Rako provides state of the art digital dimming technology, with innovative solutions to meet the needs of a diverse range of applications to help create lighting systems that are simple to use, easily installed and cost effective.
Planning a lighting project can be confusing, especially with the vast array of lamp types and fittings now available. Rako, which is designed and manufactured in the UK, offers an unparalleled range of products, together with a very experienced support team to back up our own skilled installers.
Rako offer a wireless solution, a wired option or a combination of both with full integration to provide great flexibility.
Rako Lighting Controls
Wireless
Rako’s wireless system provides all the benefits of a sophisticated lighting control system without the need to re-wire and can be used in both new and retro-fit installations. The wireless capability provides the most cost effective and simple to install solution saving on cabling and re-decoration.
Wireless systems can use either individual modules or Rako’s RAK system with the RxLink wireless interface.
Modules wire in-line with each lighting circuit and can be mounted either in the ceiling or in a central cupboard. Split lighting into circuits to allow independent control and provide the ability to highlight different areas and features within a room. Wall-plates can be flush mounted into a standard back-box or can be surface mounted, requiring no cabling at all as they communicate wirelessly with the receiver modules.
Modules are available to suit all types of load from incandescent, low voltage and fluorescent to the latest generation of LEDs. Systems can be as small as one circuit and one wall-plate up to whole home installations with master house controllers and full system integration. Signal repeaters make wireless practical for the largest of projects.
Simple connection of the RakoBridge to a wireless router provides programming access via Wi-Fi and allows control from Rako’s iPhone, iPad and Android Apps, giving access to both scene and individual channel control.
Wireless Control Panels
A range of contemporary control panels to match both functional and décor requirements. Available in a wide range of standard finishes including polished and brushed stainless steel with special finishes available to order. Screw or screwless fixing options with UK or European styling. Wireless control panels can be both flush or surface mounted, neither need wires and surface mounting eliminates the need for a back-box. Wired panels connect using a cat5 network with LED tell-back indicators.
Wireless Control Modules
Rako offers dimmer and switching controls for all load types, both rack-mounted and individual modules with wired and wireless control formats. Rako has controls for the many light sources now available, incandescent, low voltage, LEDs, colour changers, cold cathode, fluorescent and non-dimmed loads. Wireless modules simply wire in-line with the lighting circuit and can be located in ceiling voids and fitted through a standard down-light cut out. Modules can also be wired in-line and plugged into your nearest socket. For larger installations or when centralising wiring, Rako’s rack option can be either wired or wireless. RAK-4 packs can be linked to create multi-channel stacks. Each stack requires a network connection, either wireless (Rx-Link) or wired (RAK-Link) which can be mounted anywhere in the building. Bridge modules allow wired and wireless networks to be combined. Mulitiple stacks can be used together and will integrate seamlessly with Rako’s existing range of wired or wireless modules and accessories.
The Rako wired system is the option for customers who prefer a cabled network. It offers LED backlit buttons with the option for custom etching and ultimately can cope with the largest of projects. Using CAT5 cabling, system components are wired either as a daisy chain network or star arrangement using the RAK-STAR box.
Circuits are wired to a central location or a number of hubs, linked together on the network and connected to appropriate RAK-4 packs which include the silent transistorised RAK-4T, RAK-4F for 0-10V, DSI, DALI or switch control. The RAK-4R is available for curtain and blind control and colour changing can be incorporated using Rako DMX or LED control packs.
User controls, including wall-plates, PIR’s, time-clocks and system interfaces are added to the network and programmed from a PC connected via Wi-Fi to a Bridge unit. Adding a WTCBridge to the system gives access to timed events, ‘Holiday Mode’, dawn/dusk programming and advanced macros and mapping features. End users can then program scenes for events such as breakfast, lunch and dinner from an iPhone or iPad providing total user control.
Wired Control Panels
Rako have a range of contemporary control panels to match both functional and décor requirements. Available in a wide range of standard finishes, including polished and brushed stainless stee,l with special finishes available to order. Screw or screwless fixing options with UK or European styling. Wireless control panels can be both flush or surface mounted, neither need wires and surface mounting eliminates the need for a back-box. Wired panels connect using a cat5 network with LED tell-back indicators.
Rako Bridges link wireless and Rako wired systems, also providing additional functionality such as iPhone/iPad/Android control. They are the building blocks of ‘Combined’ Rako systems. Adding the TCM module to either wireless or wired Bridges enables astronomic time clock events, automated macros, conditional logic and holiday simulation. Adding the ACM module enables control of a select number of multiroom audio systems over ethernet, including the LINN DS media units.
The ability to combine Rako wireless and wired systems provides a unique solution for installers and end-users alike. This amazing flexibility gives a remarkable choice in installation methods allowing the creation of a network of components that interact and work seamlessly together. Projects started as completely wired systems have the fall-back position that the addition of wireless modules and wall- plates allows, giving the ‘get out of jail free’ card for when the job doesn’t quite go to plan, or when system expansion is required, after cabling is complete. Some projects may just suit the combined approach such as where a new build or extension is added to an existing building and a lighting control system is required in both parts.
The RakoBridge used to combine the wireless and wired systems also allows complete control from an iPhone or iPad and can provide remote access to the network from a PC. Addition of the ACM audio control module will enable control of a third party audio system from the combined lighting and audio wall-plates. The whole palette of Rako products and the ability to ‘combine’ allows project designers to plan the best possible solution for any project.
Please contact our Custom Installation Department for full details on the Rako range on 01245 264209.