Verdict: Go with QSX for new builds. Use the only for repairs or if you are purchasing an existing home equipped with Illumination panels.
If you are building a new home, you should not buy a 164. Lutron has moved on to the (now QSX) series. Here is the comparison: Lutron Homeworks Illumination 164
: Unlike modern plug-and-play systems, hardware on an Illumination system utilized physical DIP switches and rotary dials to assign static network addresses. 🛠️ The Role of Software Version 1.64 Verdict: Go with QSX for new builds
. While the hardware is known for its longevity, the software is increasingly difficult to run on modern Windows operating systems without compatibility adjustments or virtual machines. Database Management Lutron has moved on to the (now QSX) series
A common point of confusion in legacy systems is the difference between the 164 and the 96. While both are RF dimmers for the Illumination system, the numbers generally denote capacity and channel count. The 164 became the standard for higher-density zones, offering contractors a better ratio of zones per physical box.