Does anyone have a Rako RASOFT manual?

owain_thomas · 16-11-2009, 8:56 PM

I'm struggling to find a manual for the Rako PC software (RASOFT), is there one? can't find anything on their website. I'm thinking of getting this along with a RAMB1 clock module but wanted to read a bit more about them before ordering.

DIYlady · 17-11-2009, 12:03 PM

Don't think there is one and to be honest the "help" on the programme itself isn't great.

Having said that, if you have any Rako at all then Rasoft and MB01 are a must - they dramatically increase the ease of set up and also what you can do with the system

owain_thomas · 17-11-2009, 2:51 PM

thanks for the input. which sort of connection do you use for the RASOFT? I was looking to use the RJ45 one so that I can then use the iphone app, is it possible to use this to setup the RAMB1, do you know? or does it require the serial version (seems to be a serial connection on the diagram for the RAMB1 but don't know if thats whats needed)

Aberdeen Al · 17-11-2009, 10:15 PM

I wouldn't mind a copy too if someone has a manual!

I've got the software to work but can't get the COM port to talk / link to the RAKO module

intelligentav · 17-11-2009, 10:55 PM

I know the Rako guys well. If you ring through and ask for technical they will no doubt send you a pdf or point you in the right direction. Doesn't hurt to ring up and moot the fact that you either own or are willing to buy some kit. 01634 226666 Failing that, get in touch and I will give you the name of two Rako guys that will help out

DIYlady · 18-11-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

which sort of connection do you use for the RASOFT?

We use the USB interface for the RAHSOFT. My understanding is that the interface unit basically just sends info to the receivers to tell them what scene 1 etc means. Mostly stuff that you could use the keypads to programme, but much much easier with the software.

To my mind the MB1 is the real key to RAKO flexibility. The interface isn't used when setting up the MB1 - You connect the MB1 to your computer via a serial port (the serial lead comes with the MB1). You can use a serial to USB converter as long as you change the connection port in the software. Once you've downloaded all the required settings you can disconnect the MB1 from the PC and put it elsewhere as long as it has a power supply.

We haven't tried the ethernet interface - it's quite new and wasn't around when we were buying, but I'm pretty sure that you would still need to physically connect the MB1 as the software is configured to send MB1 set up info to the defined serial port and not through radio signals.

Note - personal experience says the software is more stable in XP than Vista. I haven't suceeded in getting it running with Windows 7 yet - though I think this is mainly a problem with the driver for the USB to serial converter and I haven't tried very hard.

I'd agree with the other comments that the folk at RAKO are really helpful. They also run courses, though I've never been on one.

owain_thomas · 18-11-2009, 7:13 PM

thanks for the replies. very useful, makes sense now that the RAMB1 just plugs into a computer - do you still have to buy the RASOFT separately then or could you just use an RAMB1 without some sort of RASOFT interface? just trying to work out how much more I need to spend!

hornydragon · 18-11-2009, 9:13 PM

you need RAsoft to programme the MB1 by PC but you can do it from the panel RAsoft can be used with RS232 adapter if you have a serial port (may need to be RS232+), Rako run a course on RASOFT and programming system design and have recently introduced an advanced course.

DIYlady · 19-11-2009, 8:53 AM

Quite fiddly to do from the MB1 itself and there are some things that you can do with RAHsoft on MB1 but (as far as I can see) not on the MB1 directly.

Also worth bearing in mind that with RahSoft you can back up the whole set up and then if you have a problem you can just resend everything.

There is also the option to create copies of the set up - very useful if you want to experiment and then revert when something doesn't work.

DIYlady · 19-11-2009, 8:55 AM

hornydragon - have you been on any of the courses?
Any good?

hornydragon · 19-11-2009, 12:15 PM

Did the basic one quite a while ago will do the advanced when time permits, as a dealer its good but would be of less benefit to an end user (one site, one set of lights etc).

DIYlady · 19-11-2009, 12:37 PM

Might do the advanced one anyway - I think I've probably gone beyond the basic one. What did they cover?

hornydragon · 19-11-2009, 5:37 PM

cant remember the details it was a few years ago, not sure the courses are open to the public, or are you a Rako dealer installer?

DIYlady · 19-11-2009, 6:48 PM

No I'm not a dealer (though my husband thinks that we're buying so much stuff that I should become one). Only installing in my own property at the moment, but been made redundant so who knows what I might do in the future!