Is it working with VELUX solar window blinds?

[KayGundhardt]

Hi everybody, Salut Fabien,

it disassembled my VELUX solar window blinds MOTOR which has obviously more (5) than just 2 cables and it looks like this:

... to be connected to the SONOFF 4CH Pro (R3).

As you can see I tried to connect to the red and black cable. Does anyone has an idea if it could work although? Or am I totally wrong and it should be connected to the (RADIO) CONTROLLER which looks like this:

(bottom-view)

(top-view)

Any help would be really appreciated!

Kay

[manu-t]

Hi, I guess it's the same as the non-solar version: once you paired it with the remote control, you're screwed. Because the power supply will not source current to the motor anymore. 3 of the 5 wires are very likely here to interface an encoder (but which one is which?, I don't know). I tryed to replace the motor controller board by a relay (a Z-Wave one) and the power supply by an off-the-shelf 24V-2A, but it failed as is: the motor inrush current is too high for my 2 amp power supply. I guess that the motor controller board has some sort of soft start to deal with the inrush current. I stopped experimenting here because lack of time. I think it would be even harder for the solar version to replace the controller board as the controller probably takes also care of the battery charging with the solar panel (maybe there is some sort of BMS implemented).

[KayGundhardt]

Okay, I See - thank you for your reply!

What about inserting an old (2-wired) motor: does anyone know if it fits the solar-motor-case?

[manu-t]

It's an old controller board (before 2014) that you need. I don't if it will fit though...

[KayGundhardt]

Like this?

https://m.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/3-x-velux-motor-type-40as10b-fuer-velux-rolladen-rohrmotor-24v/2154684044-87-18154

[KayGundhardt]

Just to get this clear: following the original repository I have to connect DIRECTLY to the two motor cables of an velux SML motor, right (see below): ...and NOT to any of the wires of its controller?

[manu-t]

if you haven't pair it with a remote control only (new motor). If it has been paired, applying +/-24V won't make the motor turn

[reefab]

Sorry, I can't really help you with the solar blinds as I don't have one

If you intend to replace them with a SML, I can't confirm if the wires used in the guide are the ones coming directly out of the motor. I'm not sure if there is a driver board between the motor as my blinds came in as a complete unit with the wires coming out.

If the motor is indeed 24V, it's worth a try anyway. It shouldn't hurt.

Just using a 24V power supply, connect it to the motor for a while, don't be surprised if it doesn't spin right away. Reverse the polarity to make sure it is spinning the other direction and grab it at one point to make sure it can sense getting stuck.

If you source it from a place with a decent return policy, it should be a quick and risk free test.

[reefab]

If it works and you've successfully replaced the motor of your blinds make sure to let me know and I'll amend the guide.

I'm no veluxologist and I appreciate any help I can get.

[KayGundhardt]

OK, thank you very much for your reply! Just to get this clear: so your entire unit had only two 24v cables?

[KayGundhardt]

Hello there!

It works: at least somehow…

The only thing is, that the motor turns only in one direction, no matter if it push the up or down Buttons in HA: I controlled the wiring twice now - maybe something with the flashed sonoff? Could some please help me check if the sonoff works correctly?

[KayGundhardt]

IT WORKS!!

🥳

When the motor runs for the very first time it has to set up the blinds endpoints: so the 24V polarity is ignored until it will be blocked at blinds endpoints 2 times (up and down / down and up).

After that it works as described!! :)))

So for those of us with solar blinds (SSL):

1) Buy a SML replacement motor like this: https://www.dach-shop24.de/velux-rollladenmotor/p-48430.html

2) Remove ENTIRE SSL unit (the pod).

3) From inside the pod: remove it’s control-board, Akku and last the motor.

PAY ATTENTION: the 2 small torx (#8) screws that hold the motor in the pod are also DIRECTLY holding the inner case for the motors gear wheels!! So open them CAREFULLY in a horizontal position and put them immediately back in place when you moved the motor out of the pod!

4) Insert SML-replacement-motor into the empty SSL-units pod.

5) Connect to the sonof and open any 24V-COM-signal and let the blinds go down up and down (or down and up) for the first time.

6) Enjoy Smart Home Assistabt blinds!!

[reefab]

I'm glad you managed to get it working!

I've added your guide to the documentation, hopefully it'll help others in the same situation.

Thank you for your contribution!