Control issues

Q: What does hard wired mean?
A: That a 110VAC motor is to be controlled by a wall switch, and the power cord is a pigtail, which is physically “hard wired” to the wiring inside of an electrical junction box. The switch provides both power and operational control. Note that drapery motors cannot be hard wired.

Q: If I order a remote controlled motor, do I still need a power source?
A: Yes. While the motors are controlled remotely, all the motors we supply are powered by 110VAC.

Q: What is the difference between radio frequency and infrared remote control?
A: The easiest analogy to make concerning user operation, is that radio frequency is like a garage door operator, where you don’t point the transmitter; while infrared is like a TV or VCR, where you point the transmitter at the device to be controlled. The other major difference is that radio frequency control is sequential, where the user repeatedly presses a single button on the transmitter, going through all possible operations (open-stop-close) until the desired operation is achieved. While with infrared, there are function keys (open, stop, close) assigned to each motor on the transmitter, so that the user presses the button only for the desired operation.

Q: What are the dimensions of the radio frequency and infrared remote control receiver boxes?
A: There are actually two boxes for the radio frequency system (note that on Model 9600, all remote components are concealed within the head rail): 1. receiver - 4.75”x3.5”x1.5” 2. relay - 3.25”x2”x1.5”. For the infrared remote, the single receiver enclosure measures 4.5”x2.5”x1.25”.

Q: Can more than one motor (110VAC) be operated simultaneously from a single wall switch?
A: Yes, as long as isolation (parallel) relays have been ordered for each motor. Typically, the maximum number of motors than can be operated from one switch (15AMP) is ten.

Q: Can I have more than one switch to control just one motor (110VAC)?
A: Yes. There are two ways to accomplish this:

1. Each switch must be momentary, which means that the user must depress and hold the switch during the entire operation of the motor.
2. Order each motor with a CSI (control system interface), which means that while the switches still must be momentary, the CSI electronics will read the operation necessary, and the user does not have to hold the switch after a single depression.

Q: If I’m using six motors (110VAC) all from one switch, how many isolation (parallel) relays do I need?
A: Six. One for each motor.

Q: Can I control both drapery motors and 110VAC motors from the same remote control transmitter?
A: Yes, with either radio frequency or infrared remote control.

Q: Can I control both drapery motors and 110VAC switched motors from the same wall switch?
A: No. Switch control requirements are incompatible between these two types of motors.

Q: If I want to control several drapery motors from the same switch, do I need isolation (parallel) relays?
A: No. Drapery motors are smart motors, with built in electronics that allows for a wide variety of control options.

Q: If the drapery motors are low voltage controlled, do I have to plug in a transformer?
A: No. The term “low voltage” refers only to the control aspects of the motor, which are handled by the built in electronics.

Q: The contractor for my project told me that the drapery motors are to be operated by remote control, but I know they’re using a Lutron system to control all kinds of things, including the motors. Do I order the motors with remote control?
A: Typically no, but you need to get clarification from the contractor or control system subcontractor. Usually, in these situations, the contractor is mistaken (out of lack of knowledge) in requesting that you provide remote controlled motors. The “remote control,” is in actuality, one of the user interfaces provided by the control system; together with various types of wall switches, touch screens and other forms of control. The drapery motors simply “plug in” to the control system, and are treated like any other device to be controlled.

Q: What is a Lutron (or Crestron, or Litetouch, or Vantage, or …) control system; and how does it effect the way I order the motors?
A: These are all brand names of control systems, sometimes referred to as “lighting control” or “home automation” systems. They are very versatile systems, able to do many things in many different ways. All of our motors are fully compatible with any of the aforementioned control systems, although not necessarily in the same way. Consult the wiring and control guides in this book, to understand how each of the various motors described within, are designed to be integrated into control system operation.

Q: If I don’t feel confident explaining the electrical requirements to the contractor or control company, can I have them call you?
A: Absolutely!