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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:
- Each switch must be momentary, which means that the user must depress
and hold the switch during the entire operation of the motor.
- 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!
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