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Outdoor Living
Smart drives and modern shade systems in perfect harmony for reliable sun protection

An increasing number of people today believe that generously sized windows and patios are an important part of modern living – irrespective of whether it is a new or renovated building. Both of them increase the living space and improve the quality of life at home. The importance of installing privacy and sun protection systems should also not be overlooked, while making sure that they fit in with the aesthetic design. Modern awnings can be used to provide shade on patios and zip screens that open and close vertically are being increasingly installed on windows for this purpose. Alongside their elegant design and wind resistance, these laterally guided textile screens impress due to their functionality by not only offering effective sun protection but also reducing incident heat to a minimum. Despite being designed to provide shade they can – depending on the choice of material – remain transparent so that enough light is allowed into the room. Zip screens are an even more convenient solution when they can be flexibly and automatically controlled using a drive. Becker-Antriebe has special solutions for this particular application and also for the automation of awnings.

Nothing gets blown away in the wind
The zip technology guarantees that the textile curtain is guided securely at the sides, which means that the system remains stable in the wind. As a result, zip-based solutions are not only suitable for providing sun protection but also wind protection on patios, irrespective of whether they are found in private residences or in restaurants and hotels. The C18 drive series from Becker supports these functionalities, especially when it comes to the sensitive detection of blockages when the screen is descending. If the drive detects a blockage while descending or detects that the wind is too strong, it stops the curtain and raises it again. If two further attempts prove unsuccessful, the system ultimately remains stationary to avoid any damage. The drive also has a blockage detection and reversing function when ascending. This prevents the zip system from being damaged if it becomes jammed or encounters a blockage on the sliding rail. Other advantages offered by the drive series: If the canvas slackens over the course of time due to the weather, the integrated curtain length compensation system automatically ensures that the canvas remains tightly stretched at all times and is precisely wound on the motor head. This not only ensures that the system works properly but also increases its service life – just like the tension-relief system (which can be optionally switched on or off) guarantees that the canvas is not too tightly wound around the shaft in its retracted state.

Wireless products against the heat
Anyone who likes to make themselves comfortable in the shade on their patio can sit back and relax thanks to the C12 sun protection drive. It is compatible with the Centronic range of control units from Becker thanks to its built-in radio receiver. This universal drive for awnings can be easily operated from a sunbed using the intuitive hand-held transmitter. In addition, this wireless drive for awnings impresses with functions that enable it to be used in many different shading systems. Irrespective of whether you want to automate a standard articulated arm awning or a high-quality cassette awning for the patio – both are possible with the C12 drive series. However, the drives from Becker are also ideal for providing shade in indoor areas, such as in a conservatory with large windows or vertical awnings. The C12 drive series has an integrated blockage detection function to protect the entire awning against damage when extending and retracting it. In addition, the automatic awning length compensation system means that the awning always travels the same route when extending, so you do not have to readjust the end position. Two other attractive functions can also be activated: The fabric tightening function that ensures that the awning always remains elegant and taut when extended – which is particularly suitable for awnings in conservatories – and the cloth slackening function, which ensures that the awning is not wrapped too tightly around the shaft when retracted. The drive also has a special higher closing force for cassette awnings so that the awning is securely lifted into the cassette.

Sensitive sensors and intelligent controls
Using sensors to control the sun protection system provides users with greater comfort and security. For example, a sun/wind/rain sensor – such as the SensorControl SC911 – can automatically extend the sun protection system when the sun is too hot and retract it again if a thunderstorm with strong winds is brewing. In particular, the integrated wind sensor helps to protect the awning against any possible damage even when nobody is at home.

The drive can also be integrated into CentralControl CC41 – Becker’s central control unit for roller shutters and sun protection systems – to make you feel even more secure. It enables you to keep an eye on everything even when you are out and about so that you can already set the sun protection system before you return home using the app. If you have already made yourself comfortable and don’t want to move, you can control the sun protection system using your voice with Amazon Alexa so that you can enjoy a cool and pleasant afternoon.