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How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Sunday 15 May 2016 22:52
by marmachine
Hi,

I use a RFXCOM (RFXtrx433E) to send my Somfy screen Up/Down.
Used the RFXmngr software to pair, following the procedure to pair a second device (such as remote or a switch) with the RTS motor of my screen.
So far so good, i am now able to send it up and down from the software right after the pairing was successfull.

Next step was (manually) adding a switch to Domoticz;
- Hardware: RFXCOM
- Switchtype: Blinds
- Type: RFY
- ID: XX XX XX (this is the device ID as set in the RFXmngr)
- Unit Code: XX (also as set in the RFXmngr)

Now i am able to send the screen Up/Down through Domoticz as well.

My current issue is that, since there is no feedback from the RTS motor about current position, Domoticz doesn't know if the screen is already down when that's done by the (Somfy Telis4) remote outside Domoticz. So i would like to catch such actions to trigger a "manual override" status to my automated steering script. However i have no idea how to catch that remote signal since it is not even detected by the RFXCOM in the first place, however i actually have the same RFXCOM successfully paired to my screen!? I have a "Somfy - Telis4" remote, anyone who could help me out?

I believe that the theory behind the Somfy remote is that, when pairing a remote with the RTS, a shared "key" is stored in both devices. Without this key, you won't be able to steer the RTS. I'm not sure, but i assume that the device ID: XX XX XX (3x2 digits) represents that key. Perhaps this is the exact reason why the remote isn't detected by my RFXCOM in the first place?

As workaround i could use a KAKU remote... however, that will be my last option.
Thanks in advance guys.

Re: How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Sunday 15 May 2016 23:05
by b_weijenberg
Somfy RTS is not received for several reasons.

1. For security. With a receive option your neighbor or a burglar could use the RFXtrx433E to open your gate or blinds.
2. To use the Somfy remote code is not so clever. If several command are transmitted with the RFXtrx433E the Somfy remote will become out of sync with the motor and the Somfy remote becomes useless.
3. The RFXtrx433E has 2 transceivers, one at 433.92MHz which is the normal mode to receive and control KAKU, Oregon and all other devices at this frequency. For Somfy RTS the RFXtrx433E selects the 433.42MHz transceiver. Continuous receive at 433.42MHz will stop receiving of all other sensors on the standard 433.92Mhz frequency.

Re: How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Monday 16 May 2016 12:25
by marmachine
Well... kind of disappointed, but this explains why i don't detect the Somfy remote in the first place.
Thanks

Re: How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Monday 13 February 2017 12:32
by emme
well.. is would be possibile to do the opposite?
so program a motor with RFXComm and reprogram the remote? so you can control a single shade with both methods?

Re: How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Monday 13 February 2017 13:02
by gerardvs
maybe I don't understand fully what you mean but It is possible to use both methods (handheld remote and RFXComm) at the same time.

btw, this is an old thread so maybe there are more possibilities now.

Ciao,
--Gerard

Re: How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Saturday 18 February 2017 15:05
by b_weijenberg
emme wrote:well.. is would be possibile to do the opposite?
so program a motor with RFXComm and reprogram the remote? so you can control a single shade with both methods?
It is not possible to use the same ID-Unitcode by two devices due to the rolling code.
2. To use the Somfy remote code is not so clever. If several command are transmitted with the RFXtrx433E the Somfy remote will become out of sync with the motor and the Somfy remote becomes useless.

Re: How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Monday 03 April 2017 21:36
by Redguy
The rfxcom 433e device is unable to receive at the somfy frequency, it only has a (extra) transmitter for that. .it can only transmit using device codes you set manualy on the rfxcom which yo can then learn into the somfy devices like you did.

It not just that the rfxcom cannot decode the somfy rts,it cannot receive at all at that frequency.. (which differs sligthly from"regular" 433mhz devices)

Re: How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Monday 03 April 2017 21:37
by Redguy
Just an afterthought..

You can buy switchdevices from somfy that can learn your rts codes

Re: How to catch a Somfy Telis4 remote?

Posted: Monday 03 April 2017 22:19
by b_weijenberg
Redguy wrote:The rfxcom 433e device is unable to receive at the somfy frequency, it only has a (extra) transmitter for that. .it can only transmit using device codes you set manualy on the rfxcom which yo can then learn into the somfy devices like you did.

It not just that the rfxcom cannot decode the somfy rts,it cannot receive at all at that frequency.. (which differs sligthly from"regular" 433mhz devices)
The RFXtrx433E is able to receive at 433.42MHz but this is not implemented for several reasons.
See my message Sun May 15, 2016 11:05 pm above.