A look inside: 'Elephant Chain' Window Chain Actuator

A look at a high quality high torque window actuator.
Designed with rooflight windows in mind, this actuator is unusual to see on the workbench, they are extremely well built and relianble, when I had the opportunity to open one up I jumped at it as I'm not likely to see another one for a long time.
This series of actuators are so packed full of features they leave the majority of the competition behind,

[@paulmeynell8866]

Very intreating was wondering why the chain stayed ridged when pushing the window, can only assume it’s the design of the links. Wondered if you pushed the chain sideways if the window would crash shut.

[@childscraig]

Hi Paul, As long as the chain is fixed to the window bracket it can't collapse, if you push hard enough to stretch the chain it can but that would need a lot of force. The chain is self supporting in one direction due to the shape of the links, it's a clever design. C.

[@user-dk3bp3tq1j]

very useful and informative, as you seem to be the only person I have found that knows how these actautors work, my question is:- I have 2 of these type of actuators currently on my skylight and I dont think they are working together as a pair as they sometimes go slightly out of sinc and to prove , I disconnect the green data wires they still run independantly so to resolve this do I need to obtain a control unit/panel ? as at the moment I only have a non locking rocker switch and a 24vdc 8A power supply. I would be very grateful for your advice.

[@childscraig]

Hi, are they WindowMaster actuators?

[@user-dk3bp3tq1j]

@@childscraig Yes they appear to be Window Master manufactured badged Velux, with model numbers WMU 88V 30 04

[@user-dk3bp3tq1j]

sorry WMU 88V 300 04 I have photos if it helps

[@childscraig]

Hi again, The model you mention should have MotorLink capability. This is the feature which allows synchronous operation (and more). Unfortunately you need to have the actuators programmed to 'see' each other, they need programmed as a team of 2. To do this you would need a trained engineer with the programming tool. If your rooflight is new you could ask the suppllier why it was not programmed in the factory and request they have this done, otherwise you would need a WindowMaster partner to do this, you can contact them at www.windowmaster.com If it isn't causing an issue it might not be worth the cost of reprogramming, it does however mean if one actuator fails the other may not stop driving, there is a risk of the window twisting and smashing the glass if this happens. Hope this helps. C.

[@user-dk3bp3tq1j]

hi Craig, So if programmed as a matching pair, do I still need an additional control unit ? many thanks for your help @@childscraig

[@nicodu30d16]

Hello, is it possible to adapt this system to a roof window (type Vel...) GHL 114 cm x 118 cm. I am looking for a system that closes the window when it rains.... without using the "Integra" system from Vel... Thank you for your advice and your very interesting YT channel. Sincerely

[@childscraig]

Hi A D, Yes, there are several options available, in my line of work we use WindowMaster controls and actuators, they have a range of options from single window to scalable systems forlarge buildings. You can DIY it if it's just a home project for your own interest but if it is for permanent use I'd go with the WindowMaster WCC panel and rain sensor for guaranteed performance. Purely out of curiosity, why do you say you don't want to use Integra? C.

[@nicodu30d16]

Thank you very much for your quick response! It is true that, as you have guessed, this is a personal project (my son's room) on an existing Vel.... I would like to realise a system myself because the Integra mechanism would force me to install the roller shutter and the price is very high for this size of window... Maybe there are mechanisms with (electric) cylinders... ? I still have to think about the advantages and disadvantages. Thank you for your guidance in this area. good end of the day from the south of France (37°...) ...

[@childscraig]

@@nicodu30d16 There are WindowMaster dealers in France, just got to WindowMaster.com. If you are looking for a home brew solution you can use a 24v power supply and something like an Arduino to drive relays for control, of course that relies on having coding knowledge and some electronics experience. If you are looking for an off the shelf solution you can source: WCC 103BT control panel which comes with a Bluetooth remote WMX series actuator and brackets, the chain length is up to your preference WLA 331 rain sensor The panel comes with a standard Schuko plug but the actuator and rain sensor do need to be connected by cables, there is no programming involved so the hardest part of this project would be getting the rain sensor cable outside and the sensor mounted. Good luck with the project from Scotland 🙂👍

[@nicodu30d16]

Great for all these details. It's very nice of you. It's true that my knowledge of coding is not good... It doesn't matter, I will study your indications, thank you very much. Sincerely