Programming and controls · Rolling Shutter Guide
Can I put my rolling shutters on a timer or schedule?
Yes, on a radio (remote-control) motor. Gaposa's Wi-Fi hub runs up to 10 schedules from a phone, by time of day or by sunrise and sunset, and Gaposa's QCTZ16SY timer remote runs up to 6 from its own clock (the look-alike QCTZ16Y has no timer). Somfy's Wi-Fi hub also runs schedules. A wall-switch motor needs converting to radio first.
Key facts
- Only the QCTZ16SY version of Gaposa's 16-channel remote has timer functions; the otherwise identical QCTZ16Y does not.
- The Gaposa timer remote holds 6 schedules, each sending UP, DOWN or the intermediate position to chosen channels on chosen days at a set time.
- In random mode (marked with a suitcase icon) the Gaposa timer remote runs every schedule with a delay of 0 to 30 minutes.
- Gaposa's Wi-Fi hub and app run up to 10 schedules for up to 32 Gaposa motors and can follow sunrise and sunset using your location.
- Schedules and phone control both need a radio motor; on Roll-A-Shield shutters the radio accessories are offered only with remote-control motors, never with wall-switch motors. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Rolling shutters with Gaposa or Somfy radio (RTS) motors, including Gaposa solar motors: the Gaposa Emitto Smart16 timer remote (QCTZ16SY), the Gaposa Hub with RollApp, and Somfy's TaHoma hub. Switch-operated motors only after a radio conversion.
Which controls can run a shutter on a schedule?
Two kinds can: a timer remote with its own clock, and a Wi-Fi hub run from a phone app. Both send the same radio command a remote does, so both need a radio (remote-control) motor.
| Control | Motors | Schedules | Timing options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaposa Emitto Smart16 timer remote (QCTZ16SY) | Gaposa radio | 6, each to any of 16 channels | Clock time and day of week; random mode |
| Gaposa Hub with RollApp | Gaposa radio, up to 32 motors | up to 10 | Clock time, sunrise or sunset, any days of the week |
| Somfy TaHoma hub | Somfy RTS, up to 32 shutters | yes | Set in the phone app |
| Somfy sun and wind sensors | Somfy RTS | none | Move shutters by sun or wind, not the clock |
Not every 16-channel remote has a timer. Gaposa is specific that only the QCTZ16SY version of its 16-channel remote has timer functions; the QCTZ16Y looks the same and has none. Go by the model code, and if a schedule is the reason you want a 16-channel remote, ask us which model comes with your order before you count on it. Somfy's own Telis 16 RTS guide covers channels and channel names but no timer, so for Somfy motors plan on a hub for schedules. Somfy also makes a stand-alone Chronis RTS timer, including a version with a light sensor, but it is not among the controls Roll-A-Shield offers.
How do I set a schedule on the Gaposa timer remote?
Set the clock first, then build each schedule. These steps are for the timer model (QCTZ16SY), already paired to the shutters.
- From the channels or groups screen, hold the circle button until HIdE or dEL G appears, press the circle button once more to reach the clock screen, and press STOP.
- Set the hour, then the minutes, with UP and DOWN, pressing STOP after each. The clock is 24-hour. Choose the day of the week with the side arrows and press STOP.
- Go back to the channels screen, hold the circle button until HIdE or dEL G appears, and press the circle button twice more to reach ProG. Press STOP.
- Pick one of the 6 schedule slots with the side arrows and press STOP.
- Step through the days with the side arrows and select each one you want with UP or DOWN. A selected day blinks fast. Press STOP.
- Set the hour and minutes, pressing STOP after each.
- Choose the command: UP, DOWN or the intermediate position. Press STOP.
- Step through the channels and select each shutter with UP or DOWN (fast blinking means selected). Press STOP to save.
- Press both side arrows together until the AUT symbol shows. In manual mode the remote ignores its schedules.
A morning-open and evening-close routine for the same shutters takes two schedule slots, one for each command. To delete a schedule, hold the circle button until HIdE or dEL G appears, press the circle button three more times to reach dEL P, press STOP, pick the schedule and press STOP.
Tip: In automatic mode the remote itself sends each scheduled command, so leave it within range of the shutters, for example on its magnetic wall mount, and keep a fresh battery in it. The Smart16 takes one CR2450 cell.
Can my shutters follow sunrise and sunset?
Yes, with Gaposa's Wi-Fi hub. In RollApp each schedule event can be UP, DOWN or PRESET, set for a time of day or for sunrise or sunset, and repeated on any days of the week. The hub uses your location for the sun times, so check the time zone when you create the first schedule.
Schedules can be switched off and on without deleting them, which suits a schedule you only want while you are away.
Is there a vacation mode?
Gaposa's timer remote (QCTZ16SY) has a random mode, marked with a suitcase icon. In random mode every schedule runs with a delay of 0 to 30 minutes, so an 8:00 close happens somewhere between 8:00 and 8:30. Somfy's Chronis timer, which Roll-A-Shield does not offer, has a security function that moves shades at random times to make the home look occupied.
What about switch-operated and solar shutters?
A switch-operated (wired) motor has no radio receiver, so no timer remote or hub can reach it. On Roll-A-Shield shutters the radio accessories are offered only with remote-control motors. The fix is a radio receiver wired in ahead of the motor, or a radio motor; see turning a switch-operated shutter into a remote-controlled one.
A Gaposa solar motor has a built-in radio and works with Gaposa remotes and the Gaposa app. Every scheduled run draws on the battery like any other; Roll-A-Shield quotes about 60 open-and-close cycles per charge. See how solar-powered shutters work.
Will a schedule close a shutter on someone?
It can close with nobody watching, so treat a scheduled shutter like any automatic door. Obstacle detection is found on Gaposa Sense motors, 10-50 Nm (model codes XQ5E wired and XQ5EZ radio), and the Gaposa Autonomo solar motors. It is not found on manual-override motors, mechanical-limit motors, Gaposa's 80-120 Nm motors (XQ6E/XQ6EZ series, even where a part name says Sense), and all Somfy RTS/LT motors. Go by the model code on the motor label, and see obstacle detection on rolling shutter motors before scheduling a shutter over a doorway people use.
For a timer remote or hub on a new order, call (480) 921-0200.
Frequently asked questions
Can rolling shutters open at sunrise and close at sunset?
Yes, with Gaposa's Wi-Fi hub. Its RollApp schedules can use sunrise or sunset instead of a clock time, worked out from your location. The 16-channel timer remote runs on clock times only.
Can I turn a schedule off while I am home?
Yes. RollApp schedules can be switched off and on again without deleting them, and the timer remote can be put back in manual mode, where it ignores its schedules.
Will a schedule stop a shutter halfway?
It can. Both the Gaposa timer remote and the RollApp can schedule the saved intermediate (preset) position as well as fully up or down, once that position has been set on the motor.
My wall-switch shutter has no remote. Can it go on a timer?
Not as it is. The schedules here all work by radio, so the shutter first needs a radio receiver added or a radio motor fitted.
Parts and next step
Need a part or a hand?
Replacement motors, remotes, straps, slats and hardware ship from our Tempe, Arizona factory. Phoenix-area owners can book a service visit; everywhere else, our technicians help by phone. Call (480) 921-0200; the factory answers technical questions for any rolling shutter, not only ours.