Motorization
Before you choose the supplier for your motorized shades I'm offering some unbiased information - what to ask your supplier - from someone with over 25 years providing motorization and home automation/integration.
Speed: The first obvious problem noticed by the homeowner is the speed at which the shades are raised or lowered. Underpowered motors operate at a lower RPM. The internal motor has to rotate faster and transmit the power to the shade through a geared system within the motor. That is the only way for a 12vdc motor to lift a shade. There is a limit to the strength of the motor and the number of gears in the motor.
LIMITATIONS
Everyday clients contact us with questions about motorized blinds and shades.
There are a few questions that need answers.
How big are the windows?
Do you have power to the windows?
What type of treatments are you thinking about?
WINDOW SIZE
This is a critical question. The size of the windows dictates the type and strength of the motor and the type of power needed.
Small window blinds can be powered by a 12vdc motor but a larger window may need a 24vdc or 110vac motor. Since you want all the blinds to operate with one remote, one app, all these motors need to be from the same manufacturer, work with the same platform whether thats a hand/wall remote, smart device app or home automation system life Crestron, A4 and others.
Many manufacturers/suppliers/retailers only offer 'cheap and cheerful' options, mainly 12vdc battery, plug-in or rechargeable motors. That's fine if all your window shades are small, but if you have a few larger openings that need a single shade, the 12vdc motor will be problematic.
They may try to convince you that 'no problem' these motors will work just fine, that 'I've never had a problem with a shade that size' or 'those limitations are just a guideline'
Problems:
Speed: The first obvious problem noticed by the homeowner is the speed at which the shades are raised or lowered. Underpowered motors operate at a lower RPM. The internal motor has to rotate faster and transmit the power to the shade through a geared system within the motor. That is the only way for a 12vdc motor to lift a shade. There is a limit to the strength of the motor and the number of gears in the motor.
Noise: Smaller motors, because they have to rotate faster, have multiple gears to bring as much strength to lifting the shades means they are far noisier that stronger motors. The motor itself is noisy but the greatest amount of noise comes from the internal gears. If silent operation is one of your 'must-halves' then look for a system that offers the quietest operation.
Overheating: Underpowered motors may overheat and 'trip' or stop until the internal motor temperature drops. That typically takes 20 minutes.
Short lifespan. When the motors overheat, shut off and restart that shortens the life of the motor, typically not covered by manufacturers warranty where there is a posted minimum and maximum size restriction for the shade size to be powered.
Complete failure: In the case where the motor fails completely and you have mutiple shades on the same platform, you are in real trouble. You will likely have to see if you can either find a stronger motor that works with the same RTS system AND a supplier who is willing to work with an existing installation.
Results:
One result is that you may have to change the motors in your shades to stronger motors, even if they are still 12vdc motors, the diameter of the motor may be larger than the internal diameter of the tube in the shade. If that's the case you may not be able to do anything. If it can be retrofitted, you may have to change the tube, the motor crown and drives, the motor bracket and idle end. If the shade is in a cassette the increased size of the tube + the fabric all that may not fit within the existing cassette.
Prevention
We always look at the home/project and know we have to work with all limitations, considering the smallest opening and the largest opening and the power options and supplier that provides the variety of motorization options for the complete range of window shade sizes in the project.
You want as do we to have all the shades/drapery etc to work with on one platform.
Many times we will provide small motors for small shades, midrange motors for large shades and ultra-duty motors for large or muti-band shades.
Whatever you do, ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS.
Getting it right the first time means never having to be sorry AND knowing the system will add value to your project when, at some future date you decide to sell your home. In the meantime you get to enjoy a problem free automated home.
