How to set up the somfy controlled blinds to go up and down at specific time periods

home-automation

Our kitchen at work gets really hot when the sun sets, so I want the RF Somfy controlled blinds to automatically go down at some pre-programmed time (ideally I could automate this by date and season since the sunset and sunrise will change all year).

I found an INSTEON adaptor which will talk RF to the blinds, but I don't know anything about INSTEON or how it works. My best bet seems to buy the INSTEON desktop software but there are 3 different kinds, so not sure which one to get.

I have a computer in my office I could install the software on, but how would it talk to the INSTEON adaptor in the kitchen? (Our offices are on a separate electrical circuit from the kitchen – not sure if that's how INSTEON works)

Best Answer

You need a way to send Infrared signals to the Adapter. So you will also need to buy a remote for another 50USD.

So to use it from another computer somewhere else in the office you first need to get this

USB Wireless adapter for your PC

Then you need to get an access point to bridge the wireless to a electric

This AP - i am not sure but you might need something more- read more here

But i think this temperature controller will be better- as you dont have to program any thing just set some temps and viola- but again- you might need to buy something extra to connect to your blinds.. read more

Related Solutions

What are the options for multi-room audio

There is an option that may work for you that you didn't list. If you're not using your home's phone lines, you can disconnect them from the utility and use them to carry the signal from a player (computer, mp3 player, etc) to each stereo. Then you can use apps like "Retune" or "Remote" to control the audio from your computer. I've done it in my house and I've never been happier.

If you can make the cables yourself, great. If not, you can purchase them at my Kickstarter site below.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/301091594/stereophone-a-multi-room-sound-system

Good Luck!

How to set up a timer for the motorized blinds

There are numerous timer switches that replace a conventional switch in a wall box. For example, this is a seven day timer from Honeywell

timer switch

The wiring for simple timers is pretty straightforward. Usually you simply replace the existing switch and wire the new switch the same way. Often you need to add a neutral wire to the switch, and most recently wired switch boxes have a neutral available, even if it is not currently attached to the old switch.

There are also more advanced home automation systems that combine switches with hand-held controls that can both turn things on and off, or program them to come on based on time, temperature or a number of other criteria.

If you are unfamiliar with electrical wiring, even a simple switch replacement can be daunting (or even dangerous). If you are not comfortable with this or if you want a more complex home automation system, you may want to consult with a pro, or find a friend or neighbor with some experience.

SUPPLEMENT Based on the additional information provided, you could accomplish this using two timers. Wire the first one to work the up mechanism and the second to operate the down mechanism. Set the timers to turn on for 5 minutes (or slightly longer than what is needed to fully operate the mechanism), and then off. Just make sure that both are not set to go on at the same time. Clearly mark which is up and which is down.

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