Infrared and ISY

[asbril]

I am looking for guidance to add ZWave control to my Makita Drapery Systems, which are controlled with a IR remote. The idea would be to add the IR module to my ISY and purchase a Global Cache WF2IR iTach Wi-Fi to IR for the room with the Drapery System (which is not the same room where I have the  ISY994).

Does anyone have an idea if this would work ?

Thanks

[stusviews]

Those are two distinct IR functions. The IR module for the ISY is an IR receiver, the WiFi to IR device is an IR transmitter and requires the network module (which, BTW, is on-sale). Neither is Z-Wave. Z-Wave is an entirely different technology and requires a Z-Wave Module.

[asbril]

Those are two distinct IR functions. The IR module for the ISY is an IR receiver, the WiFi to IR device is an IR transmitter and requires the network module (which, BTW, is on-sale). Neither is Z-Wave. Z-Wave is an entirely different technology and requires a Z-Wave Module.

Thanks for your quick response. I do have the ZWave module and have many ZWave  switches in my home. I was (am) hoping that the ISY994 ZWave with IR module would emit a IR signal and then, actually use a simple X10 Powermid PM5900 Remote Control Extender Kit to extend the IR signal from the ISY994 room to the Drapery System room. The WF2IR iTach would not even be needed. Your thoughts ? 

[NHWA]

asbril,

 

The Ir module allows the ISY994 to receive IR signals (a very specific set that is limited to around 40). It does not emit IR.  One method to do what you want is to get the itach and set up a network resource in the ISY994 that sends a command to the itach which then emits the IR signal to the drapery.  You can control this with one of the insteon mini remotes and have a program set up that if you hit button a then run network resource for up, etc.  Unfortunately, this would likely require an itach for each drape unless they were close enough that you could run an IR emitter from one itach to multiple drapes. Also, you will want to make sure there are different IR code sets unless you want them to all open and close together.

 

I had considered getting some in expensive erod drapery to save compared to the somfy blinds (which can have zwave) but stopped because they are IR controlled with the same code set and I wanted individual control without multiple itach units.

[stusviews]

Thanks for your quick response. I do have the ZWave module and have many ZWave  switches in my home. I was (am) hoping that the ISY994 ZWave with IR module would emit a IR signal and then, actually use a simple X10 Powermid PM5900 Remote Control Extender Kit to extend the IR signal from the ISY994 room to the Drapery System room. The WF2IR iTach would not even be needed. Your thoughts ? 

 

Wow! Powermids. I've had a few

 

Nothing about your shading is Z-Wave. As NHWA pointed out, you do need an IR code for each window covering. Describe your current situation, how many drapes, how you control them now, a link to the manual, etc.

 

Edit: I found the manual

 

Edit: I don't see anything that suggests that the controller is IR at all. Nor does the manual mention Z-Wave, but there are wall switches available that is evidence that IR is not the method of control. Do you need to point the controller in a specific direction?

[asbril]

Wow! Powermids. I've had a few

 

Nothing about your shading is Z-Wave. As NHWA pointed out, you do need an IR code for each window covering. Describe your current situation, how many drapes, how you control them now, a link to the manual, etc.

 

Edit: I found the manual

 

Edit: I don't see anything that suggests that the controller is IR at all. Nor does the manual mention Z-Wave, but there are wall switches available that is evidence that IR is not the method of control. Do you need to point the controller in a specific direction?

My Makita Drapery System is definitely operated with a IR  remote (and yes, I must point it to the drapery system).

It has two rods (sheers and dark curtains) controlled by separate buttons (two OPEN and TWO CLOSE) on same remote control.

My wish to program my ISY994 to open the curtains at a set time in the mornings.

[stusviews]

Which controller are you using? The controller shown in the manual has a timer to open and/or close the drapes.

[jerlands]

My Makita Drapery System is definitely operated with a IR  remote (and yes, I must point it to the drapery system).

It has two rods (sheers and dark curtains) controlled by separate buttons (two OPEN and TWO CLOSE) on same remote control.

My wish to program my ISY994 to open the curtains at a set time in the mornings.

 

You should be able to do this using iTach and a IR Blaster attached (e.g., GC-BL2 IR Blaster) and without the need for individual drape emitters.  Note: should does not imply guarantee

There are codes available online at RemoteCentral.com and some info in their forum for TCP configuration.

Once you have the network resources constructed you can use them in ISY program however you wish.

 

Edit:  I don't know the GC-BL2 IR Blaster will work with the iTach but that's the idea?

 

 

Jon...

[stusviews]

jerlands,

 

Where's the Makita?

[jerlands]

jerlands,

 

Where's the Makita?

 

Here's the search and here's the hex codes.

 

 

Jon...

[stusviews]

Thanks. Do you know how the wall controllers work?

[jerlands]

Thanks. Do you know haw the wall controllers work?

 

The controllers take IR..  Here's a link to a image and description on Amazon and here's the manual.

 

The system does have a programmable timer that would allow timed opening?

 

 

Jon...

[stusviews]

Most switches are operated while standing in front of them, not from the side. Is the wall switch also IR? Battery powered?

[jerlands]

Here's a description... "you can operate your draperies easily from your bed or chair up to 33 feet way. The IR signal can penetrate most draperies, eliminating the need to expose the infrared receiving eye."  whether this means from the side or head on?  The image shows it powered by a plug.

 

Edit: don't know about the wall switch

 

 

Jon...

[asbril]

You should be able to do this using iTach and a IR Blaster attached (e.g., GC-BL2 IR Blaster) and without the need for individual drape emitters.  Note: should does not imply guarantee

There are codes available online at RemoteCentral.com and some info in their forum for TCP configuration.

Once you have the network resources constructed you can use them in ISY program however you wish.

 

Edit:  I don't know the GC-BL2 IR Blaster will work with the iTach but that's the idea?

 

 

Jon...

Many thanks again.

Excuse my ignorance but one more question....

What do you mean by  "network resources"  that I need for the Itach to communicate with the ISY994 ?

 

P.S.  These ISY forums are great

[jerlands]

Many thanks again.

Excuse my ignorance but one more question....

What do you mean by  "network resources"  that I need for the Itach to communicate with the ISY994 ?

 

P.S.  These ISY forums are great

 

You'll need to either subscribe to the ISY Portal (network resources are included in subscription but require 4.4.+ firmware) or purchase the Network Resource Module.  Network Resources allow you to issue commands to networked devices that don't natively integrate into ISY.  An example is iTach which is an addressable device on your network but isn't able to be linked directly into ISY.

 

 

Jon...

[stusviews]

IR Linc transmitter

[asbril]

IR Linc transmitter

Thanks Stu,

 

Am I right to understand that I place this item in sight of my IR Drapery System and that it will be recognized by my ISY994 ?  This looks like the perfect solution....

I see on the Smarthome website " This product is not compatible with the Insteon Hub ". Is this something I should be concerned about ?

[stusviews]

Am I right to understand that I place this item in sight of my IR Drapery System and that it will be recognized by my ISY994 ?  This looks like the perfect solution....

I see on the Smarthome website " This product is not compatible with the Insteon Hub ". Is this something I should be concerned about ?

 

The IRLinc transmitter includes an IR emitter that you can stick on the IR receiver at the curtain rod.

 

You don't need to be concerned about the Hub unless you are using the Insteon Hub in addition the ISY and want to control the drapes from the Hub

[jerlands]

Bear in mind you'll be one of the apparent few who've attempted control of Makita Drapery so your project might become an exercise in patience

It does appear doable though.

 

 

Jon...

[asbril]

Bear in mind you'll be one of the apparent few who've attempted control of Makita Drapery so your project might become an exercise in patience

It does appear doable though.

 

 

Jon...

Thanks Jon,,  I'm still hesitating as the reviews are pretty bad, both on Amazon and Smarthome. I may go for the Itach solution, even though quite more expensive when considering the ISY network module upgrade

[jerlands]

Thanks Jon,,  I'm still hesitating as the reviews are pretty bad, both on Amazon and Smarthome. I may go for the Itach solution, even though quite more expensive when considering the ISY network module upgrade

 

Yes, I think due diligence is required     Just from what I've reviewed I also think the iTach is a better solution, one because of IR Blaster where the Insteon device requires running IR emitters up to the drapery controls IR receiver.  The second reason is control.  I don't know but my impression through observation of different devices being controlled in Network Resource seems to offer most control.  Downside is these devices don't offer feedback except by means of rather complicated channels whereas the Insteon device would be ISY linked.

 

 

Jon...

[asbril]

Yes, I think due diligence is required     Just from what I've reviewed I also think the iTach is a better solution, one because of IR Blaster where the Insteon device requires running IR emitters up to the drapery controls IR receiver.  The second reason is control.  I don't know but my impression through observation of different devices being controlled in Network Resource seems to offer most control.  Downside is these devices don't offer feedback except by means of rather complicated channels whereas the Insteon device would be ISY linked.

 

 

Jon...

This is the info that I received from Itach :

.

We recommend using either the iTach WF2IR, or Flex WF with IR emitter or blaster cable.

Our devices using an open architecture API interface to send commands. The iTach and Flex both have a TCP API, and the Flex also has an HTTP/RESTful API.

If the ISY can be used to send these commands, then you should be able to set it up. However, we don't have any references for how that might be done.

[jerlands]

This is the info that I received from Itach :

.

We recommend using either the iTach WF2IR, or Flex WF with IR emitter or blaster cable.

Our devices using an open architecture API interface to send commands. The iTach and Flex both have a TCP API, and the Flex also has an HTTP/RESTful API.

If the ISY can be used to send these commands, then you should be able to set it up. However, we don't have any references for how that might be done.

 

There's information in the forum that describe setting up a network resource for WF2IR but your challenge will be configuring the IR commands (and this could be a bit of work.)

The IR commands can be obtained by using iLearn or download from remote central.

 

I believe your choice between using IR Linc transmitter and the iTach are really based on whether or not you desire using a IR blaster or IR emitter however iTach WF2IR also affords IR emitters.

 

The simplest method however appears to be the Makita Automatic Drapery Opener Timer but you'd have no interface with ISY.

 

Also, and as NHWA pointed out in post#4 you have two(?) sets of drapes and need to be able to send individual sets of codes for each unit (and I'm not sure it's possible) or have them all operate from one set of codes for control.

 

 

Jon...

[jerlands]

Forgot to mention... You can download codes for Makita Drapery Control direct from Global Cache.

 

 

Jon...