Wireless control has huge benefits and can make the installation of a lighting control system feasible in projects where the demands of specialist and dedicated cabling would otherwise be prohibitive. There
are however, many projects where dedicated cabling is being installed and a wired solution can provide some features difficult to achieve with a wireless network, such as permanently powered tell-back LEDs, true status feedback and ultimately sheer distance of possible communication. Rako’s introduction of a wired alternative gives an installation solution for all projects and in making the wired and wireless options totally compatible the real and important benefits of the ‘hybrid’ solution can now be achieved.

 WIRED

A wired system where an installer has the absolute ability to plan and install communication or data cabling allows a control system that has a fixed rack solution for the dimmers that can be neatly mounted in accessible and serviceable locations. The control panels can draw permanent power from the data network and have LED tell-back with back-lit buttons. There is no practical limit to the size of the network and the network can be interrogated for existing program details.

WIRED SPINE

Using a CAT5 data cable as a spine for the system eliminates problems of transmission range for a large project whilst retaining the simplicity of a wireless network. The wired spine gives an easy to install single line data network that still eliminates the complexity of cable drops to switch positions and the time required for the terminations. RF remotes can talk to the Bridge units and have the advantage over infra-red remotes in that they don’t require ‘pointing’ at receivers and are not affected by bright sunshine or high frequency interference from fluorescent ballasts etc.

COMBINED OR HYBRID SYSTEMS

A wired system with a bridge or bridges overcomes the inevitable problems of missing cables and wallpanels that need repositioning due to unforeseen site conditions or last minute client whims. A wired
network with an RF bridge facility offers the installer the ultimate ‘get out of jail’ card. A full hybrid system can be the only solution for a project where a new extension can be fully wired but the existing property needs a retrofit solution.

 WIRELESS

A wireless network allows complete freedom when locating dimmers and control panels. Dimmers can be retro-fitted into ceilings, wallboxes and in-line with flexes for table and free-standing lamps. Systems can be retro-fitted or installed into newly wired projects where the ease of installation and simplicity of programming is a priority.

CHOOSING A SYSTEM – THE BRASS TACKS

Rako’s wireless system offers an easy to install system with a maximum of 4 scenes per room. Pricing of the wireless system is generally less than a wired option, is easier to install and simpler to program. A simple wireless system can be programmed by the end user without software whereas a wired system will invariably need commissioning by a trained engineer. A wired system has more scenes with true LED tellback and the wired network will ensure communication over large projects.

All systems, wired, wireless or combined can be controlled from an iPhone using an APR or WREBridge interface module and the free iPhone app. The bridge module connects to a wireless router giving Ethernet access from the iPhone and connection to either Rako’s wireless Racom or the wired Ranet network.

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LED Lighting_Control_Application Sheet - Detailed description of the use of Rako lighting control with LED Lighting – Ideal for those of us with true eco-friendly ambitions, LED lighting is fast becoming a staple of the developer or home-owner wishing to capitalise on the power-saving credentials of LED lighting solutions.

Rako_Application Sheet Wired Wireless Combined - Although Rako initially started with a range of wireless retro-fit products, their recent addition of wired control systems now raises the bar, providing a cost-effective rock-solid infrastructure at a price to competitively rival the likes of Lutron and Mode lighting, this is an overview of such systems

RakoBrochure_Square - The mood book, this compact brochure is designed to show the results and benefits of a successful Rako installation.

RakoBrochure_A4 - A Consumer-oriented brochure, showing the ease and simplicity of commissioning a Rako lighting control system. This no-fuss lighting system is fast becoming the norm for many residential, and developer multi-dwelling unit (mdu) properties alike.

Rako_Application Sheet Wireless Overview - An in-depth look into the utilisation of possibly the simplest yet most sophisticated Lighting Control System available in the UK

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The RAHSMART controller is a handset with a colour display screen allowing use in multiple rooms, selectable from the menu. It offers Scene control of lighting
and overall control of curtain/blinds as well as individual circuit control for lighting, blinds and curtains. Rooms, Scenes and Channels can be named for ease
of use.
 
The RAHSMART hand held controllers are designed to be used as an accessory to the Rako push button wall controller. The unit simply works in parallel to all other controllers within a home.

With a bright OLED colour display giving feedback of room, scene and circuit descriptions; simple, effective and complete control of all Rako devices is possible.

The unit can be configured either manually using the on-screen prompts or with the RASOFT programming software.

Using the relavent RF interfaces the RAHSMART can also be used to control window treatments with the Rako RACUB module and multiroom audio systems with the appropreate interface module.

RAKOM coded radio transmission eliminates the need for direct line of sight to the dimmers or wall plates, unlike infrared based systems.
 
Key Features
 
Control of up to 64 rooms is possible from a single remote.

Power is provided by three AAA or LR03 Alkaline batteries.

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These modules are designed to control fluorescent lamps fitted with analogue or

digital regulating ballasts that meet IEC929, Tridonic DSI or DALI standards. RDS switching module can be used to switch any type of load within its rating.

RDF800C 800w Fluorescent 1-10v analogue dimmer for ceiling mounting

RDDSI 800w Fluorescent DSI digital dimmer for ceiling mounting

RDDALI 800w Fluorescent DALI digital dimmer for ceiling mounting

RDS800C 800w Switching Module for ceiling mounting

Size: 160mm length x 50mm width x 36mm depth

For more information and pricing, please visit our rako online store

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CONTROL PANELS

Range of contemporary wireless control panels providing up to 4 scenes plus off and master raise and lower. Flush or low-profile surface mounting with five standard plate finishes. LED indication for message transmission and low battery warning. Control up to 15 channels per room with over 65,000 possible room addresses. The 7 button control panel provides full scene programming capability.

RCP07-W 4 Scenes and off plus master raise and lower, programming panel.

Finished in white and supplied with white cover plate.

RCP07-C 4 Scenes and off plus master raise and lower, programming panel.

Finished in charcoal and supplied with charcoal grey cover plate.

RCP02-W 2 Button controller with white surround. Requires RPP cover plate.

RCP02-C 2 Button controller with charcoal surround. Requires RPP cover plate.

Cover plate finish kits:

RPP07-SS Brushed Stainless Steel RPP02-SS Brushed Stainless Steel

RPP07-MSS Mirror Stainless Steel RPP02-MSS Mirror Stainless Steel

RPP07-PB Polished Brass RPP02-PB Polished Brass

Other finishes available upon request. please visit our rako intelligent lighting online store for more info

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DIMMER MODULES

The range of dimmer modules are hard fired and use leading edge digital technology. The units store the house and room address plus four preset scene levels in a non volatile memory. Robust design features include auto-resetting over current and temperature shutdown and voltage surge protection. Versions available for ceiling or in-line mounting.

RDL250C 250w dimmer suitable for ceiling mounting

RDL250L 250w dimmer suitable for in-line mounting

RDL500C 500w dimmer suitable for ceiling mounting

RDL500L 500w dimmer suitable for in-line mounting

Size: 160mm length x 50mm width x 36mm depth

RDL1200C 1200w dimmer suitable for ceiling mounting

Size: 190mm length x 100mm width x 60mm depth

RAK-4 4 channel stackable rack solution

Size: 192mm length x 253mm width x 102mm depth

RX-LINK Remote RF receiver module for use with RAK-4 system

Size: 160mm length x 50mm width x 36mm depth

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