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Somfy control RFXCOM vs. Z-wave ZRTSI

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    Somfy control RFXCOM vs. Z-wave ZRTSI

    Sorry for being so new on this topic but I have a few questions.

    I recently purchased (not installed yet) some bali blinds (cellular shades) which should have somfy motors and a two button remote.

    I have never used RFXCOM or know much about it but I see there is not great solutions (and a high price tag) with the somfy ZRTSI z-wave modual. Seeing that I have neither I'm looking to see what the best route for me to go is?

    So I buy the RFXCOM unit and pay for the plugin or go somfy to z-wave with the ZRTSI. I'm looking for pros and cons and if any features are missing one way or another.

    Seems like RFXCOM is more universal and I might have some other uses for it down the road (but none at this point).

    Is there any certain ceiling fans (multi speed, lights, maybe DC motor) that work nicely with RFXCOM?

    Thanks,


    EDIT: I see homeseer that sales this unit says its a receiver only and not a transmitter.

    "Note: This unit is based on the RFXtrx433 tranceiver but the transmitter functions have been disabled. The firmware on this unit is designed to support receiver functions only as the transmitter is not FCC certified."

    How does that work if I want to control my blinds but can only receive but not transmit signals to the blinds? I'm confused on this.
    Last edited by integlikewhoa; June 26, 2017, 04:38 PM.

    #2
    In order to control Somfy motors I believe you need the RFXtrx433E and I don't believe it's available yet in the U.S. but can be ordered from Sweden or wherever they're made. It seems to me like it's the cheaper of the two options.

    I'm curious about your shades. Apparently Bali Blinds are available at Lowe's. Can you get them with a side track? I'm interested in getting blackout shades for my living room to cover the windows I just finished making built-ins for (see attached) but I couldn't find any real good solutions with motors and blackout.
    Attached Files
    Originally posted by rprade
    There is no rhyme or reason to the anarchy a defective Z-Wave device can cause

    Comment


      #3
      I got mine at Homedepot

      https://blinds.homedepot.com/p/bali-...7?id=205177037

      I didn't see any option for a side rail.

      I paid 3ish for the larger windows I have motorized using double 3/8" cell blackout.

      Until another day or so depot has 30% off bali blinds. Online or in store. Online code is as follows.

      30% OFF SELECTED BALI BRANDED PRODUCTS - USE "30OFFBALI" AT CHECKOUT - SALE ENDS 6/28.


      I see ebay has this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/RFXCOM-RFXtr...cAAOSw9N1VpqNc

      I also wasn't sure if a rfxcom software flash on the homeseer unit would take it back to normal?

      Hoping to get some feedback on this.

      Thanks,

      Comment


        #4
        Well surprised I'm getting no feedback here. Still confused on all the recive only USA unit and such.

        I went ahead and ordered this ebay unit.
        http://www.ebay.com/itm/RFXCOM-RFXtr...cAAOSw9N1VpqNc

        Which I'm hoping will do everything I need.

        Maybe at this point I'm just looking for advise on what all is needed to get this RFXCOM setup to allow me to double tap or use a hstouch to control two blinds in a room.

        Still not sure if I'm heading down the right path or If i should have just stuck with z-wave.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by integlikewhoa View Post
          Well surprised I'm getting no feedback here. Still confused on all the recive only USA unit and such.



          I went ahead and ordered this ebay unit.

          http://www.ebay.com/itm/RFXCOM-RFXtr...cAAOSw9N1VpqNc



          Which I'm hoping will do everything I need.



          Maybe at this point I'm just looking for advise on what all is needed to get this RFXCOM setup to allow me to double tap or use a hstouch to control two blinds in a room.



          Still not sure if I'm heading down the right path or If i should have just stuck with z-wave.

          Comment


            #6
            I use the rfxcom plugin to control my sunsetter awnings (they use Somfy motors). Works like a champ. Since I am setup for that, I also have my Oregon scientific weather equipment using the same receiver.

            You are correct, you need the unit that is a trans and receive. The one you are looking at is the right one.

            I haven't heard good or bad about the RTs to zwave unit that somfy makes, but it's expensive and just another layer that is changing technologies. Wouldn't recommend.

            Comment


              #7
              Thanks for the update guys! Looks like I'm on the right track. Gonna take like 2 weeks for that RFXCOM unit to get in the sates and delivered.

              My next thing will be range. Looks like this will USB plug into my HS3 rack mounted server which is probley 40ft threw a few walls to the room where the windows are.

              Generally to they cover about the same range as wifi? Think 40-50ft will be an issue? Is the 3dbi antenna generally used or is the stock fine?

              Comment


                #8
                Mine is in the basement controlling and receive things from my backyard. Probably at least 50 feet and concrete and walls. I've only had issues occasionally on my weather stuff, but my motors have never failed.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by integlikewhoa View Post
                  Thanks for the update guys! Looks like I'm on the right track. Gonna take like 2 weeks for that RFXCOM unit to get in the sates and delivered.



                  My next thing will be range. Looks like this will USB plug into my HS3 rack mounted server which is probley 40ft threw a few walls to the room where the windows are.



                  Generally to they cover about the same range as wifi? Think 40-50ft will be an issue? Is the 3dbi antenna generally used or is the stock fine?

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Well with new information it appears my new bali blinds with somfy motors are native zwave. So I think I ordered rfxcom for no reason now.

                    Bali "AutoView" is the name, Graber is the parent company of Bali which created the somfy zwave intergration combo.

                    http://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/1749

                    https://community.smartthings.com/t/...d-shades/49886


                    And this all came to my eyes in this thread here.
                    https://forums.homeseer.com/showthread.php?p=1313322

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Well My RFXCOM is here and so are my new shades.

                      My Bali blinds with Somfy motors are indeed Z-wave Plus directly in the shade and the remote they come with is also Z-wave PLus. Both are added to my Homeseer and both work great. More here along with pics.

                      https://forums.homeseer.com/showthre...69#post1314169

                      I now have a brand new RFXCOM unused in the box that is up for sale in the USA if someone wants it. If no takers I might play around with it for other uses.

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