Troubleshooting Somfy Vehicle Detection Failures
A reliable vehicle detection system is a cornerstone of an automated gate or security setup, providing both convenience and peace of mind. When your Somfy system fails to detect an approaching vehicle, it can be disruptive and concerning. This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the most common causes of vehicle detection failure in Somfy systems.
## How Somfy Vehicle Detection Works
Most Somfy vehicle detection systems use one of two technologies:
- Infrared (IR) or Motion Sensors: These detect the heat signature and movement of a vehicle. They are typically mounted above ground.
- Probe or Magnetometer Sensors: These are often buried beside the driveway and detect the large metal mass of a vehicle passing over them.
Understanding which type you have can help you pinpoint the problem more effectively.
## Step 1: Physical Inspection and Cleaning
Before diving into complex settings, start with a thorough physical inspection of the sensor.
- Clean the Sensor: If you have an above-ground motion or IR sensor, its lens can be obscured by dirt, dust, cobwebs, or water spots. Gently clean the lens with a soft, damp cloth.
- Check for Obstructions: Look for anything that could be blocking the sensor's line of sight. This could include:
- Overgrown bushes, weeds, or tree branches.
- Parked trailers, rubbish bins, or garden ornaments.
- Snow or ice buildup during winter. Clear any and all obstructions to give the sensor a clean, direct view of the driveway.
- Inspect for Damage: Check the sensor housing for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks or moisture getting inside. Also, inspect the wiring for any visible cuts, frays, or loose connections.
## Step 2: Verify Sensor Alignment and Position
The correct positioning of the sensor is critical for its performance.
- Check the Angle: For motion sensors, they must be angled correctly to cover the desired detection zone. Over time, vibrations or weather can cause the sensor to shift. Refer to your Somfy installation manual for the recommended height and angle, and adjust it back to its optimal position.
- Driveway Changes: Have you recently resurfaced your driveway? Changes in the height or material of the driveway could affect the performance of buried probe sensors, which may need to be repositioned.
## Step 3: Adjust Sensitivity Settings
If the sensor is clean and correctly positioned but still failing to detect, the sensitivity level may be set too low.
- Locate the Sensitivity Adjustment: The method for adjusting sensitivity varies by model. It may be a small dial or switch on the sensor itself or a setting within the main gate opener control box. Always consult your product manual before making adjustments.
- Make Incremental Changes: Adjust the sensitivity one small step at a time. Increase it slightly and then test it by driving your vehicle through the detection zone.
- Avoid Maximum Sensitivity: Be careful not to set the sensitivity too high. This can lead to false triggers from small animals, pedestrians, or even blowing leaves, causing the gate to open unnecessarily. The goal is to find the lowest setting that reliably detects vehicles.
## Step 4: Check Power and System Integrity
A faulty power supply can lead to intermittent or complete failure of the sensor.
- Check Power Source: Whether the sensor is hardwired or battery-powered, ensure it has a stable power source. For battery-powered models, replace the batteries with new, high-quality ones. For wired models, check the connections and ensure the transformer is supplying the correct voltage.
- Perform a System Reset: As a final step, you can try resetting the entire gate opener system. This can clear any software glitches that might be affecting sensor communication. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to perform a power cycle or reset of the main control board.
If you have worked through all these steps and the vehicle detection still fails, there may be an internal fault with the sensor itself, and it may require professional servicing or replacement.