Best way to add keypads to existing RA2 Select system
by TechSavvyHomeowner• 7 replies• 22212 views
Hey everyone, I've had a Lutron RA2 Select system running in my home for about two years now and I'm really happy with it overall. Currently controlling about 25 switches and dimmers throughout the house using the app and a couple of Pico remotes.
Now I want to add some keypads to a few key locations - specifically the master bedroom entry, the main hallway, and by the garage door. I want the "goodnight" and "welcome home" type scene control that I see in higher-end installs.
My question is: what's the best approach here? I know RA2 Select has limitations compared to full RA2. Can I use the seeTouch keypads with Select, or am I limited to just Picos mounted in wall brackets? I've seen some people mention the Pico scene keypads but I'm not sure if those give me enough buttons for what I want.
Also, is there a way to get backlit buttons with RA2 Select? The wife really wants something that's easy to see at night in the hallway. Budget isn't super tight but I also don't want to rip everything out and start over with a full RA2 system if I can avoid it.
Any advice from those who've expanded their Select systems would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Replies
HighEndIntegrator25658 hours ago
Here's the reality check: RA2 Select was designed as a cost-effective entry point, and keypads are one of the main things they stripped out to hit that price point. Your options are essentially Picos in wall brackets or upgrading to full RadioRA 2 or even RadioRA 3.
If you want proper keypads with engraving, backlighting, and more button options, you're looking at a main repeater swap and potentially re-programming everything. That said, RadioRA 3 just launched and has some nice keypad options including the new seeTouch models. Might be worth getting a quote from a dealer to see what a migration would cost.
For now, the 4-button Picos in Claro brackets are your best bet within Select. You can create pretty sophisticated scenes - I've done whole-home goodnight routines on a single button press. The limitation is really aesthetic, not functional.
✓ Accepted Answer
LutronFanatic26330 hours ago
Unfortunately RA2 Select doesn't support seeTouch keypads - you're limited to Picos. The good news is the Pico scene keypads (PJ2-4B-GXX-L31) give you 4 programmable buttons plus raise/lower, which handles most scene needs pretty well.
Ra2SelectUser26042 hours ago
I'm in a similar boat and went with the Pico wall plate adapters with the 4-button scene Picos. They look surprisingly good mounted on the wall with the Claro wallplates. For the backlight issue, you're out of luck with Select - none of the Picos have illuminated buttons. Some people add small LED nightlights nearby as a workaround, but it's not elegant.
DIYSmartHome25514 hours ago
What about using something like a Brilliant smart switch panel at those locations? It can integrate with Lutron and gives you the touchscreen scene control with backlighting. Not a pure Lutron solution but it works.
LutronFanatic25442 hours ago
The Brilliant suggestion isn't bad but adds complexity and another point of failure. Plus the integration goes through the cloud which adds latency. If you want rock-solid reliability, staying within the Lutron ecosystem is the way to go even if it means Picos.
Control4Enthusiast25418 hours ago
Just curious - how many total devices are you controlling? If you're at 25 already and want to expand, you might be bumping up against Select's 100 device limit soon anyway. Might make the RA3 upgrade more justifiable if you're planning future expansion.
TechSavvyHomeowner25178 hours ago
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses! Sounds like Picos in wall brackets are my immediate solution. @HighEndIntegrator - I'll reach out to a dealer about RA3 migration costs just to have that info. We're planning a kitchen renovation next year so maybe that's the time to make the jump if the numbers make sense.
