Here's some instructions from Zip Dee's website. This is for the curved arm awning, which is the kind on my Airstream. There's another page of instructions for a straight arm awning if you have that kind.
If neither one of these pages answers your questions, call Zip Dee at the toll free customer service number shown on their website. If you have to call them, prepare in advance by familiarizing yourself with their terminology for the various component parts of your awning, also shown on their website.
One of these will surely get you the answers your need.
John
http://www.zipdeeinc.com/RV%20Produc...-operatio.html