Are you a proud owner of a Solara awning, enjoying the shade and comfort it brings to your outdoor space? While these awnings are designed to provide effortless motorized operation, there may come a time when you need to manually extend or retract your awning due to power outages or other circumstances. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to manually extend a Solara awning. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have your awning extended in no time.
Before embarking on the manual extension process, ensure that the awning is properly disengaged from any locks or latches. Locate the manual override cord, typically stored in a small compartment on the awning’s frame. Gently pull the cord to disengage the gearbox, allowing the awning to move freely. Next, identify the crank handle, usually attached to the awning’s roller tube. Insert the crank handle into the designated socket and begin cranking in a clockwise direction to extend the awning.
As you crank, the awning will gradually extend outward. Continue cranking until the desired extension is achieved. Once the awning is fully extended, secure it in place by re-engaging the locks or latches. This will prevent the awning from retracting accidentally due to wind or other external forces. Remember to store the crank handle securely for future use. By following these steps, you can confidently manually extend your Solara awning whenever necessary, ensuring continued enjoyment of your shaded outdoor space.
Preparing the Awning
Before extending your Solara awning manually, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s fully prepared. Here are the key preparation steps to follow:
### Checking the Area
Clear the area under and around the awning of any obstacles, such as furniture, toys, or branches, to avoid potential damage or injury.
### Inspecting the Awning
Thoroughly inspect the awning fabric, frame, and components for any signs of damage, wear, or loose parts. If you notice any issues, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance before attempting to extend the awning manually.
### Lubricating Moving Parts
To ensure smooth operation, apply a light coat of lubricant to the moving parts of the awning, including the hinges, joints, and guide rails. This helps prevent binding and excessive friction.
### Preparing the Awning
Once the awning is properly prepared, you can proceed to extend it manually. Here are the steps to follow:
### Extending the Awning
Locate the crank handle and position it in the appropriate socket on the awning frame. Turn the crank handle clockwise to gradually extend the awning. Keep an eye on the fabric tension and make sure it’s evenly distributed across the entire awning.
### Locking the Awning in Place
Once the awning is fully extended, lock it in place by engaging the locking mechanism. This typically involves turning a knob or lever.
### Table: Recommended Lubricants for Solara Awning Components
| Component | Recommended Lubricant |
|---|---|
| Hinges and Joints | WD-40 or a similar silicone-based lubricant |
| Guide Rails | Dry lubricant (e.g., graphite powder) |
Locating the Manual Override System
If your Solara awning’s motor fails or there is a power outage, you can still operate the awning manually using the manual override system. This system is typically located at one end of the awning tube, either inside or outside the housing. Look for a small, square or round access panel that can be removed to reveal the manual override mechanism.
Inside the Housing
1. To access the manual override system from inside the housing, locate the small access panel at one end of the awning tube. This panel is usually held in place by a few screws or clips. Carefully remove the panel to reveal the manual override mechanism.
2. Locate the manual override shaft or crank. This is typically a small, round shaft with a crank handle attached.
3. Turn the crank handle to raise or lower the awning manually. Rotate the handle clockwise to raise the awning and counterclockwise to lower it.
Outside the Housing
1. If the manual override system is located outside the housing, look for a small, access panel or door at the end of the awning tube. Remove the panel or door to reveal the override mechanism.
2. Locate the manual override crank or lever. This is usually a long, metal crank or lever that is attached to a gear.
3. Turn the crank or lever to raise or lower the awning manually. Turn the crank or lever clockwise to raise the awning and counterclockwise to lower it.
| Manual Override System Location | Access Method |
|---|---|
| Inside the Housing | Remove the small access panel located at one end of the awning tube. |
| Outside the Housing | Remove the small access panel or door located at the end of the awning tube. |
Engaging the Manual Override
In the event of a power failure or another scenario where the electric motor is disabled, you can manually extend the awning using the override mechanism. To engage the manual override, follow these steps:
- Locate the manual override gearbox on the awning header tube. It is typically a small, square or rectangular box with a crank handle.
- Insert the crank handle into the gearbox and turn it clockwise to disengage the motor and engage the manual override.
- Once the motor is disengaged, you can manually extend the awning by turning the crank handle. Make sure to hold the awning fabric firmly as you extend it to ensure that it does not sag or bunch up.
Tips for Manually Extending the Awning
*
If the awning is particularly large or heavy, you may need assistance to manually extend it.
*
Be sure to keep the awning fabric taut as you extend it to prevent it from flapping in the wind or getting caught on obstacles.
*
Once the awning is fully extended, remember to retract it using the same manual override procedure.
| Step | Action |
|———————-|—————————————————————————————————————————————-|
| 1 | Locate the manual override gearbox on the awning header tube and insert the crank handle. |
| 2 | Turn the crank handle clockwise to disengage the motor and engage the manual override. |
| 3 | Manually extend the awning by turning the crank handle and holding the awning fabric firmly to prevent sagging. |
| 4 | Retract the awning using the same manual override procedure when fully extended. |
Extending the Awning Canopy
To manually extend the awning canopy, follow these steps:
- Unlock the awning by pulling the release latch located on the side of the awning case.
- Extend the awning arms by pulling them out to the desired length.
- Lock the arms in place by pushing them back into the awning case until they click into place.
- Unfold the canopy by pulling it down and locking it into place using the hook and loop straps provided.
Adjusting the Canopy Angle and Tension
Once the canopy is extended, you can adjust its angle and tension to suit your needs.
| To Adjust Angle | To Adjust Tension | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pull the canopy straps to adjust the angle of the canopy. | Turn the tension adjustment knob located on the awning arm to tighten or loosen the canopy.
Retracting the CanopyTo retract the canopy, simply reverse the extension process.
Locking the Awning in PositionOnce the awning is fully extended, it should be locked into position to prevent it from retracting or moving. This is typically achieved by using a series of locking mechanisms that engage with the roller tube or other support structures of the awning. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to lock the awning in position: 1. **Locate the locking mechanisms.** These are usually located on the sides of the awning, near the roller tube. They may be small levers, latches, or pins. Locking mechanisms for awnings can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Here are common types and their locking procedures:
Ensuring Stability and Safety
To ensure the stability and safety of your Solara awning during manual extension, follow these guidelines: 1. Check for ObstructionsBefore extending the awning, inspect the area above and around it for any obstacles such as branches, power lines, or other objects that may interfere with its operation. 2. Position the Support ArmsEnsure that the support arms are fully extended and locked in place before continuing with the awning extension. 3. Use the Crank HandleLocate the crank handle and turn it clockwise to extend the awning. Do not force the handle if it becomes difficult to turn. 4. Check the Fabric TensionAs the awning extends, check the tension of the fabric to ensure it is taut and evenly distributed. 5. Secure the FabricOnce the awning is fully extended, use the provided straps or hooks to secure the fabric to the support arms, preventing it from flapping in the wind. 6. Additional Stability MeasuresFor added stability, especially in windy conditions, you can implement the following measures: • Use weighted bases or sandbags to anchor the support arms to the ground. • Install a wind sensor that will automatically retract the awning when wind speeds exceed a certain level. Disengaging the Manual OverrideTo disengage the manual override, follow these steps: 1. **Unhook the manual override from the awning.** Locate the manual override hook, which is typically a small metal hook located at the top of the awning. Unhook the override cord from this hook. 2. **Detach the override cord from the roller tube.** Unwind the override cord until there is about 1 foot of slack. Then, detach the cord from the roller tube by unhooking it from the small metal hook. 3. **Pull the override cord to one side.** Once the cord is detached, pull it gently to one side. This will allow the awning to retract normally. 4. **Engage the automatic awning motor.** Turn the awning switch to ON to engage the automatic motor and retract the awning. 5. **Reattach the override cord to the roller tube.** Once the awning is fully retracted, reattach the override cord to the roller tube. Make sure the cord is taut but not too tight. 6. **Hook the manual override to the awning.** Hook the override cord back onto the hook at the top of the awning. 7. **Regenerate the awning.** To reset the awning, turn the switch to OFF and then back to ON. This will regenerate the awning and prepare it for normal operation.
Testing the Extended AwningOnce you have manually extended the awning, you should test its functionality to ensure it is working correctly. Here are the steps to test the extended awning:
If you encounter any issues during testing, refer to the troubleshooting section of this guide or contact a qualified awning technician. How To Manually Extend Solara AwningManually Extending Solara AwningTo manually extend the Solara awning, follow these steps:
Retracting Solara Awning ManuallyTo manually retract the Solara awning, follow these steps:
Troubleshooting Common IssuesAwning is not extending/retracting
Awning is extending/retracting slowly
Awning is making noise
Awning does not retract fully
Awning is sagging
Storing the Manual Override SystemTo ensure the longevity of the manual override system, proper storage is crucial. Here are some detailed guidelines for effective storage:
How To Manually Extend Solara AwningSolara awnings are a great way to add shade and style to your home. They are also relatively easy to operate, even if you don’t have any experience with awnings. To manually extend your Solara awning, follow these steps:
People Also AskHow do I retract my Solara awning?To retract your Solara awning, simply pull the awning fabric back into the case. The awning will automatically lock into place. How do I clean my Solara awning?To clean your Solara awning, use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. How do I repair my Solara awning?If your Solara awning is damaged, you can repair it using a Solara awning repair kit. These kits are available from most hardware stores. |
