The world of Velux windows is pretty well closed and proprietary.  They use a three wire interface between their switches and control system WLC100/WLI120.

On the IR (InfraRed) side the protocol uses an embedded 10 bit security code and is not published on the Internet (note you'll find some files on RemoteCentral, but you would need to have the same 10bit code set as the original creator).

Still, with WebBricks, all is not lost.  The WLI120 switch plate is relatively inexpensive (see eBay) and can be 'extended' easily.

Steps

1.  Remove rear plate
2. Extract PCB
3. Turn over the PCB, you'll see the button pad tracks.  If you look you'll see that the outer pads and commoned together and the inner pads are the specific controls.
4. Use a scapel to pare of the PCB coat down to the tracks of the specific pads you need (the common is available as several solder points already)
5. Use the following circuit to connect to a WebBrick Digital Output (4-7)

I have just ordered a number of velux windows and quote from builder is circa £500 for each to add shutters and opening mechanism.

Do you have any idea of the cost of doing it your way Andy? My electrician will run the wiring in - cost of material over and above standard window is the main thing at this point...

1 question I would expect to be asked by a customer is "why dont I just buy the (admittedly non integrated solution) Velux automation rather than yours? "

So I am looking to assess justifications both in price and quality terms. 

. thx 

 Ravi

   If you read through the solution above you'll see that it augments the Velux control units (WLC100/WLI120).  These are fairly expensive items.

You could control directly from a WebBrick, all the Velux units do is to polarity reverse the motors and provide a 24V current limited supply (around 500mA).

 
Using either approach with the WebBrick gives you the following advantages:

1. You can have controls anywhere your network reaches (push buttons, web extra, touch Screens, iTouch etc)
2. You can integrate the Velux windows into heating and ventillation control loops
3. You have a far wider choice of rain sensors
4. You can integrate with the 'sleep home' function

Regards

 Andy
 

Please let me know what I would need in addition to cat5 points - eg the motor - any recommendations?

thx 

Andy,

I've managed to get hold of some ebay style 24VDC velux motors and fitted them.

How do I wire up to the brick to provide the forward and reverse voltage?

 
Cheers,

Ian.
 

Ian

 There are double pole change over relays on the WebBrick.  Connect the motor across the commons and the +V and -V to the
NC/NO connections of each relay so that you get a polarity reversal with each operation of the relay.

You could half of the remaining relay to do the on/off/dwell function so that you don't have the motors powered all the time (some have end switches some have slipping clutches). 

 
Regards

Andy