What is L1 Certification and how do I become a L1?

[Jimm Reifsnyder]

Who Should Attend
This course is designed for any progressive residential integrator who is interested in the mid-market, retrofit lighting and shade control opportunity.

Curriculum Highlights
•The “business case” for RadioRA 2, and the mid-market, retrofit opportunity
•The impact of “green” and how it relates to lighting and shade control
•Module on how to sell total light control
•Hands-on programming utilizing the RadioRA 2 “Essentials” software package
•Hands-on, interactive system design workshop
•Introduction of Sivoia QS Wireless shading and drapery systems

Upon completion of this course, you receive
•Special promotional pricing on RadioRA 2 system packages
•CEDIA CEU credits
•RadioRA 2 “L1” level accreditation with accompanying certificate
•Access to the “RadioRA 2 Essentials” software package

Sign-up Process
Contact your local RadioRA 2 partner distributor or local AVAD and ask to sign up for a Lutron BLAST nearest your area.

RadioRA 2 Product Advantage
•PC programmability
•System size up to 200 devices (additional training required)
•Energy-saving solutions via battery-powered occupancy and vacancy sensors
•Enhanced integration, including IP control, with fewer interfaces
•Direct control of Sivoia® QS Wireless shades

[helifreak]

So I understand Lutron's business goal in establishing the certification levels. It seems to work for 95% of the distributor and customer base (those who have everything installed by their local Lutron dealer and then pick up the phone and call them for a customer visit every time they change their mind about any single element of a scene or default setting)... I understand this business model and how local business make money from service calls...

So I happen to fit into the 5% that the Lutron Certification program doesn't work. I have no interest what-so-ever in selling Home Automation systems other than showing off my house at parties and telling people how easy RadioRA 2 is to deal with. I had my modest 3 room system professionally installed by my local Lutron dealer. We put together 7 scenes as best we could when the system was installed. One day later, I realize there are several minor things I want changed.

I do not feel that I should have to call the dealer out every time I change my mind about a how I should configure my modest system.

I am not opposed to taking an online course - or even paying for an online course - to earn the right to get access to the Essentials/Inclusive software, however, for those of use that are not in the "sales" business, it doesn't make much sense to spend $1k to travel to a week long sales seminar to earn the right to get access to the software.

So just to be clear. This is not Lutron bashing at all. I am totally in love with my RadioRA 2 system. It is elegant, simple, and for the most part, open (at least the protocol to instantaneously control the elements are well documented via telnet) - and it works! I just wish that for those of us that realize after the fact that "Evening Mode" should make the hall light dim at 25% instead of 50% not have to schedule an appointment with our dealer. And believe me, for my case, the dealer believes the same. They don't make money off customers like me.

Sincerely,

Johnny Turpin
Computer/Electrical Engineer (NC State University)
Proud owner of RadioRa 2 lighting automation system
Frustrated non-owner of RadioRA 2 configuration software (Essentials/Inclusive)

[Jimm Reifsnyder]

Johnny,
We have actually had 2 people exactly like you in our area. Our suggestion to the installer was to sit down and give you the how to's, for an hour or so. Just to give you a very basic understanding of how the interface works. And install the software on your machine first. With the understanding that if you break it somehow, there will be a charge to come out. You could call and double check with your local Lutron Rep to make sure this does not go against any policies they have locally.

Another option is if you are an iPad owner, the iPad app is going to be able to give the you the ability to make changes to scenes and save them. This information was released at CEDIA I have not heard any changes to this plan, the scheduled release is late this month or early next month.

Great post thanks and welcome to the board.

[helifreak]

Hey Jimm,

Thanks for the response. To be clear, that is exactly what my installer did, and I am very appreciative of them for that.

However, I still do not have access to updates or the RadioRA software web site - I am still not an "owner" of the software. I feel like I am simply borrowing an "accidentally" left copy of the software

I was just hoping that Lutron might consider updating their certification process in the future.

[Jimm Reifsnyder]

I would suggest either asking your installer to keep you up to date on software releases, or to actually attend the one day BLAST training. You may also want to reach out to your local Lutron representative to see if they would be willing to assist you with this. There is no plan to set up a site for homeowners to download most current version, otherwise honestly there would be no reason to have the training requirement.

I understand your frustration and I do apologize,

[helifreak]

So after reviewing the L1 requirements, it looks like the BLAST training is only 2 days - which is much more doable than the week long L2 training.. This looks like something worthwhile (although, unfortunately, my system was programmed with Inclusive software, and I don't think this can be downgraded to Essentials) - I think I will have to simply re-program my entire setup - however, being a smaller system, I don't think this will be much trouble... thanks for your advice...

[Jimm Reifsnyder]

We actually recently changed it to a one day course.

[RadicalDad]

Jimm -

I found two PDFs which show the schedule for the one day BLAST course. Total time spent with the software is . . . 75 minutes. The rest of the day is spent on marketing. What a joke.

For anyone with any kind of computer savvy, the training isn't necessary. I realize that not all electricians are computer nerds, but the restriction on distributing the software does nothing useful. The only effect is to drive up the cost of the system by preventing real competition. I have found non-local distributors who are selling at prices far less than what is being charged locally, but there is that software issue to contend with. As it happens, my electrician, who has not taken the training, will be given the software by the local Lutron rep. If my electrician wants to buy from a more reasonably priced source, he can't because of the software issue.

And where does that leave me, the homeowner? Screwed. Twice. Once on the inflated price I have to pay for the product. Then screwed again later this year when I get a new iPhone after my current contract expires. To make the system recognize the iPhone, you need . . . the software, which I won't have. I'll have to pay the electrician, or someone else the rep or wholesaler recommends, to adjust the system.

Its enough to make me drop my plans for the project, or use a different product entirely. Lutron should be ashamed of themselves for dreaming up this scam. Or perhaps they'll have to give it up when they realize they are losing sales this way.

[bradkas]

RadicalDad, while I understand what you're saying, why don't you hire someone with the certification to install the Ra2 system, or have the electrician get certified himself?

I'm pretty sure anyone interested in the product after taking the BLAST training will take the incentive to train themselves on the software. It's quite an easy tool, but a real pro will design your system to be easy to use, and intuitive.

Without well thought out programming you just have 5-20k of devices sitting in your walls.

[Bailey]

RadicalDad- welcome to the site. If you do choose to use RadioRa2, you will find this site extremely useful for updates and product discussions. There are several people on here who are very tech savvy in the integration world, Lutron engineers, Ra2 Beta testers, and reps. I myself am a distributor and have held BLAST trainings at my location multiple times. Why not ask the local rep if you can attend? There are several instances in my market where the consumer themselves wishes to do the programming and/or integration. The programming itself is rather easy, yes. Designing a well thought out system that makes sense to anyone walking into the space is not. From a marketing standpoint, most electricians will not attempt the up-sell to Ra2. Savvy customers/clients/end-users such as yourself expect the cutting edge. This is the reason home control and lighting control was usually done by the AV installer/integrator who were generally up to speed on the latest and greatest. Unfortunately, most are not certified or licensed to handle the line voltage in your home. Thus Lutron spends a fair amount of time teaching the electrician how to effectively market and sell the product that consumers are now expecting in their homes.

In today's economy, everyone is looking for the best price. As a salesperson, I understand that consumers may now want to buy from a wholesaler directly in order to reduce cost. I will use an example to illustrate why an electrician or AV integrator may mark up the material. First- you've taken the time to do the research and find the best price. This is time the installer has spent too. Second- warranty issues. Part of the mark-up that you incur by purchasing through your installer insures that you are not wasting your time if the product is defective and having to return it for a working unit. Luckily, Lutron has 100% end of the line testing, so this is RARELY an issue. Third-experience. I myself change the oil in my car, but when it came time to re-deck the block and replace a cracked valve, I let someone who make their living do it in a timely and efficient manner. Kept my wife happy for sure. None of this is said to imply that you can't do it yourself. I just wanted to state the case for why you might choose to run with your local installer instead.

[RadicalDad]

Thanks guys. I'm not sure if there is a "typical" Radio RA installation, but mine probably isn't. Its certainly not the target "upsell" market. I'm using Radio RA to correct some really bad decisions by the original contractor when the house was built 30 years ago. The comment about "designing a well thought out system" applies to hard wired switches as well as Radio RA switches. We've decided on radio controlled switches because that will be cheaper than pulling new wire through closed walls. As we discovered what Radio RA will do, we've added some minor bells and whistles, but this is basically a retrofit to make sense out of an incredibly bad switch layout.

The electrician isn't marking up the materials. I've offered him that option, and he says he'd rather work this job strictly time & materials. Since much of what he is doing is remodel and retrofit, he would rather do it this way, which also means I don't have a firm bid, just an estimate and an hourly rate. I also don't need to mess up the sales channel as an end user trying to buy from a wholesaler. The electrician will do the purchasing. I'm just helping him find a cheaper price.

The electrician has installed Radio RA (ver 1) before, which is where he got the idea to use Radio RA on this job. He suggests RA 2 because its the current product and will be somewhat future proof if something breaks or we want to upgrade later. Shall I dump him in favor of a certified installer after he made these great suggestions? He's as much a victim as I am in this. He should be able to get the software without spending $600, travel time, and a day off work for "training" he doesn't really need. He should also be able to give me the software, at his discretion, without the possibility of repercussions from Lutron. Right now, none of that seems possible.

I have an MBA and have been a marketing professional for many years. I fully understand Lutron's desire for training and upsell. I also understand that Lutron has a channel problem with this product. The people who might normally sell this product (system integrators) don't have the required electrical license to install the product. Lutron's solution, which is to restrict the software until you've been "trained," is just pissing off the people who might want to sell, install, or purchase it. The MBA who dreamed this up is the kind of guy that gives the rest of us a bad name. Trying to create exclusivity with a product that doesn't warrant it and a channel that can't handle it isn't a recipe for success.

[Jimm Reifsnyder]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, I was actually on vacation. I will do my best to answer all of the above in no particular order.

I am very sympathetic to your situation, I have to admit if I was not a "certified" guy and I had RA2 in my house I would feel pretty much the same way. Now the representative side of me says that we have to have a policy in place that covers as much of the population as possible. Only example I can think of is I knew how to drive my car long before I got my license, I still needed to get my license, the rule is the rule.

But that being said lets see if we can help you out.........

That being said, have you contacted your local Lutron representative? They may be willing to help you out in this instance, perhaps get you access to an online training module. Try this link www.lutron.com/Service-Support/Service/Pages/FindARep.aspx

If you do not get a response drop me a line and I can escalate it to the local Lutron staff in your area.

Our classes are there honestly to protect the homeowner from poor installations and programming. As the San Diego trainer my classes are tailored different then the PDF's are on line, as I believe most are.

10% is spent in the how to sell the product.
45% is spent on system layout and design.
45% is spent on learning the software.

Sorry for the delay and the long winded answer, I really enjoy having a homeowner on our board.

Let me know if you don't get a response and I will work on getting something done for you.

Jimm
[e-mail]

[yoshiguy]

I'm in Ottawa Canada and I can't seem to find a rep. Also I wasn't clear if I need to be an electrician to qualify for these BLAST thing

[maguire]

Send me an email

[e-mail]

I will get you in touch with your rep

[jaronbrass]

I'm glad I stumbled across this forum. I've read countless posts across the Internet written by people who are really angered by Lutron's decision to restrict software.

I'm now in the same boat. I've spent several thousand dollars on RadioRA2 dimmers, switches, keypads, etc. for my new condo. I was about to order shades, and then I realized that I cannot download the software. Had I not installed everything during construction I would've packaged it all up and returned it.

I'm not interested in reselling this stuff - just building my home. I'm the VP of IT for a pretty large company and just finished building our 85,000 square foot HQ office with Lutron and Crestron lighting controls/automation operating over 900 fixtures and 250 shades. While our electrical contractors did all of the legwork, I'm now responsible for supporting the system and keeping things running across the various processors, schedulers, daylight harvesting modules, etc.

In short - I know what I'm doing. Our local Crestron rep used to work at Lutron, and is trying to help me out but so far no dice.

I don't have time to sit through the training. I think it's silly.

Any ideas?