Smart Shades - Motorization Limitations

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.

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.

Smart Shades - Home Automation

Smart Shades

The future of Motorized Shades + Home Automation

Technology is changing at an increasingly rapid pace in the Home Automation and Shade motorization arena.  The basic motor technology hasn't changed drastically with all the manufacturers improving their motors in an attempt to enable more manufacturers the ability to incorporate these motors in a wider range of window coverings both in type and size.

The differences between motor manufacturers is the power (lifting), quiet operation (decibels) and the built in technology within the motors (control options)

Power

Let's use a car purchase as an example.  A 6 cylinder vs 8 cylinder powered automobile.  Remarkably the fuel economy of the 6 cylinder is not that much better than the 8 cylinder and on the outside, other than the 3L or 4L designation there is nothing to indicate to the outside world whats under the hood. But one has more torque, the other has more power.  Side by side the vehicles 6 cylinder may initially accelerate as fast as the 8 cylinder to a point but it has to work a lot harder will reach its upper output limit first while the 8 cylinder still accelerates.

It's the same with motorized shades.  It's better for performance and longevity if the motor has more power than is necessary to lift a shade vs opting for the lower price and then having some of the following issues.

Speed:  In order for an underpowered motor to lift a shade you have to sacrifice the speed (rpm) of the final motor output.  Manufacturers accomplish this with internal gears within the motor that allows a weaker motor, turning rapidly, connected to a 'gear-box' which amplifies the low power output of the motor to a higher NM (kg per cm) output on the other end.

The tradeoff on price vs the right motor

1. Shades function more slowly (lower rpm output)
2. Motors are noisier due to multiple step-down gears within the motors 'gear-box', and motors that have to operate at higher speeds. 
3. Shades ordered close to the NM (kg per cm) output will cause the motors to stop during operating when they become overheated.  The motors will typically be operational again once the internal temperature of the the motor is returned to the safe operating temperature range (usually within 20-30 minutes) however repeated overheating will damage the internal electronics and the 'gearbox' resulting in the need to replace the motor.

Control & Integration

Consumers don't know and probably will never pull a motor out of a shade and look at it.  All they know is there is a motor.  End of story.  Like looking under the hood of your car.  There's the motor and that's it.  End of story.

Because the technology the clients expects of the motors is 'assumed', they're more likely to make a value decision based on how 'pretty' and sleek the remote control is or the 'look' of the app on their smart devices and simple promises of easy integration with Alexa, Google Home (and others) or integration into a home automation system.

On the face of it they all look the same, tell the same story, make the same promises but there are differences you won't be aware of until the system is installed.  

A higher price is no guarantee of increased stability, ease of integration, ability to expand the system, adding additional apps for increased function etc.  However it is more likely you will sacrifice a number of these expectations if price is the driving factor in your purchase. You then may end up with an isolated system you can only operate with the hand remote controls provided.

Integration across manufacturers

RTS language.  Motorized shades are controlled and 'speak' (wirelessly) using RTS protocol.  HOWEVER each manufacturer has its own assigned sub-RTS protocol that is unique to each manufacturer.  Meaning, it is NOT possible for motors from one manufacturer to be controlled or programmed using another manufacturers remote.  They don't speak the same 'language'.  The only way for different motors to operate on the same platform requires either 

1) Cat 5 cable to a central control station (Control4 etc.) 

2) RTS to Universal taps for each motor. (these translate each unique RTS language to a common RTS language for a dedicated operating system)

It can get complicated and expensive.

To maintain system stability and keep the cost down it's best to settle with one expandable motorization system that will allow you to grow your system or better yet, never have to worry.

Every system available in the market has a place in a project, as long as your expectations are met.

If you have any questions about your project reach out to me at steve.poxon@shadesofhome.ca or visit our web site at www.shadesofhome.ca