Anyone have their blinds home automated? What blinds, protocols did you use?

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Anyone have their blinds home automated? What blinds, protocols did you use?

AzaK

79 posts

Master Geek

#165913 24-Feb-2015 15:27

Just looking into this now as the prewire for part 2 of our reno is happening in a couple of weeks. The few blinds places I rang suggest the battery powered systems because you can't see them as much and they will last years with typical use before replacing batteries. Some even have solar recharging.

So just after some advice or thoughts on this. I'm currently using OpenHab and Zwave tech and if I could stick with that, that'd be great but I'd be OK getting another controller like ZigBee or somesuch if need be.

Thanks
Aaron

SumnerBoy

2074 posts

Uber Geek

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#1245635 24-Feb-2015 15:33

As long as the blind controller has the typical 'up/down' controls (which almost all have I believe), then you can still control it using Z-Wave - via the Fibaro Roller Shutter module. What I mean is, get the best motor/system you can find/afford, and then worry about how you will automate it - since the Fibaro module should support retrofitting to just about any device on the market.

SumnerBoy

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#1245636 24-Feb-2015 15:33

FYI - http://www.fibaro.com/manuals/en/FGRM-222-Roller-Shutter/FGRM-222-Roller-Shutter-en-2.1-2.3.pdf

timbosan

2159 posts

Uber Geek

#1245668 24-Feb-2015 15:40

I went through this exercise of choosing blind motors a few months ago, and I am now ready to buy. I generally found the local suppliers to be either horribly expensive, or not interested (I left several messages that where never replied to).

The best service, information, and (so far) price I have found is from http://rollertrol.com/ They even do window openers, which I want to try out. Plus they have a section on how to control/automate (from basic remote control through to Vera and VerLite http://rollertrol.com/vera-and-veralite-wifi-controller-for-blinds-or-shades

I would be interested to know how you got on for the supply of motors locally.

AzaK

79 posts

Master Geek

#1245669 24-Feb-2015 15:41

Thanks. I've been drooling over that shutter controller however it will only work with wired in units due to AC restriction. It won't work with DC battery units which is a shame. Whilst I like the idea of batteries in a way, what I'll end up with is some sort of wireless protocol that I then need to interface with my HA setup.

Wired would probably be easier to get working, albeit a bit more conspicuous.

timbosan: I went through this exercise of choosing blind motors a few months ago, and I am now ready to buy. I generally found the local suppliers to be either horribly expensive, or not interested (I left several messages that where never replied to).

The best service, information, and (so far) price I have found is from http://rollertrol.com/ They even do window openers, which I want to try out. Plus they have a section on how to control/automate (from basic remote control through to Vera and VerLite http://rollertrol.com/vera-and-veralite-wifi-controller-for-blinds-or-shades

I would be interested to know how you got on for the supply of motors locally.

Thanks! How are your blinds, all good? And do you have a Home Auto system running them?

rphenix

985 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1251233 4-Mar-2015 18:03

those rollertrol ones look great they have a curtain motor that is radio controlled with solar charger and battery included exactly what I've been looking for.