Somfy Eolis 3D WireFree RTS Wind Sensor Setup and Fit Guide

Short answer: The Somfy Eolis 3D WireFree RTS wind sensor mounts on an awning's front bar, runs on two AAA batteries and retracts any RTS awning motor once shaking passes the threshold you set. Pair it with a remote already programmed to the motor, then press PROG on the sensor. It needs no wiring and no hub.

Buyers search for this part as "eolis 3d wirefree rts" or "eolis3drts", and most of them already own a Somfy RTS awning. The Somfy Eolis 3D WireFree RTS Wind Sensor White (1816081) is the part that guards that awning while you are at work or on vacation. Somfy builds it as a sealed 3D motion sensor: it reads horizontal, vertical and lateral movement of the front bar and sends a retract command over RTS radio. The fit questions are short. Does your motor speak RTS, and where on the bar does the sensor go?

Wind protection for RTS awnings

An extended awning acts like a sail. A gust lifts the front bar, the arms flex, and the fabric and arm joints take the load. The Eolis 3D sits on that front bar and feels the motion at the source. Once the shaking crosses your threshold, it sends the up command and the motor pulls the awning in.

Somfy lists awnings first and built the sensor around that job. Somfy also lists exterior solar screens, pergolas, rolling shutters and interior window coverings as applications for the 1816081 reference. For a retractable patio awning or a drop-arm awning on a Somfy RTS motor, this is the sensor Somfy points to.

The same sensor ships in three housings. Pick the one that matches your bar color: white (1816081), black (1816082) or off-white (1816083). The electronics and specs match across all three.

Eolis 3D WireFree RTS specs

These figures come from Somfy's product page for references 1816081, 1816082 and 1816083 and from the Eolis 3D specification sheet and manual.

Two of those rows decide most purchases. The radio row tells you it talks to RTS motors and receivers. The power row tells you there is nothing to wire: two AAA cells and a screwdriver cover the whole install.

Motor and receiver fit

Somfy's instructions state that RTS transmitters can operate any RTS motor. The Eolis 3D is an RTS transmitter, so it pairs with the RTS awning motors Somfy builds for this work. The Somfy Sunea 550R2 CMO RTS 120V Motor (1118210) on a large retractable and the Somfy 525A2 Altus RTS 120V Motor (1043423) on a smaller cassette awning are two common examples. Each RTS motor stores up to 12 transmitters, so the sensor takes one memory slot beside your remotes and wall switches.

A wired 120V awning motor with no built-in radio needs a receiver first. The Somfy Universal RTS Receiver (For 110V AC Motors) (1810627) adds RTS control to a hardwired AC motor, and Somfy names Eolis, Soliris and Sunis sensors as compatible with it. Install the receiver per its instructions, program a remote to it, then pair the Eolis 3D through that remote.

Zigbee motors, SDN motors and wired motors without a receiver fall outside this sensor's fit.

Mounting position on the front bar

Somfy's manual fixes the Eolis 3D to the load bar, at either end or in the middle. Shaking reads stronger at the ends, so an end position gives the sensor the clearest signal. Keep these points from the manual in mind:

• The arrow engraved on the support must point up.
• Never enclose the sensor inside the load bar.
• Fix the mounting plate to the bar at the hole spacing the manual shows, then fit the sensor to it.
• Leave room to reach the PROG button and the sensitivity dial for setup and battery changes.

IP 44 sealing lets it ride outdoors on the bar year round. Check the operating band, -4 to 140 F, against your climate.

Pairing the Eolis 3D to an RTS awning motor

Somfy publishes a two-button sequence in the Eolis 3D manual and quick programming guide. You need a remote that already runs the awning, such as a Somfy Telis 4 RTS Multi-Channel Patio Remote (1810645).

1. Take the RTS remote already programmed to the awning motor.
2. Press the PROG button on that remote until the motor jogs.
3. Press the PROG button on the Eolis 3D until the awning makes a short up and down movement.

That jog confirms the motor has stored the sensor. PROG button location differs between remote models. Check the instructions for your remote and the motor's install guide in our Somfy spec library before you start. Our guide to pairing, adding and deleting Somfy RTS remotes covers the add-a-transmitter sequence in more depth.

Setting the wind threshold and testing

A dial on the sensor sets the threshold. Turn it with a flat screwdriver:

• Level 1 is the most sensitive. Light shaking retracts the awning.
• Level 9 is the least sensitive and waits for hard shaking.
• Level 2 is Somfy's default for standard conditions.
• Position 0 starts the personalized method: set the dial to 0, then shake the awning by hand until it retracts, and the sensor stores that point as its threshold.

For the first two cycles after an adjustment, the sensor runs in demonstration mode so you can test the response. Somfy's consumer instructions describe the test: grab the front bar and pull it up and down within 10 seconds to imitate flapping, and confirm the awning retracts. A door or a passing truck that sets it off means the dial needs a step toward 9.

After a wind retraction, the Eolis holds the awning in. Somfy's consumer instructions put that hold at a minimum of two minutes before the awning can extend again.

Batteries and day-to-day care

The sensor runs on two LR3 (AAA) 1.5V alkaline cells. Somfy's consumer instructions have you remove the sensor housing with a small screwdriver to reach them, then confirm the red light blinks once the cells are in. The built-in battery indicator warns you before the cells run flat, so swap them as soon as it signals.

Once the sensor is paired, add the rest of the awning's controls. A Soliris sun sensor or a timer can sit on the same motor, and the motor still tops out at 12 stored transmitters. For a motor replacement on the same awning, start with our guide to replacing a Somfy awning motor, then browse Somfy RTS motors and controls for the parts that pair with it.

FAQ

Does the Eolis 3D WireFree RTS need wiring or a hub?

No. Two AAA alkaline batteries power the sensor, and it talks to the awning motor over RTS radio at 433.420 MHz. You pair it straight to an RTS motor with a remote that already runs the awning. A wired 120V motor without a radio needs the Somfy Universal RTS Receiver (1810627) in line first.

What batteries does the Eolis 3D take?

Somfy specifies two LR3 (AAA) 1.5V alkaline batteries. Remove the sensor housing with a small screwdriver to reach them and confirm the red light blinks after you fit new cells. A built-in battery indicator warns you before the cells run down, so you can replace them before the awning loses its wind protection.

Which sensitivity level should I start with?

Somfy sets level 2 as the default for standard conditions. Level 1 reacts to light shaking and level 9 waits for strong shaking. If a slammed door or traffic retracts the awning, turn the dial toward 9 one step at a time. Setting 0 lets you teach your own threshold by shaking the awning until it retracts.

Will the Eolis 3D work on a Zigbee or wired awning motor?

The Eolis 3D is an RTS transmitter, so it pairs with RTS motors such as the Sunea CMO RTS and Altus RTS lines. A wired 120V AC motor can use it once a Somfy Universal RTS Receiver (1810627) adds RTS control. Zigbee and SDN motors use other control paths, so choose a sensor that matches that protocol.

Sources: Somfy product pages for Eolis 3D WireFree RTS references 1816081 and 1816082 (somfysystems.com); Somfy Eolis 3D WireFree RTS Specification Sheet; Somfy Eolis 3D RTS manual 5050583A; Somfy Eolis 3D Consumer Instructions; Somfy Universal RTS Receiver product page (1810627).

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