- ElectroShade FAQ
ElectroShade® Motors Frequently Asked Questions
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Ask Your RepiQ3-DC comes in 2 main confiugurations which come in default and pre-programmed options.
- iQ3-DC-RF
- iQ3-DC-RF Pre-programmed
- iQ3-DC
- iQ3-DC Pre-programmed
Yes, we are developing "kits" for each manual to motorized scenario. Kits for Mecho/7 to iQ3-DC will be available later in 2022.
iQ3-DC uses the same DC power accessories as iQ2-DC.
- 10-Motor power panel (Mecho Power Panel - EIA 568B: IQPS-MN24-TP-AS)
- 10-Motor power panel (Mecho Power Panel - EIA 568B Pre-Programmed: IQPS-MN24-PP-AS)
- Single-Motor plug-in power supply (ESMC-2425-KT-US)
- SIngle-Motor junction box power supply (MWPS-JBOX-24-AS)
iQ3-DC can connect wirelessly to any MechoNet wireless device (SolarLinc - Daylight Sensor, Occupancy Sensor) without the need for external controllers or interfaces. iQ3-DC utilizes the MechoNet backbone to connect to SolarTrac.
iQ3-DC can integrate via traditional MechoNet methods to third parties via the iQ2-DC Power Panel, MNI+, IQMLC2+ and BACnet Interface.
With MechoNet you aggregate control for all of your shading needs - DC or AC - into a single network.
- Multi-button Wireless Keypad will work for wireless iQ3-DC motors
- Mecho Programming Software (MPS) works for both iQ3-DC motors
- A new MechoNet Handheld Programming Switch is in production and will be available shortly
- NOTE: the IQ Handheld Programming Switch will NOT work.
At Mecho, we have the most extensive testing in the industy:
- Component testing - full PPAP process, Quality team engaged
- Product testing
- Field beta/external validation
- Operations testing
- Systems testing
- Certification testing
iQ3-DC is offered with 2-way intellgent wireless controls.
The power source for iQ3-DC remains wired 24VDC.
Mecho will offer 7 wireless keypads, 6-variations of multi-button keypads, and
a paddle switch.
The capability of the MWC is built into the iQ3-DC motor. SolarLinc automation can be pre-programmed into the motors or commissioned onsite using the MechoNet Programming Software (MPS) by a dealer or field engineer. Pairing of sensors and keypads to motors is performed onsite. It can be done with or without MPS.
iQ3-DC will only support BACnet integration through SolarTrac or our separate BACnet Interface device.
1-way wireless devices can either transmit or receive messages. They cannot do both. These systems send out repeated blasts for each command and then hope that the signal has been received and acted upon. Because the system is 1-way, wireless motors of this type can only receive messages and cannot communicate back position or status information….nothing. This can result in "popcorning" for groups of shades, sometimes a shade at the edge of the wireless range could miss a signal. System reliability is decreased by not having 2-way.
2-way wireless devices can transmit and receive messages. Positioning and status of motors can be confirmed. Messaging can be configured to be acknowledged. Shade operation in groups can be intelligently coordinated to help reduce "popcorning".
All MechoNet DC motors are designed to interface with PoE networks. Please contact Tech Sales for specific projects
All wiring details can be found in datasheets. 4000 ft for MechoNet and 230 ft for 14 AWG power connections to the motor.
iQ3-DC supports all standard MechoNet integration methods for dry contact, RS-232, Ethernet and BACnet. NOTE - the iQ3-DC motor does not include a dry contact connection and thereby requires a power panel or MNI+ for dry contact integation.
iQ3-DC is currently designed and certified for INTERIOR USE ONLY.
If there is a project or request, please contact Tech Sales.
Obstacle detection is a complicated subject that involves a lot of variables and ML intelligence (Machine Learning). We plan to take a simple approach to start to help manage success, and grow our capabilties over time.
Obstacle detection is intended to only protect the shade, and is not intended to protect the obstacle.
Obstacle detection will only be applied on single-banded, top-down shades. It is intended to work on shades without zipper channels, and will work in both the up and down directions. Detection in the downward direction is intended for stationary, hard surface obstacles.
Obstacle detection will require external hembars to start but we plan to release solutions that will work with concealed hembars in the near future. Any requirements for weight in the hembars will be configured based on the shade assembly requirements.
Every wireless device has a maximum range. Range depends on many factors - obstructions, material densities, distance, and the presence of other wireless radiators in the area…
We will address project planning recommendations in our training. Our MechoNet Wireless solutions are meant for local room control. The recommended unobstructed range for an EnOcean switch (or any EnOcean device) is 80 feet within a building. Because of the variability in site conditions we recommend a maximum of 25ft to at least one motor within the group. MechoNet expands the range for MechoNet Wireless groups so that the control range can extend to motors well beyond 80 ft without the need for repeaters or routers.
Per the Mecho iQ product family table, min tube size is 1.79". Any application that requires tube sizes over 2.5" needs to have Engineering approval. Max tube size is not something we publish as this can be dependent on a variety of factors.
iQ3-DC works with Electro/1, Electro/2 and Electro/3 brackets.
Deductions are mostly controlled by bracket and tube configurations. For example, for Electro/1 or Electro/2 brackets the deductions for iQ2+, iQ2-DC and iQ3-DC on 2.2" and 2.5" tubes are the same. Please check datasheets for current deduct information.
iQ3-DC is capable of working uniquely with 1.79" tubes which can be used with Electro/1, Electro/2 and Electro/3 brackets.
The Power Panel possesses both 1 dry contact connection and a serial connection within it. If the AV control scheme needs more options for integration then an MNI+ would be required.
Yes, you can mix iQ2-DC and iQ3-DC on the same network. The motors can be addressed to operate within the same group controlled by a dry contact switch connected to the iQ2-DC.
MPS does not do this currently. This type of feature requires a trained and certified installer to properly manage the risks associated with shade damage if its not executed properly.
Yes, power options and accessories for iQ3-DC are the same as iQ2-DC
BACnet is an open, standardized ASHRAE/ANSI communication protocol used by Building Management Systems (BMS). It has been around for decades. Mecho's SolarTrac solution is a "BACnet native" solution meaning that it does not need an external device to translate its commands to communicate within a BACnet network. Mecho also offers a separate BACnet Interface for non-SolarTrac jobs to connect MechoNet devices and networks to BACnet for integration purposes with a BMS.
The tube size for a project is typically determiend by shade size / weight which creates deflection. Mecho already has 1.79" tubes in our offering today - Manual or Motorized - so we should already have RUD information for 1.79" tubes. Please contact your regional team if you have questions.
Yes. The iQ2 and iQ3 motors can all reside on the same MechoNet network
Yes. This is a benefit built into the iQ3-DC motor that saves time, saves $, and simplifies the ability add automation to smaller areas or rooms.
Yes. The keypad is a critical control and there is a battery back up built into the keypad.
Not at this time. If you have a project with a specific need, please contact Tech Sales.
No. The new keypads only work with iQ3-DC RF motors
No. A double shade application will require two switches
Mecho/5 does not have an upgrade to motorization path.
Mecho/7 upgrade to motorization will require an upgrade kit. The contents of the kit will depend on the original shade configuration, as well as the motor selected and other control options. Please contact Tech Sales with specific project details.
The antenna is about 5-1/2" long and is a fixed length.
We are not offering repeaters at this time. The recommended installation for iQ3-DC RF is to have the keypad within range (line of sight) with at least one of the motorized shades.
No. Somfy power panels do not have the ability to receive and pass along MechoNet communications.
Not typically. While the two motors both operate from MechoNet, the IQ2-DC requires DC power while IQ2 requires AC power. In addition, IQ2(AC) comes in a variety of torque options to support a broad array of shade solutions from standard office up to monumental shades. IQ2-DC comes in a single torque option.
That said, the IQ2-DC does work from the same MechoNet network and uses the same brackets and shade assembly. If there are infrastructure changes and shade sizes match, this could be possible. Consult Technical Support for help in this kind of situation.
Mecho has a hard-wired J-box power supply option or plug-in transformer option for powering a single motor.
The base motor is a 4 Nm motor meaning it can handle a fairly large shade. However, the exact shade size / configuration will depend on fabrics chosen.
You can have the iQ2-DC preprogrammed or you can customize the programming in the field using MechoNet software.
Switches are typically wired directly back to the motors in the same room. There is an option to connect an override switch to the iQ2-DC power panel which can be custom programmed to control any shade(s) within the panel or on MechoNet.
Motor limits are set up the same way as iQ2(AC) motors using the same programming switch to set the limits and go into calibration mode.
Power supplies are ordered separately. Whether you choose to order a power panel, a plug-in power supply, or junction box power supply, you need to make that choice based on your application and add this to your order.
Yes. Each iQ2-DC motor has a port for a switch connection for local wiring where the shade is located. This switch can be addressed to operate the motor independently or as part of a group of motors. At the panel, each iQ2-DC power panel has a single switch connection for operating a group of shades which can be programmed to operate a specific group of motors.
Yes. Both motors communicate over the same bus with the same protocol. However, they have different connectors at the motor.
iQ2(AC) motors have a separate line voltage power and low voltage network cable which cannot be trained together due to code restrictions. Thus, the MechoNet connection is a pair of RJ45 connectors daisy-chained across the floor at the motor through a dual splitter.
iQ2-DC motors have a single low voltage power and network cable connection. Because they are both low voltage connections, code permits them to be trained together to support a single pull cost effectively from the panel to the motor. The panel has a pair of RJ45 connectors which is daisy-chained across the floor supporting up to 10 iQ2-DC motors.
Absolutely. The iQ2-DC can integrate through a pillow switch or other bed interface just like the iQ2(AC) motor.
The iQ2-DC motor interacts with some of our controllers like SolarTrac to offer preventive maintenance warnings or recommendations when service is needed. This is very important to help prevent unexpected and expensive down time.
All DC shade motor systems use fan-cooled power supplies to cool the electronics required for the power panel. The power supply is intended to be located within a wiring closet, control room, or plenum ceiling location away from working or living spaces to minimize any noise from the cooling fan.
Our fan operates at less than 44dBA—about the sound level you’d expect in an office—in a typical mounting arrangement.