Shade Motors School · Program It · 201
The Eolis 3D WireFree RTS sensor rides on the awning front bar and retracts the awning when it shakes in the wind. Learn what it does, where to mount it, how to pair it to the motor, how to test it, and how a wired awning motor can use it.
Pass the quiz to unlock 10% off your first ShadeMotorsDirect order. Your code and certificate arrive by email from Shade Motors School.
You will be able to: Mount, pair and test a Somfy Eolis 3D WireFree RTS wind sensor on an RTS awning.
Inside this course
Finish every module, pass the quiz, unlock 10% off
Module 1 of 5
How the Eolis 3D protects an awning and what it runs on. After this module you can explain it to an owner and order the right colour.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
What the sensor does
Somfy describes the Eolis 3D WireFree RTS as a wireless, battery-powered sensor that retracts an awning in response to wind. It detects movement in three directions: horizontal, vertical and lateral.
ExampleAn owner at work all day still gets the awning pulled in when a storm front arrives.
What the sensor does
Somfy makes it in white (1816081), black (1816082) and off-white (1816083). It runs on RTS at 433.42 MHz and carries an IP44 rating.
On the jobMatch the sensor colour to the front bar so it disappears on the awning.
What the sensor does
Somfy specifies two AAA 1.5 V alkaline batteries. The manual says never to use rechargeable batteries in the Eolis 3D.
Watch forA rechargeable cell from the kitchen drawer is the wrong part. Fit fresh alkalines.
Check yourself
Hint: Think about who presses the button.
It senses wind movement on the front bar and retracts the awning automatically.
Finish every module, pass the quiz, unlock 10% off
Module 2 of 5
Where Somfy wants the sensor and what to avoid. After this module you can place it so it reads the wind and survives the awning closing.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Mount it on the front bar
Somfy mounts the sensor on the front bar, at either end or in the middle. The manual says the ends give more sensitive detection, and the sensor must never be enclosed inside the bar.
On the jobExtend the awning fully before you mark the mounting plate position.
Mount it on the front bar
The US instructions say to mount on the side closest to the motor head for best reception. Somfy does not recommend mounting on the arms.
Watch forOn a cassette awning, check the sensor does not get crushed when the awning closes.
Mount it on the front bar
Somfy's spec sheet gives a range up to 65 ft in optimal conditions. The manual says the sensor must not be more than 20 m from the motor.
ExampleOn a wide awning, the end nearest the motor head is the safer pick.
Check yourself
Hint: The manual has a firm rule.
Never enclose the Eolis 3D in the front bar. Mount it on the outside at an end or the middle.
Finish every module, pass the quiz, unlock 10% off
Module 3 of 5
The two button presses that link the sensor to an awning. After this module you can pair and unpair the sensor on any RTS awning motor.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Pair it to the motor
On a remote already programmed to the motor, press PROG until the awning jogs. Then briefly press PROG on the Eolis 3D. The awning jogs again to confirm.
On the jobKeep the remote in hand. You will need it to stop the awning during testing.
Pair it to the motor
The manual says not to program one Eolis 3D to several motors. Holding the sensor PROG button for 7 seconds deletes all sensors from the motor.
Watch forTwo awnings side by side need two sensors.
Check yourself
Hint: Read the manual rule.
No. Somfy says not to program one Eolis 3D to several motors, so fit one sensor per awning.
Finish every module, pass the quiz, unlock 10% off
Module 4 of 5
How to prove the sensor works before you leave. After this module you can test the retract and set the sensitivity for the site.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Test and tune it
With the awning out, push the front bar up and down until the awning starts to retract. Stop it with the remote, then adjust sensitivity if needed and test again.
On the jobShow the owner the test. It proves the sensor is live.
Test and tune it
The US instructions tell you to open and close nearby doors. If a door slam triggers a retract, turn the sensitivity down and test again.
ExampleAn awning over a busy kitchen door may need a lower setting than one over a quiet deck.
Test and tune it
The manual says the retraction cannot be prevented once the threshold is passed. After a wind retract, Somfy blocks extension for a short time.
Watch forAn owner pressing DOWN right after a retract will see no movement. Tell them to wait.
Check yourself
Hint: The sensor is too touchy.
Lower the Eolis 3D sensitivity and test again.
Finish every module, pass the quiz, unlock 10% off
Module 5 of 5
Which awning motors can use the sensor. After this module you can add wind protection to an RTS motor or a wired 120V motor.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Wired and RTS awning motors
Somfy lists the Sunea RTS CMO 550R2 (1118210) for awnings at 50 Nm and 14 rpm. It takes any RTS accessory, so the Eolis 3D pairs to it directly.
ExampleA new Sunea CMO awning gets a Telis remote and an Eolis 3D on the same day.
Wired and RTS awning motors
The Universal RTS Receiver (1810627) gives RTS capability to Somfy 110V AC motors. Somfy lists it with RTS wind sensors such as Eolis.
On the jobMount the receiver near the motor, pair a remote to it, then pair the sensor the same way.
Wired and RTS awning motors
The Telis 1 RTS Patio (1810643) is a water and shock resistant handheld rated IP44, built for outdoor use.
Watch forPairing the sensor needs a remote already programmed to the motor. Bring one.
Check yourself
Hint: It needs RTS first.
Add a Universal RTS Receiver 1810627, pair a remote to it, then pair the Eolis 3D.
Final quiz
Each question is a real job scenario, one per screen. Stuck? Tap the hint. You see the right answer and why right after you choose. Pass and you get a printable certificate.
Score 80% to unlock 10% off your first ShadeMotorsDirect order.
Question 1 of 10
On the job: An owner asks what the Eolis 3D detects.
Hint: The 3D is in the name.
It detects horizontal, vertical and lateral movement.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: You replace the sensor batteries.
Hint: The manual bans one kind.
Somfy specifies AAA alkalines and never rechargeables.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: You choose a mounting spot.
Hint: It must feel the bar move.
The manual names the front bar and bans enclosing it.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: The awning motor head is on the left.
Hint: Think reception.
The US instructions favour the side nearest the motor head.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: You start pairing.
Hint: Open the motor first.
A paired remote puts the motor in programming mode.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: Two awnings sit side by side.
Hint: One sensor per motor.
Somfy says not to program one Eolis 3D to several motors.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: You hold the sensor PROG button for 7 seconds.
Hint: It is a delete.
The manual lists this as deleting all sensors.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: You need to prove the sensor works.
Hint: Fake the wind.
Somfy tests by moving the front bar.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: A door slam retracts the awning.
Hint: Too touchy.
The US instructions say to reduce sensitivity.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: An old wired 110V Somfy awning motor needs wind protection.
Hint: It needs RTS.
Somfy lists 1810627 with RTS wind sensors such as Eolis.
Almost done
Your score shows on the next screen. If you pass, your certificate and 10% code go to this email. They come from Shade Motors School (school@shademotorsdirect.com). Check Promotions, Updates or Spam if you don't see them.
Parts used in this course
Parts used in this course
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