The AVUA-IRRTS is a Universal Automation Interface for gaining IR control of Somfy Shades Systems or virtually any other system you want to control with learnable IR commands. Our information here is geared for Somfy Shade Systems but we can help you gain control of other devices as well based on the same principles used with the Somfy Controls. We can connect your remotes be them Somfy or other MFG as well as supply the interface as a kit for your own termination. See Options for details.
The AVUA-IRRTS solves two common problems with Somfy Shades when automation control is desired: 1) Somfy's LT30 System II IR Remote does not have learnable IR commands and 2) Somfy's RTS line of RF remotes (Telis 1. Telis 4 etc.) do not respond to IR commands so integration with advanced Home Automation Remotes. The remote provided with the AVUA-IRRTS system provides the user with an IR remote that has learnable commands so that integration is possible. Somfy remotes are connected to the IR controlled contacts of the AVUA-IR automation interface. One of the nicest features of this automation interface is the ability to easily disconnect the remote control from the system so that the shades can be more easily programmed. This is significant because the programming of the Somfy shades requires moving through the steps within a time limit and you don't want to have to run back and forth from the control unit to the shade. The remote can still be operated manually by hand because the design of the Somfy remotes allows for non-destructive integration.
This AVUA-IRRTS unit lets the user take automation control of their Somfy System controls by enabling integration. With the potential for 6 Somfy IR channels and 20 RTS channels this is the most powerful interface available. The AVUA-IR provides 12 relays for control using a simple 14 button IR remote that is provided. The IR codes of this remote are learnable. The codes from this remote are unique and we have not found another device that responds to the remote. Each Somfy remote, at a minimum, would require 2 contacts so we would potentially connect up to 6 individual Somfy remotes. Customers may specify which remote they wish to use and which buttons they wish to have connected. You pick the remotes you want connected so you can maximize the control of your systems.
Somfy LT30 IR Remote Standard Integration Configuration
Since most customers typically would only want one channel with the Somfy IR remote we maximize the use of the connections available with our connectors, cable and circuit. By default we wire the remote for the following commands: UP (#1), Customer Preferred Position (#2), Down (#3), 25% down (#4) and 75% Down (#5). Stopping the shade can be done by pressing any button 1-5 on the AVUA-IR remote. This consumes 8 wires and 4 Relays of the unit leaving 8 relay contact for other use or future expansion. If you add another Somfy LT30 System II remote to the system we will use the next sequence of buttons (6-11). Keep in mind that IR remotes must always have line of sight to the motors so the Somfy LT30S2 IR remotes must be pointing at the shade motors to control them. Long lengths of cable may be required for connecting the LT30 IR remote to the AVUA-IRRTS controller.
Where form factor is of concern we have an option to remove the IR Emitter from the Somfy LT30SII remote and extend it away from the circuit board with 22AWG 2 Conductor In-Wall Rated control wire. This enables concealed placement and long runs for for single or multiple zone controls. View the Somfy IR Remote w/ Emitter Extended.
Somfy Telis 1 Remote Standard Integration Configuration
The use of the Telis 1 Remotes will provide a maximum 6 channels (6 - Telis 1 Remotes) of automation control. When used at the full Telis 1 capacity the AVUA-RTS the unit will only provide full Up and full Down automation of the shades (No Stop or Customer Preferred). We are limited to 12 relays for control and each remote would require 2 relays in this configuration. If you desire to have control of UP, Down and Stop (Also used for Customer Preferred Position) commands for the shades, the system will be limited to 4 RTS channels of control (4 - Telis 1 Remotes) with each remote using 3 of the 12 relays. By default we wire the remote for the following commands: UP (#1), Middle Stop Button (Also used for Customer Preferred Position) (#2) and Down (#3) If you add another Somfy Telis 1 Remote to the system we will use the next sequence of buttons (4,5,6).
Somfy Telis 4 Remote Standard Integrated Configuration
The use of the Telis 4 Remotes will provide the maximum 20 channels (4 - Telis 4 Remotes) of control. When used at full Telis 4 capacity the AVUA-RTS unit will only provide full Up and full Down automation of the shades (No Stop or Customer Preferred). We are limited to 12 relays for control and each remote would require 3 relays in this configuration. If you desire to have control of UP, Down and Stop (Also used for Customer Preferred Position) commands for the shades, the system will be limited to 15 RTS channels of control (3 - Telis 4 Remotes) with each remote using 4 of the 12 relays. By default we wire the remote for the following commands: UP (#1), Middle Stop Button (Also used for Customer Preferred Position) (#2), Down (#3) and Channel Select (#4) If you add another Somfy Telis 4 Remote to the system we will use the next sequence of buttons (5,6,7,8).
Using the Telis 4 remotes may provide a challenge for some users as the programming of the IR macro will be more complex. The Telis 4 provides up to 5 channels of control per remote. The selection of each channel is performed by successive buttons presses. In order for you (the programmer) to know what channel the remote is on you will have to write macros that always return the channel selection to a home state. Example: We want to send the UP command to the shade(s) on channel # 4 so we would write a macro that performs the following: Channel Select, Channel Select, Channel Select, Channel Select, Up, Channel Select, Channel Select, Channel Select. This macro would move the channel from home #1 channel to the 4th channel then command the shades to go up and then move the channel from #4 to our #1 position. This type of programming will require testing and perfecting as delays will be necessary. Some folks may not have the capability for this kind of advanced control with their home theater remotes. In this case we recommend using the Telis 1 remotes. View the Somfy Telis 4 Circuit Board Wired , View the Somfy Telis 4 Complete
Misc. Information on Controller
The AVUA-IR Remote provided has 14 buttons numbers 1-14. Buttons 1-12 control the contacts for each of those relays. Internally the AVUA-IRRTS system uses screw terminal blocks for making connection. This facilitates easy modification of wiring as soldering is not required. The automation controller can be used for other functions as well like controller you garage door or controlling appliances. Internally you have Normally Open and Normally Closed contacts for each relay. When used for remote control integration, we connect to the NO (Normally Open) contact. There are 2 banks of relays 1-8 and 9-12. Each bank can be set internal with a switch be either controlled momentarily or as a sustained toggle. By default the switch is set to momentary control for our use with the remotes. In a toggle mode only, buttons 13 and 14 are used to control the 2 banks in an All On/Off. Button 13 will control a 1-8 relays and button 14 will control 9-12 relays. Each relay is rated for up to 5A/240VAC so this kit may be used for more than just shade automation.
Customization
We offer this system with customer requested configurations. For custom configuration please send us an email sales@av-outlet.com with detailed instruction describing how you would like the system set up allowing the customer to specify which remotes to use, which buttons (Up/Down/Stop etc.) on which remotes to connect and which buttons on the IR remote control the functions. We can connect customer supplied remotes as well. If more than 1 remote of the same model is used we color code the connecting cable for identification.
AVUA-IR Universal Automation Controller Specifications
• Allows IR control of IR, RF and Other Devices
• Disconnect Remote for Easy Shade Programming
• Non-Destructive Remote Integration - The Normal Buttons still work!!!
• Ribbon Cable used for Remote wiring - No large Holes in the Remote
• Capable of up to 6 - LT30 IR Channels of Control
• Capable of up to 20 - RTS RFChannels of Control
• Complete customer customizing available
• 3' Lead length on connected remote control - Customizable
• Table Top Design w/ rubber feet
• Wall mountable thru Cover - Requires Drilling holes
• The supplied IR remote has a 40' Range
• Includes: 12V 500ma Wall Plug Power Supply
• Includes: Learnable IR Remote (2 AAA Batteries required not included)
• Dimensions: 6" W x 1.5" H x 6.25"
• Warranty: 1 Year Warranty - Does not cover over powering the relay circuits.
Typical lead time is 3 days but may take up to 8 days.
View the Rear of the AVUA Automation Interface
AVUA Circuit IR Relay Kit Description PDF
Ordering Options
1) LT30 IR Remote - Select # of Remotes to add or Indicate If you will send in your remote.
2) Telis 1 Remote - Select # of Remotes to add or Indicate If you will send in your remote.
3) Telis 4 Remote - Select # of Remotes to add or Indicate If you will send in your remote.
4) Other Remote - Send us your remote from another system that you want control of and we'll wire it.
5) Extend IR Eye - Select length of cable needed. This option is for LT30 System II IR Remotes
Note: We will not exchange Remotes. For Non-Somfy Remotes we can not guarantee that we can integrate it or that you will be able to use the remote manually in hand. We can evaluate your remote based on pictures. Send pictures to sales@av-outlet.com
6) Add Lead Length: Standard lead length for the remote is app. 3'. We can add as much lead length as you want. All added lead length will be with ribbon cable.
7) Add Ports: Default systems come with 1 set of the following items if not remote options are selected. Additional connections can be purchased as an option for your own termination. For this option we provide: 8 position mini-din connector with 6" internal leads mounted to box but not connected to internal relay contacts and external mini din 8 conductor cable 3 foot without connection.