Somfy Automation Interface

Somfy Home and Building Automation Interfacing:
Interfacing with automation systems is easy and can be accomplished with all Somfy motors.
All RTS motors require a go between control in order to make this happen. Standard motors can usually be wired direct to the automation system dry contact board but it's always recommended to have a Somfy control in between for protection. Listed below are the Somfy control options for the type of motor being used.

RTS Radio Controlled Motor Options:
Singles Channel RTS Interface (6300454 / 1810483)
Accepts dry contacts only (from the automation system) Can control one motor or one group of motors.
Five Channel RTS Interface (6300554 / 1810506) Accepts dry contacts, infrared signals or RS232 computer language
Can control up to five motors individually or as a group or five groups of motors individually.

Standard 4 wire Motor Options:
IGC Single (6300717 / 1810522)
Accepts dry contacts or RS232 (requires one Somfy RS232 [6300232] module per motor or Group)
Can control one motor and can be chained together with other IGC controllers to make larger groups.
IGC 3N1 (6300719 / 181523) Accepts dry contacts or RS232 (requires one Somfy RS232 [6300232] module per motor or
group)
Can control up to three motors as a group or individually and can be chained together with other 3N1 controllers to make larger groups.
GCS II (6300123 / 1810476)
Accepts dry contacts Can control up to four motors as a group and can be chained together with other GCS controllers to make larger groups.

Multi-link (6301992 / 1822184)
Accepts dry contact, infrared signals or RS232 (requires one Somfy RS232 [6301232] module
for up to ninety nine motors) Controls one motor individually and can be chained together with other multi-links to make larger groups.

Golf Ball Effect on Fabric

The wrinkling (golfballing) effect on acrylic awning fabric as in the picture here is quite normal and happens on all brands of retractable awnings. It results from the fact there are two layers of fabric on each seam thus doubling the thickness at those points. When it rolls, the diameter increases faster at the those points causing a rippling effect. It will look less evident as the fabric softens over time but will always be there and will not affect the operation or performance of your awning.

Motor Troubleshooting

Motors and controls can seem overwhelming to try and fix when there is a problem.   The key like any problem is to isolate the issue and then carefully test each component independently.  A very common cause of a motor suddenly not working is a tripped GFCI ground fault outlet or circuit breaker.
VIP Note:(Motors have thermal overload protectors in them which will cause the motor to shutdown if it is cycled more than a few times.  If this occurs, let it sit for 20-30 minutes to cool and then try again.)

First you need to know whether the motor is a 4 wire hardwired model or 3 wire remote control.

If the motor is 4 wire, then disconnect it from any controls or sensors and use a Somfy test switch to determined if it is operating normally and if needed you can set the limit switches that control the automatic outward and inward stops. The following links explain how to set the Somfy and Simu override motor limits.  Somfy LT50/60 motors , Simu DMI override motor.   If you determine if the motor is OK, then move on to each accessory hooking then up and testing one at a time remembering that the problem could be with the wire itself.

If the motor is 3 wire remote control then the trouble shooting can be a little trickier due to the fact any accessory is linked to the motor via radio signal instead of a wire. (Note:3 wire remote control motors can ONLY be operated and controlled with a wireless transmitter, wall switch or sensor.  Integration to automation systems is possible through an interface controller.)  If a remote motor is acting improperly such as intermittent or random operation, then it is usually best to reset the motor to factory mode and begin the reprogramming from scratch.  This usually solves interference problems caused by other radio sources such as garage door openers etc. Resetting a remote control motor that has an manual override shaft will not erase or reset the inward and outward limits,  However on most non manualovveride motors, this reset will require resetting the limits as well.  Reset instructions to follow.  Somfy RTS CMO, Somfy RTS non CMO, Simu DMI HZ   Once the motor has been reset, then add any accessories such as wind and sun sensors or automation interfaces one at a time to be sure each is functioning correctly.

NuImage Model G250

NuImage G250 retractable awning Strong enough to be commercial grade yet sleek enough for any application! The NuImage G250 has patented articulating shoulders that provide easy to adjust pitch control with drop forged arm and shoulder components that are much stronger than the castings used by most other awning manufacturers. An integrated hood system wraps around the back to cover the fabric roll making this awning perfect for roof mount applications while the sleek front bar closes tight to protect the fabric when retracted. Available up to 40’ wide and 13’2 projection, the G250 is a solid performer in a style that most of your competitors can't offer!
More G250 Info!

Somfy Eolis 3D Wind Sensor

Somfy’s new innovative wind sensor adds value for you and your customers and is essential for retractable awnings sold with a NuImage Titan or Somfy RTS motor. The Eolis 3D WireFree RTS sensor adds a measure of wind protection that is accurate and reliable due to their patented, exclusive technology.  Featuring a sleek design, it is installed discreetly on the front bar with no special tools.  Programming is extremely simple and should take no more than a few minutes.

Why drop forgings

All NuImage awnings feature arms with super strong, drop forged components.  The models G150, G250, and K300 have the added strength of a drop forged shoulder assembly for maximum durability.  These models received high ratings for wind loads in stringent European CE testing.

Drop forging is a metal shaping process in which a heated work piece is formed by rapid closing of a punch and die forcing the work piece to conform to a die cavity. A work piece may be forged by a series of punch and die operations (or by several cavities in the same die) to gradually change its shape. Drop forging is also called impression die or closed die forging, or rot forging. The advantage of forging is that it improves the strength of the metal by aligning and stretching the grain structure. A forged part will normally be stronger than a casting or a machined piece. Information provided is from Manufacturing Processes Reference Guide by Robert H. Todd, Dell K. Allen, and Leo Alting.--1st ed. Published by Industrial Press Inc., 1994. http://class.et.byu.edu/mfg130/processes/descriptions/deformation/dropforging.htm
http://www.forging.org/facts/faq.cfm#2

New for 2008

Pick the model that best fits the application!

The NuImage retractable awning line up for 2008 explodes with choice and value for your customers. Seven models provides you with an awning to meet any customer's needs from economy to heavy duty to a fully enclosed cassette unit.  To learn more, please contact customer service for a full product briefing or to order a 2008 product DVD. All models are also featured at www.nuimagepro.com.


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