homeworks qs vs qsx

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Is QSX replacing QS processors or will they serve different purposes?

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I am very very confused about QSX. I've seen the little video and description of it along with most of the tech notes on the site and it seems like its main reason for existing is to allow for Ketra lights to be integrated with it which the existing QS processor apparently can't do. It also has cloud firmware upgrades. At first, this gives the impression that it can do everything QS can do plus the Ketra and cloud firmware stuff, but then when I read the fine print, it says that QSX can't work with RPM based systems so right off the bat, it's useless if upgrading old HWI systems, LiteTouch systems, along with every other RPM based QS systems. It has its own DIN rail type dimming module. So my questions for now is 1. Is QS being discontinued now or in the near future? 2. If you don't care about Ketra (and honestly I don't get why anybody should as it's proprietary and switches and your choice of lights work better ), is there any reason to get it over QS?

Yea its kind of stupid that it isnt backwards compatible. You would think in typical Lutron fashion they would at least offer to sell you a license to create a RPM link on the QSX processor to allow you to retrofit old jobs. I can see it already- just like HWI users that are hosed and need to redo most of their systems to QS when the old processor takes a crap, whats gonna happen when QS is discontinued and there is only QSX and they dont support RPMs and other QS devices? And if Ketra is their main selling point then im not too sure about that. We went thru the whole process of becoing a Ketra authorized design showroom (or whatever they call it), and honestly we havent sold a single system yet. Plus add to that the fixtures we installed in the showroom are now all of a sudden obsolete since they are using different RF technology now! Not a big deal with retrofit bulbs, but we have lot of the Ketra recessed lighting fixtures permanently installed in the ceiling. Oh and in our showroom we cant even go to QSX since our Ketra fixtures are the older ones and you cant just change out a part inside them to upgrade to the latest version! We already have one that has a problem and the whole fixture needs to be replaced! How does that go over with a homeowner that spent tens of thousands on a lighting system when you tell them you have to tear the ceiling apart??

For me it all depends on the price. If the P7 processor is 50% more because of Ketra it is a no-sale. Ketra is cool but I see it as something for the 1% of the 1%. I don't see it turning into another major product line like shades did. Unless of course, they can get the price way, way, way down. I did see where they said MI and Legacy links would not be supported at launch. That implies that they will be adding it, probably with a license fee as JOHNMAX noted. I would rather see them require a license fee to activate Ketra features. That would keep the base price of the processor down, keep compatibility, and I wouldn't have to pay for expensive features that I am never going to use (i.e. Ketra).

Convergence Technologies Raleigh, North Carolina www.convergenceusa.com

To clarify some of the questions in this thread, the QSX processor is the next generation version of the QS processor. It features increased processing power and memory that will allow Lutron to continue to deliver game changing innovations over the next decade. It was designed in a way to allow for an easy transition from QS to QSX and offers most of the same features as QS. All QS and QS wireless devices that work with QS processors also work with QSX, except for the Dynamic Keypad. QS processor databases can be upgraded to work with QSX processors. The QSX processor also has all the capabilities of the Connect Bridge, so that Connect Bridges are not required when working with QSX. A few features won’t make the initial launch. These exceptions are called out in the Design Guide that is available on myResources. Thanks to the ability to firmware update the processors through the cloud, many of these features will simply appear for homeowners without you needing to go back to site. It is true that only QS and QS wireless links will be available at launch. We can not yet comment on whether RPM or other legacy links will be available for QSX. It is recommended to keep systems with RPM and legacy links as QS for the time being. The same applies to LiteTouch and HWI upgrades. While there will be limited new development for QS processors, Lutron does not have any plans at this point to obsolete QS. We understand the amount of legacy systems deployed into homes and make every effort to support those customers for as long as possible. As for the price of the QSX processor, it will be slightly more than a QS processor, but less than the cost of a QS processor and a Connect Bridge. Because RPM will not be available, we also strongly recommend moving all new designs to DIN based panels so that they can be easily upgraded to QSX. The QSX processor has a counterpart, the Clear Connect Gateway with Type X technology, that supports the addition of Ketra as a native load in a HomeWorks system, but this part is only required for systems using Ketra. Please let us know if you have any further questions and we would be happy to help

Originally Posted by Aaron D. he same applies to LiteTouch and HWI upgrades. While there will be limited new development for QS processors, Lutron does not have any plans at this point to obsolete QS. We understand the amount of legacy systems deployed into homes and make every effort to support those customers for as long as possible. As for the price of the QSX processor, it will be slightly more than a QS processor, but less than the cost of a QS processor and a Connect Bridge. Because RPM will not be available, we also strongly recommend moving all new designs to DIN based panels so that they can be easily upgraded to QSX. The QSX processor has a counterpart, the Clear Connect Gateway with Type X technology, that supports the addition of Ketra as a native load in a HomeWorks system, but this part is only required for systems using Ketra. Please let us know if you have any further questions and we would be happy to help Thank you for clearing some things up. The reason I was asking was actually specifically because I am bidding a LiteTouch upgrade now and I want to be able to tell customer honestly that if they're going to spend all the money they really don't want to be spending right now (on the account of Savant's betrayal), that at least their system will be supported going forward and not treated the way Lutron treated Illuminations sytems - that is to tell customers that their less than 10 year old system that had failed needed to be upgraded to QS. Truthfully, I DO like the new DIN rail module because they don't need an expensive Module Interface, but if that's the way going forward, why doesn't Lutron have DIN panels? Is that something that's coming up or are we supposed to find our own panels and just mount DIN rails on them without UL approval? Anyway, I really hope you guys bring back the road-shows for existing dealers. Everything is so focused on trying to get new Pros to sell Caseta (system that I love BTW) so it's just getting hard to get correct information. This forum itself was down for a couple of days.

I agree about Ketra. If anything it's Ketra that's a super specialty product so I hope there will be support for RPMs and there is no license fee because RPMs are a current product and are a very big part of centralized systems that can't just be converted without spending 10's of thousands of dollars. Speaking of Ketra, for the life of me I can't see any benefit to them. For years Lutron was preaching that smart controls were better than smart bulbs and now they're pushing these smart bulbs? Even millionaires are smart enough to not buy a specialty light that only one place sells which may or may not be supported in 15 years.

SparkyCoog,Lutron does over some Din Rail panels.Feed through: http://www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocum...691055_ENG.pdf And breakered: http://www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocum...06_ENG.pdfHope this helps!

Got a couple questions- Saw this- *Note: Telnet is not a supported method of integration to a HomeWorks QSX system starting at HomeWorks version 16.0. Is there a new published API then? also, this is a bit of a bummer- 3. App Control of HVAC Lutron HVAC systems will not be controllable through the app. This feature can be automatically deployed to systems through the cloud once development is complete.

Originally Posted by weekscolin Got a couple questions-Saw this-*Note: Telnet is not a supported method of integration to a HomeWorks QSX system starting at HomeWorks version 16.0.Is there a new published API then?also, this is a bit of a bummer-3. App Control of HVACLutron HVAC systems will not be controllable through the app. This feature can be automatically deployed to systems through the cloud once development is complete. There is a new API used to integrate with QSX systems, however the protocol is not published at this time. Lutron is working directly with key integration partners to develop new drivers based on this protocol. Regarding control of HVAC from the app, while we can’t commit to a specific timeline, our engineering team will be working on rapidly filling out features like this following the release. As mentioned in the app note, features like this can be remotely deployed, delighting your customers with it post-launch / ongoing basis

Originally Posted by Aaron D. ...While there will be limited new development for QS processors, Lutron does not have any plans at this point to obsolete QS. We understand the amount of legacy systems deployed into homes and make every effort to support those customers for as long as possible... History disagrees with you. I started installing HomeWorks Original. Within a year of the release of each new processor, the previous generation was obsoleted. Sometimes within a few months. Considering Lutron left out critical features like RPMs and Telnet, it might take a little longer to obsolete the P6 processor.

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Lutron Launches HomeWorks QSX Processor and Alisse Controllers

A brand that really chimes with Pulse Cinemas’ desire to provide our installation partners with unique experiences to deliver to market is Lutron. These latest introductions underline the brand’s position as number one in the world for luxury, automated and highly aesthetic lighting systems.

Powering the next generation of the famous Lutron Electronics , HomeWorks platform, its premium automation platform, is the HomeWorks QSX processor , a unit that delivers a serious upgrade to this already impressive and popular system.

The maker has poured an impressive level of investment, its largest ever for a product development programme within the HomeWorks family, to birth the muscular HomeWorks QSX Processor.

The new unit offers expanded connectivity and reliability and also streamlines and improves the whole installation process delivering benefits for installers and customers alike. Some of the headline abilities include backing-up and restoring project databases from the cloud to avoid project file loss and seriously increased processing power and memory to manage larger, more complex projects. In fact, the HomeWorks QSX Processor introduces 8 x the processing power and 16 x the memory compared to the previous generation!

Other noteworthy aspects of the QSX include the ability to work as a single or dual link device, Connect Bridge built-in to the processor to enable cloud software updates, off-site database storage and easier remote access for programmers increasing system creation and maintenance flexibility.

Its also important to remember that QSX is a genuine development from its earlier cousins and so has the same installation architecture meaning upgrades from QS to QSX without changing any other hardware is available, delivering the power of the new system to new or existing projects.

The QSX Processor is also compatible with all existing HomeWorks wired QS and wireless RF devices and securely connects to third-party products with the built-in Connect Bridge technology. Orders are being taken now for the HomeWorks QSX Processor with shipments from Lutron starting February 15. Note, although the new unit is backwards compatible with HomeWorks QS, it is not backwards compatible with HomeWorks Illumination.

A useful partner to the HomeWorks QSX Processor, and also new from Lutron, is the PRO LED+ Phase Adaptive Power Module. Strength and reliability are also to the fore as the high-wattage LED+ DIN module with RTISS-ICM withstands the most severe electrical stresses like LED in-rush, bulb blowout or short circuit.

A new addition to the Din-Rail mounted range of load control modules, this unit will work with the new QSX processor, and previous HQP6 processors. This model offers a higher load capacity with specific ratings for LED loads to cater for the latest lighting designs. Each zone has 0w minimum load requirement, whilst zone 1 offers 1200w maximum for Halogen/ELV loads and has a 1.7A (400w) LED rating. As for zones 2, 3 and 4 each has 800w maximum for Halogen/ELV loads and a1.0A (250w) LED rating. This product is also shipping from Lutron February 15.

The wind of change with Alisse

Built specifically to partner the HomeWorks QSX Processor, the Alisse family of wall mounted controllers offer versatility, control and beauty to match the power of the QSX.

The Alisse wall control range integrates Lutron’s cutting-edge technology with sophisticated and timeless design to complement high-end designer led interiors. The ability to personalise button configurations and engraving for each device gives an aesthetic that will complement the clients lifestyle and décor. Seductive and sophisticated, these wall controls enable homeowners to get the most out of their system via a subtle intuitive light control experience. Created from high-quality materials and available in a variety of finishes, the Alisse wall control is a genuinely customisable luxury product. The range comes in a choice of finishes from the ‘Lutron Signature Metal Collection’ exclusive to this product.

As you would expect here, each controller can be delivered to your project with tailor-made button configurations and custom engravings for completely personalised lighting control. The engraving is of high-quality using precise etching backfilled with complimentary ink.

All the buttons also have an LED halo to indicate system status with an attractive backlight to aid finding the wall control in the dark. Single, dual or triple button column configurations are available and all the configurations fit in a single UK backbox. This exciting new proposition will be available from March 2021.

Created to offer the level of control suited to the expansive new options from the QSX Processor, the Alisse range completes a powerful new trio for luxury automated lighting from Pulse Cinemas partner Lutron. Get in touch with our Lutron experts to ensure these products are planned in for your next project.

LATEST NEWS

Lutron upgrades HomeWorks with powerful QSX processor

posted on Monday, 1st February 2021 by Steve May

Lutron Home automation Smart home

Lutron has announced an upgrade to its residential HomeWorks whole-home platform, with a new processor, with expanded capabilities. The company has also confirmed the launch of a new range of keypads in Europe

Making its European debut, the Lutron HomeWorks QSX processor is designed to make HomeWorks easier to design, install, activate, program, and service.

“The new HomeWorks platform sums up the Lutron Difference.” says Nate Hagemeier, Senior Sales Director Europe and Africa at Lutron. “It’s a game-changing addition to our international portfolio of products and solutions.”

With more processing power and memory, it enables the system to manage larger, more complex projects and support future capabilities. Hagemeier describes the launch of QSX as the “largest ever innovation investment in HomeWorks.”

Lutron Home Works QSX Processor _HQP7-2 Close Up

There’s also the promise of greater device support. The QSX processor works with third-party products using built-in Connect Bridge technology. For added confidence, there’s also cloud back-up, so system integrators never lose a project file

A new high-wattage LED+ DIN module with RTISS-ICM is able to survive the most severe electrical stresses, including LED in-rush, bulb blowout, and short circuit.

Inside CI Editor Steve May is a freelance technology specialist who also writes for T3 , TechRadar , Home Cinema Choice , Trusted Reviews and The Luxe Review .

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Upgrading Illumination to QS or QSX?

Hey, everyone,

Question for the Lutron experts here: I'm purchasing a home with a fairly extensive Homeworks Illumination installation (circa 2009). I'm very interested in getting app/cloud-based control of the system - and so will need to upgrade to either QS or QSX.

QS, of course, would allow me to keep most of the controls and dimmer/relays, but would still leave me with a lot of older hardware in place. QSX would offer the latest and greatest - including additional integration points - but at a much higher cost. On the other hand, all new hardware hopefully means little to worry about for many years.

So - thoughts on making this decision? Thanks in advance!

Does the home also have any other Home automation like Crestron, Control 4, Elan, etc?

Many older home control systems will also not be compatible with QSX as it really is a whole new system architecture.

Upgrading to QS should allow you to continue using any other older systems, with a bit of updated programming.

There is a lot to consider when upgrading a system. I have done a few small system upgrades and a few very large system upgrades. Client expectations are important.

In your case, you are buying a home with a system in it, so what you need is a couple of options. How much to do a full upgrade to QS, You may be able to keep some dimming modules, but I would upgrade keypads and if there are wall dimmers and switches get them changed too. Ask what things does the present system not have that would be recommended? (Occ sensors? Lamp dimmers? Shades?)

And how much more to go to QSX, which would mean everything is new and the latest tech from Lutron.

Both options are getting you all new hardware, QSX is going to get you the most up to date models of everything.

Full Disclosure: I am a HomeWorks dealer.

You need to do a cost-benefit analysis on upgrading to QSX vs side-grading to QS. Any dealer should be able to provide you with budgets to do both options, which it sounds you have done.

All your HomeWorks Illuminations gear (HWI) sounds like it is and should be fine for many more years, but keep in mind it is two generations back as far as product availability goes, ie you are looking at aftermarket vendors for parts. I just upgraded a HomeWorks Interactive system (HomeWorks name before Illuminations) from 2002, dead processor due to a lightning strike, but all the panel modules, dimmers, and keypads were still fully functional until that hit, just to give you an idea on longevity. And I am currently negotiating an upgrade of an Original HomeWorks system from 1996 I think the owners said, but it still works as well.

As a dealer, I keep some spares for these older systems, but that supply for me is small, and only for my existing clients. So upgrading to QS is a less costly endeavor for sure, but your product available for repairs is limited, so you'll be mixing QS devices into the system, NOT an issue at all, just something to be aware of as when dimmers start to fail, you will either have to switch out all the wired dimmers or keyapds on the run, or switch them individually as they fail to QS RF devices.

Moving to QSX, you will need to do a full-scale replacement of all your HWI devices, keypads, RPM modules, power supplies, etc. I mean EVERYTHING, as none of them are compatible with the QSX architecture, and there are no current plans according to reps that I have spoken to for legacy compatibility. (I personally think it may come down the line, as it did for HWI to QS, but I would not bank on it).

Hope that helps, and feel free to DM me if you have further questions.

Thanks so much - very helpful!

I bought a house with HWI 4 years ago. Was worried about this same issue. I didn’t need to be.

If you are at all tech savvy it will talk to Samsung SmartThings, and ST talks to Alexa and everything else I’ve wanted (harmony, google, etc)

There is an (old) Lytton iOS app that works with it as well.

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Lutron Launches Powerful HomeWorks QSX Processor

Lutron Electronics , has launched the HomeWorks QSX processor , the latest addition to the company’s flagship whole-home solution.

Lutron says it has made the largest ever investment in HomeWorks, with the new QSX processor bringing heightened connectivity and reliability, streamlining the installation and upgrade process for integrators and customers.

The maker says the update comes with a stream of benefits, including the ability to backup and restore project databases from the cloud to avoid project file loss, increased processing power and memory to manage larger, more complex projects.

In short, Lutron says HomeWorks QSX makes the platform easier to design, install, activate, program and service. “The new HomeWorks platform sums up the ‘Lutron Difference.’ It’s a game-changing addition to our international portfolio of products and solutions,” says Nate Hagemeier, Senior Sales Director Europe and Africa at Lutron.

Key system enhancements

“We’ve made our largest ever innovation investment in HomeWorks,” says Nate. “Lutron is setting the stage for the next decade of integrator success with this new line-up of products and with a new range of keypads coming soon to Europe. There’s never been a better time to be part of the Lutron family and grow your business with Lutron.

The next generation of Lutron HomeWorks is here

Lutron’s flagship whole-home solution debuts with a new processor, ground-breaking technology, and expanded capabilities to ensure dealers’ continued growth and success. New range of keypads are coming soon to Europe.

HomeWorks by Lutron is the premier lighting and shading control solution for luxury homes around the world – and has been for decades. The next generation has arrived. Lutron is pleased to announce the European launch of the HomeWorks QSX processor. This next-generation HomeWorks system makes HomeWorks easier to design, install, activate, program, and service.

“The new HomeWorks platform sums up the ‘Lutron Difference.’ It’s a game-changing addition to our international portfolio of products and solutions,” says Nate Hagemeier, Senior Sales Director Europe and Africa at Lutron.

Global Residential Dealers will enjoy numerous system benefits, including:

-Increased processing power and memory to manage larger, more complex projects and support future capabilities;

-Compatibility with all existing HomeWorks wired QS and wireless RF devices;

-Always up to date – your customers will have the latest capabilities, device support, and security updates;

-Securely connects to third-party products with built-in Connect Bridge technology;

-Streamlines upgrades from existing HomeWorks QS systems by carrying databases forward;

-Backup and restore project databases from the cloud – helping to ensure you never lose a project file;

-High-wattage LED+ DIN module with RTISS-ICM™ withstands the most severe electrical stresses: LED in-rush, bulb blowout, and short circuit.

“We’ve made our largest ever innovation investment in HomeWorks,” says Hagemeier. “Lutron is setting the stage for the next decade of integrator success with this new line-up of products and with a new range of keypads coming soon to Europe. There’s never been a better time to be part of the Lutron family and grow your business with Lutron.”

View the technical specifications of HomeWorks QSX processor here .

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COMMENTS

Adding QSX Processors to Existing HomeWorks QS Systems– FAQ
The Lutron QSX processor (HQP7-1, HQP7-2) is Lutron's latest processor for HomeWorks. This precisely engineered processor brings QS wired, QS wireless and
Is QSX replacing QS processors or will they serve different purposes?
*Note: Telnet is not a supported method of integration to a HomeWorks QSX system starting at HomeWorks version 16.0. Is there a new published
Lutron Launches HomeWorks QSX Processor and Alisse Controllers
The QSX Processor is also compatible with all existing HomeWorks wired QS and wireless RF devices and securely connects to third-party
Lutron upgrades HomeWorks with powerful QSX processor
The new system auto-updates, maintaining device support, and installing security updates. The QSX processor is also backwards compatible with
Upgrading Illumination to QS or QSX? : r/Lutron
Full Disclosure: I am a HomeWorks dealer. You need to do a cost-benefit analysis on upgrading to QSX vs side-grading to QS.
Lutron Launches Powerful HomeWorks QSX Processor
In short, Lutron says HomeWorks QSX makes the platform easier to design, install, activate, program and service. “The new HomeWorks platform
How to Design a Lutron Homeworks QSX System ...
Every Lutron HomeWorks Project requires an element of Design to ensure a ... 8.2K views 8 months ago Lutron Homeworks QS Tutorials.
Over 100 Wireless Devices? Lutron Homeworks QSX ...
Lutron Homeworks QSX Wireless VS Lutron RA2 Select. Adelux [NEW] (2021) ... 1.9K views 1 year ago Lutron Homeworks QS Tutorials.
Next Generation of HomeWorks FAQ
1.1: How does the architecture of HomeWorks change with the introduction of the QSX processor and ... 1.4: What versions of software support QS vs. QSX?
The next generation of Lutron HomeWorks is here
-Compatibility with all existing HomeWorks wired QS and wireless RF ... View the technical specifications of HomeWorks QSX processor here.