Just getting into controlling lighting with universal remotes. Is it possible to install just one IR or RF controllable switch, such as the Maestro or RadionRa, and have it be controlled by the MX850? Or do I need to buy a whole system? I would greatly appreciate anyones info..

Yes your best bet would be to use the spacer switches. You can use ir or if you have access to run a wire to the LS rf to control the switch. You will have control of ON, OFF, DIM+, DIM- and i believe 4 scenes or so. Good luck

Thanks a lot fonzanoon. I tried asking both AV distributors we use, one said i would minimum need to purchase base station, table top remote and the switch, the other had no clue... Sounds like the spacer switch is the way to go. I don't have access to run any wire so IR it will be.. Does the spacer switch come with a remote that i can teach the MX850?..

yes and the codes are in the database too.

Thats too easy.. Since the AV distributors didn't know much about lighting control, i sent an email to the tech support at Lutron.. This is the response:

At this time, the only method to control Lutron dimmers with third party remotes is through Infrared. If you only want to control on circuit in a room, Maestro IR would be an economical choice.
Due to the long list of A/V receivers that come with learning remotes, Lutron cannot test them all. As we get the opportunity to test various brands and models, we will compile and publish a list of compatible models. See [Link: lutron.com] for additional information on third party control of Lutron products. Attached is a detailed document describing Lutron’s infrared technical specifications. Contact the manufacturer of your remote for more information or visit www.remotecentral.com for lots of useful reviews and information on most after-market remote controls made today.

Thanks again Fonzanoon.. YOU ROCK!!

If an IR solution will satisfy your needs, you would only need to buy the Maestro dimmers or the Spacer system.

If an RF solution is what you are looking for, you need to buy a "RadioRa" solution. At the very minimum, if you were to buy individual components, you would need the following...

1 RadioRa RF Signal Repeater
1 RadioRa Infrared Interface
1 RadioRa dimmer

You must have the signal repeater. It is the core component that controls RadioRa dimmers and switches. You don't necessarily need the table top or wall controllers. That would mean you want to control them with your universal remote control, hence you need the Infrared Interface.

So if i point the MX850 at the AV system hit a function, the RadioRa IR Interface take s that IR command and sends it to the RF Signal Repeater which then converts it to a RF signal command, and fires that at the RadioRa dimmer. Do i understand that correctly?

Yes; @ 1k retail for single switch control, ra-ir and repeater.

bakerboy - just so you know the 850 shoots out a very strong ir signal. in one of my rooms the spacer switch is behind me and i never have a problem not pointing at it. the ir must bounce all over the room and the rcvr picks it up. much cheaper than a small ra solution if its for you and you can deal with that. i wouldn't leave a customers house like that but it works for me.