carealtor Posted August 23, 2017 Posted August 23, 2017 (edited) I want to install some motorized shades in our bedroom. Roman Shades, if it matters. Right now I just want to get them ordered and installed and figure out the integration with ISY/Insteon later. But of course, I want to pick motors now that will be compatible when I get to that part of the project. I do know that I do not want to deal with batteries. I’ve skimmed most of the applicable threads here and it seems that "Somfy RTS" motors are preferred. I’ve looked at the Somfy website and I see that they have about a dozen different motors and some are RTS motors, some evidently aren't. There is also something called SDN, whatever that is. But I don’t see that they actually sell any blinds or shades. Just motors and controllers. Somfy has a “where to buy” page that points you to Home Depot, Lowes, JCPenney, and Menards. All of these go to Bali blinds and shades and their Autoview remotes. I seem to remember reading somewhere that Bali Autoview is Z-wave. Does that mean that the Somfy 16 Channel Universal RTS Interface II (1810872), that I’ve seen mentioned here many times, is also Z-wave? I’m not sure if that is significant or not. Having said all this I finally get to my questions (maybe the first of many). Where are you getting your motorized shades and blinds? How do you know you are getting Somfy RTS? Edited August 23, 2017 by carealtor
stusviews Posted August 23, 2017 Posted August 23, 2017 (edited) Somfy doesn't sell to the end user. They don't even make window coverings. For the most part, Somfy windows coverings are custom made. That usually means a higher cost, but IMO, Somfy is among the most reliable and custom made means best fit and style and color. No, RTS is not the same as Z-Wave. All our window coverings (14 in all) are RTS. I've read that Somfy Z-Wave does not have all the features that RTS has, but don't have experience with that. What I can do with RTS alone using a handheld or in-wall remote is up, down, stop and one preset position. The in-wall remotes can be installed in an existing switch box or any open wall space using the included old work bracket. With the ISY, a Network module, an Autelis Somfy interface and a Somfy URTS interface includes all I've mentioned plus three presets (even more with programs), and open or closed or any preset based on time (e.g., sunset, sunrise) or action (e.g., watching a movie, using any Insteon controller such as a Keypad, etc.) Yes, it's a bit costly, but that's the price to pay for full home automation happiness Virtually every button, every paddle here is custom etched. It took years to get to this pint, oops, I mean point (or take in out). Check out www.fabritecdesigns.com to see what's available. They do not sell retail. Edited August 23, 2017 by stusviews
carealtor Posted August 23, 2017 Author Posted August 23, 2017 Thanks Stu. So, if I'm understanding correctly... Bali is not a viable source for RTS? This is so confusing to me.
lilyoyo1 Posted August 23, 2017 Posted August 23, 2017 Bali autoview blinds are zwave. You will have to go through Lowe's, home Depot, etc. I've seen them with 25% off sales on a regular basis. Unless you need them in a hurry, I would wait until a sale and get them.
carealtor Posted August 23, 2017 Author Posted August 23, 2017 I'm still trying grasp this zwave thing. I do not use zwave. I have no interest in zwave. If the offerings from Bali and Lowes and Home Depot are not RTS, then they are not a viable option to me. I guess my question is: Are Zwave and RTS mutually exclusive? Stu said above that they are indeed mutually exclusive.
lilyoyo1 Posted August 23, 2017 Posted August 23, 2017 The desire to stay away from Zwave was not mentioned until now. Information like that would help in regards to people being able to provide assistance. Zwave and RTS are not the same. Stus post (#2) details how you would go about integrating RTS with the ISY. Simply disregard his info. about zwave
carealtor Posted August 24, 2017 Author Posted August 24, 2017 The desire to stay away from Zwave was not mentioned until now. Information like that would help in regards to people being able to provide assistance. Oh. Okay.
etsvilik Posted August 24, 2017 Posted August 24, 2017 I have Bali roller shades from Lowes. They are Somfy RTS. Automated with URTSII and Global Cache
carealtor Posted August 24, 2017 Author Posted August 24, 2017 I have Bali roller shades from Lowes. They are Somfy RTS. Automated with URTSII and Global Cache Well, now I'm back to confused again. How recently did you purchase Bali from Lowes? Bali calls their motorized products "Autoview"... is this what yours are too?
carealtor Posted August 25, 2017 Author Posted August 25, 2017 Okay, I figured this out. Bali Autoview from Lowes and Home Depot use Somfy motors that are NOT RTS. I think this is a relatively new development for Bali blinds and they used to use RTS motors. What I probably will ultimately want to do is Stu's setup: Somfy URTS and Autellis Somfy interface. But I still have to figure where to order shades, if that is even possible.
carealtor Posted August 25, 2017 Author Posted August 25, 2017 Rocklin Ca, Northern California nearish to Sacramento. I'm now wondering if it would be possible/practical to install the shadess now and then convert to motorized later. That way I could get exactly the motors I want, which would be Somfy RTS 110v AC.
larryllix Posted August 25, 2017 Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) www.blinds.com or www.blinds.ca in Tx. has the best prices I have seen. I have dealt with them twice now from Canada. Edited August 25, 2017 by larryllix
Scottmichaelj Posted August 25, 2017 Posted August 25, 2017 I am an authorized reseller for Hunter Douglas, can drop ship them to anywhere in the Continental United States and you will have a full manufactures warranty. If anyone is interested in Hunter Douglas blinds feel free to PM me.
etsvilik Posted August 26, 2017 Posted August 26, 2017 Indeed Bali changed motors. Mine are 3 years old, with RTS. Now it is not even listed in their site. I will be adding more roller shades when finish installing new 12 feet window next month and was going to go back to Loews for roller shades. I guess I need to see other alternatives. Checked blinds.com as larryllix suggested but they list Bali and their own brands only and no information on the types of motor they use. Who else is selling blinds with Somfy? I liked on paper Somfy Sonesse ultra 50 DC RTS motors. Anyone has experience with those? I prefer DC for easier and more inconspicuous pre-wiring . Noise numbers are the same as AC version.
holyhell5 Posted September 1, 2017 Posted September 1, 2017 I posted a few weeks ago about my success with inexpensive motorized drapes. Bare in mind drapes/curtains are far easier then blinds/shades due to the number of motors involved but check the post out. Somphy overpriced rebranded(maube aquired brand) equipment. The motor I found is exactly the same as a somphy setup. dooya I think is the brand. Standard 4wire controllers work. Go zwave skip the insteon micro open close. ISY plays better with zwave in this case http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/22240-working-z-wave-motorized-drapes-on-the-cheap/page-1?do=findComment&comment=216947
stusviews Posted September 1, 2017 Posted September 1, 2017 Somfy does not sell window coverings, only motors and awnings. Other brands use Somfy motors.
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