New Somfy AutoView Blinds Controls

[johnstonf]

I have new Bali blinds installed, and I have included ONE of them.

 

They now have new Somfy Zwave motors right in the blinds.

(called AutoView Motorized Shades)

 

After adding, I only get options ON OFF QUERY

 

None of them operate the blinds.

 

Any ideas/thoughts?

 

(They all work great using respective tiny remote, and all together on a multi remote)

 

My ISY994i/IR with Zwave is Firmware v.4.5.1

 

/fj

 

 

 

[larryllix]

I have new Bali blinds installed, and I have included ONE of them.

 

They now have new Somfy Zwave motors right in the blinds.

(called AutoView Motorized Shades)

 

After adding, I only get options ON OFF QUERY

 

None of them operate the blinds.

 

Any ideas/thoughts?

 

(They all work great using respective tiny remote, and all together on a multi remote)

 

My ISY994i/IR with Zwave is Firmware v.4.5.1

 

/fj

Don't know anything about this but what you indicate may just be a gui bug. ISY has had a lot of them while UDI was in termoil. (Insurance lubrication? )

 

Have tried some test programs to try the On/Off from another angle?

[KeviNH]

Looks like Bali AutoView (aka Graber Virtual Cord) is Z-Wave+ and likely multi-channel.

 

Have you tried sending "Fast On", per this thread?

[dkabq]

I have successfully added a Bali AutoView blind to my ISY. It appears as 

 

ZW 002 Class C Motor Ctl

ZW 002 Binary Switch

 

I added them to a Scene (blinds_up_all). When I select Off, the blinds completely close; when I select Fast On, the blinds completely open. All good so far. 

 

However, when create a program (Blinds_Up), the Adjust Scene action does not show the blinds_up_all in the "In Scene" drop-down menu. Is this a bug or feature of Scenes with Zwave devices?

 

Moreover, if I select the ZW 002 Class C Motor Ctl it does not have "Fast On" as one of its options (the only options are On, Off, and Query). 

 

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[dkabq]

After more poking around, I found a solution to my problem. While the individual devices do not have the "Fast On" option, a Scene with them, and with an action "Set Scene", will have the "Fast On" option.

[manowell]

I have new Bali blinds installed, and I have included ONE of them.

 

They now have new Somfy Zwave motors right in the blinds.

(called AutoView Motorized Shades)

 

/fj

 

What was your method of adding it to ISY?

[johnstonf]

What was your method of adding it to ISY?

I ended up not doing anything. My blinds have remotes for each window (mounted at each window) and a central one that does all. By doing all manually, the blinds only get adjusted when really needed, so I'm still on my first set of batteries!

 

My ISSY Insteon system works pretty much perfectly for me, and I didn't want to upgrade my ISSY and spend time reprogramming the blinds etc. The ISSY version upgrade seems like it might NEVER get out of beta, and I can't afford the time to mess with it, for the little addition of function that I would get).

 

So I have zwave blinds running in dummy mode

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

[stusviews]

The ISSY version upgrade seems like it might NEVER get out of beta.

 

The ISY v5+ hasn't even made it into Beta.

 

But you don't need v5+ to control Z-Wave devices, only the Z-Wave module and an up-to-date official v4+. I don't know what Somfy Z-wave offers because all our window coverings use Somfy RTS.

[johnstonf]

True, and I would want it OUT of (through) beta. I have v4, but my testing didn't work very well with the blinds, so I just reverted. Maybe at some point I will try again, but I don't really think so. I'm tired of pouring hours into trying to force a square peg into a round hole.

 

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

[stusviews]

True, and I would want it OUT of (through) beta. I have v4, but my testing didn't work very well with the blinds, so I just reverted.

 

I'm confused. I indicated that there's no currently available Beta version of either 4+ or 5+. So which did you revert to? and from what? And what did you find that didn't work?

 

I ask because I have a fully functional Somfy RTS (not Z-Wave) shade control network through the ISY using both an Autelis and Somfy interface plus an ISY network module. It's costly, but so are motorized window coverings. A lower cost solution is welcome

[johnstonf]

I'm confused. I indicated that there's no currently available Beta version of either 4+ or 5+. So which did you revert to? and from what? And what did you find that didn't work?

 

I ask because I have a fully functional Somfy RTS (not Z-Wave) shade control network through the ISY using both an Autelis and Somfy interface plus an ISY network module. It's costly, but so are motorized window coverings. A lower cost solution is welcome

Here's a quick tutorial on software dev model I've used for years. I'd say they're somewhere close to end of alpha somewhere, but I don't know HOW they label their stuff.

 

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-does-beta-software-really-mean/

 

By reverted, I mean reverted from issy to 'no HA controller' (as mentioned I didnt upgrade to v5).

 

I didnt want to spend a ton of $ and have yet another box to maintain, so was hoping to just use my existing zwave on my ISSY.

 

Fred

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

[manowell]

 

After adding, I only get options ON OFF QUERY

 

/fj

 

How did you do this, what's needed to be done at the Somfy motor to put it in a mode where ISY could learn it?

[asbril]

I have posted this question in another topic, but this may be a better place for it :

Can anyone tell me whether the Somfy RTS interface (  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSOMH0M/ref=asc_df_B00HSOMH0M5373269/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395009&creativeASIN=B00HSOMH0M&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193994910693&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17474039722893630432&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011934&hvtargid=pla-310821557960  ) works with ISY ?

[stusviews]

I responded to your other post, but the link you provides here is not the Somfy RTS interface, it's the Somfy ZRTS interface. The "Z" makes a world of difference.

Edit: I just reviewed the questions posed by Amazon customers. It appears that, as I replied in your other post, that only open and close is supported, not stop. Somfy uses the stop button to move the shade to a preset position when the shade is not moving. Not having stop available precludes having any presets (intermediate positions).

We use presets all the time. We don't want fully open and fully closed as the only available options.

[asbril]

4 hours ago, stusviews said:

I responded to your other post, but the link you provides here is not the Somfy RTS interface, it's the Somfy ZRTS interface. The "Z" makes a world of difference.

Edit: I just reviewed the questions posed by Amazon customers. It appears that, as I replied in your other post, that only open and close is supported, not stop. Somfy uses the stop button to move the shade to a preset position when the shade is not moving. Not having stop available precludes having any presets (intermediate positions).

We use presets all the time. We don't want fully open and fully closed as the only available options.

Thanks Stu,  this is for my son. I use a different system. I spoke to Somfy support and they recommended https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y1CGN18/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[stusviews]

Were you able to confirm if Stop is available? Others on this forum and at least on customer at Amazon indicated that it is not, only Open and Close. Without a Stop command, programming using the ISY will be limited. Save now, suffer later.

Update: The link you provided indicates that Stop (My button, which has several functions) is not an available function. I do see the users reference to Wink, but the same lament has been posted on this forum. So it bears repeating, "Save Now, Suffer Later." I don't know your son's setup, but do you keep your window coverings always fully open or fully closed? Do you never use an intermediate position?

Don't think only about the current windows. Consider that someday, you or your son (and spouse, if that's the situation) may want to motorize more windows sometime in the future. IMO, being able to position the window covering partially open is not just nice, it's a requirement.

Updated Update: A perusal of the manufacturer's website is that Somfy's Tahoma Dashboard dashboard provides access to the My button. I'm not sure that you want to go in that direction. You can always go with a Raspberry PI, but I'm not sure about you going that way, either.

The system I'm recommending is, no doubt, costly. In addition to the ISY, you'll need the network module, the Autelis interface and a Somfy Universal RTS Interface II, as well. As with your attitude regarding Z-Wave, once you set up the devices, to wit, network module, Autelis interface, Somfy URTSII, (basically, plug 'n play), you'll never look back.

[asbril]

8 hours ago, stusviews said:

Were you able to confirm if Stop is available? Others on this forum and at least on customer at Amazon indicated that it is not, only Open and Close. Without a Stop command, programming using the ISY will be limited. Save now, suffer later.

Update: The link you provided indicates that Stop (My button, which has several functions) is not an available function. I do see the users reference to Wink, but the same lament has been posted on this forum. So it bears repeating, "Save Now, Suffer Later." I don't know your son's setup, but do you keep your window coverings always fully open or fully closed? Do you never use an intermediate position?

Don't think only about the current windows. Consider that someday, you or your son (and spouse, if that's the situation) may want to motorize more windows sometime in the future. IMO, being able to position the window covering partially open is not just nice, it's a requirement.

Updated Update: A perusal of the manufacturer's website is that Somfy's Tahoma Dashboard dashboard provides access to the My button. I'm not sure that you want to go in that direction. You can always go with a Raspberry PI, but I'm not sure about you going that way, either.

The system I'm recommending is, no doubt, costly. In addition to the ISY, you'll need the network module, the Autelis interface and a Somfy Universal RTS Interface II, as well. As with your attitude regarding Z-Wave, once you set up the devices, to wit, network module, Autelis interface, Somfy URTSII, (basically, plug 'n play), you'll never look back.

Thanks Stu,   My Son's setup is not ready yet as he will be moving in a few weeks. I will post the results. I would have preferred that he goes with my system (  http://automaticcurtain.com/?product=cl-920a-single-track-systems) which I set up with Zwave / ISY Portal / Google Home and using Mimolite. This system works great and it would have been easier for me to set it up for him. However he chose Somfy and now I will have to navigate through ( for me ) unchartered waters.

If I understood what Somfy technical support told me,  I include    Zwave to Somfy Interface  in my Son's ISY, do something to make the Somfy remote control communicate with that device and then it all works. However most likely it will only be all open or all closed. Nevertheless,  if we get it all to work,  they can automate quite a bit but if they want it half-open they will have to use the remote control. BTW that is the same with my system, but in my specific case I never need half-open (or half-closed, depending  on one being a glass half-full or half-empty person....).

One thing I still need to figure out, and Somfy tech support did not guide me, is whether the cheaper of the two Zwave to Somfy interface devices works sufficiently and thereby save some money.        

[stusviews]

Somfy motors are among the best. There are a few other top class motors and many that are no so rated. Your son made a good choice. Note that Somfy makes the motors and controllers. The do not make the window coverings.

A difficulty, IMO, of using only the remote is that automation is not possible without extra gear. You can get a Somfy scheduler but for about the same cost, everything can be done using the ISY. For example, most window coverings close at night and open in the morning (not the bedroom). My understanding is that saves energy, too.

Some open partially, say 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, which adds to the aesthetics and keeps the sun off of furniture. I can also adjust them by voice. All that is missing if you go for the less costly option. Why would you even want to limit your options that a first class system can provide?

Start with the Somfy RTS system. As finances permit, add the Somfy Universal RTS Interface II. That will give you full control for up to 16 channels. Even if you have less than 16 windows, you may still need channel to control groups. For example, you may want individual control of the bedroom windows and also use a channel to control all concurrently.

Finally, add the Network Module and Autelis interface for full ISY control including schedules and groups.

BTW, I also use voice to open, close and position each window covering.

[asbril]

22 minutes ago, stusviews said:

Somfy motors are among the best. There are a few other top class motors and many that are no so rated. Your son made a good choice. Note that Somfy makes the motors and controllers. The do not make the window coverings.

A difficulty, IMO, of using only the remote is that automation is not possible without extra gear. You can get a Somfy scheduler but for about the same cost, everything can be done using the ISY. For example, most window coverings close at night and open in the morning (not the bedroom). My understanding is that saves energy, too.

Some open partially, say 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, which adds to the aesthetics and keeps the sun off of furniture. I can also adjust them by voice. All that is missing if you go for the less costly option. Why would you even want to limit your options that a first class system can provide?

Start with the Somfy RTS system. As finances permit, add the Somfy Universal RTS Interface II. That will give you full control for up to 16 channels. Even if you have less than 16 windows, you may still need channel to control groups. For example, you may want individual control of the bedroom windows and also use a channel to control all concurrently.

Finally, add the Network Module and Autelis interface for full ISY control including schedules and groups.

BTW, I also use voice to open, close and position each window covering.

Stu, if I understand you well the Zwave to Somfy interface is not sufficient to control the drapes UP and DOWN (on /off) and need also to buy the Autelis interface ?

[DonM]

I use the Somfy ZRTS without anything other than the ISY.  I had added a few 6 or 8 button keypadlincs in place of appropriately placed light switches to provide switch locations for the various shades I have, without having to add new switch locations.  Having since added Amazon Echos to my system, the keypadlincs are somewhat redundant, and are an expense that could be eliminated in  a new system.  Using Echo routines allows you to configure things to use verbal 'open' and 'close' commands rather than 'on' and 'off',

BTW - the ZRTS is added as a bunch of individual z-wave devices, so the ZRTS can be used without going to ISY version 5.x to get z-wave multi-devices.

 

Don

[asbril]

7 minutes ago, DonM said:

I use the Somfy ZRTS without anything other than the ISY.  I had added a few 6 or 8 button keypadlincs in place of appropriately placed light switches to provide switch locations for the various shades I have, without having to add new switch locations.  Having since added Amazon Echos to my system, the keypadlincs are somewhat redundant, and are an expense that could be eliminated in  a new system.  Using Echo routines allows you to configure things to use verbal 'open' and 'close' commands rather than 'on' and 'off',

BTW - the ZRTS is added as a bunch of individual z-wave devices, so the ZRTS can be used without going to ISY version 5.x to get z-wave multi-devices.

 

Don

Thanks Don, would this one work ?    https://www.amazon.com/Somfy-Channel-Z-Wave-Interface-Module/dp/B00HSOMH0M

[stusviews]

Nope. As I understand it, the ISY with Z-Wave will provide open/close (up/down), but not stop. so intermediate positions are not possible. Thr Somfy TaHoma (hardware plus app) will give full control, but not through the ISY. I've been unable to find a price for the TaHoma, but anything I've read suggests that it may require professional installation.

The Autelis interface works only with the Somfy RTS. It does not work with Somfy Z-Wave. In addition to the Autelis device, you would also need the Somfy Universal RTS Interface and the ISY network module. We can probably agree that if you want to go first class, it's going to cost. But, as with the ISY, you can progress in steps.

BTW, I have the set-up I described, an ISY 994i Pro, the network module and both the Somfy RTS Interface (actually two, giving me 32 total channels) and the Autelis interface (which supports up to four Somfy URTS II interfaces).

[stusviews]

DonM,

Can you use the ISY to set intermediate positions of the window coverings?

[DonM]

6 minutes ago, asbril said:

Thanks Don, would this one work ?    https://www.amazon.com/Somfy-Channel-Z-Wave-Interface-Module/dp/B00HSOMH0M

That is the one I use.  As stusviews point out, it can only fully open and close.  Since I have shades that are located between plantation shutters and the windows, this was not a problem for me because I have the lower portion of the shutters closed for privacy and the upper portion open for light.  The use of plantation shutters was a decorating decision and the shades added as remote control.

Don

[johnstonf]

!!NEW!! I HAVE IT WORKING!! YAY!!?
I FINALLY moved control of my blinds from individual remotes, onto my ISY.  
  (My blinds are Bali/Springs with Somfy Zwave motors)
I did a video showing the current status... SHOWS IT WORKING, AND THE ISSUES...
  BELOW IS THE YOUTUBE LINK: 

So, right now, i can:
-Control them exactly to the percent 0(ground/down)-100(sky/up) using voice with GoogleHomeMini
-Control them exactly to the percent 0(ground/down)-100(sky/up) using Android Mobilinc
-Control them exactly to the percent 0(ground/down)-100(sky/up) using voice with ISY Console
-Control them a WEE bit using a program (but need to figure out how to get better control)
Also, on the bad:
-I no longer can use my old 4 tiny up/down and group controllers... looks like UDI needs to fix this
  (Allow programs to work independently on blind motors, and/or support for buttons in ISY)|
-The programming doesn't seem to allow proper and fine control like the other methods above do
  (Seems like only all open or all closed, but I'm sure Michel can fix easily, since functionality exists already)
@Michel Kohanim i hope you can see this, and gives some updates for fixes... GREAT SO FAR!!!

 

NOTE: SEE LATER POST FOR V2 OF THIS... SHOWING how to write an ISY PROGRAM to control blinds too!