Add-a-motor Mod

[Dekalbbear]

I currently have a few of these:
smarthome.com/3142/Add-A-Motor-45-80-Motorized-Drape-Controller/p.aspx,
but they are not relaible concerning the state of open/close. They aren't the quietest, but they have been working for years.

Does anyone know if these can be modified with this:
smarthome.com/2444-222/INSTEON-Micro-Open-Close-Module/p.aspx to better
know the state of open/close without additional sensors?

Can anyone help me with how to modify them?

 
Thanks in advance.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I'm not so sure you want that open/close module as it seems it is made for a motor that runs on AC, and as far as I can tell, your drape module is a DC device.
 
You could just rig up an encoder, but would need additional hardware to sense its position (see the "Ultimate Garage Door Monitor" How-To).  What automation hardware do you currently have in place (controller, I/O, etc...)?
 
Also, please don't open multiple threads on the exact same topic.

 

[Dekalbbear]

Ah, Thanks. I didn't hink of the AC/DC difference. I was hoping to leverage equipment I've had in place for years, I thought it was too good to be true.
I currently used door/window sensors and a universal x10 module to sense the open/close state, kinda like the "Ultimate Garage Door Monitor", but it is cludgy, ugly, and still unreliable.
 
I use mostly x10 and a JDS Stargate, which has been in place 20+ year, but just bought an ISY and experimenting with Insteon and z-wave.
 
Thanks.
 
 
 
 
 
PS - forgive the faux pas - won't happen again.
 
 

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Ah, Thanks. I didn't hink of the AC/DC difference. I was hoping to leverage equipment I've had in place for years, I thought it was too good to be true.
I currently used door/window sensors and a universal x10 module to sense the open/close state, kinda like the "Ultimate Garage Door Monitor", but it is cludgy, ugly, and still unreliable.
 
I use mostly x10 and a JDS Stargate, which has been in place 20+ year, but just bought an ISY and experimenting with Insteon and z-wave.

You might be able to still use Insteon as they make modules that can 'sense' contact closures (of your door/window sensors).  Not really familiar with them, but hopefully someone can chime in that uses them.

 

[gatchel]

The manual says that you can only use an Appliance module for operating the motor for X-10. I'll assume that the same is true for insteon. Any relay inseton module should work as the issue is with the dimmer damaging the Transformer. (Also in the manual)

To monitor the status, you would have to hack in to the module and somehow find a signal that is usable or you would have to add additional sensors which you said wouldn't be ideal. I would suggest using some other method external to the device unless you are electronics savvy like a magnetic switch of some sort mounted on the drapes themselves.

After reading the manual for the 2444-222...
The insteon open close module will not work. It is for motors that have a separate open and close wire and a neutral (3 wires). Your drapery motors work on the principle of applying power then removing power for 2 seconds or more, then applying power again.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Yes, I meant that he already seemed to use some sort of external door/window contact to somehow detect the positioning!  This is why I suggested an Insteon module that would detect those contact closures.
 
Do you know the type of Insteon product that can detect contact closures?  Don't they have something that sort of mimics the X-10 flash module?

 

[Dekalbbear]

I'm pretty sure this, 73522/I-O-Linc-INSTEON-Door-Window-Sensor-Kit will work as a direct replacement for what I am currently using but I think I'm going to try one of these 2843-222/INSTEON-Wireless-Open-Close-Sensor, It will at least get rid of the ugly wires running down the wall and a module using another outlet.

 

[gatchel]

Yes, I meant that he already seemed to use some sort of external door/window contact to somehow detect the positioning!  This is why I suggested an Insteon module that would detect those contact closures.
 
Do you know the type of Insteon product that can detect contact closures?  Don't they have something that sort of mimics the X-10 flash module?

Got it. I misunderstood you. The IO Linc is the one as posted above.

 

[Big517]

Also check out ESI who makes a zwave module ABMHZ which is an ac (there is a dc version also) that may be compatible and made for this specific application