Module 1 of 5
What DCT is
How a Dry Contact Technology motor differs from the RTS version. After this module you can tell a client when a DCT Glydea is the right pick.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Wired and Networked · 301
Glydea ULTRA DCT: Dry Contact Control for Somfy Drapery Motors
A Glydea ULTRA DCT motor takes its commands through simple switch contacts on an RJ12 input. Learn what DCT is, the RJ12 pins, which switches and group rules Somfy sets, how limits are set, and the modules that put the motor on Zigbee or SDN.
You will be able to: Wire and set up a Somfy Glydea ULTRA DCT motor with the right switch, cable and module.
Inside this course
5 modules, one idea at a time
- What DCT isHow a Dry Contact Technology motor differs from the RTS version. After this module you can tell a client when a DCT Glydea is the right pick.3 lessons · scenario check
- The RJ12 pinsWhich pin does what on the DCT input. After this module you can wire a switch or relay to the right pins.2 lessons · scenario check
- Switches, groups and cableThe switch, group and cable rules Somfy sets for DCT. After this module you can lay out a wired DCT room.3 lessons · scenario check
- Limits and setupHow limits are set on a DCT motor. After this module you can finish the setup with the right tool.2 lessons · scenario check
- Add a network moduleHow a DCT Glydea joins a Zigbee or SDN system through a plug-in module. After this module you can upgrade a DCT motor for a networked job instead of replacing the motor or the track.2 lessons · scenario check
- Final quiz10 real job scenarios, one per screen, each with a hint if you need it. Score 80% to pass and get your certificate.
What DCT is
Commands through contacts
Somfy calls it Dry Contact Technology (DCT). The Glydea ULTRA DCT takes open, close and stop commands through switch contacts on an RJ12 input, with individual, group and master control.
ExampleA control system with relay outputs runs a DCT Glydea through contact closures, with no radio involved.
What DCT is
Two sizes
Somfy rates the Glydea ULTRA 35 DCT (1246115) for 77 lb of drapery and the ULTRA 60 DCT (1246117) for 132 lb. Both have the same 10 ft plug cable.
On the jobSize the motor on drapery weight first. The control type does not change the lift.
What DCT is
Low-voltage control
Somfy lists the DCT control circuit at 3.3V DC. Somfy also notes that app timed events are not available on DCT motors.
Watch forA client who wants schedules from the TaHoma app needs a module or a different motor, not bare DCT.
Check yourself
An integrator wants to run a Glydea from relay outputs on a control processor. Which motor fits?
Hint: Which version takes switch contacts?
A Glydea ULTRA DCT, which takes open, close and stop through dry contacts on its RJ12 input.
Module 2 of 5
The RJ12 pins
Which pin does what on the DCT input. After this module you can wire a switch or relay to the right pins.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
The RJ12 pins
Six pins, four used
Somfy lists pin 1 as open, pin 3 as ground common, pin 5 as stop and pin 6 as close. Pins 2 and 4 are not used.
On the jobLabel the RJ12 lead at both ends. A swapped open and close pair is the usual first fault.
The RJ12 pins
Two contacts or three
Somfy allows two normally open contacts for open and close, or three for open, stop and close. With two, closing open and close together gives stop.
ExampleA two-relay output can still stop the drapery by closing both relays at once.
Check yourself
Your relay closes pin 6 to ground common. What does the drapery do?
Hint: Read the pin list.
It closes. Somfy lists pin 6 as CW, CLOSE.
Module 3 of 5
Switches, groups and cable
The switch, group and cable rules Somfy sets for DCT. After this module you can lay out a wired DCT room.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Switches, groups and cable
A dry contact switch
Somfy lists the 1800219 wall switch among its Glydea ULTRA DCT controls, with open, close and stop.
On the jobMount the switch by the door and run the low-voltage lead to the motor RJ12 input.
Switches, groups and cable
Groups need a DPDT switch
Somfy requires a double pole, double throw switch for group control, with a maximum of two motors.
Watch forThree tracks on one switch breaks the rule. Use a module and a control system for bigger groups.
Switches, groups and cable
Cable limits
Somfy lists Cat5 or equal to 328 ft (100 m) with up to 10 motors, and 0.75 mm2 wire to 656 ft (200 m) with up to 20 motors.
ExampleA long hotel corridor run may need 0.75 mm2 wire rather than Cat5.
Check yourself
A client wants three Glydea DCT tracks on one wall switch. What do you tell them?
Hint: Somfy gives a maximum.
Somfy limits DPDT group control to two motors. For three, add a module and a control system or split the switches.
Module 4 of 5
Limits and setup
How limits are set on a DCT motor. After this module you can finish the setup with the right tool.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Limits and setup
Automatic or adjustable
Somfy lists automatic limits on the end stops, plus adjustable limits. You can program with the buttons on the motor or with a setting tool.
ExampleA straight one-way track often needs nothing more than the automatic end-stop limits.
Limits and setup
The setting tool
Somfy lists the Limit Setting Tool 9014599 for Sonesse 30 Dry Contact and RS485, Glydea ULTRA and Irismo DCT motors. Somfy calls the tool the preferred method.
On the jobCarry the tool on every DCT job. It saves climbing to the motor buttons for each change.
Check yourself
You need to adjust a DCT Glydea limit from the floor. What do you use?
Hint: Somfy names a tool.
The Limit Setting Tool 9014599, which Somfy lists as the preferred method.
Module 5 of 5
Add a network module
How a DCT Glydea joins a Zigbee or SDN system through a plug-in module. After this module you can upgrade a DCT motor for a networked job instead of replacing the motor or the track.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Add a network module
Zigbee module
Somfy lists the Zigbee (2-Way) Module for Glydea ULTRA Motors (9000043) as an accessory for the Glydea ULTRA 60 DCT.
ExampleA Zigbee house adds the module to a DCT track and runs it from TaHoma.
Add a network module
SDN module
Somfy lists the RS485 (SDN, 2-Way) Module (1871412) for the Glydea ULTRA 35 and 60 DCT. It draws power from the motor.
Watch forUse one module per drapery motor, and order it with the motor so commissioning day has every part.
Check yourself
A DCT Glydea must join a TaHoma Zigbee system. What do you add?
Hint: A module, not a new motor.
The Zigbee Module for Glydea ULTRA Motors, 9000043.
Final quiz
10 questions. Score 80% to pass.
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, plus a 10% code for your first ShadeMotorsDirect order.
Question 1 of 10
On the job: A control processor has relay outputs only.
Which Glydea version fits?
Hint: Contacts, not radio.
The DCT version takes switch contacts on its RJ12 input.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: A client wants app schedules on a bare DCT motor.
What does Somfy note?
Hint: Somfy lists an exception.
Somfy excludes DCT from app timed events.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: You wire a relay to the RJ12 input.
Which pin is ground common?
Hint: Not an end pin.
Somfy lists pin 3 as ground common.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: A two-relay output must stop the drapery.
How?
Hint: Two contacts at once.
With two contacts, stop comes from closing both.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: Two Glydea DCT tracks share one wall switch.
Which switch does Somfy require?
Hint: Two poles for two motors.
Somfy requires DPDT for group control.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: A group spec shows three DCT motors on one DPDT switch.
What is wrong?
Hint: Somfy gives a maximum.
Two motors at most.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: A Cat5 control run is 400 ft long.
What does Somfy list for Cat5?
Hint: Read the cable table.
Cat5 or equal: 328 ft (100 m).
Question 8 of 10
On the job: A straight track needs limits on a new DCT motor.
What can set them with no tool?
Hint: The motor finds the stops.
Somfy lists automatic limits on end stops.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: You want to adjust DCT limits from the floor.
Which part?
Hint: Somfy names it for Glydea DCT.
Somfy lists 9014599 for Glydea ULTRA and Irismo DCT.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: A DCT track must join an SDN shade system.
What do you add?
Hint: SDN is RS485.
Somfy lists 1871412 for Glydea ULTRA 35 and 60 DCT.
Almost done
Where should we send your certificate?
Your score shows on the next screen. The certificate goes to your inbox so you can download it again later.
Parts used in this course
Genuine Somfy parts, 5-year warranty
Somfy Glydea Ultra 60 DCT Drapery Motor (1246117)
Somfy Glydea Ultra 35 DCT Drapery Motor (1246115)
Somfy Dry Contact Open, Close, Stop Wall Switch (White) (1800219)
Somfy Sonesse 30 ST30 Limit Setting Tool (9014599)
Somfy Zigbee 3.0 Module for Glydea Ultra Motors (9000043)
Somfy SDN RS485 Module for Glydea ULTRA Motors (1871412)Parts used in this course
