Crestron CI-SOMFY-RTS – RS485 Somfy RTS Interface

Product Overview

The Crestron CI-SOMFY-RTS is an RS485 interface that enables Crestron control systems to communicate with Somfy RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) motorized shading and drapery products. It translates Crestron control commands into the Somfy RTS radio protocol, providing bidirectional control of RTS-compatible motors without requiring separate Somfy controllers or apps.

Product Description

Somfy RTS is a one-way unidirectional radio protocol used in a wide range of motorized shades, blinds, awnings, and exterior shutters. The CI-SOMFY-RTS bridges the gap between Crestron RS485 serial control and Somfy RTS radio frequency transmission, allowing integrators to incorporate Somfy motorized products into a unified Crestron automation environment.

The interface connects to the Crestron control processor via RS485 and supports programming of individual Somfy RTS channels, group control, and scene-based presets. Up to 16 individual Somfy RTS channels can be programmed per CI-SOMFY-RTS unit. Each channel corresponds to one or more Somfy RTS motors that have been paired to that channel using standard Somfy RTS pairing procedures.

The CI-SOMFY-RTS is compact and mounts in a standard location in the equipment rack or AV closet. It is powered by an external 12VDC supply (not included). Integration is accomplished through Crestron programming using the provided SIMPL Windows or SIMPL+ modules.

Key Features

• RS485 serial interface for direct connection to Crestron control processors
• Supports up to 16 individual Somfy RTS channels per unit
• Controls Somfy RTS-compatible motors for shades, blinds, awnings, and shutters
• Group and scene-based preset control for coordinated shading operations
• Standard Somfy RTS pairing procedure for channel assignment
• Compact form factor suitable for equipment rack or closet mounting
• Crestron SIMPL Windows and SIMPL+ module support included

Typical Applications

• Residential and commercial installations with existing or new Somfy RTS-equipped motorized shading
• Conference rooms, boardrooms, and training facilities requiring programmatic glare control
• Hospitality installations where motorized exterior shutters or awnings are controlled from a central system
• Projects combining Somfy RTS window treatments with Crestron lighting, HVAC, and AV control

Technical Specifications

• Model: CI-SOMFY-RTS
• Interface: RS485 serial
• Channels: Up to 16 Somfy RTS channels
• Compatible Protocols: Somfy RTS (Radio Technology Somfy)
• Power: 12 VDC external supply (not included)
• Programming: Crestron SIMPL Windows and SIMPL+ modules
• Mounting: Rack or closet-mount, compact enclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the CI-SOMFY-RTS receive position feedback from Somfy RTS motors?

No. Somfy RTS is a unidirectional protocol — it transmits commands to motors but does not receive position feedback. If real-time shade position feedback is required, consider Somfy RS485 or IO-Homecontrol motors, which support bidirectional communication.

How many CI-SOMFY-RTS units are needed for a large installation with more than 16 channels?

Each CI-SOMFY-RTS handles up to 16 RTS channels. For installations exceeding 16 channels, multiple units can be daisy-chained on the RS485 bus, each assigned a unique device address. Contact creationnetworks.net for project-specific configuration guidance.

Is programming required to pair this interface with Somfy motors?

Yes. Each Somfy RTS motor must be paired to a channel on the CI-SOMFY-RTS using the standard Somfy RTS learn mode procedure. Crestron programming then maps those channels to control system commands. Your Crestron programmer will handle the control system side during system commissioning.