Motorized Skylights

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Senior Member
How does a motorized skylight work?

Which of the following best describes the typical motorized skylight:
  1. You can open it to any position between fully closed and open.
  2. You can open it to preset positions such as closed, 25%/50%/75% and open.
  3. You can just close and open it.
I assume most have a hard-wired control-switch and some have IR control. What are the possibilities of automating the control of motorized skylights? Is it exclusively via IR or is there another common method?
 
How does a motorized skylight work?

Which of the following best describes the typical motorized skylight:
  1. You can open it to any position between fully closed and open.
  2. You can open it to preset positions such as closed, 25%/50%/75% and open.
  3. You can just close and open it.
I assume most have a hard-wired control-switch and some have IR control. What are the possibilities of automating the control of motorized skylights? Is it exclusively via IR or is there another common method?
I assume you're talking about opening and closing the window. If so, I can't offer any help. If you happen to be referring to motorized blinds to cover them, I have some experience with those I can share.
 
:)
Your reply reads like one of those bogus web pages: "You are searching for 'left handed widgets' and have arrived here. We don't know anything about 'left handed widgets' but a lot of people come here for more information on this topic. You might be interested to know that we provide an important services for people who etc etc ..."

I wasn't looking for information about motorized blinds but, if you have the time to share, I'm prepared to learn. Perhaps there's some overlap in how motorized blinds and skylights operate.
 
:)
Your reply reads like one of those bogus web pages: "You are searching for 'left handed widgets' and have arrived here. We don't know anything about 'left handed widgets' but a lot of people come here for more information on this topic. You might be interested to know that we provide an important services for people who etc etc ..."

I wasn't looking for information about motorized blinds but, if you have the time to share, I'm prepared to learn. Perhaps there's some overlap in how motorized blinds and skylights operate.
Motorized skylight blinds use the typical honeycomb fabric of regular blinds, but have to run in a track on the sides to prevent sagging. The HunterDouglas I have installed use a 12v motor in one of the end rails, with cords running in the side rails to pull the blind open and closed. Works surprisingly well. The system has end stops to keep it from overrunning.

It's designed for switch control, so using it in automation would require interrupting the voltage to the blind when you wanted it to stop midway. Since the switch control model uses a 3 position switch (open/close/off), one would have to duplicate that with relays.

I assume motorized opening skylights would be much the same, that is as reversing DC motor. If this is correct, one would have to approach handling the voltage the same way as with a shade.

I may be all wrong, there may be some windows with sophisticated control circuits. There's about everything else if you look long enough and have deep enough pockets. I know we (a window blind dealer) have a wooden shutter for windows fully motorized. The remote has positions for the shutter vanes that may be selected to have it go to any preselected position. A real gee whiz the first time I saw it operate.
 
Lots of options, as you say.

DC motors:
servo
stepper
linear actuated

IR, RS232, RF

If possible, you should buy a motorized skylight that can be controlled out of the box.

If the cost is prohibitive, you could consider adding a motor. If you can't find info on adding a motor to a skylight, search for motorized TV lifts.

Firgelli sells some motors, and controllers, to DIYers.
 
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