Palladiom wire-free installation experiences
by TechSavvyHomeowner• 7 replies• 10055 views
Just finished installing Palladiom wire-free shades in our master bedroom and home office, and wanted to share some experiences and get feedback from others who've gone this route. We chose wire-free because running new wiring through our 1920s plaster walls would have been a nightmare.
The good: Installation was relatively straightforward once I understood the bracket system. Battery life seems promising - Lutron claims 3-5 years depending on usage. The aesthetic is gorgeous and the shades operate whisper-quiet. Integration with our existing RadioRA 3 system was seamless.
The challenges: Getting the shades perfectly level required more patience than expected. The calibration process took several attempts on one shade that kept stopping short of the sill. Also, the initial Pico programming had a quirk where the favorite button wouldn't hold the position I set.
My questions for the community:
1. Has anyone experienced battery degradation faster than expected? We're in Arizona so temperature extremes are a concern.
2. For those running wire-free alongside hardwired Palladiom, any noticeable performance differences?
3. Any tips for the calibration issues I mentioned?
Overall I'm happy with the purchase but curious about long-term reliability. These weren't cheap and I want to make sure we're getting the most out of them.
Replies
HighEndIntegrator12217 hours ago
For your calibration issue, try doing a full factory reset on that specific shade and recalibrating from scratch. I've installed probably 50+ Palladiom wire-free units and occasionally one needs a fresh start. The stopping-short problem is usually the shade thinking it's hit an obstacle. During recalibration, make absolutely sure there's nothing in the path and the fabric is tracking perfectly straight in the side channels. If it's still acting up, check that the fabric tension is even on both sides.
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PalladiomOwner13201 hours ago
Congrats on the install! I've had wire-free Palladiom shades for about 18 months now in our vacation home in Scottsdale. No battery issues yet despite the heat, but I'd recommend keeping them in the mid-position during peak summer days when you're away - constant full travel in extreme heat seems to stress the motors more.
LutronFanatic12097 hours ago
The Pico favorite button issue is a known quirk. You need to hold it for a full 6 seconds when programming, not the 3 seconds the manual suggests. Fixed it for me immediately.
Control4Enthusiast11833 hours ago
We integrated wire-free Palladiom with our Control4 system through the RadioRA 3 bridge. Performance-wise, I honestly can't tell the difference between our wire-free and hardwired units. Response time is identical. The only real difference is the peace of mind knowing hardwired will never need battery service.
SmartShadeMaster11425 hours ago
I'm curious about your bracket mounting in plaster walls. Did you use toggle bolts or find studs? I'm facing a similar situation in a 1940s colonial and worried about the weight.
TechSavvyHomeowner11233 hours ago
Thanks everyone! @HighEndIntegrator - the factory reset and recalibration worked perfectly. @LutronFanatic - that 6 second hold was exactly the fix. @SmartShadeMaster - I used heavy duty toggle bolts rated for 50lbs each and added an extra bracket in the center for the wider window. Rock solid so far.
AutomationPro202011209 hours ago
Just a heads up - if you're in Arizona, register your shades with Lutron and keep your purchase receipt safe. They've been pretty good about warranty claims on battery packs that fail prematurely due to heat. A client of mine got replacement packs at no charge when his failed at 2 years in a Phoenix sunroom.
