FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I buy from SM Automatic?
A: You have a choice as to which company you can buy from, and here’s why SM Automatic is your best choice:

1. We’ve been in the motorization business since 1982, and there is no company with more knowledge than SM Automatic.
2. We’re motorization specialists. That’s what we do, and that’s all that we do.
3. We’ll help you every single step of the way. From pre-order information, to order processing, to installation support and follow-up questions. You’ll always have a knowledgeable and courteous motorization specialists to deal with.
4. The best products on the market. Period

Q: What is the difference between the model 355, 370 and 375 motors?
A: The only difference is the load capacity.

Q: Which motor is best?
A: The best motor is whichever is best for any specific job. The quality is the same, so simply match the motor to the actual weight of the drapery.

Q: What is the difference between the 20, 30, 40 and 90 tracks?
A: The 20, 30 and 40 tracks are single channel roller tracks for pinch pleat draperies only, where the drapery must hang below the track. The 90 is a dual channel track, where the drapery can head up (cover the track) with pinch pleated draperies; and is also available with alternative pleating styles such as Ripplefold, and Accordia-fold (both of which hang below the track).

Q: Which motor and track combination is best?
A: Whichever motor and track meet the requirements of your specific job.

Q: Which track can I use for pinch pleated draperies?
A: 20, 30, 40 or 90.

Q: Which track can I use for Ripplefold or Accordia-fold draperies?
A: Only the 90.

Q: Is the drapery stack for Ripplefold or Accordia-fold less than for a pinch pleated drapery?
A: Actually no, it isn’t. We have reduced the carrier size for pinch pleated drapery to make it much more reasonable; while our “roller” carrier for Ripplefold and Accordia-fold has a greater dimension than the standard “slide” carrier - but much better performance. (refer to stacking chart on page 34 of catalog)

Q: Which track can be curved?
A: Only the 90.

Q: Are there any configurations that cannot be curved?
A: Virtually any simple curve can be fabricated. Compound curves (“S” curves) or reverse curves cannot be made.

Q: What is the minimum width (front to back) for a pocket (soffit)?
A: 5” is the recommended minimum for a single track, and 10” for a double treatment.

Q: Can the tracks be recessed?
A: The 20, 30 and 40 tracks can be recessed, but recessing the 90 is not recommended. A recess to accommodate the 20, 30, and 40 tracks must also account for the drive pulley (3” x 7”) at the motor end, and the adjuster pulley (track width plus 0.25” x 7”) at the non-motor end. Because the 90 is a dual channel track, with the master carriers protruding out the rear channel, a minimum recess of 2” (front to back) is required for the entire length of the track.

Q: Can the direct drive drapery motors be hard wired to a 110VAC switch?
A: No. All drapery motors are switched with low voltage control wiring.

Q: Where should the electrical be installed?
A: The objective should be to have the electrical outlet (and wall jack when applicable) near the motor, but still concealed by the stack of the draperies. Typically, placement 12”-18” below the track, and 6”-12” from the end of the track will accomplish this.

Q: Can these motors be both switch and remote controlled?
A: Yes. Control options are virtually endless. Any of these motors can be controlled by any or all of the following: wall switch, radio remote control, infrared remote control, timer, automation control system.

Q: What is the difference between a cord drive and direct drive drapery motor?
A: A cord drive motor mounts on the wall, typically 3’-9’ below the end of the track, and operates the cord of the rod or track. A direct drive motor is attached to the track, and is fabricated as a complete motor and track system.

Q: Do you see a cord drive motor after it is installed?
A: The motor is typically installed behind the stack of the drapery, and is therefore not exposed.

Q: Can a cord drive motor be used with a curved track?
A: No, straight rods or track only, since the motor limit electronics are not designed for the variations present with curved rods.

Q: Can I use a Model 5 to replace an older version (models 2 or 4) of the cord drive motor without doing new electrical wiring?
A: Yes, if the older motor was remote controlled. If the older motor was switch controlled, new low voltage wiring will be required.

Q: Do I have to restring an existing drapery rod if I install a cord drive motor?
A: Check the existing cord to see if it is either wire center (#3-3/4) or SM PPV cord; if not, then the rod needs to be restrung.

Q: What is the Smart System?
A: The SM Automatic exclusive Smart System, is a major breakthrough in technology, which prevents obstruction related lift tape failure. Whereas, with other similar systems by other manufacturers, a simple one time obstruction can completely disable a motorized shade system, resulting in a mandatory return to the manufacturer for repair.

Q: What is the smallest shade I can motorize?
A: For hard wired (switch controlled) systems the minimum is 20”. For remote controlled systems, the minimum is 28” for a radio frequency system, and 26” for infrared.

Q: What is the largest shade I can motorize?
A: We will motorize the largest shade that a manufacturer will make.

Q: Where is the motor located?
A: The motor is encased within the SM head rail. This head rail measures 2.5” x 2.5”, and in addition to the motor, contains any control electronics (remote control receiver or relays) as well as the operational assembly. The standard cellular shade head rail is attached to the bottom of the motorized head rail.

Q: Will the motorized head rail color match the shade?
A: There are five head rail colors (white, alabaster, black, dark brown, and gray) to choose from, but with the hundreds of shade colors available, an exact match is unlikely.

Q: Can I motorize an existing shade?
A: Usually you can, but you will need to talk to our customer service department, and provide the size of the existing shade, as well as the exact locations of the existing lift cords, to receive a definite answer.

Q: What is the minimum pocket (soffit) size (front to back) for the Model 9600?
A: We recommend 4”-5”, with 3.5” as an absolute minimum.

Q: Can the Model 9600 be battery operated?
A: No. The Model 9600 requires 110VAC.

Q: How does the Model 9600 compare to battery or low voltage motors?
A: The Model 9600 is infinitely more sophisticated and heavier duty than a battery or low voltage system. With a battery or low voltage motor, there are significant restrictions in available shade sizes, while the Model 9600 can handle shades deemed both too small and too large by the others. Further, because of the heavy duty nature of the Model 9600 motor, you can expect a much longer service life than for the alternatives.

Q: What is the smallest (in width) Model 9300 series available?
A: The minimum bracket to bracket dimension is 22.75” for Models 9310/9320/9330/9340, and 20.5” for Model 9314.

Q: What is the smallest (in width) shade I can motorize?
A: The smallest Roman style shade would be the same as the bracket to bracket size (see above). While the smallest roller style shade using a 2” tube would be 20.75” (22.75” less deduction for brackets); or 19” for Model 9314.

Q: What is the largest (in width) Roman style shade that can be motorized?
A: The Model 9300 series will handle any shade size up to the load capacity of the specific motor. Therefore, weight, not size, is the limiting factor. A shade length of approximately 30’ (using multiple center supports) is normally considered the maximum.

Q: What is the largest roller style shade that can be motorized?
A: There are some limitations by fabric type, but generally, 16’ (using 2.75” tubing) is considered to be the maximum width and height for a single roller shade.

Q: Why use lifting tape, rather than standard cords, for Roman style shades?
A: Using lifting tape that rolls uniformly on take up reels, guarantees even and level shade operation. Using the standard cords to roll up on the motorized tube will not do that, and virtually assures that the bottom of the shade will rarely be level.

Q: What is the size of the lifting tape, and what is it made of?
A: The tape measures 6mm (0.25”) in width, and is made from polypropylene. It’s very strong, and will not stretch.

Q: Are there color options of the lifting tape?
A: The 6mm tape is available in white only.

Q: How do I fabricate a Roman style shade that is going to be motorized?
A: The shade should have a 4” header (dust board) for models 9310-9340, and a 3” header for model 9314. Normally, we request that the shade have the first column of rings or grommets in no less than 2” from either edge (and 5” below dustboard); with remaining columns spaced at your workroom’s preference.

Q: How much of a bracket gap is there when motorizing a roller shade?
A: The minimum gap dimension is determined by the tube used, as follows:
1.5” tube has a 0.75” gap on motor side and 0.5” on idler side
2” tube has a 1.25” gap on motor side and 0.75” on idler side
2.75” tube has a 1.25” gap on motor side and 1.5” gap on idler side

Q: What is the minimum soffit dimension for a roller shade?
A: Minimum dimensions are determined by the shade size, as follows:
4” x 4” for a shade up to 10’ wide and 8’ long
5” x 5” for a shade 10’-16’ wide and 8’ long
6” x 6” for a shade 10’-16’ wide and up to 16’ long

Q: What spacing do I use for take up reels with a Roman shade?
A: While typical spacing is 10”-16”, use whatever spacing you normally would for a manual shade.

Q: Do I have to tell you where reels need to be located when I order the motor?
A: No, since the placement of the take up reels are fully and easily adjustable on the tubing. You simply line up the reel with the columns of rings or grommets, and tighten the set screw.

Q: What is the minimum size of the end section (motor side), for a bay window system?
A: The minimum dimension is 28” from the motor bracket to the center of the angled connector. If you require less than 28”, the Model 9600 can be made to fit smaller shades. Please call our customer Service department for further information.

Q: Does the Model 8000 have the Smart System like the Model 9600?
A: Unfortunately, the Smart System is not available for the Model 8000. This is due to the tape slack necessary for a system that tilts, which defeats the sensing mechanism of the Smart System.

Q: What is the smallest and largest size limits for motorizing horizontal blinds?
A: The minimum widths are 20” (for hard wired) and 30” (for infrared remote controlled). The largest width is 192”, but in practicality is determined by the blind manufacturers, which typically have maximum widths of 142” for metal blinds, and 96” for wood.

Q: If I have an area greater than can be covered by a single blind, due to blind manufacturer limitations, can you fabricate multiple blinds on one head rail?
A: Yes, realizing that all blinds on a single Model 8000 head rail will operate simultaneously from one motor. And note that there is an additional charge for this type of fabrication.

Q: What is the maximum length of motorized blinds?
A: The maximum length is 16’; however, be aware that as with manual blinds, there is less than full tilt closure on any blind over approximately 10’ in length.

Q: Can the Model 8000 motorize all horizontal blinds?
A: All blinds that are typically manufactured (as manual blinds) with lift cords passing though slat punches centered (front to back) in the slat material can be motorized. Off centered, angled slats, and those blind types with no cord punches (or unusually small punches) cannot be motorized.

Q: With both lift and tilt functions, how many motors are in each blind?
A: There is a single motor, which performs both functions.

Q: Since there are two functions (lift and tilt), what kind of wall switch would I use?
A: There is a special, 5-position switch (S-5 or S-5DEC) used only for the Model 8000. This switch is a combination momentary (for tilting) and maintained (for lifting), which makes operation both precise and simple.

Q: What color(s) does the switch come in?
A: White only.

Q: How do I choose between radio frequency and infrared remote control for the Model 8000?
A: Infrared is the only remote control available, since radio frequency is not designed to adequately control the tilt function.

Q: What is the maximum size for a Model 5100?
A: The 5100 has a maximum width of 180” for 3.5” vanes.

Q: What type of remote control should I use with a Model 5100?
A: While technically either radio frequency or infrared will work with a Model 5100 system, infrared remote control allows for far better vane tilt control. Therefore, we strongly suggest only considering using infrared.

Q: Can you make a Model 5100 larger than 180”?
A: The system is designed for a maximum of 60 carriers, which for 3.5” vanes equates 180”. Although, when using free hanging 5” fabric vanes, the track can be made up to 276”.

Q: Are all vanes compatible with the Model 5100?
A: Typically, yes. However, vertical vane manufacturers do change their specifications from time to time, and we recommend that you check with our customer service on a case by case basis.

Q: Since I will be ordering the vanes from a vertical blind manufacturer, what deduction do I take?
A: The head rail deduction for the 5100 is 2.5”.

Q: What is the minimum soffit dimension?
A: The minimum (front to back) recommended dimension for the 5100 is 6”.

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!