Recently, we shared a number of NAQs—Never Asked Questions—relating to our AV products. NAQs are the opposite of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs); not only do they almost never get asked, but they are questions we wish we’d hear more often. You can click here to read that post. For this post, we’ve asked our shade sales and technical staff to chime in with a few NAQs for window shades they’d like to be asked more often.
What is a motor test cable?
In general, this is a cable with a three-prong plug at one end that goes into an outlet. At the other end there are four wires—red, green, black, and white—with alligator clips. These are used for attaching the test cable to the motor pigtails. It also has a three-position switch for operating the shade motor up and down. If the motor has an M12 or Anderson connector on it, then a five-foot matching junction box lead is available.
What can happen if two-sided graphic shades are not printed properly.
Can both sides of a mesh shade be printed with graphics?
Yes, definitely! If you plan to print on both sides of the mesh, however, the second image needs to be a mirror image of the first. Otherwise, the two images will clash and make it hard to discern details on either side. Printing on both sides of a mesh fabric works best with graphics only, without text or logos.
Is this accessory compatible with that product?
Draper sells several “accessories” for various shade products. These accessories are not engineered to work with every single Draper shade product. Often, a dealer will buy one without realizing that it is not a compatible, out-of-the-box solution. For example, we sell 2-½” U channels, either full length or in cut-to-size pieces. They are sometimes purchased with the idea that they are like a LightBloc system, which is engineered to fit together and function as a single unit. But the U-channels are not a system solution—and will not provide the same blackout function.
The same can sometimes happen with cable guides. Our best advice is to never order any accessory until you’ve confirmed it will work with the product you have in mind.
Can people see in through this shade fabric?
I want a shade and a fabric where I can see out but they cannot see in. As we know, there isn’t a fabric where you can do this. If the fabric is open, there is no way to prevent someone from seeing through the fabric. Easiest way to think about this is you can see out more clearly to the side where the light is….so during the day when the sun is out a person from inside the building will be able to see out better, and vice versa at night if lights are on in the building/house then people would be able to see better. Only way to get total privacy is to go with a blackout, or with a dual roller shade that has both blackout and mesh fabrics.
The paperwork with my bead chain clutch shade calls out an “Owl Clip.” What is that and why would I need it?
The “Owl Clip” mentioned in your paperwork is also known as a “Spring-Loaded Tensioner.” If our interior clutch-operated roller shades are installed where it’s reasonable to foresee that young children will be present, then our product needs to comply with ANSI/WCMA A100.1. That’s what the Owl Clip is for. If it’s installed properly, the tension device prevents the creation of a hazardous loop and will maintain tension on the bead chain, so kids can’t stick their heads into the bead chain loop. If the tension device is not installed properly, or becomes unattached from the mounting surface, the shade will be rendered partially inoperable.
