Somfy New Z-Wave RTS Interface (ZRTSI)

Other Devices & Integrations Garage & Window Covering Control
#1

Hi,

I saw the Sonfy release a New Z-Wave RTS Interface (ZRTSI).

http://www.somfy.com/downloads/nam_pro/somfy_zrtsi_flyer_2010.pdf

Do you believe that it is compatible with Mi Casa Vera?

How can I connect my somfy external RTS windows cover with my Mi Casa Vera?

I’m a brand new join of the Vera and Z-Wave wonderful world…

Thank you in advance
Matteo

#2

I’m waiting for it, too. I think I heard it’s undergoing Z-wave certification by Sigma. We’ll definitely make it work if it ever gets released.

#3

I have heard that Somfy “may” make it available as a separate purchase from their Tahoma system. I don’t see why they wouldn’t make it available as their ultimate goal is to sell more of them.

Currently the best way to control RTS shades in Vera is to use an URTSII which is connected to Vera via RS232. I believe there is already a plug-in for it in the Mios Marketplace. They are about $400 and can control 16 channels with any number of shades on each channel.

#4

Hi,

How can you connect the universal rts via rs232 if there is not rs232 port in the mi casa vera?

Thank you
Regards,
Matteo

#5

You would use one of the supported USB to RS232 cables shown here:
http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Serial_Supported_Hardware

#6

Or connect via WiFi to RS232
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Roving-Networks/RN-134/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvdqMP%2FaZ%252bGClQs06owUsC0

Same thing but in a nice package:
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Roving-Networks/RN-370M/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsRr7brxAGoXUz3PO5%252bowLbeR3mnkIOlow%3D

Or hard wired Ethernet to RS232
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9476

#7

Wouldn’ t it be possible to connect a Switch/Blindcontrol?
I have the same Problem: Centralis RTS but Fibaro Homecenter2…
My Idea was to connect both, Fibaro AND RTS, so that the Blinds can be controlled without Computer or Smartphone

#8

There is also a Global Cache RS232, they have 3 models

http://www.smarthome.com/81182/Global-Cache-WF2SL-iTach-Wi-Fi-to-Serial/p.aspx

#9

According to this site the Somfy Z-Wave Universal RTS Interface (ZRTSI) Bridge Controller is already Vera compatable…the internet doesn’t lie does it? :wink:

#10

Good to hear that it works, thanks @Alex09!

#11

Setup ZRTSI, with 2x Somfy WireFree Tilt Motor (RTS) on Vera 3.

Works perfectly.

Only issue was that the device was defined as a dimmable light switch, however, changing the device file to D_WindowCovering1.xml solved the problem. The up/down controls are still reversed, but that could be solved by editing the xml.

#12

[quote=“alex09, post:11, topic:167876”]Setup ZRTSI, with 2x Somfy WireFree Tilt Motor (RTS) on Vera 3.

Works perfectly.

Only issue was that the device was defined as a dimmable light switch, however, changing the device file to D_WindowCovering1.xml solved the problem. The up/down controls are still reversed, but that could be solved by editing the xml.[/quote]

Alex,
Were you able to fix this? I’m considering going this route, but want to minimize issues setting it up.

Thanks

#13

Honestly, I have not tried. Been travelling out of town alot, which is why I needed the automatation. I have a schedule setup to open and close around sunrise/sunset. I know it has been working fine, as I have a foscam that alerts me on activity and I can confirm that the open/close worked.

#14

Hi alex09,
I’m looking at adding a ZRTSI to control a few blinds. Was it easy to setup? I looked over the operation instructions off the following site.

Is that all thats need to connect it to the vera?

Once thats complete how do you configure it on your dashboard. Do you require a plug-in?

Can you provide the procedure you followed to get everything up and running.

Thanks for the help

#15

Hey Shady,

Thank for the PM…I’m not allowed to PM =(. I have not purchased anything yet. I need a wireless option since I do not have power running to the windows. I was looking at the RTS motors because they seem to be the easiest option?

The Z-Wave motors look nice but they only seem to have tubular motors. I need to install a motor on a Hunter Douglas 2" wood blind. I’m just looking to have the motor open and close the blinds not lift them. Is the RTS motor not the best option or can you use a tubular motor for this?

You mentioned a single channel RTS interface to a RS232 relay board…can you give me part numbers?

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Thanks

#16

The ZRTSI works as Z-Wave to RTS and is cheaper than an URTSI which would require a USB to RS232 cable and works as RS232 to RTS (removing the Z-Wave element, but giving you essentially the same control). There is alrerady a Vera plug-in for the URTSI, and the ZRTSI seems like it can work well with a few tweaks in Vera.

If you want Z-Wave motors (or I should say Z-Wave enabled motors) for DC Low Voltage motors on blinds there is always the DBMZ Motor Controller but you have to order your blinds with standard DC motors. RTS motors have built-in controller which will require the interfaces mentioned above. Or if you are on a budget you could try the RTS single channel interface connected to an ebay RS232 relay board. With some carefull shopping the rig should cost you about $110 or so and give you single channel control of RTS products.

Single Channel RTS Interface #1810493 (old Part# 6300454):
http://www.av-outlet.com/en-us/dept_503.html

Single Channel Interface Wiring Diagram to Relays:

Ebay RS232 4-relay board:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170780832825

Post about plug-in for Relay board:
http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?topic=8585.0

Ebay search for USB to RS232 cable:

Check Vera list for cable compatibility:
http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Serial_Supported_Hardware

#17

Any idea what the range would be for the ZRSTI? I have RTS blinds in three parts of the house and I’m wondering if it would make more sense to use the single-channel RTS and a Z-wave I/O device (if one exists) for each of the three? Even though the ZRSTI is very expensive, it will be as much or more to buy these pairs of devices for three areas (and much less elegant) but I’m just wondering if the transmission range of the ZRSTI will handle blinds on both sides of my small house.

I have a small mid-century modern post-and-beam house, but even as open as it is, the Z-wave and wi-fi transmission challenges drive me crazy. I know I could use the Global Cache wi-fi to I/O devices in combination with the Somfy single-channel, but that ends up at about $200 per blind. Ugh. At that rate I could even buy both the ZRSTI and the range extender (if needed to cover the whole house).

Any recommendations?

#18

If you can get a Cat5 from Vera to somewhere within 70ft of all of the shades, then you might consider an URTSII and go Vera to USB to RS232 to DB9 to RJ45 to CAT5 to URTSII and get a reliable wired connection all the way out to being close to the shades controlled via RTS.

The ZRTSI will have the Z-Wave issues you mention, but those may be able to be fixed by manually assigning its neighbor nodes or adding lamp modules to extend the Z-Wave signal. RTS is limited to around 70ft on average but can go as high as 100ft, it depends since RF actually stands for Really Funny as you never know what may be interfering with the signal. Most of the time there won’t be any problems, but when there are they are real head scratchers.

A good test if you already have an RTS remote control is to see where that works and wherever works then you know the interfaces should work in the same location. The FCC regulates the power of their RTS transmitters so they all have about the same power with a couple exceptions. Actually the single channel RTS interface is just the guts of a handheld remote with wires soldered to the contacts on its circuit board, so if you want to sacrifice or upgrade your existing remote you can use it as a dry contact interface (see attached picture).

To summarize the ZRTSI should have the same range as the URTSI, but the URTSI does away with the Z-Wave element. The single channel RTS interface is just a handheld remote basically so it doesn’t have a larger, detachable antennae that the URTSI and ZRTSI have but should have similar RTS range. PM me if you need any help.

#19

These are the components that I used.

1870202 Somfy Z-Wave to Universal RTS Interface ZRTSI Bridge Controller
1000678 Somfy WireFree Tilt Motor (RTS) for 2" Blinds
Headrail Adapter:: High Profile - 9014529
Power Source:: 12V DC 1A White Plug-In Transformer
1810633 Somfy Telis 4 Pure RTS 5 Channel Remote Transmitter

No plugs in were required.

As mentioned, when I added the ZRTSI device, Vera3 recognized it as a door switch. Changing the attributes for the device switched it to a blinds controller.

#20

[quote=“alex09, post:19, topic:167876”]These are the components that I used.

1870202 Somfy Z-Wave to Universal RTS Interface ZRTSI Bridge Controller
1000678 Somfy WireFree Tilt Motor (RTS) for 2" Blinds
Headrail Adapter:: High Profile - 9014529
Power Source:: 12V DC 1A White Plug-In Transformer
1810633 Somfy Telis 4 Pure RTS 5 Channel Remote Transmitter

No plugs in were required.

As mentioned, when I added the ZRTSI device, Vera3 recognized it as a door switch. Changing the attributes for the device switched it to a blinds controller.[/quote]

I checked out this list on http://www.automatedshadeinc.com/ and it looks like its just under $200 per window (not including the ZRTSI) …is that right?