Cool Stuff - Smart RTS Systems
You can motorize any product no matter how large. Generally the bigger, the more expensive.
Here's the exciting thing. Most windows can be motorized with relatively inexpensive and intelligent battery operated systems. They can be infrared or radio but the trend is radio. Somfy leads the way with their RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) systems. Somfy has simplified their systems by standardizing the controls between all systems big or small. The smart electronics are built into every system eliminating mechanical limit switches and greatly simplifying adjustments.
Here's what you sell:
Push one button and have a group of shades go up. Push another button and have another group go up. Push a third button and have both groups operate together. Push a center button and have them all line up in a middle position.
Each shade mounts using normal brackets with no wiring required. Batteries last for approximately 3 years.
Here's how it works:
Regardless of the product ordered it will come with the limits set top and bottom but you should plan to adjust on the job.
Adjust Limits:
move the shade to the top (or bottom)
press both the up and down buttons until the shade jogs - it is now in the adjust mode
move the shade to the new top (or bottom) limit.
Press the "my" (or stop) button until the shade jogs to acknowledge
The top limit has not been reset.
Note: the top limit can only be reset from the top limit and likewise for the bottom.
Setting "My" Position:
Shades also have an optional "My Position" or center position. This is simply set by moving the shade to that postion and holding the "My" button until it jogs to aknowledge. This is great for making shades go to a common aligned position.
Here's the complication - adjustments will be made to all shades on the same channel. To adjust shades separately they either must be unique channels or the other shades must be disconnected by removing the battery connection. Once you get the hang of it it is not difficult.
Understanding Channels:
A channel is needed for each group of shades. If you have a group on the west wall and another on the east wall you could probably get by with 2 channels regardless if you have 1 window on each wall or 100 windows on each wall. For convenience you could add a channel and assign both groups to the third channel so you could opperate all windows at once.
Note: Each shade can be assigned to more than one channel.
To assign a shade to another channel:
operate the shade so you know what shade is on the channel.
push the "reset" button on the back of the remote and hold until the shade jogs
move to the channel you want to add to the shade.
push the reset button and the shade has been added to that devise.
Note - the new channel may be a different channel on a 5 channel remote or it can be another devise such as another remote, a timer, a automation transmitter, a wall switch... or any other Somfy devise.
Operating sample kit for the serious dealer:
It's easy to read about these smart controls but you really don't get it until you do it. It is even more difficult to sell it without a working sample. A dual shade operating sample with a five channel remote allows you to demonstrate exactly how the system will work.
Dual shade, 5 channel remote, battery pack and mounting frame. - $500