Simple setup to safely close the roof with the CloudWatcher

The problem with simple relay automation

If you wire a CloudWatcher relay directly to a roof motor push button, closing the roof when unsafe conditions are detected, the same relay will also reopen the roof when conditions improve. For a simple push-button circuit, one pulse closes and the next pulse opens — leaving your equipment exposed every time the sky briefly clears during a rain event.

The solution: a pulse with a condition check

The circuit described here generates a single closing pulse only when the roof is open and the CloudWatcher reports unsafe conditions. Once the roof is closed, the limit switch opens the circuit — preventing any further pulses from reaching the motor, even if conditions change and the CloudWatcher relay cycles again.

Components

• CloudWatcher cloud detector (closes its internal relay on unsafe conditions)
• Small timer relay module (converts sustained relay signal into a brief timed pulse)
• Roof-open limit switch (confirms the roof is in the open position)
• 12 V power supply

Circuit connections

1. 12 V power supply positive → limit switch input
2. Limit switch output → CloudWatcher relay terminal
3. CloudWatcher relay output → timer relay input
4. 12 V power supply ground → timer relay directly
5. Timer relay COM and NO contacts → garage door / roof motor push button

How it operates

When the roof is open (limit switch closed) and the CloudWatcher detects unsafe conditions (relay closes), current flows through both switches into the timer relay. The timer relay fires a single timed pulse to the push button contacts — pressing the button once to close the roof.

As soon as the roof closes, the limit switch opens and breaks the circuit. No further pulses can reach the motor regardless of what the CloudWatcher relay does next. The roof stays closed.