Controlling a motorised screen

Overview of control methods

Every ADEO motorised screen has a motor powered at 230 V. The control method determines what tells the motor “down”, “stop” and “up”, and how. There are several solutions to choose from, and they can be combined.

Control accessories can be found in the screen accessories section.

Wall switch – the simplest option

The Basic screen comes as standard with a 230 V tubular motor controlled by a wall switch. No batteries and no remote pairing – it always works, and everyone understands how to use it. That is why it works well in schools and rooms used by many people.

It requires a cable from the motor to the switch location. Place the switch where the screen can be seen, so that the person operating it can see whether the fabric is rolling freely. The motor and switch should be connected by a qualified electrician.

Radio remote – Somfy io and Nice

A radio remote works through walls and does not need to be pointed at the receiver. There are two approaches.

Motor with a built-in receiver

• io-homecontrol motor (Somfy) with an integrated radio receiver and a standard transmitter – an option on the Basic (up to 4500 mm wide), Rugby Plus, OnSuperior, Alumid, Inceel and InSuperior models.
• Nice motor with an integrated RF receiver inside the case and a standard transmitter – an option on the Rugby Pro.

Such a screen needs only 230 V power – no cable to a switch. It is a good solution for living rooms and for upgrading rooms without pre-installed cables.

External receiver and transmitters

For screens controlled via the standard interface, RF transmitters are available:

• 1-channel transmitter with 3 buttons (open, stop, close) – one screen;
• 1-channel cube transmitter with a single button (cyclic commands: open, stop, close, stop);
• 2-channel and 3-channel transmitters with 3 buttons per channel – handy when the room has two or three screens, or a screen and other radio-controlled devices.

Cube transmitters can be fitted in a wall frame (square or rectangular, in several colours), a shock-resistant wall frame or a desk holder. The remote then stops going missing – it becomes a “button on the wall” without chasing cables into the wall.

Infrared (IR)

The IrDA wireless control kit consists of a receiver with a 1 m cable and a transmitter. Infrared requires the remote to “see” the receiver, so the receiver has to be brought out to a visible spot. The advantage is that many universal remotes can learn IR codes – the screen can be operated with the same remote as the home cinema.

12 V trigger – the screen moves with the projector

Many projectors have a 12 V trigger output: when the projector is switched on, voltage appears on it; when switched off, it disappears. The screen interface reads this signal – the screen lowers by itself when someone switches on the projector and retracts when it is switched off. In conference rooms this eliminates the situation where the projector shines on the wall because nobody lowered the screen.

• Wired version – a cable from the projector's trigger output to the screen interface. The standard interface supports RF control, 12 V trigger and RS232; it measures 12.7 × 11.3 × 4.5 cm and is powered at 110–240 V AC.
• Wireless version – external RF radio control with a radio control unit and a wireless 12 V switch. The projector and screen do not need to be connected by a cable. According to the manufacturer, this solution also works with mechanical motors (without a built-in receiver).

Before buying, check in the projector manual whether it has a 12 V trigger output and which connector it uses.

Synchronised power relay

If the projector has no 12 V output, you can use external radio control with a synchronised power relay (Syncro Power Relay). It works much like a trigger – the screen responds to the operation of the connected device. Before choosing this option, check with an adviser that it suits your installation.

RS232 and room control systems

In rooms with a control system (a touch panel on the table or wall), the screen is one of the devices in a scene: the “presentation” button switches on the projector, lowers the screen, sets the lights and blinds. Integration is via the screen interface – RS232 control or a contact from the room system. The specific commands and connection method are set by the system integrator based on the interface documentation.

At home, the screen can be added to a smart home system, provided the system has a suitable interface – for example a relay output, radio control compatible with the motor, or an RS232 module. The scope of integration depends on the system chosen, so it is worth agreeing it with the installer before ordering the screen.

More about screens in conference rooms in the guide screens for conference rooms.

Limit positions – where the screen stops

A tubular motor stops at two limit positions: the lower one (fabric lowered) and the upper one (fabric rolled up). The lower position determines where the image falls relative to the projector; the upper one – whether the bottom bar closes the case.

• After installation, check both positions: that the projector image fits within the fabric and that the screen is fully closed when retracted.
• If the image is a few centimetres too high or too low, adjust the projector first (lens shift), and only then the limit switch.
• Adjust the limit switches according to the motor manufacturer's instructions or have an installer do it. An incorrectly set upper limit can press the bar too hard against the case, and an incorrect lower limit can unroll the fabric beyond the range intended by the manufacturer.

General installation rules are described in the guide installing a motorised screen.

How to choose the control – examples

Common mistakes

• Deciding on control after the walls and ceiling are closed – no cables to the switch or interface.
• IR receiver hidden behind the case or in the ceiling – the remote does not work.
• 12 V trigger planned without checking whether the projector has such an output.
• No back-up control when integrated with the room system – if the panel fails, the screen cannot be retracted.
• Connecting 230 V yourself without the necessary qualifications.

Choose the control together with the screen – for business and institutional projects we prepare the selection and advise on control (remote, wall switch, automation) – contact us.

Frequently asked questions