I need some advice. I am currently using a MX880 along with a MS350 RF controller and I would like to use my MX880 to control my lighting which is RadioRA 2 dimmers and switches. From what I can tell I need to purchase a MSC400 and Lutron RadioRA repeater. Is this correct?

Yes, this is correct.  The only way that you will be able to control the RadioRa2 is through a MSC400.

While serial control of RA2 is preferred and allows for much more, it isn't the only option.

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[Link: resi.lutron.com]

It may be less expensive to purchase another keypad and install it near your equipment. Program the desired scenes or loads and run an IR cable from the MRF350 to the IR on the keypad.

Regarding a repeater, if you chose to upgrade to MSC400 for serial control, is it possible to simply relocate your main repeater to the location of the MSC400?

I had assumed that he wanted to Control the whole house lighting, instead of individual dimmers.  

I'm having trouble getting a msc-400 to work with a radiora2. I have my URC supplied serial cable attached to the radiora2 (the cable is straight through I believe). I used ccp to download the serial codes to the msc & I'm testing the serial codes with my computer attached to the msc. I've tried all 100 button presses with no change in my lights...any ideas?
Thanks

Who programmed your RadioRa2 system? They probably didn't program any of the "phantom buttons". The phantom buttons are used to generally create callable "macros" that third party control systems can utilize to perform a string of commands. So Phantom button 1 could be the scene that is called "Welcome" in your home that turns on the general lights when you come home. Rather than repeat the process on the URC side, you can just call button 1 which will perform that scene. However, none of those scenes are probably set.

Another option is to download the integration report from your configuration file and figure out the device ID's and use that for control...

If you are not the person who programmed the system you might be out of luck as RadioRa2 software is not distributed.

Good luck
Total Control Remotes

Don't waste your money - put the processor upgrade money towards a two way URC or Total Control System. Controlling lights without two way control seems like a waste to me. With two way control you can see levels, if the lights are on in particular room and perform a lot of powerful features. Rather than invest in a one-way system just use your phone or tablet with the Lutron app until you are ready for a two way system.

You are correct in that no special phantom macros have been created in the radiora2... I do have the radiora2 software (Lutron, like URC allows the CI's to provide a copy is my understanding). I naively assumed that the "button presses" each corresponded to a lighting load attached to a single switch ... my bad ... I think I'll talk to my radiora2 installer, but I may be out of luck as he is not familiar with CCP...
Thanks!

Thanks Total,
Once I programmed the phantom buttons in the RR2 Inclusive program it worked great.

I am having the same problem. This is my first rs232 job. But even when I programmed the phantom buttons i cant get it to work. We have captured the msc400 command using Docklight and MSC seems to be sending correctly. But cant get it to work. Both Lutron and URC tech support say we are doing everything right call the other guys.

Would greatly appreciate any help

You can easily send commands through your PC via IP to your Main Repeater and test any aspect of your system. Do the following:

- Set your PC or Laptop to a static IP
- Enable TCP client on your PC through Control Panel (add Windows Features)
- Download a copy of the protocol from Lutron resi dealer site
- Open up a window via CMD and telnet into the repeater
- Send a string to test levels, firmware, commands, feedback, etc.

We tried this via docklight serial, and couldnt get RA to respond sent various strings like #OUTPUT, 1,36,3. Tried both straight and Xover rs232 cables.

I was told to do the strings through hyper terminal, will it work just through CMD?

This is my first 232 job so I am crash coursing and this part is holding up final payment on the job

Yes, hyper-terminal will work as well, but it is alarming that you are not getting responses...

Are you plugged in to the repeater directly? (Bypassing the network)? You should do that, try and check firmware and IP address. If you still get flaky results you should call Lutron tech support as it could be a hardware problem.

Yes direct serial. We even moved the repeater right next to the MSC400 to cancel out cable length. Both URC and Luton tech support say we are doing everything right...call the other guys. Frustrated isnt even the right word