Somfy RTS

RTS is a proprietary radio protocol developed by Somfy. Remotes, wall switches, sensors and hubs transmit on 433.42 MHz; the receiver is either built into the motor or sits in a separate receiver module wired to it.

One-way link. A transmitter sends a command (up, down, stop or a stored intermediate "my" position) and the motor acts on it. The motor never confirms receipt. An app or hub can therefore show the last command it sent, not the actual position of the blind. If a command is missed because of interference or distance, the user only notices by looking at the product.

Topology. There is no mesh. Every transmitter talks directly to every receiver it has been paired with. A single remote channel can drive one motor or a group of motors that all learned the same channel, which is how multi-channel remotes and group control work.

Range. Usable range depends on the building, not only on the radio. Reinforced concrete, metal window frames, foil-backed insulation, coated glazing and the metal headrail or shutter box around a motor all shorten it. Installers usually test each motor from where the remote or hub will actually be used before closing up the box.

Power. Tubular RTS motors are normally mains powered; battery and solar-powered variants exist for retrofit blinds and shutters. Remotes run on coin cells, and a weak battery is a common reason for a motor that "stops listening".

Hubs. No hub is needed for basic remote control. A Somfy gateway or a third-party RTS transmitter is needed for app control, schedules or voice assistants.

RTS is a closed protocol owned by Somfy. Motors from Somfy and from manufacturers that license or integrate Somfy receivers can be driven by RTS transmitters; check the product documentation rather than assuming it from the frequency, because other 433 MHz systems use different, unrelated protocols.

For smart-home use, Somfy offers its own gateways and apps, and lists integrations with selected voice assistants and platforms on its compatibility pages. Some third-party smart-home bridges and home-automation controllers also include an RTS transmitter. Because RTS is one-way, every bridge works the same basic way: it sends commands and keeps its own estimate of the position.

RTS is not part of Matter, Zigbee or Z-Wave. Where a gateway exposes RTS devices to one of those ecosystems, the gateway is the bridge and the one-way limits still apply. Somfy also sells io-homecontrol products, a separate two-way system shared with other manufacturers; the two systems use different radios and are paired separately.

Generic sequence; the exact button presses differ by motor and remote, so follow the manufacturer's manual.

1. Wiring first. Connecting a mains motor is work for a qualified person following local electrical rules. Pair only after the motor is installed and powered. 2. Programming mode. A new motor is put into programming mode, usually by a short press on the PROG button of a remote that is already paired, or by a power-on sequence described in the manual. The motor confirms with a short up-and-down movement. 3. Direction and limits. On first setup the rotation direction and the upper and lower end limits are set. Set them to the real product; incorrect limits can damage fabric, slats or the shutter box. Do not set limits that defeat an obstacle or freeze protection the motor provides. 4. Adding a remote. A further remote or hub channel is added by putting the motor into programming mode with an existing remote, then confirming with the new one. 5. Groups. Pairing several motors to one channel creates a group. Keep a written record of which channel controls which motor.

Pitfalls: when several motors share one supply, power-on sequences can put all of them into setup at once, so isolate the motor you are working on. A motor that ignores commands often has a flat remote battery or lost its pairing after a reset. Brand-specific reset sequences are in the manufacturer's manual and may require a qualified installer.

• Confirm the motor or receiver is RTS and not another 433 MHz system; the label or manual states it.
• Decide whether you need position feedback. RTS does not provide it; if you do, look at two-way systems.
• Check how you will add app or voice control: a Somfy gateway or a third-party bridge with an RTS transmitter.
• Plan for range: metal frames, shutter boxes and concrete walls reduce it; test in place before closing up.
• Choose remote channels to match the rooms and groups you need.
• Check the power option (mains, battery, solar) against the installation.
• Keep the setup manual; reprogramming later needs the motor's own sequence.