FAQs for Roller Blinds & Curtains

Tools you may need: Measuring tape Pencil and paper (or a digital note-taking device) Steps to Measure for Curtains: 1. Determine Curtain Rod Placement: Decide where you want to install the curtain track or rod. You may want to install the curtain on the window frame, ceiling, or just above the window. Ensure it's at the desired height and width, allowing the curtains to cover the window appropriately. Decide where you want the curtain to stack when opened, left stack, right stack or centre opening. If your space allows it, it is common to stack the curtain past the window so that it doesn't interrupt your view. 2. Measure the Width: Measure the width of the window or the area you want to cover with curtains. It is important to be precise, to the millimetre, so it's best to get someone to hold one end of the tape. Measure as high up as you can reach, and avoid measuring the distance on the floor as the distance may vary from the floor to where you will actually install the track. We need the overall measurement, do not make an allowance. We will make the allowance when manufacturing your track and curtain to ensure your track fits when installing. 3. Determine Curtain Length: Decide how long you want the curtains to be. Common options include: Sill length: Curtains end at the windowsill. Apron length: Curtains end just below the windowsill. Floor length: Curtains are approximately 10mm off the floor. Puddle length: Curtains gather slightly on the floor for a luxurious look. 4. Measure the Length: Measure from the rod or track down to the desired length based on the options mentioned in step 3. Use a measuring tape to ensure accuracy. Take 3 measurements from different spots. One from the left, one from the right, and one from the middle. We need the smallest measurement. Most often you will find that there will be a difference in height to the floor. 5. Double-Check Your Measurements: It's important to double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. Incorrectly measured curtains may not fit or hang as desired. 6. Record Your Measurements: Note down all your measurements accurately, including width and length 7. Decide On Your Pleat: Wave or S Fold Gathered Double Pleat Tripple Pleat Eyelet 8. Order or Customise Curtains: Once you have your measurements, and determined the style of curtain you desire, you can order custom curtains made to your specifications. Remember to measure carefully and consider any specific preferences you have for how your curtains will look and hang. If you're unsure about any step or measurement, it's always a good idea to contact us for professional advice or assistance.

Steps to Measure up for a motorised curtains: 1. Simply follow the steps for a standard curtain: you will find all the info on measurements required in the previous question. 2. Motorisation requirements: You will need to determine if you want a Rechargeable Battery or a 240 volt motor. A rechargeable battery will usually only require charging once or twice per year and is done so by a charger very similar to a phone charger. A 240 volt motor will require an electrician to fit as you will need a power source. A motorised curtain has a belt which is driven by the motor to move your curtain. Therefore at the stack end of your curtain there will be a motor that hangs down approximately 600mm, which is hidden by the curtain. This motor can also be inverted and hidden in the ceiling providing there is space for it. 3. Motorisation recommendation: I strongly recommend opting for rechargeable battery motors for your curtains & roller blinds. These motors come with numerous advantages, making them a practical choice. They have an impressive performance capacity of approximately 500 cycles (where each open and close operation counts as one cycle) and can be recharged approximately 500 times. This means that you'll only need to charge the batteries approximately once per year, ensuring they last for a very long time. One of the most significant benefits of rechargeable motors is that they eliminate the need for an electrician, making the installation process a straightforward DIY project.

Motorised roller blinds are window coverings that can be opened or closed using a motor, allowing for remote control or smart home automation integration. This elliminates the use of a chain.

Motorised blinds operate using either a rechargeable battery-driven motor or a motor connected directly to the home's 240-volt electrical system. For those hard-to-reach areas, solar panels can be added to the battery motors. Beware of cheaper alternatives available online that merely move your chain. Such options tend to be unreliable and often don't last. If someone tries to sell you these inexpensive variants, run for the hills. Otherwise, you might find yourself removing them within a month and repairing the damage done to your window frames.

Yes, our motorised blinds can be integrated with popular smart home systems like Siri, Google Home, & Alexa, allowing for voice control and automated schedules. To do this you will need a hub, like the Pulse 2 Hub from Automate.

Measuring for roller blinds is a straightforward process, but it's crucial to do it accurately to ensure that your blinds fit your window correctly. Here are the steps to measure for roller blinds: Tools you may need: Measuring tape Pencil and paper (or a digital note-taking device) Steps to Measure for Roller Blinds: 1. Decide Mounting Location: Determine whether you want to mount the roller blinds inside the window reveal (reveal fit) or on the architrave or wall (face fit). This decision will affect how you measure. On sliding doors, determine whether you want more than 1 roller blind on the door, which allows for access to the door while still have a blind down. Check for obstructions. Be sure to check for any obstructions like window handles, locks, or other fixtures that might affect the blinds' installation or operation. It is very common for handles to be in the way of roller blinds when using the reveal fit method, e.g. most sliding doors will not have enough space for a reveal fit due to the handle and/or mullion will hit the fabric. 2. Reveal Fit Measurements: Width (W): Measure the width of the inside of the window reveal at the top. Provide us with this measurement and we will make the deduction for allowance to ensure your blind fits when installing. Height (H): Measure the height from the top inside edge of the reveal to the window sill or the desired endpoint. This measurement is not crucial as there will always be a little extra fabric on a roller blind. 3. Face Fit Measurements: Width (W): Measure the width of the area where you want the blinds to cover. Typically, this is the width of the window frame or the space you want the blinds to span. Height (H): Measure the height from the top of the window frame to the desired endpoint, such as the architrave, window sill or the floor. 4. Consider Overlap: If you're doing a face fit, you may want the blinds to extend slightly beyond the window frame for better light control and privacy. Typically, add 50 to 100mm to the width measurement on each side. If you are doing this, you should also consider using a mounting rail as you will most probably not find a stud in the wall where you want to install your brackets. 5. Check for Obstructions: Be sure to check for any obstructions like window handles, locks, or other fixtures that might affect the blinds' installation or operation. It is very common for handles to be in the way of roller blinds when using the reveal fit method, e.g. most sliding doors will not have enough space for a reveal fit due to the handle and/or mullion. I know I am repeating myself, but this is very important. 6. Record Your Measurements: Note down all measurements carefully in millimetres. 7. Double-Check: Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. Mistakes in measurement can result in blinds that don't fit properly and even a remake of blinds. Check 3 times, while writing each time. 8. Consult Us: If you are still unsure, call us or email us for advice. 9. Order: You are ready to order. Remember that the exact measuring process can vary slightly depending on the installation method (face or reveal fit) of your roller blinds.

Steps to Measure up for a motorised roller blinds: 1. Simply follow the steps for a standard curtain: you will find all the info on measurements required in the previous question. 2. Motorisation requirements: You will need to determine if you want a Rechargeable Battery or a 240 volt motor. A rechargeable battery will usually only require charging once or twice per year and is done so by a charger very similar to a phone charger. A 240 volt motor will require an electrician to fit as you will need a power source. 3. Motorisation recommendation: I strongly recommend opting for rechargeable battery motors for your curtains & roller blinds. These motors come with numerous advantages, making them a practical choice. They have an impressive performance capacity of approximately 500 cycles (where each open and close operation counts as one cycle) and can be recharged approximately 500 times. This means that you'll only need to charge the batteries approximately once per year, ensuring they last for a very long time. One of the most significant benefits of rechargeable motors is that they eliminate the need for an electrician, making the installation process a straightforward DIY project.

Our motors can be retrofit to approximately 70% of the roller blinds sold in Australia. You will need to check compatibility of your existing roller blinds by using our 'Tube Identifier' chart below. If your tube is not on the chart, you will need to contact us prior to buying.

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We specialise in motorised solutions for window coverings and awnings. You can motorise various types of window coverings, including: Roller Blinds: We offer options for roller blinds, allowing you to raise or lower them with the touch of a button or through a smart home system. Roman Blinds: You can motorise Romans, which are known for their elegant and classic appearance. Curtains and Drapes: We provide solutions for motorising curtains and drapes, making it convenient to open and close them, especially for larger or hard-to-reach windows. Blinds: Motorized blinds are a popular choice, and Automate offers options for various types of blinds, including vertical blinds, horizontal blinds, and venetian blinds. Skylight Shades: For skylight windows, Automate offers motorised shading solutions to control the amount of light and heat entering your space. Outdoor Awnings: You can also motorise outdoor shades, such as patio or porch shades, to provide shade and comfort in outdoor living spaces. Our motorisation systems typically include remote control options and compatibility with smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and others, allowing you to control your window coverings with ease.

Controlling motorised window coverings and awnings can be done through various methods. Here are some common ways to control them: Remote Control: Most motorised window covering systems come with a remote control that allows you to raise, lower, or adjust the blinds or awnings. These remotes typically have buttons or a keypad for easy operation, and come in 1,5, & 15 channel options. Wall-Mounted Control: They allow you to operate the window coverings from a fixed location in the room. This is particularly useful for larger installations. Smartphone or Tablet App: Our motorisation system can be controlled through a dedicated smartphone or tablet app. This app provides additional features, such as scheduling, group control, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, & Siri. Voice Control: If your motorised window coverings are integrated with a smart home system like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you can use voice commands to control them. For example, you can say, "Alexa, close the blinds." Timer and Schedule Settings: Our motorised system allows you to set timers and schedules. This enables you to automate the opening and closing of window coverings at specific times of the day, improving energy efficiency and security, for example, you can set it to sunrise or sunset and your blinds will open everyday at these times. Remote Control via the Internet: Our motorisation system offers remote control capabilities over the internet. This means you can control your window coverings even when you're away from home, using the smartphone app. Integration with Home Automation Systems: If you have a comprehensive home automation system, you can integrate your motorised window coverings into the system's central controller. This allows you to coordinate their operation with other smart devices and routines in your home. To control your motorised window coverings and awnings, consult the user manual provided with your system or contact the manufacturer or Motorise My Blinds for guidance.

The Pulse 2 Hub is a device used in motorised window covering systems by a company called "Automate." The Pulse 2 Hub serves as a central component in these systems and offers several important functions: Remote Control: The Pulse 2 Hub allows you to remotely control your motorised blinds, curtains, or awnings. You can use a remote control device to open, close, or adjust the position of your window coverings with ease. Integration with Smart Home Systems: The Pulse 2 Hub is designed to integrate with popular smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and others. This means you can control your window coverings using voice commands or include them in automated routines within your smart home ecosystem. Mobile App Control: Many motorisation systems that use the Pulse 2 Hub provide a dedicated mobile app. With this app, you can control your window coverings using your smartphone or tablet. Automation and Scheduling: The Pulse 2 Hub supports automation and scheduling capabilities. You can program your window coverings to open and close at specific times of the day, which can improve energy efficiency and provide privacy and security. Group Control: If you have multiple motorised window coverings in your home, the Pulse 2 Hub allows you to control them as a group. This simplifies the process of adjusting multiple coverings simultaneously. Status and Feedback: The hub may provide status and feedback information, letting you know the current position of your window coverings. This feedback can be valuable for ensuring that your coverings are in the desired position. Please note that in order to use the App and Voice control, you must have a Pulse 2 Hub. Without the hub you will only be able to control your motorised blinds, curtains, awnings by remote. Check out the Hub How to pair the Pulse 2 Hub to Android Google Home Pairing How to pair the Pulse 2 Hub to IOS

Automate offers a range of handheld & wall mounted remote controls designed to operate their motorised window covering systems. These handheld remotes vary in terms of design, features, and capabilities to cater to different user preferences. Here are some examples of different types of Automate handheld remotes: 1. 1 Channel Handheld Remote: This type of remote is a basic handheld controller that only controls 1 motor. It includes buttons for functions like open, close, stop, and adjusting the position of the window coverings. 2. 5 Channel Handheld Remote: This type of remote is a handheld controller that only controls 5 motors. It includes buttons for functions like open, close, stop, and adjusting the position of the window coverings, and also allows you to control all your motors at the same time. 3. 15 Channel Remote: The 15 channel remote has an LCD display and is capable of controlling multiple window covering groups or individual window coverings. This remote has 15 channels and also 5 group channels named A to E. You can also hide the unused channels. 4. Paradigm Wall Switches: Available in 1, 2 and 15 channels. The LCD display is only available on the 15 channel and they function the same as the hand held versions. Please note that these remotes are required to operate all Automate motors. They are used initially to set up your top and bottom limits for your motors. Then you can operated your system by voice once they are set up, providing you have the Pulse 2 Hub, otherwise you can continue to use the remote only. Motor Pairing & Limit Settings Battery Check Function

The specific Automate Roller Blind motor you need depends on various factors, including the size and weight of your roller blinds, your automation preferences, and the compatibility with your existing window covering system. Here are some key considerations to help you determine the right motor: 1. Blind Size and Weight: The size and weight of your roller blinds play a significant role in motor selection. Larger and heavier blinds require more powerful motors to operate smoothly. Measure the width and height of your blinds and determine their weight to ensure you choose a motor that can handle the load. 2. Power Source: Automate motors can be powered by 2 sources, including rechargeable battery-operated motors and hardwired motors. Your choice may depend on your preference and the availability of power sources near your window. 3. Zero Wireless Option: In most conditions, I would recommend going with this series of motors for your home & office. They are a rechargeable battery operated motor and do not require an electrician to install, they simply are inserted in to the tube of the roller blind. The battery will last for approximately 500 cycles (1 cycle is up & down), and they will last for approximately 500 recharges. They are recharged by a similar charger to a mobile phone, micro USB. They come in 3 sizes They come in 3 sizes: Zero Li-ion1.1Nm Short Motor - for roller blinds 569mm - 642mm wide Zero Li-ion1.1Nm - for roller blinds 642mm - 2200mm wide Zero Li-ion 2.0 Nm - for roller blinds 739mm to 4000mm wide 4. Hard Wired Motors: These motors come in 12 volt and 240 volt options. the 12 volt motors are a more economical motor but an electrician will be required an no need for recharging. The 240 volt motors are more powerful motors and again an electrician will be required an no need for recharging. If you are still unsure, contact us and we can assess your specific needs, provide recommendations, and ensure that you select the right motor for your roller blinds.

Motorising curtains is more expensive than motorising roller blinds for several reasons: 1. Track Systems: Motorised curtains require a drive belt in the track system, that allows the curtains to open and close smoothly. These track systems are complex to manufacture and more costly than the simple roller mechanisms used for blinds. 2. Roller Blind Motors: The motors used for roller blinds are simply inserted in to the tube that the fabric is rolled up on. Therefore only assembly is required , as opposed to manufacturing the curtain track. It's important to note that the cost of motorising curtains can vary widely depending on factors like the size of the window and the brand you choose. When considering motorised curtains only gto with the best, or as the saying goes, 'Buy cheap, buy twice'.