1 Functions of the WK-HUB
The WK-HUB adds the following features to a Rako wired system:
- Network interface: Local programming, App control, and IP integration of 3rd party control systems.
- Cloud Gateway: Interfaces with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Homekit, Sonos, etc.
- Storing Project file information: Room, Channel, and Scene information can be stored.
- Timed Events: Automatic functions at fixed times including dawn & dusk.
- Mapping: Commands can be redirected to perform other tasks.
- Macros: Series of commands triggered by a single command or event. Specific steps can be enabled and disabled for conditional functionality.
- Holiday Mode: Replays recorded Scene activity, creating an occupied look to a property.
- Wired-Wireless Interface: The WK-HUB functions as an interface between wireless signals and the wired network.
2 Installing the WK-HUB
The WK-HUB connects to your Rako wired network and your home's network.
Step 1: Plug the RJ11 cable provided into the WK-HUB and an available RJ11 port in a RAK-LINK/RAK-STAR/WPCON-C, etc.
Step 2: Plug the Ethernet patch cable from the WK-HUB to a spare port in a router or network switch.
Step 3: Mount the WK-HUB to a wall using the fixing bracket if desired.
Physical dimensions of the WK-HUB are approximately 89mm x 72mm x 5mm.
3 Discovering the HUB and Setting the House Number
Before programming, the HUB must be discovered and its House number set via a web page setup wizard.
3.1 Discovering the HUB
Open the Rasoft Pro programming software. Ensure your laptop is connected to the same network as the HUB. The HUB should appear in the “Communication” window in the bottom right of the software, typically with a red stop sign (❌). If it does not appear, press “Refresh”. If it still does not appear, refer to section 3.4.
3.2 Setting up the HUB using the Web Page Wizard
To access the HUB Web Pages, right-click the communication device in the bottom right of the Rasoft Pro software and select “Open in Browser”.
The setup wizard guides you through four steps:
- Welcome: Select “Next” to begin setup.
- Login details: Set a password for accessing the local web pages and the Rako App.
- Setup wizard: Enter a “Hub Name” and a “House number” (between 1-255). This House number must match the Rasoft Pro project file.
- Finish: Complete the setup. The HUB will not contain Rooms and Channels until uploaded via Rasoft Pro.
3.3 Managing the HUB House number
Using the HUB with the default House address of 1 is strongly discouraged, as it increases the likelihood of interference from nearby Rako systems. The HUB defaults to House Address 1 if not previously set. Ensure the HUB's House number matches the Project file's House number before programming.
To change the House number after initial setup:
- Find the Project File House number at the top of the Room List in Rasoft Pro.
- Select “Configuration” in the HUB's web interface.
- Set the “Wireless House Address” to match the Project File number.
- Click “Update” to save changes.
As a final check, disconnect and reconnect to the HUB. If no warning pop-up appears, the HUB and Project file House numbers match.
WARNING: If a warning appears about a House number conflict, click “Cancel” and do not continue programming.
3.4 If you cannot connect to the HUB
If the software cannot connect to the HUB, restart the software and ensure it is fully updated. If the HUB still does not appear, it is likely a networking issue. If the problem persists, the HUB can be connected point-to-point using a standard Ethernet cable.
4 Linking the HUB for cloud services
To access cloud services, the HUB must be linked to a my.rakocontrols.com account.
4.1 Where to find each cloud service
Some cloud services are configured via the HUB webpage, while others are managed through my.rakocontrols.com:
- HUB webpage: Sonos Activities (including custom IP strings and templates like RCM/WCM-audio keypads).
- my.rakocontrols.com: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Homekit (including custom scenes and advanced HomeKit configuration).
NB: More detailed descriptions for advanced cloud settings are linked from the HUB webpages or my.rakocontrols.com.
4.2 Linking the HUB to Cloud services
Use the HUB webpages to link to cloud services. Navigate to the “Cloud” section from the menu. Press “Connect” to be taken to the my.rakocontrols.com page.
Ensure all “Service Status” indicators are green before proceeding.
Step 2: Press “Login/Register”. Use your existing my.rakocontrols.com email and password, or create a new account.
Step 3: Once logged in, the HUB's code will be automatically verified.
Step 4: The HUB will prompt you to assign a “Nickname” for the interface on my.rakocontrols.com. This does not need to match the “HUB name” set during the initial setup.
After completion, the my.rakocontrols.com “Devices” page should display your linked HUB.
5 Adding the HUB as a device to Rasoft Pro
Once the WK-HUB is connected, add it as a device in Rasoft Pro:
- Select “File” > “New Device” and choose “Bridge” as the device type.
- On the “Assign to Room” step, select “Next”. No room or channel association is needed for the HUB.
- Select the HUB from the communications window list. Click “Refresh” if it is not visible.
- The HUB will appear in the device list with green text and a blue icon, indicating it is assigned.
6 Uploading the project file
After completing the system setup in Rasoft Pro, upload the project file to the HUB. This file contains the Room, Channel, and Scene information required for the Rako App to function correctly.
Use the “Smartphone/Web Data” tab to upload the Project File. Press “Save & Upload Room Data To Bridge” to initiate the upload.
The “Type” setting for a room affects the icon appearance on the App and the keypad layout. For example, a “switch” type room shows “on”/“off” buttons, while a “blind” type shows “open”/“stop”/“close”.
The “Mode” setting, typically used for “lighting” types, determines the variety of keypad displayed in the App, ideally matching the physical keypad in the room.
NB:
- For a number of scenes other than 4, 7, or 16, select “named scenes” and assign custom names in the room editor.
- Room order can be changed on this screen, but channel order is fixed. To achieve a specific channel order, address or map them accordingly.
7 Downloading the project file
If data has been uploaded to the HUB, you can import the Room, Channel, and Scene data into a blank project file.
Navigate to the “Room Import” tab to download information from the HUB.
Follow these steps:
- Press “Download Data” at the top of the page to preview the data.
- Press “Refresh List” if no rooms appear. If only “default room” or “test bench” are shown, no data is available for download.
- Press “Import Data” to write the Room and Channel information into the Project File.
- Press “Refresh Channel Levels” to download the Scene data into the Project File.
8 Events
Events can be viewed, added, and edited using Rasoft Pro, the Rako App, or HUB webpages. Calendar event conditions can only be set via the HUB web page interface.
The HUB can generate automated Events that trigger commands at specific times, such as turning garden lights on at dusk and off at dawn.
8.1 Setting Events using Rasoft Pro
Open the events page in Rasoft Pro by selecting the HUB in the device editor and choosing the “Events” tab.
Mappings List: Lists all events and provides a summary. Select an event to edit its trigger and action.
Event Trigger/Active Days: Defines the timing conditions (Dawn, Dusk, or specific time) and days for the event.
NB: Dawn and dusk times can be adjusted via the webpage interface's location settings, with optional offsets configurable here.
8.2 Setting Events via the HUB webpages
Events can be set using the “Activities” section of the HUB webpages. Navigate to “Activities” and select “Create Custom Activity”.
Note on “Activities”: “Activities” is a generic term for any HUB “Action”, including Mappings and Events. This section is in beta; it is advised to limit its use to mapping Sonos audio commands and creating Events. Events created in Rasoft Pro will appear here but are not editable. Contact Rako technical support for assistance with “Activities”.
The interface for creating events is similar to Rasoft Pro and the Rako App.
8.3 Setting Events using the Rako App.
Events can also be created via the Rako App. The method is similar to that described above. For more information, refer to the App User Guide.
Type: Sets the event's trigger time, either a 24-hour clock or year-round dawn/dusk times.
Condition: Adds requirements for the event to occur, such as day of the week or calendar conditions.
Output: Defines the command executed when Type and Condition are met (e.g., Scene, level, fade).
Press “Submit” to activate the event.
9 Mappings
Mappings allow the HUB to “listen” for a Rako command (Source) and perform a specific action (Output Action) when heard.
NB: Programmable keypads are generally preferred over HUB Mapping. For WCMs or RNCs, use Keypad Mapping.
9.1 Mapping wireless commands to give multi-room functionality
Map wireless commands to trigger actions in multiple rooms simultaneously. For example, mapping “Hall Scene 1” can also trigger “Kitchen Scene 1”.
NB: Maps can be “Enabled” and “Disable”d via the “Mapping Control” Action.
9.2 Triggering Macros from Maps
Macros can be triggered from a map (e.g., WCM map, WAVFR map). Mapping 2 in the example below triggers “Start Macro 2”.
10 Macros
Macros enable a sequence of actions triggered by an Event or Map. The HUB supports up to 60 Macros, each with a maximum of 32 Steps. The Macro screen is accessed via the HUB device editor.
The example Macro shown has 3 steps:
- Room 9, All Channels, Scene 2
- Room 17, All Channels Scene 1
- Room 49, All Channels Scene 2
This Macro executes these commands sequentially. More complex functionality can be achieved using the tables provided.
10.1 Writing Macros
Macro steps can be one of four types:
- Action: Simple commands like Scenes, Fades, or “Macro Control”/“Mapping Control” for complex programming.
- Pause: A running Macro pauses and waits for a “Continue” command.
- Delay: The Macro waits for a defined period, useful for PIR timeouts.
- Goto: Sends the Macro to a defined step within itself or another Macro.
10.2 Triggering Macros
Macros are commonly triggered by:
- Wired device direct Map (WCM/WAVFR/etc.)
- HUB Mapping
- HUB Event
A macro trigger performs one of four functions:
- Start: Begins the Macro from Step 1.
- Stop: Stops a running Macro and returns to Step 1.
- Pause: Pauses a running Macro at its current step.
- Continue: Resumes a paused Macro from the next step.
NB: Macros (or parts thereof) can be “Enable”d and “Disable”d via the “Macro Control” Action.
11 Holiday Mode
Holiday Mode allows the HUB to record normal lighting activity in a property over time. This recording can be replayed when the property is empty to simulate occupancy.
Holiday Mode has three states:
- Record: Logs system activity.
- Playback: Replays recorded activity when the house is unoccupied.
- Idle: Normal operation when the property is occupied and no recording is active.
Holiday mode is primarily controlled via the App, but can also be managed through keypad maps, HUB maps, or direct button presses on the HUB. Refer to the “App User Guide” for App control details.
12 Upgrading the HUB
Important: Always update the HUB through its webpage interface, not Rasoft Pro.
- Access the HUB webpages as described in section 3.3.
- Navigate to the “Help” section.
- Click on the “Updates” panel.
- The screen will display the current firmware and the latest available version.
NB: As the HUB is a new product, updates are required to enable all features. Ensure the HUB is updated to the latest firmware for full functionality.
13 UDP Feedback
Monitor commands received and transmitted by the HUB using the UDP Feedback feature.
13.1 Live feedback
The Live feedback section is located in the bottom right of the Rasoft Pro software. It displays each command received or transmitted, useful for verifying programmed commands.
NB: A Bridge/HUB must be connected to view this feedback.
13.2 UDP feedback log
For detailed or long-term feedback, open the command log. In the toolbar, select “Window” > “Output” > “Output”.
13.3 HUB Webpages logs
A timestamped log of system activity is available in the HUB webpages under the “Logs” section. This log shows the type, title, description, and time of events, along with the command source (Room and Channel).
14 Activity States
The “Activity States” page in the HUB webpages system settings is used to trigger Events, Mappings, and Macros. It is useful for testing, such as verifying dawn/dusk events or macros.
Each green number indicates an active Mapping/Event/Macro. Clicking a number can enable it. Verification can be done by checking the HUB logs.
Rako thanks you for purchasing a Rako product. For any assistance, please visit www.rakocontrols.com or call the customer help line on 01634 226666.
