Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Multiple Main Repeaters

  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Posts
    1

    Question Multiple Main Repeaters

    Hello All,

    I am working on a project for which we already specified 165 devices but we may need to exceed the 200 limit of a single main repeater.
    Homeworks QS is not an option right now and I was wondering if anyone here had good or bad experience with integrating 2 or more main repeaters in one system.
    We will also integrate a 3rd party control system so in essence the 2 main repeaters will be hidden from the user

    Thanks in advance

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    1,365
    bluemanta- Level 2/Inclusive training will allow for a twin main system that will cover your needs. The two are programmed together and reside on both main repeaters, with the two mains actually independent systems linked by the ethernet. You will need to attend a live training from Lutron itself- two days, not offered very often. I would contact your territory's rep ASAP.
    Simple automation when DIY isn't working
    intuitivehomecontrols@gmail.com
    fb.me/intuitivehomecontrols

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    1,365
    Just re-read. If you exceed the 200 device limit of an Inclusive system, you'll definitely need a third party system to bridge between mains. Control4 won't allow for multiple instances of a main repeater driver. I know this can be done with RTI, ad you may want to look at Elan. Homeseer has been mentioned and may allow for this as well.
    Simple automation when DIY isn't working
    intuitivehomecontrols@gmail.com
    fb.me/intuitivehomecontrols

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    2,587
    We used to do it a lot with pre-Chronos Classic RadioRA. The limitation was the RS232 box in each RA system. Crestron, et. al. would monitor each system and, if it saw a button press, it would repeat it in the other system. It also gave us a way, way, way, way better timeclock than that <cough><cough> TORQ box.

    There are some design considerations. For example, you wouldn't want to split the kitchen between the two systems. Same for timed events. You wouldn't want part of your landscape on 1 system, part on the other. The App is also a consideration.

    Plan on using all of the aux repeaters.
    Convergence Technologies Raleigh, North Carolina
    www.convergenceusa.com

  5. #5

    100 Devices per Main

    Quote Originally Posted by bluemanta View Post
    Hello All,

    I am working on a project for which we already specified 165 devices but we may need to exceed the 200 limit of a single main repeater.
    Homeworks QS is not an option right now and I was wondering if anyone here had good or bad experience with integrating 2 or more main repeaters in one system.
    We will also integrate a 3rd party control system so in essence the 2 main repeaters will be hidden from the user

    Thanks in advance
    You can only do 200 devices with 2 main repeaters and you will need the Inclusive Software. Each Main supports 100 devices, including the repeaters, so its healthy to think of it as 95 per Main.

    If you need more than 200, you really should be on HomeWorks QS.
    Phil Scheetz
    Lighting Control Solutions
    pscheetz@lightingcontrolsolutions.com

  6. #6
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    22

    HW vs RA2

    I'm bidding on a job - existing Homeworks RF Geberation 5 - over 300 devices plus about 20 QED/QS Shades that are not on the system but can be added - going with QS against an estimate with RA2 from an electrician; If they estimated 2 x RA2 system - can you bridge them together or they stay completely independent ? No 3rd party integration (yet). Usually the electricians sell the products at cost - so we'll show up as very expensive.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    2,587
    As pscheetz noted, a single main repeater supports 95 devices, 1 main repeater, and 4 aux repeaters. You can link 2 repeaters though the Inclusive software. That only gets them ~2/3 of the way to the number of devices needed. The only way to make 2 RA2 systems talk is through a 3rd party (Crestron, Savant, etc.). That's some expensive duct tape!

    The big negative for me would be the app. Yes, you could swap "homes" in the app but if you make a change or create a scene in one system you have to duplicate it in the other. Then you have to get the Crestron guy back so he can connect the 2 changes.

    Lutron has announced the P7 processor which will be available in the 1st quarter. Since it supports Ketra I would expect it to be more expensive. It would be awesome if it supported more than 99 devices per link. I would not bet on that though.
    Convergence Technologies Raleigh, North Carolina
    www.convergenceusa.com

Similar Threads

  1. Number of Main Repeaters using Inclusive Software
    By dbasha in forum General Discussion - RA2
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 10-24-2018, 11:00 AM
  2. Setting up 2 main repeaters on house without networking in place
    By SparkyCoog in forum Best Practices - RA2
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-17-2018, 10:19 AM
  3. Maximum number of Aux repeaters in a 2 MAIN-REP arrangement
    By jfine in forum Design Assistance - RA2
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-13-2017, 09:45 AM
  4. With two main repeaters will the console report the same data on both?
    By wkearney99 in forum 3rd-party Integration - RA2
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 02-27-2016, 07:11 PM
  5. Two Main Repeaters and Device Separation
    By Armando B. in forum Best Practices - RA2
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 01-23-2016, 01:06 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •