Module 1 of 5
Four parts around one motor
What the crown, drive, bracket and idler each do. After this module you can name every part in a motorized roller and say which one turns the shade.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Pick the Motor · 201
How to Match a Somfy Crown and Drive to Your Tube
A correctly sized Somfy motor still fails to install when the crown and drive do not match the tube. Learn what each part does, the three tube facts that pick the set, and how to read a crown and drive name.
You will be able to: Identify a roller tube and pick the Somfy crown, drive and bracket that fit it and the motor.
Inside this course
5 modules, one idea at a time
- Four parts around one motorWhat the crown, drive, bracket and idler each do. After this module you can name every part in a motorized roller and say which one turns the shade.3 lessons · scenario check
- The tube decidesThe three facts that identify a roller tube. After this module you can describe any tube well enough to order the right crown and drive.4 lessons · scenario check
- Match the platformWhy crowns and drives belong to a motor platform as well as a tube. After this module you can spot a part that will never fit the motor in hand.3 lessons · scenario check
- Read a crown and drive nameHow Somfy part names spell out the fit. After this module you can decode a set name and pick the right one from a list of similar parts.3 lessons · scenario check
- Build the complete orderA checklist that turns a motor choice into a parts order that installs. After this module you will not leave the job missing a bracket or idler.3 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.
Four parts around one motor
The motor never touches the tube alone
A tubular motor sits inside the roller tube. A bracket holds the motor head, a crown and a drive fit the motor to the tube, and an idler holds the far end.
ExampleA new motor with the old shade's crown and drive can spin freely inside a tube it does not grip.
Four parts around one motor
Crown and drive do different jobs
The crown centers the motor in the tube and carries no load. The drive locks onto the motor output, grips the tube and turns it.
Watch forA drive that slips in the tube looks like a dead motor. Listen for the motor running while the tube stays still.
Four parts around one motor
Sold as a matched pair
Somfy sells crowns and drives as matched sets for one tube, such as the Octagonal LT50 70mm Crown and Drive Set (9012234).
On the jobOrder the set for the tube you have. Mixing a crown from one set with a drive from another invites a poor fit.
Check yourself
The motor hums but the tube does not turn. Which part do you check first?
Hint: Which part turns the tube?
The drive. It grips the tube and carries the torque, so a wrong or worn drive lets the motor spin inside the tube.
Module 2 of 5
The tube decides
The three facts that identify a roller tube. After this module you can describe any tube well enough to order the right crown and drive.
4 lessons, then a scenario check.
The tube decides
Three facts about the tube
You need the profile, the outside diameter and the wall thickness. Together they give the inside shape and bore that the crown and drive must fit.
On the jobMeasure the inside diameter and photograph the cut end. Those two answer most tube questions.
The tube decides
Profile changes the drive
An octagonal tube and a round tube take different drives, because the drive engages the shape inside the tube.
ExampleA 2.5 in round tube takes a round set, such as the LT50 2.5 in Round Crown and Drive Set (9012231).
The tube decides
The wall sets the bore
Two tubes with the same outside diameter can have different walls. A thicker wall leaves a smaller bore, and the crown must fit the bore.
Watch forOrdering from the outside diameter alone is the classic miss. Confirm the inside figure.
The tube decides
The motor minimum comes first
Somfy lists a minimum tube inside diameter for each motor: 1.46 in for the Sonesse 404S2 and 1.85 in for the Sonesse 506S2. No crown gets around it.
ExampleA 1.6 in bore can take a 404S2 but not a 506S2, whatever crown you buy.
Check yourself
A customer gives you only "a 2 inch tube". What else do you ask for?
Hint: Two tubes can look the same from outside.
The profile and the inside diameter, or the wall thickness. The outside figure alone does not pick the set.
Module 3 of 5
Match the platform
Why crowns and drives belong to a motor platform as well as a tube. After this module you can spot a part that will never fit the motor in hand.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Match the platform
Platform first, then tube
Each motor platform has its own crown and drive fit. An LT50 set fits LT50 motors. An LT50 crown will not mount an LT60 motor.
ExampleA box of LT50 crowns is no help on a job with a 680R2. That motor is LT60.
Match the platform
Parts built for two platforms
A few parts carry two platforms in the name, such as the LT50/60 Octagonal 70mm Drive (9761002). Without both numbers, treat a part as one platform only.
On the jobRead the platform numbers in the part name before you pull it from stock.
Match the platform
Adapter kits bridge some gaps
The LS40 to LT50 Crown and Drive Adapter Kit (9013763) adapts an LS40 motor to tubing that takes LT50 crowns and drives. It does not change the motor minimum.
Watch forAn adapter kit solves a fit, not a size. Check the tube against the motor minimum first.
Check yourself
You have an LT60 motor and a spare LT50 crown that matches the tube. Will it work?
Hint: Crowns belong to a platform as well as a tube.
No. An LT50 crown will not mount an LT60 motor. Use an LT60 crown.
Module 4 of 5
Read a crown and drive name
How Somfy part names spell out the fit. After this module you can decode a set name and pick the right one from a list of similar parts.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Read a crown and drive name
Decode the name
Octagonal LT50 70mm Crown and Drive Set reads as profile, platform, tube size and contents. Every word narrows the fit.
ExampleSwap Octagonal for Round and 70mm for 2.5 in, and you have the 9012231 set for a round tube.
Read a crown and drive name
Single parts follow the same pattern
The LT50 2.5 in Crown (9707026) is a crown alone for a 2.5 in tube on LT50. Pair it with the drive that matches the tube profile.
On the jobBuy single parts to replace a worn crown or drive. Buy the set when you start from scratch.
Read a crown and drive name
Same size, different drive
Somfy sells an LT50 2 in hard clip drive (9206088) and an LT50 2 in soft clip drive (9206089) as separate parts. Match the one made for your tube.
Watch forTwo drives for the same nominal tube size are not interchangeable. Check the tube maker's spec or the old part number.
Check yourself
A list shows an Octagonal LT50 70mm set and an LT50 2.5 in Round set. Your tube is round, 2.5 in, on an LT50 motor. Which one?
Hint: Match the profile word first.
The LT50 2.5 in Round Crown and Drive Set (9012231).
Module 5 of 5
Build the complete order
A checklist that turns a motor choice into a parts order that installs. After this module you will not leave the job missing a bracket or idler.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Build the complete order
The full parts list
Order the motor checked against the tube, a crown and drive for the tube, a bracket for the motor head, an idler, a power cable and a control.
On the jobCheck the list against the van before you leave the shop. A missing idler stops the install as surely as a missing motor.
Build the complete order
The bracket follows the head
Somfy lists a star head on the Sonesse 506S2 RTS. A star-head LT50 bracket such as 9410651 fits it. Round and square heads need their own brackets.
Watch forSomfy lists a square head on the Sonesse ULTRA 504A8. A star bracket will not hold it.
Build the complete order
Use the compatibility panel
Every motor page on our site carries a compatibility panel listing the crowns, drives, brackets and controls that fit that motor. Start there, then confirm the tube.
ExampleOpen the motor page, pick the crown and drive set named for your tube, add the listed bracket, and you have the core of the order.
Check yourself
A 506S2 RTS job on a 2.5 in round tube is packed with the motor, a round 2.5 in set and a remote. What is missing?
Hint: Walk the checklist from the wall to the far end of the tube.
A star-head LT50 bracket, an idler and a power cable.
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 homeowner reports the motor runs but the shade does not move.
Which part most likely failed or does not match the tube?
Hint: Which part carries the torque into the tube?
The drive grips the tube and turns it. A wrong or worn drive lets the motor spin.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: You are explaining parts to a new installer.
What is the crown's job?
Hint: One of the two parts carries no load.
The crown centers the motor. The drive does the turning.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: A customer says the tube is "2 inch" and wants a crown and drive.
What do you need before ordering?
Hint: Outside size alone can hide two different bores.
Profile and bore pick the set, not the outside figure alone.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: Two tubes both measure 2.5 in outside, but one has a thicker wall.
What does the thicker wall change?
Hint: The crown fits the inside of the tube.
A thicker wall leaves a smaller bore, and the crown must fit it.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: A tube has a 1.6 in bore and the customer wants a Sonesse 506S2.
Can a different crown make it fit?
Hint: Check the motor minimum before any accessory.
No crown gets around the motor minimum inside diameter.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: An LT60 job is short a crown, and the van has only LT50 crowns in the right tube size.
What do you do?
Hint: Crowns belong to a platform.
An LT50 crown will not mount an LT60 motor.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: A drive in stock is named LT50/60 Octagonal 70mm Drive.
Which motors can it go on?
Hint: Read both platform numbers.
Parts named LT50/60 are built for both platforms.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: An LS40 motor needs to go into tubing set up for LT50 parts.
Which part helps?
Hint: Look for a kit named for both platforms.
The 9013763 kit bridges LS40 motors to LT50 tubing parts.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: Your tube is round, 2.5 in, on an LT50 motor.
Which set fits?
Hint: Match the profile word, then the platform.
The 9012231 set is round, 2.5 in and LT50.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: You are packing a Sonesse ULTRA 504A8 job and grab a star-head bracket.
What is wrong?
Hint: The bracket follows the head.
Somfy lists a square head on the 504A8.
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
Parts used in this course
