Somfy RS232 TO RTS INTERFACE

pnaidoo1502

Does any one know the cable pin out for this device.

gusgizmo

Pretty sure you need to null it as it is 2 Rxd 3 Txd 5 Gnd which is the same as the netlinx. Basically 2 and 3 need to be switched around on one end for proper communication.

The protocol is

[U,D,S][1-5],$0D btw.

So: SEND_STRING dvSomfy,"'U5',$0D"; For example, to make all shutters open.

Also note that you need a 1.5 second delay between each command.

Try something like

Button_event [ALL_TP_ARRAY,nBtnSomfy]
{
   PUSH:
{
   IF (!nsomfylockout)
   {
       SWITCH (GET_LAST(nBtnSomfy))
       {
             // switch between your operations here, or do something else
       }
       nsomfylockout = 1;
       wait 15 'somfy lockout' {
           nsomfylockout = 0;
       }
}
}

If you don't want to write a command queue.

vegastech

Trouble with the 5 Channel version...No RF!

I have wired my laptop's serial port directly to the Somfy controller (The black box, 5 channel version, not the white one), and I am trying to send strings directly to it, but I never see the RF LED light up on the box to indicate that it is sending a command to the shades. I am now using my laptop's serial port because I wasn't seeing anything happening when it was connected to the NI. If I use a null modem premade DB9 cable, I get no feedback from the unit. If I use a straight thru premade DB9 cable, I at least get a response when I send a command: hex 00. However, still no RF commands being sent. I can wire the relays on the box and see it send the RF command when I short the relays together, so I know that it SHOULD be working. However, since this is my first somfy 232 interface, I feel as though I'm missing something. Help?

John Gonzales

The commands are case sensitive so double-check your command strings for case, and if I recall correctly it's a straight-thru connection. Here's a link to the manual if you don't have it: http://www.somfy.com/downloads/nam_pro/universal_rts_interface__urtsi.pdf.

One thing about Somfy is their tech support is pretty responsive. We had an issue with the motors getting all screwed up (they have a limited amount of memory and the electrician over-programmed them), and it took a few tries but they stuck with trying to resolve it. I think the really knowledgeable guy was Abraham or Ezekiel, something biblical .

-John

Jimweir192

The last unit I worked with wanted a different baud rate to the manual - either 2400 or 9600 of the top of my head. It would also only work on a short cable.