ᐅ Smart Home Roller Shutters / Venetian Blinds with Conventional Electrical Systems

Created on: 11 Oct 2020 13:39
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allstar83
Hello everyone,

we are nearing the completion of the detailed planning phase and the start of construction. I’ve already gone through the whole “I want everything until I want nothing” phase regarding smart home features. By now, I would simply like to be able to operate the roller shutters and blinds via an app.

Here are the requirements:
  • Wired switches
  • Central switch for scenes
  • Control via app / possibly also remotely
  • Wind sensor is not necessary; I would prefer to control that remotely if needed. At work, this is handled with KNX, but it’s rather unsatisfactory (the shutters keep going up and down, etc.)
  • I’m not keen on “old-fashioned” controls like small displays or astro timers
What options are currently under consideration?
So far, it looks like only the Gira System 3000 with a Bluetooth module (remote control would then be difficult) is a candidate, or alternatively adding Shelly or flush-mounted actuators (e.g., Bosch, etc.).

I’ve already read and researched pretty much everything about KNX, Loxone, Hager Easy, Homematic, Somfy radio, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and similar systems. Somehow, I seem to be missing something simple or haven’t yet seen a solution that covers the above requirements.

What else is out there, or what would you recommend? Does anyone know the Gira System 3000?

Thanks very much for your experience and advice!
seth048722 Oct 2020 09:40
We also use Somfy. We didn’t have any switches installed in the house; instead, we received two remote controls that operate everything. In addition, we have an app that allows us to create scenes.

Later on, we installed wireless switches in the children’s rooms and by the front door (these can simply be attached under the existing switch using a double frame). This way, you can control individual rooms or the entire house with the push of a button.

For automatic shading, we installed a light sensor on the south facade. I can link this to specific scenes and schedules. So, at certain times and depending on the sunlight intensity, the roller shutters go down automatically.

We also integrated the awnings on the patio roof into the Somfy system later. It’s not a full smart home setup, but it allows us to control many functions.
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halmi
22 Oct 2020 09:45
Brainstorming schrieb:

Do you need a central unit to connect the wind sensor, or how does that work?
I would also like to control exterior blinds via light, wind, and manual operation and currently have a conventional electrical setup. I’m thinking about how to make roller shutters and exterior blinds "smart."

The wind sensors and sun sensors are paired directly with the exterior blind motor. This does not require a TaHoma box, although for around €200 I would definitely consider adding that device as well.
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Alessandro
22 Oct 2020 09:50
Depending on where the wind sensor is located and the distance to the motors, there can be radio signal issues. For this reason, I would always recommend a central TaHoma box.
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Brainstorming
22 Oct 2020 09:51
So, does that mean I can use the system with my conventional electrical setup? Am I correct in understanding that Somfy offers flush-mounted modules for Z-Wave, which are installed inside the junction box of the roller shutter switch and then communicate wirelessly with the TaHoma Box? And can I then connect the wind sensor and light sensor directly to the TaHoma Box?
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Alessandro
22 Oct 2020 09:54
That’s exactly right. Just google Somfy flush-mounted receivers. Nothing can be connected directly to the TaHoma. It operates purely via radio signals.
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halmi
22 Oct 2020 09:54
Alessandro schrieb:

Depending on where the wind sensor is installed and how far the motors are, there can be wireless connection issues. That’s why I would always recommend a central TaHoma box.

That is completely wrong. Your wind sensor cannot be linked to the blinds, etc., via TaHoma. It always has to be directly connected to the motor.

Your wind sensor includes a protection feature that would no longer work in the event of an internet outage via TaHoma. Therefore, it cannot be integrated into TaHoma.