VCRX & GE Concord 4 Auxiliary Output 2

[griffithjerryl]

Need to know if someone can tell me if specs as shown on attached GE Concord 4 Auxiliary output 2 are compatible with RA2 VCRX input as sown on attached Lutron Application Note #362 page 3? My security installer is clueless and I cant get any information at all from the Lutron distributor as to compatibility. Will call GE tomorrow and read Lutron Specs to them. Security installer don't know how to program the security panel output 2 so will get my own keypad and follow directions. Just wondering if anyone can compare the GE output specs with Lutron input specs to tell me if wasting my time. Have network tech coming over tomorrow to setup VPN so I can control lights via 3G or 4G network. I programmed routers and iPad apps so can see security cameras 3G, LAN, or WiFi. Just a little help on this will get me over the hump on my technology initiatives. You may write direct to [e-mail] with Lutron Radio RA2 as subject please. All help greatly appreciated. When get light control via 3G tomorrow will share that with you.

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[dinom]

As an electrical engineer, I can tell you that you cannot directly connect Output 2 of the GE to the VCRX. Output 2 is an open collector output, which is not the same as a dry contact closure. Output 1 is also not directly compatible, since it outputs between 9 and 14V, and the VCRX can only support up to 1V.

Your best bet is to connect Output 1 to a 12V relay, and then use the relay contacts to act as your dry contact closure. An example relay would be an Elk 912, with the GE Output 1 connected to the trigger input.

www.smarthome.com/7278/ELK-912-SPDT-Relay-Board/p.aspx

Hope this helps.

[griffithjerryl]

Thank you Karma I just ordered the ELK-912 and will be here in couple days. Can't do any better than getting help from an Electrical Engineer. Not sure my security installer knows enough to connect it and I certainly don't know but can follow directions.

The sirens are connected to GE Concord 4 Output 1 terminal now (I'm pretty sure). Please tell me what ELK-912 terminals to use for my connections? Will both the Sirens and ELK912 be connected to GE ouput one?

I have an 18AWG wire pair running to my VCRX from the GE control panel connected to Output 2 which is not working properly and will not work as you pointed out. Looks to me like the Input Trigger (GE Output 1) connects to the + - terminals of the ELK-912. Which terminals of the ELK-912 do I connect VCRX wires to? Will the Siren wire stay connected to Output 1 and if not what terminals do I connect the sirens to?

I hope it is as simple as leaving the Sirens attached to Output 1 and connecting the ELK-12 to same GE Concord Terminals then connecting the two VCRX 18AWG wires to the terminals you tell me to connect and I know it will perform as I programmed Lutron. The VCRX just needs the correct Voltage (up to 1V) sent when the alarm is triggered. As mentioned previos post I know the VCRX is sending signal to flash outside floods etc. and turn inside lights full on and locked because that is what happens when I Activate the Lutron Program so I know a correct connection will work with correct voltage on when the alarm is triggered.


I am certain you are going to make this work for me and I am going to be forever grateful.

[griffithjerryl]

I finally installed the ELK-912 and worked like a charm. I procastinated for months thinking no way was I going to make that work but it did to my delight. How awesome is it that I had access to an Electrical Engineer that told me how to make a GE Concord 4 control panel device that is not designed to work with Lutron because has no driver work like it was made to work together. That $8.50 ELK-912 and your knowledge acheieved what I thought was impossible with buying and Elk Products M1 control panel for a lot more money. A little trivia you may know. The onwner of Elk Products name is Moose. He sold his first company and when the non compete expired he started a new company and one of the employees suggested a play on his Moose last name and call it Elk Products. Thank you so incredibly much. I'm going to install quite a few more Lutron switches in my home. Already spent $4,000 and that only did half of them.