motorized shades for bottom-up windows and skylights

Bottom-Up Window Blinds and Skylight Shades: Part 1 - Component Layout

The following picture is a numbered view of the component parts of the ShadeSlider™ system. This particular unit is 23.5 inch (60 cm) wide and 39.25 inch (100 cm) high, but your size may be larger or smaller:

WIDTH: Minimum: 9.75 inch (25 cm) Maximum: 78.75 inch (200 cm)

HEIGHT: Minimum: 11.75 inch (30 cm) Maximum: 118 inch (300 cm)

ShadeSlider for skylights and bottom-up windows - component parts

The numbered parts are as follows:

  • Aluminum Frame: Top (1), Right (2), Bottom (3), Left (4)
  • Cellular Material: (5)
  • Hem Bar: (6)
  • Fabric Rigidity Cord: (7)
  • Digital Radio Antenna for Motor Control: (8)
  • 12v DC Power Input Cable for Motor: (9)
  • Motor Drive Shafts: Left (10), Right (11)

The ShadeSlider™ Low Voltage 12v DC Motor Drive System

The 12v DC motor is housed in the top frame section (1) and drives both the left (10) and right (11) hexagonal drive shafts. These drive shafts apply power to the belt drives that are encased in the left (4) and right (2) frame members.

As shown in the next picture, the hex drive socket (12) powers these hidden belt drives (13) that travel the entire length of the frame sides, and there are brackets (14) attached to the belt drive that hook into the hem bar (15) to move it up and down to open and close the cellular material. This direct, balanced drive system is what allows the ShadeSlider™ unit to function at any angle.

ShadeSlider for skylights and bottom-up windows - motorized drive belt

The remote control provided with this unit is pre-programmed and paired with the motor. When assembled correctly, you can expect many years of reliable service from this unit

Using Screws for Mounting the Frame

PLEASE NOTE: You can drill pilot holes and use self-tapping screws to mount the frame, but you must be careful not to damage the motor (centered, in the top) or the cellular drive belts located in both sides. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DRILL OR YOUR SCREWS TO PENETRATE FURTHER THAN 1/4 INCH INTO THE FRAME AT ANY LOCATION.

The motor is centered in the top piece. We have marked the picture below with an 'x' to show the safe drilling points on the top and sides. The same goes for the sides and bottom at the other end.

ShadeSlider for skylight shades - how to use screws for mounting

We sincerely hope you enjoy using these advanced motors; if you have any questions or require pricing, please feel free to contact us at any time!

Articles in this series:

Part 1: ShadeSlider™ Bottom-Up Blind & Skylight Shade: Component Layout, Motor Drive System (you are here)

Part 2: ShadeSlider™ Bottom-Up Blind & Skylight Shade: Cloning Motor to Existing Remote

Part 3: ShadeSlider™ Bottom-Up Blind & Skylight Shade: Frame Assembly, Drive Shaft Setup