FARNBOROUGH BLIND COMPANY
Control of blinds
Rako
The RAKO system is an open protocol system used mainly for lighting in residential and commercial properties.
RAKO's historically produce wireless relay, dimmers and switches but do also have a range of hard wired lighting components.
Software is available from the web site but a training course is required to obtain the password. Otherwise manual programming is an option.
The examples below provide an indication of basic blinds set ups, the RAKO programming interfaces are not included.
Single blind option
RAKO - Single blind and switch (mains dual winding OR SELV single winding reverse polarity)
The following components (excluding mounting arrangements and cabling) can be used to make up a simple blind control:
RAKO wireless RF unit receiver (mains powered), single channel unit for the control of motorised blinds, curtains or shutters. Operates 250V AC and 24V DC motors up to 2A. The unit is the size of large lighting transformer and can be placed in a ceiling void through most standard downlighter holes.
£ approx - £157
Wireless switch with Lithium batteries. Switch buttons programmed to be up down and stop (middle).
£ approx - £120
itro - £277
RAKO has a number of different interface modules that will enable app control and programming etc. The most cost effective for small installations is the WA bridge which connects wirelessly to the other blinds relay and switch
£ approx - £630
Multiple blind option
RAKO - 4 blinds and 2 switches (mix of mains dual winding OR SELV single winding reverse polarity).
The following components (excluding mounting arrangements and cabling) can be used to make up multiple blinds control:
RAKO 4 channel twin relay RAK4R
RAKO wall mounted 4 channel twin relay for the control of motorised blinds, curtains or shutters. Operates 250V AC and 24V DC motors up to 2A.
£ approx - £508
2 off RAKO 6 button switch RCM-060
Wireless switch with Lithium batteries. Switch buttons programmed to be up down and stop (middle). Each switch can operate 1, 2, 3 (or more) blinds as a group.
£ approx - £240 (£120 each)
itro - £748
RAKO has a number of different interface modules that will enable app control and programming etc. The most cost effective for small installations is the WA bridge which connects wirelessly to the other blinds relay and switch
£ approx - £630
Advice for using: Rako
Pros
- Complete range of wireless parts, especially useful if there are no cables to switch locations.
- Both wireless and wired, or a combination of the two ( not recommended) can be used.
- Easy to set up does not require a PC although programming via software is possible.
- Easy to group blinds on individual switches.
- UK based company, reliable flexible system that has been around for a long time.
- Connection / interface to most other protocols.
- Very competitively priced
- Very good easy to set up app
- They have a specific Iot interface, so can talk to home automation devices such as Alexa, Apple Home Kit, Google Home etc.
Cons
- More complex control with feedback and indexing not readily available.
- Any logic requires specific knowledge of the RAKO Rasoft software.
- Not best suited to larger commercial set up.
