Somfy Vs Louvolite motorised blinds

inkymortar

I setup a series of scenes in the Vera dashboard corresponding to opening, closing and stopping the blinds. Then I setup routines in Alexa to call them (the Echos are aware of the Vera Edge as a Smart Home device).

Worked example:
In Vera dashboard the scene is called Blinds OpenWhen I say "Alexa open the blinds" trigger smart home Turn On: blinds stopI've not yet had the inclination to setup routines for each individual blind, and don't tend to use them that way often enough.

For info, I also purchased a couple of ThermoSunis sensors for the windows. The idea was that I'd setup two groups of blinds (1-3 and 4-5) and use the sensors to close them when the room reaches a specific temperature or it's sunny.

The challenge is that it's not possible to override the sensors, so if you use the sun setting the blinds will always open in dull or dark weather. This means I'd be constantly fighting to close the blinds in the evening. So they remain in a cupboard until I find another solution which is also aware of day & time.

Russa

Haven't got blinds, but I do have a Somfy system on the garage door.  Can't fault it.

PsyVision

Thanks for the information.  Mine are for the cinema so not too fussed about sun sensors.  Do you use a relay module (Fibaro for instance) to interface the Vera to the Somfy or do you use a Somfy Hub?

inkymortar

Uhm, you're testing the limit of my technical know-how so this may not be the answer you're looking for.

I've got a Vera Edge controller which has an RFXtrx433E antenna attached to it. This I believe is the thing sending the signals directly to each blind. I don't have a hub in the config.

jabriel

Thanks everyone who replied.

Ended up going with Louvolite.

I understand there will be a new product launched (similar to Tahoma for Somfy) in Jan 2019 by Louvolite. Looking forward to seeing it in action.

Glad I used a local company. They've been great throughout from pre sales to addressing a couple of small issues during the install.

kaj0103

Hi, I hope this posts ok, first time using this forum.
I have just had Louvolite blinds installed because that is what the local company offered me, I had no real knowledge of the home automated blinds area. Anyway, they offered me the opportunity to trial their new product which is the bridge that can control the blinds via an app. Have to say I am very happy with it and now would like to have a centralised manager, such as Vera. I should say though that it is very expensive at £250.... more than say a Nest Thermostat! However, it does the job. I'm now looking for alternatives. Does anyone know if a Vera with an RFXtrx433XL Transceiver would be able to control all 4 blinds without the Louvelite hub????

jabriel

Do you mean the Louvolite product that's just launched? I've been offered this for a lot less (£150) from the company who fit my blinds.

jabriel

Sorry, ignore me. I misread your post.

PsyVision

Hello - dragging up an old post but can you suggest any suppliers who sell somfy powered blinds with blackout channels in the UK? Thanks

kaj0103

I now have a Vera plus with an rfx433 antenna. Can anyone suggest how I may get this to operate the louvolite blinds please???? I’m a complete novice and just have no idea.
I’ve managed to integrate my best but that’s about it.
Many thanks