On March 26, 2013 at 09:34, Grit said...
I'm at a point where RS-232 control would be very helpful. I want to make sure I'm understanding what will and won't work from URC.
If I understand this correctly, the MSC400 will allow the CCP remotes (such as the MX-880, MX-890, MX-980, etc) to use RS-232 codes if devices are connected properly (correct cabling and serial port settings). These remotes will still allow RF control of Lutron light switches that are designed for RF, but will the MSC400 allow one of these remotes to use the Lutron RadioRA2 devices (thermostat, etc.)?
The URC remotes will control Lutron RF lighting that is made for URC. The MSC400 will allow 1 way RS232 control of RadioRA2
I also looked at the MRX-1, which APPEARS to be compatible with both CCP-programmed/RF remotes as well as Total Control remotes. However, if I read everything correctly, the RF remotes will NOT allow RS-232 control or IP control through the MRX-1? And if that's the case, I presume I would need a Total Control remote (and thus the effort of writing device drivers) to make use of the MRX-1?
The only CCP remotes that will control RS232 with an MRX1 are the network based remotes (MX5000, MX6000, MXiOS, and KP4000) The rest of the remotes can still talk to the MRX1 over RF if you add an RFX250 antenna, but they can only control IR devices plugged into the MRX1.
As stated, the MRX1 will only work with Total Control if you have an MRX10 processor. All Total Control systems need an MRX10 processor, as that is the brain of the entire system.
Also, can either of these options be used to control ceiling fans? I can't find any Lutron RF switches that will operate ceiling fans.
Don't know, but again, if you want to control any light switches with RF from a URC remote, it has to be a URC light switch/dimmer.