sunlight sensor for motorized blinds and shades - controls and layout

sunlight sensor for motorized blinds and shades - controls and layout

Light Sensor Bulletin - This unit is no longer available

BroadLink® IR-RF Automation Hub: Need an easy phone app system? Take a look at our affordable blind and shade hub, operated by Android and IOS apps. This hub can "learn" RF radio signals for our blind motors and skylight/window openers! It is also has IFTTT event triggering (if-this-then-that) and the e-Air module can sense light levels to control motors.

In part 1 we discussed how the MCS-1-RF wireless window mounted light sensor can be used to activate our radio equipped blind and shade motors using RF (Radio Frequency). In part 2, we will become familiar with the layout of the controls and features of the unit.

At this point the light sensor cover should be removed, the battery inserted into the battery compartment, and the light sensor unit powered up, as shown in the picture on the right.

Also, please note that the 'confirm' switch behaves the same way as the switch of the same name on our regular remote controls (re channel assignment). You will, however, need a regular remote control to set travel limits on the blind motor.

Light sensors for blinds and shade motors can be purchased in our online store, click here to view in a new window

An important point that makes this system unique: the motor operation can be reversed. This means that if you are attempting to block bright sunlight, you can close the blinds when the light gets bright, and open them if it becomes cloudy. If you are using it to close the blinds at dusk and open them at dawn, just reverse the motor operation. You can also use this sensor with a timer to facilitate light sensitive operation for blind & shade control AND timed operation.

The following is a brief description of the switches, lights and adjustments used to program the unit for unattended operation, starting at the top with the LED light and moving clockwise around the circuit board. Please refer to part 4 for a detailed description of each item:

1. Multi-color LED:

This red/green LED is used to indicate various states during the setup phase, and motor activity during normal operation.

2. Confirm Switch:

The confirm switch is used to pair the motor with the sensor unit. When pressed, it causes the unit to issue a 'handshake' signal while the motor is put into a special 'listening' mode (see part 3). The motor decodes the handshake signal and stores it in its onboard memory system. Once the code is stored, the motor will recognize any subsequent commands coming from the sensor unit when the daylight thresholds are reached.

3. Up/Down/Stop Test Switch:

This switch is used to configure and test various settings during the setup phase. During normal operation it can be toggled to issue up, down and stop commands. The sequence is Roller UP (red LED), Roller STOP (red + green LED), Roller DOWN (green LED), Roller STOP (red + green LED).

4. DIP Mode Switch:

This multi-pole DIP (Dual Inline Package) switch is actually 4 switches in 1. It is used for setting the modes of operation, and there are several different ways this light sensor can be deployed: