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	Make the Connection! Motorized Rotation Is This Easy! Motorized PermAlign™ Vertical Blinds

IF YOU HAVE ever connected a telephone, you have all the skills you need to connect the switch control version of the Hunter Douglas Motorized PermAlign™ track for vertical blinds. It's really that easy. But, besides being easy to connect, you'll find Motorized PermAlign™ is easy on the budget, too.  The rotation operation is motorized.  The blinds can still be drawn or traversed manually using a standard cord.

There are two options for Motorized Permalign™, switch control or infrared remote control. Both systems feature a reliable direct drive motor with built-in overload protection. The entire unit is concealed by a standard vertical blind valance. For tracks as wide as 16 feet with fabric, vinyl, or inserted vanes. Here's a closer look at how each system is installed:

Switch Control

The switch control Motorized PermAlign™ is powered by a 9-volt battery in the wall-mountable switch housing that can be either wall mounted or set on a table to use as a "wired remote" control. It comes with an 18-foot wire which can be easily extended using standard telephone cord.  As shown in the picture at left, one way the switch can be mounted is along the trim of the door or window being covered.  The wire can be held against the trim with hot glue or wiring staples. 

The switch is a three position momentary switch.  The vanes will rotate as long as the switch is pressed. When you release the switch, it returns to the neutral position and rotation will cease. Press the opposite end of the switch to reverse rotation.

The power source for switch controlled Motorized Permalign™ Verticals is concealed within the switch housing itself.  Two screws remove the cover.  Alkaline batteries will produce good results. Depending on use, alkaline batteries will need to be replaced annually if the blinds are operated twice a day.  You may also want to try experimenting with the the newer ultra-long life lithium batteries which should provide even longer battery life, though they have not been officially tested at this time.

Meanwhile, back at the track, a simple modular plug — a standard telephone modular plug is inserted into the jack on the motorized housing.  This connects the power supply to the track.  The motor-housing is incorporated right into the standard PermAlign™ track.  Install the track using standard vertical installation techniques and the blind is ready to be operated.  It's easy!

Infrared Remote Control

The infrared remote control Motorized PermAlign™ uses the same motor attachment as the switch control version, but there are some differences in the way power is connected.

Rather than battery power, the remote control system uses a permanently installed 9-volt transformer to supply power to the blind.  The transformer plug (right) has a 16-foot cord attached, so an electrical outlet within 16 feet of the motor housing (at either end of the track) is required. 

The power supply connects directly to the remote receiver with a jack:

The remote control transmitter (above left) requires two AAA alkaline batteries. It controls up to 3 different vertical blinds, each at a different frequency, or multiple blinds may be controlled on a single frequency.  This is easily accomplished and can be changed easily at any time by setting the switch on the remote receiver (left) as channel one, two or three.

The receiver is attached to the track with a simple modular plug — a standard telephone modular plug is inserted into the jack on the motorized housing. 

The big "dot" on the front of the receiver unit must be visible to the remote control transmitter.  The receiver comes with an 18 inch wire, which allows it to be installed under the valance.  The receiver may be extended to a further distance using standard telephone wire.

Blinds are operated by pressing the arrows in the direction of the desired vane rotation.  Press the "stop" button to stop the rotation. Press in the opposite direction to reverse the rotation.

The track is installed using standard vertical installation techniques.

It's easy!

Now you're an expert at motorized vertical blind rotation!