RE: Automating Velux windows

["David Pullen" <dpullen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Martin

I am in the process of automating 4 windows and do intend to write it up
when I have finished (but it is part of a large project and it may be a
few months).

You can use the velux kits with other inputs - I am controlling mine
with a VIOM that is controlled by Homeseer. However, there are a few
issues:

*  You should use the velux motors (and the motor itself sits on the
outside of the window) so you really need to take off the top flashing
and remove some tiles/slates to do the cabling.

*  If you want to do blinds, then it will be quite fiddly to do on
installed windows. There are remote controlled blinds that operate
independently of the control units but then you lose some of the
benefits of the control units.

*  It may be difficult to hide the cabling with windows that are already
installed.

*  The motors do not open the windows very far. I haven't measured it
but I think the chain is less than 30cm.

*  It takes quite along time to open the windows ~ 35 seconds for our
units. I believe it may be shorter for some windows.

*  If you are using a velux motor they would recommend the velux control
units (WLC100). I am not sure if it would work with other controls but
that may be one way of saving money.

*  If you do use the velux control then you need to purchase the
interface units (WLF111) to use another control device as there is a
specific protocol for controlling the control units.

*  If you want to control windows individually then you need a control
unit and interface unit for each! This does provide you with control of
external and internal blinds and window though.

*  The control units do not control the windows and blinds
simultaneously. You can send commands sequentially but the first element
operates and then when it completes the second element starts.

*  If you want to do partial opening of windows or blinds there is no
direct control. You have to set timers which means there is considerable
potential for synchronisation problems.

*  The control and interface units do appear to have a lot more
functionality but velux will not tell you what it is other than saying
that it is not useful to you. It appears that the high cost of the units
relates partly to the fact that there is a lot of additional
functionality that it not used.

We decided to use the velux control units because we knew that they
would work. If I had had more time to play around with them I might have
looked at direct control of the velux motors. The units are expensive
and I don't think you get very much for your money. The control elements
of our windows far exceed the costs of the windows themselves. However,
as the tops of the windows are about 4m up, I thought it was worth
doing.

Hope this helps

BR
David



Date: Sat, 22 May 2004 22:35:28 +0100
From: Martin Howell <grizelli.projects@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Automating Velux windows

Anyone done this?  I have 5 velux skylights, all well out of reach.  I
can open and close them with a hook on a pole, but it would be better if

they could be made to open when the temperature inside reached n degrees

and closed if the rain came down or the temp dropped.  Mr Velux sells
kits that need you to press buttons, but they cost over 400 english
pounds, so I'd rather find an alternative.  Any ideas?

Martin