Motorization FAQ

The Automate motorization line is a comprehensive range of battery, A/C, & D/C motors for a variety of motorized window coverings including Roller Shades, Roman Shades, Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Sheer Shades, Zebra Shades, Tilting Blinds, and Draperies.

For an overview of the Automate Produce Line, refer to our Automate Range Overview - Opens in new tab. - Opens in new tab

The Automate motorization line includes handheld remotes as well as surface and cut-in wall switches for  local control of motorized window coverings The system also includes a wi-fi hub which enables mobile app control and doubles as a bridge for integration with third party control systems.

(Nm x 200) /diameter = load. Example: a 34mm tube and 1.1nM motor lifts 6.47kg (1.1x200/34)

See Automate Range Overview - Opens in new tab for system and motor compatibility.

We have a longstanding OEM manufacturing partner, who has been producing motors for over 30 years. 

• Check for excessive friction in the assembly
• Ensure that the tube deductions are correct
• Ensure that there is a suitable clearance between the motor head & bracket
• Ensure the idler pin is not pushing against the bracket, causing friction

Hard wired motors and remotes: 7 years. Battery motors: 5 years. For additional warranty information, click here - Opens in new tab. 

ARC stands for Automate Radio Communication. It is the latest motor control technology by Rollease Acmeda. It runs on a frequency of 433Mhz and is bi-directional, which means that control and position information can flow from a controller/hub to the motor and from the motor back to a controller/hub.

It runs on the proven 433Mhz frequency, utilizing FSK modulation, which improves resistance of interference against other devices. Communications are reliable and robust and programming is straight forward and simple.

Unlimited. An unlimited amount of motors can be set to the same channel as one single channel remote.

The hub has built in wi-fi to communicate with mobile devices and internet routers.  It also utilizes ARC communication to send and receive messages from Automate motors.

No, the motor can be charged while installed.  Simply plug in the charger to the connector at the motor head.

First charge: 6 hours Subsequent charges should also last 6 hours.

A red light comes on to signify fast charging of the battery. After fast charge is done, the light turns green and the remaining 3 hour charge becomes a trickle charge, optimizing battery performance.

No. The motor/battery both have integrated overcharge protection circuits. This means that the battery will limit the charge it will accept if plugged in longer than necessary.

Yes. The charger can be left plugged into the motor longer than a charging cycle requires. This makes the motor into a hard-wired solution, with a battery backup.

It depends on the motor model and the size/weight of the shade.Generally, the target is 500 up/down cycles. The Automate Pulse app will indicate when the motor battery is low and in need of recharge.

• The battery in the motor needs recharging.
• Recharge with the AC adaptor that came with the blind.
• Check the connection and positioning of the solar panel

No, the battery is designed for the full life of the motor.

The pairing is a sequence that has a time limit. When you press and hold the P1 button until the motor jogs one time, you must then press and hold the STOP button on the desired transmitter/channel within 4 seconds, and the motor will jog twice and beep to confirm that it is paired.

When programming a motor for the first time, after it is paired to a channel, you should first check direction. To change direction, press UP and DOWN simultaneously. Then set limits. Adjust your top limit position, then press and hold UP and STOP until the motor jogs and beeps. Then move the shade to the bottom position and adjust its position to where you want it to be. Press DOWN and STOP and the motor will jog and beep, to confirm the limit. Then, the motor is programmed and will run as normal.

Move the shade to somewhere near where you want the limit to be. For the top limit, press and hold UP and STOP until the motor jogs, and release. The motor will be in step mode and you can adjust the position as you prefer. Then press and hold UP and STOP and the motor will jog and beep to signal that it has recorded that limit. Follow the similar procedure to adjust the bottom limit. Press DOWN and STOP.

Please note that it takes longer to open the limit than it does to close it. This is intentional.

Reason: Multiple motors are paired to the same channel

• Always reserve an individual channel for programming functions
• SYSTEM BEST PRACTISE - Provide an extra 15 channel remote in your multi motor projects for the installer. That provides individual control dedicate to each motor for programming purposes.
• Place all other motors into sleep mode [ref to P1]

• The battery is dead
• Someone accidentally reset the motor to factory settings

Before the limits are set, motor direction can be changed by pressing and holding the UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously, until the motor reacts. If the limits have been set, the direction can be changed by pressing and holding the P1 button until the motor jogs 3 times.

Yes, on a multi-channel remote, they can be adjusted to show the number of channels in use; e.g. if there are 8 motors on the job you can select it to be an 8 channel remote.

All motors that are programmed to the same remote, automatically respond to channel 0. For example, on channel 0, pressing the up button will move all blinds that are programmed to that remote up.

Before a motor can accept programming from another channel or transmitter, the limits must be set so that the motor is in normal operational mode.

The solar panel will harvest enough energy to regenerate for 2 cycles per day, where a cycle is a full rotation of the blind; once up and down. This has been tested in the worst-case conditions with the panel being south facing, in indirect light and behind glass. When the panel is north facing in direct sunlight, the results will be even better.

No, the motor is charged while installed.

There is Insufficient charging from the solar panel. Ensure that the solar panel is receiving adequate sunlight – check connection and orientation of the solar panel.

If the motors have not exceeded the amount of control devices, they can memorize (typically 30) and all motors are within range of the sensor (typically 30m) or up to 200m open space. The interior sun sensor can handle unlimited motors.

Yes.

Please refer to our website for programming instructions - Opens in new tab. Make sure that you are logged-in when following this link.

Further Support

If you are an end-user, please contact your installer or dealer.

If you are a dealer or distributor, please contact us for further assistance. Contact information is located at the bottom of our homepage