "fade" feature with the remotes, but was informed by Lutron that if I purchased an RS 232 interface, I could program the "fade" feature. Is this the only/best way to access the fade feature?
Also, what else besides the RS 232 interface (computer and program) will I need to access the interface? I have a Dell Laptop, and a Mac Powerbook, neither have a serial port, rather USB ports.
Thanks.
George Shutrump

To use laptop you would need a USB to serial adapter designed for RS232. There exist PDA adapters that do nor work. I use a Keyspan High Speed Serial Adapter and get good results. Xantech makes an IR to RS232 adapter but to program your learning remote you would need their programmer RC68 and their Drag N Drop software.

Thus, a high end Pronto controller would NOT work?
Thanks,
George