Roman Shades: Introduction to Remote Control Automation
Adrian Biffen, Senior Partner
We are often asked about retrofitting Roman shades or blinds (and cellular, bamboo and mini blinds) with our motors, so we hope this website will help to show how this can be quite easily done. This article series is based on some pictures and an explanation from one of our customers that kindly shared his experience about how he motorized his Roman shades.
Here's a short video demonstrating what can be done ...
It is actually relatively easy to do this - essentially you install a motorized tube above the unit, which is used as a 'winch' or 'winder' to pull up the cords that go down to the bottom bar or hem.
There are many different types of Roman shades, but our motors can be used in every case to "winch" up the shades; if you follow the pictures and explanation in this series, you'll understand how to do it.This article series tackles what is probably the most complicated type of Roman blind, with a pre-existing winder rod mechanism; many types with pulleys may be easier to do.
Once you have it operational, you can use all our wall mount and hand held remote controls to open and close the shades, and our BroadLink™ hub (with phone app for Android and Apple IOS).
If you are interested in the Alexa™ voice control system, check out our article series about using the BroadLink™ hub with the Node-RED visual design program and Alexa™ for blind control and window openers. Although that series is about blackout blinds in our home theater, this system works just as well for Roman shades and blinds.
Buy Roman Blind Motors & Controls In Our Online Store
A simple wireless wall mount remote control for Roman shades may be all you need to operate your motors.
We also have the excellent BroadLink™ hub (with Android & IOS phone apps) that are very capable, and they may very well be all you need for home automation. This will give you direct control over our Roman blind motors, window openers, smart plugs, security kits, environmental sensors, and many other devices.
If you are interested, you can purchase motors for Roman blinds and our control products in our DIY online automation store.
Articles in this series:
Part 1: How to Motorize Roman Shades: Introduction (you are here)
Part 2: Removing Roman Shade Prior to Motorization