LightWare RAC-B501 Room Automation Controller

Product Overview

The Lightware RAC-B501 is a room automation controller designed to centralize AV device control, room scheduling, and environmental automation within a single compact unit. It provides the logic, scheduling, and I/O interfaces needed to automate displays, projectors, lighting scenes, shading, and HVAC controls in meeting rooms, classrooms, and collaborative spaces. The RAC-B501 communicates with AV devices and building systems via RS-232, RS-485, IR, relays, digital I/O, and Ethernet, and integrates natively with Lightware AV signal distribution equipment and third-party systems through an open API.

Order from Creation Networks with full Lightware warranty and system design support.

Product Description

The RAC-B501 is installed in the equipment rack or AV bay of a meeting room or classroom. It runs Lightware's room automation logic engine, which can be programmed via a graphical interface to handle power sequencing, source selection, display control, room booking integration, and sensor-triggered automation. The controller connects to the room network for IP-based device control and remote management, and its serial and relay I/O ports provide control over legacy and non-IP devices.

The RAC-B501 is designed for integrators who need a capable room controller without the licensing costs and proprietary toolchain lock-in associated with Crestron or AMX platforms. The open API allows third-party touch panels, scheduling platforms, and building management systems to interface with the controller directly, reducing total system cost and integration complexity on multi-vendor projects.

Key Features

• Centralized room automation logic with graphical programming environment
• Multiple RS-232, RS-485, and IR control ports for AV and building device control
• Relay outputs and digital I/O for lighting, shading, and environmental control
• 1GbE Ethernet for IP device control and network management
• Native integration with Lightware AV distribution and extender products
• Open REST API for third-party touch panels and scheduling systems
• PoE input available — no dedicated power supply needed in PoE installations
• Compact 1U or half-rack form factor for standard AV rack installation

Typical Applications

• Corporate meeting room AV automation — power sequencing, source selection, shading
• University classroom automation with projector, display, and lighting control
• Huddle and focus room automation without a dedicated IT-managed control system
• Divisible meeting room systems requiring coordinated AV and room join/split control
• Boardroom AV control integrated with room booking and calendar systems
• Hospitality presentation suites with automated display and lighting scenes

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RAC-B501 require Lightware-brand touch panels?

No. The open REST API allows any IP-capable touch panel or control interface — including third-party panels from Extron, Kramer, and custom tablet-based UIs — to communicate with the RAC-B501. This gives integrators and end users flexibility to choose display interfaces independently of the control processor.

Can the RAC-B501 integrate with room booking systems like Microsoft Teams Rooms or Google Meet?

The REST API enables integration with calendar and room booking platforms. Specific integration paths depend on the booking platform's API capabilities. Contact Creation Networks for system design guidance on calendar-triggered automation.

What is the programming approach for room logic?

The RAC-B501 uses Lightware's graphical logic programming environment, which uses a drag-and-drop event and action model. This is significantly more accessible than text-based programming required for Crestron SIMPL or AMX NetLinx, reducing programming time and the specialized labor cost for room commissioning.

Does the controller support RS-485 for multi-drop device control?

Yes. RS-485 support allows the RAC-B501 to control devices on a multi-drop serial bus, which is common in lighting control systems, motorized screens, and some display manufacturers that use RS-485 daisy-chain architectures.

Is the RAC-B501 powered from PoE or does it need an AC outlet in the rack?

The RAC-B501 supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af/at) input, so it can be powered entirely from a PoE switch port with no separate power supply. In racks without PoE infrastructure, a 12 V DC power supply is used instead.

Can multiple RAC-B501 units be linked for a divisible room system?

Yes. Multiple controllers can communicate over the network and be programmed to coordinate room join and split logic, synchronized AV routing, and shared display control for divisible room configurations. Creation Networks can assist with divisible room system design.