Automate Your Existing Blinds As an architect, fit-out company or other specifier who regularly makes uses of solar shading, you can be a positive influence on reducing carbon emissions in buildings. We are an independent company with partnership arrangements across all the leading players in the office and premises market and can offer independent advice about automation too. Manual or Automated Blinds? Frequently Asked Questions: Motorising your blinds has great benefits. Motorisation means your blinds are controlled smoothly and evenly every time, and that means they stay looking good for longer. One of the main benefits of automating your existing blinds is that you have the ability to open and close your blinds any time you choose. Our wifi motorised blinds allow you to easily press a button on your conveniently positioned wall switch or remote control handset. You can open and close your blinds any time you choose, just by pressing on a button on your conveniently positioned wall switch or remote control handset. You can partially open your automatic blinds in the morning to let in a little light, without getting out of bed. Partially close them to prevent glare on your computer screen, without getting up from your seat, or close them at any time of day to have some privacy. It’s so easy and you’re in complete control. When your automatic blinds are controlled by a timer, they can be closed when it gets dark in winter, before you even get home from work, keeping in warmth and helping to save energy in your home. Blinds controlled by a timer make it look as though there is someone at the premises, even when you are away working or on holiday, giving you a little security and peace of mind. What’s the difference between a hard-wired system and a radio system? In a wired system, the control is connected to the motor by electric wires which carry your commands to the motor. This is the traditional home automation solution. In this case, the control unit is fixed near the motor (beside the window, for instance, for a motorised blind). In the radio system, the commands are transmitted by radio waves. There is no electric wiring between the motor and the control. The control is mobile, and you can control your blind within a radius of up to 20 metres, even through a wall. Installation is quicker too, and saves your walls from being damaged. This is the neat, simple home automation solution. Note: with Somfy, a wired system can always be upgraded to a radio installation. Why should I choose to motorise my curtains? Automating your existing blinds and curtains has great benefits. Motorisation means your curtains are controlled smoothly and evenly every time, and that means they stay looking good for longer. You can open and close your curtains any time you choose, just by pressing on a button on your conveniently positioned wall switch or remote control handset. When your curtains are controlled by a timer, they can be closed when it gets dark in winter, before you even get home from work, keeping in warmth and helping to save energy in your home. Curtains and automatic blinds controlled by a timer make it look as though there is someone at home, even when you are away working or on holiday, giving you a little security and peace of mind. What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system? In a wired system, the control is connected to the motor by electric wires which carry your commands to the motor. It’s a tried and tested home automation technology. In this case, the control unit is fixed near the motor (besides the window, for instance, for a motorised roller shutter). In the radio system, the commands are transmitted by radio waves. This is sometimes called “wireless technology”, as there is no electric wiring between the motor and the control. The control is mobile, and you can control your roller shutter within a radius of up to 20 metres, even through a wall. Installation is quicker too and saves your walls from being damaged. It’s a neat, simple home automation solution. Note: with Somfy, a wired system can always be upgraded to a radio installation. What does RTS mean? It’s the abbreviation for Radio Technology Somfy®. This is a wireless home automation control system by radio waves, using a remote control, or sometimes a switch. Is an RTS installation more expensive than a traditional wired installation? No, because you save the costs of wiring, and above all, your interior decoration is completely unaffected. That’s the great advantage of this home automation solution. Can I have motorised blinds installed without having to rewire? Yes. Battery-powered solutions are available for roller and Venetian blinds. The blinds are simply installed and the battery secured in a discrete position out of view and plugged in with no disruption to your decor. As the remote control is battery powered, there is no wiring between the motor and control. I have a wired installation. Can I upgrade it? Certainly. All you need to do is add an RTS receiver which will centralise your orders and transmit them to the motors via the existing wiring. And if you subsequently add another RTS product, it won’t need to be wired to the control point. Can I operate all my motorised equipment with a single remote control? Certainly, RTS technology is compatible with all Somfy applications. With a single remote control, you can operate all the motorised openings on your property, from your roller shutters to your fire doors. For more information call 020 7700 6000 or send an enquiry.