DIY Upgrade: Transforming Coolaroo Shades into Motorized Blinds
18 Jun 2025
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I have four Coolaroo shades installed in my courtyard. Every time I want to raise or lower them, I have to use a manual hand crank, which is quite inconvenient. For a long time, I’ve been searching for a motorization kit to upgrade these shades, but most products I found on Amazon didn’t fit well because the Coolaroo shade tube has a very unique design. Today, I want to share my DIY upgrade process to convert these shades into motorized blinds.
Step 1: Removing the Coolaroo Shade
First, I took down one of my Coolaroo shades. On one end where the hand crank is attached, I removed the crank mechanism to expose the shade tube. My Coolaroo shade tube has a diameter of 28mm. I did notice that some people have a 38mm tube instead, so before attempting this upgrade, make sure to measure your tube diameter carefully to ensure compatibility.
Step 2: Pairing the Motor with the Remote
Next, I took out the motor designed for roller blinds. This particular motor has a PROG (program) button on the motor head. Pressing this button causes the motor to move slightly, indicating it’s ready for pairing. Then, I pressed the UP button on the remote control, and just like that, the motor and remote were paired successfully.
Step 3: Installing the Motor Inside the Tube
I then inserted the motor into the shade tube. The motor’s drive wheel fits the tube perfectly, ensuring smooth operation. After placing the motor inside the tube, I replaced the original crank mechanism with the brackets that came with the motor kit. This way, the shade width remains unchanged and the motor fits seamlessly.
Step 4: Final Assembly and Testing
Finally, I reinstalled the Coolaroo shade back onto its original mounting points. Securing everything with screws, the upgrade was complete. Now, with the press of a remote button, I can easily raise or lower my shades—no more flipping the hand crank!
This motorized upgrade has dramatically improved convenience for my courtyard shades. If you have Coolaroo blinds and want to add remote control functionality, this DIY method could save you a lot of effort—just be sure to check your shade tube diameter first!
If you want, I can also help you with product recommendations or answer any questions about the installation process. Happy DIY!
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