SolarTrac^® 4.0

Smart shade system for automated shading and lighting control

Solar management gets even smarter

Mecho's SolarTrac 4.0 is the innovative daylight control automated shading system enhanced to make shade automation more efficient than ever. Designed to maximize natural daylight, increase energy efficiency, and improve building energy management, SolarTrac 4.0 continues to build on Mecho’s industry leading commercial window shade solutions.

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Why Choose SolarTrac 4.0?

Automated Shading for 1,000+ Commercial Shade Zones

SolarTrac 4.0 uses Mecho’s proprietary algorithms to plot the sun's solar impact at any given moment based on the date, time, building GPS location, and glass facade orientation. This information is combined with data from rooftop radiometers that monitor real-time sky conditions and the entire light spectrum (not just visible light) to to calculate BTU loads on every window. SolarTrac's sophistication lets you manage more than 1,000 shade zones in any commercial shade project, from multi-story buildings to an entire campus or enterprise. With SolarTrac 4.0 you can analyze and control a comprehensive automated shading system or use manual override on individual roller shades or shade zones.

Smart Shade System Integration, Compatibility and User Friendly Controls

SolarTrac 4.0 is a BACNet certified system compatible with all major building automation systems. Supporting smart phone access, the PC-based program accommodates up to 100 simultaneous users. Use the browser interface to navigate between floors, zones, and smart shade motors. Display an interactive floor plan for visibility of all commercial shade zones and motors, checking status or overriding positions when needed. The automatic shade system’s self-diagnostics alert potential maintenance needs, and custom zone and motor settings can be easily configured.

Maximize Daylight, Optimize Seasonal Building Performance

Utilize the smart shade system to automatically control roller shades and other window treatments on a minute-by-minute basis. Minimizing solar gain in summer and optimizing natural light in winter, Solar Trac 4.0 delivers sustainable automated shades while benefiting the wellness of building occupants. This smart shade solution has been designed to maximize natural daylight while preserving window views, increase energy efficiency, and improve building energy management to provide an innovative commercial shade solution for optimized building performance.

Warranty

All SolarTrac hardware and electronics is covered by a 5-year warranty from the date of shipment, guaranteeing 100% replacement and no depreciation over the life of the warranty

FULL WARRANTY DETAILS

Industry Recognized Awards

NeoCon Innovation Award
EXC!TE Award for Excellence in Custom Installation Technologies and Products
2009 Best of Category for Controls, Daylight Integration and Systems at the LFI Innovation Awards

When you want the best, work with the best. The best work with Mecho.

Function and Features

Functionality Timelapse

Watch SolarTrac 4.0 in action in this timelapse video at Mecho HQ.

SolarTrac 4.0 Features

SolarTrac 4.0 adjusts shades based on proprietary algorithms that precisely predict the sun’s position based on date, time, building GPS location, and glass façade orientation for automated shading and lighting control
Rooftop radiometers assist to determine live conditions, adjusting shades to preserve daylight
Energy savings up to 70% in lighting costs with automated shading systems
Reduce solar heat gain and decrease demands on HVAC systems
Alleviate solar glare to improve the environment for building occupants
Automated window shades can help contribute to your building's LEED and WELL certification
System self-diagnostics alert users of potential maintenance needs

Literature

Specifications

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Automated Shade Parts + Accessories

ElectroShade
Mecho's AC and DC shade motors provide the shade lift needed for large and small projects. ElectroShade motors seamlessly integrate with wireless, remote control automation systems for complete solar control
Shade Cloth
Choose from hundreds of shade cloths in different colors, openness factors and width to meet any window design or solar control demand
Blackout Channel
When shading demand calls for complete blackout, Mecho's blackout channels eliminate light leaks at shade edges for complete privacy and light blockage
ElectroPocket
Mecho's ElectroPocket is a UL certified, prewired pocket with snap-together fittings for quick, easy connections and shade installation reducing the need for expensive and extensive electrician time

FAQ

What is the benefit of including the whole light spectrum vs. just visible light?

Visible light only accounts for 48% of the heat generated by the sun – the rest is from ultraviolet and infrared. Being able to leverage the full spectrum gives the owner the utmost controllability where other systems do not give the robustness of protection and comfort levels to the tiniest degree desired. No other automation system can do this as its patented by Mecho.

Are settings available in metric system as far as shade/window sizes and shade height are concerned?to the tiniest degree desired. No other automation system can do this as its patented by Mecho.

At this point, SolarTrac4.0 is set up in Imperial measurements in terms of feet and inches.

Is SolarTrac 4.0 compatible with older automated systems or just new?

SolarTrac 4.0 is compatible with most older systems. Contact Mecho Tech Sales to discuss the specifics for upgrading an existing system

Is this system only compatible/ recommended for use with IQ2 motors?

SolarTrac 4.0 is compatible with all of our previous generation motors. IQ2 and Icon and is limited to presets within the motor – typically four with IQ2 and five with Icon.

How does SolarTrac 4.0 handle low angles of the sun at sun rise and sun set?

Because radiometers have a view from horizon to horizon, we recommend incorporating wireless daylight sensors on the top floor to be an override to deal with first 10 – 15 minutes of sunrise or last 10 – 15 minutes of the day to optimally controlling those shades.

How does SolarTrac 4.0 know shade position with the IQMLC2?

We can communicate with the IQMLC2 and tell it what to tell the motor to do. If the system is using intelligent IQ2 motors, then the motor can acknowledge the signal coming thought the IQMLC2 as well as confirm the command was executed. If it is a line voltage “dumb” motor, there’s no two-way communication.

Will our current Division 26 spec cover SolarTrac 4.0 or will a new update be issued?

We are in the process of updating it with a new SolarTrac specification.

Is SolarTrac 4.0 compatible with other building operating systems like A/V, HVAC, and Security?

Yes. Mecho has done many custom integrations with SolarTrac. If you have questions, contact Mecho Tech Sales regarding your specific project and integration requirements.

Can an existing SolarTrac computer be updated to the SolarTrac 4.0 option? If so, would the building need to be re-commissioned?

Yes – existing SolarTrac projects can be upgraded and we have already done several of these upgrades. For specifics on an existing project, please contact Mecho Tech Sales.

How does internet weather factor in to SolarTrac 4.0?

Internet weather is important for scenarios when a customer may not have access to the roof to install radiometers. This is especially true in a multi-tenant building where a customer doesn’t occupy an entire building or rents/leases vs. owns the building. By using internet weather, they have access to local weather conditions without using radiometers.

What accessories / override sensors e.g. brightness override & shadow override are available and what do they do?

There are many options for sensors as well as additional modules to add onto SolarTrac. Rather than trying to cover all of them in a FAQ, the best source to get started is the new Mechoshade.com website. For specific project or application questions, please contact Mecho Tech Sales.<

Does SolarTrac 4.0 have “two way” communication with “smart” shade motors?

Yes. SolarTrac is designed to work with Mecho IQ2 shade motors to optimize system communication and performance.

Is SolarTrac 4.0 cloud based or is there a PC at the site? Can it be hosted by a third party?

SolarTrac 4.0 is not cloud based. SolarTrac can be a physical machine on site (rack-mount or desktop PC) or it can be hosted by a third party - in other words a “virtual machine” (wherever the client wants it)

INNOVATIVE DESIGN. TRUSTED PERFORMANCE.

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SolarTrac® 4.0