Somfy Zigbee - An Overview

SOMFY ZIGBEE

Zigbee is a new alternative to Somfy’s classic RTS motors. Much the same as said RTS motors, Zigbee can be controlled from RF handsets and Tahoma.

What’s The Difference? Zigbee vs RTS

So what’s the difference between Zigbee and Somfy’s RTS range?

The glaring difference between the two is that Zigbee has two way wireless communication. This gives you access to a plethora of information when it comes to Tahoma integration.

Information like live feedback on battery status, and accurate positional data. Information that you can use to set up accurate scenes, or auto-remind you when your blinds need charging.

Zigbee also scores a point on RTS with wireless mesh connection. This means in essence that blinds can connect to each other, extending the reach of the Tahoma by relaying signals and commands to their fellow shades.

WHY CHOOSE ZIGBEE?

POSITIONAL FEEDBACK

Zigbee’s main feature is its two way communication, both with the Tahoma and the Ysia remote.

This means that you can both see and set the exact position of your blinds. If you fancy your blinds closed to exactly 72%, you can do just that through the Tahoma. This positional feedback is also available on integrated smarthome systems, such as Control4.

Two-way feedback also comes in handy when it comes to the Ysia remote, which after sending a signal checks if it’s been received.

BATTERY STATUS

Don’t like the thought of finding out your blinds need charging only when the motors cut out?

Zigbee has you covered on that, its two-way communication means you can keep tabs on all of your blinds charge.

You can keep a wary eye on the levels on the Tahoma app, or you can even set an automatic reminder to show once your blinds hit a certain threshold for total peace of mind.

WIRELESS MESH

For projects needing quality wireless control, Zigbees wireless mesh technology is a game changer.

The concept of a wireless mesh is simple, instead of your controller sending a signal to each of your blinds individually, every Zigbee motor acts as a repeater.

This means that if a blind is out of range of your controller, the blinds that do receive the signal will send it onto the ones that are out of range.