Measuring for Roller Shades

  
Proper measuring technique is critical when ordering motorized roller shades. Keep the following points in mind when
measuring your windows for roller shades:
• Use a metal tape measure, a cloth tape may stretch
• Measure every window, some windows may appear identical and often are not
• Round down to the nearest 1/8 inch to ensure fabric will not bind		  

Inside Jamb Measurement

Surface Mount Measurement

  
 
 
  The jamb extension must be a minimum of 2 3/4" deep for
smaller shades and 4" for larger shades
• Width: Measure the Top, Center and Bottom, use the
narrowest of the 3 measurements
• Height (Drop): Measure from the top of the jamb to the
bottom		 The shade is mounted on the frame surrounding the
window or above the window
• The fabricator will build the treatment so the bracket
dimension matches the width provided
• Width: Measure the width once in the center of the frame
• Height: Measure from the highest point of the frame to the
sill of the window		  
Understanding Fabric Options
The fabric you choose will vary depending on your customer’s tastes, as well as their needs for privacy or light filtering.
 
Sheer/Transparent
Light Filtering/Translucent
Blackout/Opaque
• Natural light and glare control
• Provides some UV protection
• Provides a clear view through the fabric
• Ideal for bay windows
 • Natural light filtration
• Increased UV protection
• Diffused view through fabric
• Ideal for second-floor bedrooms
• Fully blocks natural light
• Full UV protection
• Provides privacy
• Ideal for home theaters or bathrooms
     
Example:
Mermet E Screen 10% Open		 Example:
Mermet E Screen 5% Open		 Examples:
Mermet Edessa, Mermet Geneva
     
Mermet fabric samples are available at no cost. Visit www.mermetusa.com for details.
Alkenz and Pfifer fabric samples are available for $10 per each swatch. 
Choosing a Power Option
A common question with motorized roller shades is, “Which type of power should I use?” The size of the treatment ultimately determines which power option should be used, with the desired control option playing a secodary role in motor selection. See the chart below for maximum dimensions and control options for each type of motor.
 
12VDC Battery/Solar/Transformer
24VDC Transformer
110VAC Line Voltage
     
• Available for expanses up to 96” x 96”
• RTS (Somfy RF) control only
• Use the battery wand or Solar Pack options for a completely wire-free solution
• Somfy’s Solar Pack is guaranteed to last a minimum of 5 years		 • Available for expanses up to 96” x 96”
• Contact closure, RTS, RS-485, Z-Wave and ZigBee control options
• Sonesse (quiet) motors, rated at 44dBA
• Power and communication distribution panels available to simplify large installations		 • Available for expanses up to 144” x 132”
• Contact closure, RTS, RS-485, Z-Wave and ZigBee control options
• Standard (limit switch) option available
• Sonesse (quiet) motors, rated from 42-44dBA
Selecting a Control Type
Motorized roller shades offer a wide range of control options, use the chart below to help determine which solution works best for your application.
 
Control Type
Benefits
Sample Controls
RTS - Radio Technology Somfy (RF)
- Available in 12VDC
- Available in 24VDC
- Available in 110VAC		 • Somfy’s most popular control solution
• Provides one-way, wireless control
• “My” feature to move shade to a preset position
• The same RTS controllers can be used to control roller shades, drapes or blinds		 • Hand-held Somfy remote controls
• On-wall Somfy controllers
• Somfy Sunis and Chronis controllers
• Home automation controllers (using the URTSII)
• Z-Wave controllers (using the ZRTSI)
SDN - Somfy Digital Network
- Available in 24VDC (RS-485)
- Available in 110VAC (ILT)		 • Hard-wired control
• Provides two-way communication
• Shades are able to go to multiple positions
• Add on Z-Wave or ZigBee control (using adapters)		 • In-wall Somfy controls
• Home automation controllers
• Z-Wave or ZigBee controllers (with adapter)
• Somfy RTS controllers (with adapter)
Standard - limit switch
- Available in 110VAC		 • Also called “dumb” motors
• Shade direction is controlled by changing which lead is hot		 • Somfy Multi-Link controllers
• ESI RP or RQ motor controllers
• iRule (through ESI motor controllers)
Contact Closure
- Available in 24VDC
- Available in 110VAC (on ILT motors)		 • Hard-wired control
• Use one N/O closure for up, a second for down, a third (optional) for stop		 • In-wall Somfy switches
• Home automation controllers
• iRule (through Global Cache)