Awning sensors

[dBeau]

I've recently had an awning installed over the back deck and have already connected the somfy dry contact interface to a couple of my Elk's outputs. Now, I'd like the Elk to know if the awning is opened or closed. I am sure I could mount a magnetic security contact somewhere to detect when it's closed, but detecting the fully open position is a bit more of a challenge (and yes, I know, mostly useless too). Has anyone taken it on?

 

[JonW]

I've recently had an awning installed over the back deck and have already connected the somfy dry contact interface to a couple of my Elk's outputs. Now, I'd like the Elk to know if the awning is opened or closed. I am sure I could mount a magnetic security contact somewhere to detect when it's closed, but detecting the fully open position is a bit more of a challenge (and yes, I know, mostly useless too). Has anyone taken it on?

If there is a gear wheel on it somewhere, you could probably create a hall effect sensor type setup. Place a magnet on the gear and have a stationary wired pickup. You then count the pulses to know the distance it has travelled. Since you need to track the distance both in & out, you'll need to get a little creative. If you can wire a relay to switch the pickup magnet between two inputs, then you could track pulses in and out separately.

Doing something like this could give you logic to automatically retract it in steps as the sun sets. That would be cool.

 

[dBeau]

If there is a gear wheel on it somewhere, you could probably create a hall effect sensor type setup. Place a magnet on the gear and have a stationary wired pickup. You then count the pulses to know the distance it has travelled. Since you need to track the distance both in & out, you'll need to get a little creative. If you can wire a relay to switch the pickup magnet between two inputs, then you could track pulses in and out separately.

Doing something like this could give you logic to automatically retract it in steps as the sun sets. That would be cool.

I havent dug into the motor yet but I am tempted. It must have limit switches of it's own in there somewhere. I suppose I might be able to make use of them if I dig deep enough. Counting pulses from a rotating gear sounds like even more overkill than what I was thinking... I like that <_<

 

[Lagerhead]

Counting pulses from a rotating gear sounds like even more overkill than what I was thinking...

Well then you simply must give consideration to BSR's "Ultimate Garage Door Monitor"
http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3184