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Automation for ordinary roller blind

  • 16-12-2017 11:31am
    #1
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭


    I'm looking to automate an ordinary roller blind with loop chain to use with Google Home and Home Assistant. Needs to be battery powered. A solar sensor is not required I could do this with Home Assistant. Any recommendations.


Comments

  • #2
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    These are around for awhile. They have a newer model coming out also that's ZWave. The current ones are Bluetooth only but they can be setup to do routines locally.


    They are powered by 4 AA batteries. Depending on size of blind and number of operations you would get around 2/3 months.


    https://www.teptron.com/


  • #3
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    Davy wrote: »
    These are around for awhile. They have a newer model coming out also that's ZWave. The current ones are Bluetooth only but they can be setup to do routines locally.


    They are powered by 4 AA batteries. Depending on size of blind and number of operations you would get around 2/3 months.


    https://www.teptron.com/

    Yeah I've come across that before after a Google. Do you have any experience with it


  • #4
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    The high horse brigade wrote: »
    Yeah I've come across that before after a Google. Do you have any experience with it


    Yeah are good, and simple to use. The first wheel design was plastic for the loop chain which were quite poor. They would skip so the blind wouldn't go fully up, other then to far down.


    They posted out new metal clogs which solved that issue. If using for large heavy blinds, I would suggest using the supplied mounting brackets rather than the adhesive strip. If the unit gets pulled over time from the wall, it will take paint and plasterwork with it.


  • #5
    bren2001
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,010 ✭✭✭bren2001


    Davy wrote: »
    These are around for awhile. They have a newer model coming out also that's ZWave. The current ones are Bluetooth only but they can be setup to do routines locally.


    They are powered by 4 AA batteries. Depending on size of blind and number of operations you would get around 2/3 months.


    https://www.teptron.com/

    I've to put a spring mounted blind up this weekend. After seeing this, I've a feeling it'll be a roller blind with one of these....


  • #6
    wexfordman2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,555 ✭✭✭wexfordman2


    Can they do curtains ?


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  • #7
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    wexfordman2 wrote: »
    Can they do curtains ?

    They might for a small selection of curtains, but I wouldn't buy this type just for curtains unless they are nearly the same as a chain loop.


    I have seen a different type that sits on the curtain rail that can be retrofitted for curtains with or without a draw string but cant remember the name of it at the minute.


  • #8
    leonffrench
    Registered Users Posts: 212 ✭✭leonffrench


    Soma smart shades is what your after


  • #9
    TitianGerm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,360 ✭✭✭✭TitianGerm


    leonffrench wrote: »
    Soma smart shades is what your after

    Yikes they'd work out quite expensive for me... I'd need 10 for downstairs alone :pac:


  • #10
    corcadorcha
    Registered Users Posts: 212 ✭✭corcadorcha


    Iblinds looks good and promising. Pre orders January. This is just from a Google search. Works with z-wave.


  • #11
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    corcadorcha wrote: »
    Iblinds looks good and promising. Pre orders January. This is just from a Google search. Works with z-wave.

    Looks like its for venetian only rather than roller blinds?

    An intelligent Z-Wave blind motor that installs out of sight in existing Venetian (2" and 2 1/2" slatted-style) blind headrails.


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  • #12
    OU812
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,073 ✭✭✭OU812


    Sorry to hijack, but does anyone know of anything for Venetians that will just do opening/tilting/closing? The blinds don't need to be pulled up or down.


  • #13
    corcadorcha
    Registered Users Posts: 212 ✭✭corcadorcha


    Davy wrote: »
    Looks like its for venetian only rather than roller blinds?

    Sorry, didn't read post properly.
    :o


  • #14
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    Just pulled the trigger on the Teltron Move


  • #15
    copacetic
    Subscribers Posts: 16,592 ✭✭✭✭copacetic


    Interested to see how you get on with them, looks good, might give one or two a go. Wondering how much they would be used though.

    @davy do you automate the times via the app, and put them all to correct heights, or do you just jut used them manually?

    Do they reliably bring all the blinds to same level?


  • #16
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    copacetic wrote: »
    Interested to see how you get on with them, looks good, might give one or two a go. Wondering how much they would be used though.

    @davy do you automate the times via the app, and put them all to correct heights, or do you just jut used them manually?

    Do they reliably bring all the blinds to same level?


    In the app you set a fully open and fully closed position during setup. Once that's set you dont have to do anything after that. You can open/close via the button or via the app. Likewise if you want halfway, can be done via the app or pressing 'stop' on the unit itself.


    They bring them to the same level now perfectly, as I mentioned earlier this was not the case at the start with the plastic cog that was shipped with them initially.


  • #17
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    copacetic wrote: »
    @davy do you automate the times via the app

    Missed this earlier, you can automate the times in the Android app (iOS not out yet). The options are to use Sunrise/Sunset, temperature, Clock time.

    Once you pick the option and the unit, it will go up and down by time/sunrise without any app interaction as the schedule is held locally in the MOVE.


  • #18
    donspeekinglesh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,868 ✭✭✭donspeekinglesh


    Movez looks good, but they seem very slow to start shipping them. Still tempted to back it though.


  • #19
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    donspeekinglesh wrote: »
    Movez looks good, but they seem very slow to start shipping them. Still tempted to back it though.

    Mine shipped earlier ðŸ˜႒


  • #20
    donspeekinglesh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,868 ✭✭✭donspeekinglesh


    The high horse brigade wrote: »
    Mine shipped earlier ðŸ˜႒

    Move or Movez?


  • #21
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    donspeekinglesh wrote: »
    Move or Movez?

    Move, I've no interest in z wave


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  • #22
    vienne86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,076 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    Davy wrote: »
    The high horse brigade wrote: »
    Yeah I've come across that before after a Google. Do you have any experience with it


    Yeah are good, and simple to use. The first wheel design was plastic for the loop chain which were quite poor. They would skip so the blind wouldn't go fully up, other then to far down.


    They posted out new metal clogs which solved that issue. If using for large heavy blinds, I would suggest using the supplied mounting brackets rather than the adhesive strip. If the unit gets pulled over time from the wall, it will take paint and plasterwork with it.

    I like the look of these. Just wondering if you have to pay import duty on these. I just got to the checkout stage and 25 per cent VAT was added. Would there be duty to pay on top of that at this end?


  • #23
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    vienne86 wrote: »
    I like the look of these. Just wondering if you have to pay import duty on these. I just got to the checkout stage and 25 per cent VAT was added. Would there be duty to pay on top of that at this end?

    Made and shipped from Sweden so no duty to pay.


  • #24
    vienne86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,076 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    Davy wrote: »
    vienne86 wrote: »
    I like the look of these. Just wondering if you have to pay import duty on these. I just got to the checkout stage and 25 per cent VAT was added. Would there be duty to pay on top of that at this end?

    Made and shipped from Sweden so no duty to pay.
    Perfect. We'll go ahead so. Tks for the quick response.


  • #25
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    Got the Teptron Move, installed it, played with it for a few minutes and I've already decided to return it. It struggles under battery power but is fine when I run a micro usb cable. It also makes a clicking noise when closing the blind. Not impressed at all, especially at that money.
    I was also under the impression that I could connect it to Google home or home assistant but I can't with this one, this is most likely my own fault that I didn't research well enough.


  • #26
    vienne86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,076 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    The high horse brigade wrote: »
    Got the Teptron Move, installed it, played with it for a few minutes and I've already decided to return it. It struggles under battery power but is fine when I run a micro usb cable. It also makes a clicking noise when closing the blind. Not impressed at all, especially at that money.
    I was also under the impression that I could connect it to Google home or home assistant but I can't with this one, this is most likely my own fault that I didn't research well enough.

    Interesting. When you say it struggles under battery power, is it that the blind is heavy? I haven't ordered yet, but am thinking of running it on USB anyway as I have a USB socket close by. My blind is big, and I am wondering about a power booster as well.


  • #27
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    vienne86 wrote: »
    Interesting. When you say it struggles under battery power, is it that the blind is heavy? I haven't ordered yet, but am thinking of running it on USB anyway as I have a USB socket close by. My blind is big, and I am wondering about a power booster as well.

    That's the thing, the blind isn't heavy at all. I've been on to support, they suggested changing the cog which improves things, but it's still clicking.

    Their web server authentication is a mess, I can't login and when I try reset password it tells me my account with that email doesn't exist even though I've received a device and also emails from them. The support rep i was dealing with just fcuked off also, then a few seconds later their chat was offline and I must email in my support ticket. I then closed the browser and now it's telling me my username and pass don't exist again. Fcuking amateurs, I'm demanding a refund, this is poor quality and poor customer service


  • #28
    vienne86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,076 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    The high horse brigade wrote: »
    That's the thing, the blind isn't heavy at all. I've been on to support, they suggested changing the cog which improves things, but it's still clicking.

    Their web server authentication is a mess, I can't login and when I try reset password it tells me my account with that email doesn't exist even though I've received a device and also emails from them. The support rep i was dealing with just fcuked off also, then a few seconds later their chat was offline and I must email in my support ticket. I then closed the browser and now it's telling me my username and pass don't exist again. Fcuking amateurs, I'm demanding a refund, this is poor quality and poor customer service

    Sounds a mess. Did you just buy one unit or several?


  • #29
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    vienne86 wrote: »
    Sounds a mess. Did you just buy one unit or several?

    No, just one but it cost €72 all in with a set of rechargable batteries and shipping. Don't waste your money, this is not a finished product


  • #30
    vienne86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,076 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    The high horse brigade wrote: »
    No, just one but it cost €72 all in with a set of rechargable batteries and shipping. Don't waste your money, this is not a finished product

    Hmm. I'll certainly have to think about it. A clicking noise per se would not bother me if the blind would go up and down OK.


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  • #31
    FrankGrimes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,032 ✭✭✭FrankGrimes


    vienne86 wrote: »
    Hmm. I'll certainly have to think about it. A clicking noise per se would not bother me if the blind would go up and down OK.

    Was keeping an eye on this as it doesn’t seem anyone has nailed blinds automation well (reasonable cost:performance ratio) yet. Alas, sounds like another crowdsource product released before it’s ready. I’ve been bitten enough times to now finally be able to ignore the promise of crowdsource products until they have shipped and are proven. Pity.


  • #32
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    The high horse brigade wrote: »
    Got the Teptron Move, installed it, played with it for a few minutes and I've already decided to return it. It struggles under battery power but is fine when I run a micro usb cable. It also makes a clicking noise when closing the blind. Not impressed at all, especially at that money.
    I was also under the impression that I could connect it to Google home or home assistant but I can't with this one, this is most likely my own fault that I didn't research well enough.

    The MOVE (Bluetooth only) cant be used with Alexa/GH/Hub etc. The MOVEZ will be able to, but hasn't launched yet.

    The clicking means the chain is slipping. If you use the metal cog and have it setup so its not to loose then it should work fine. As I said earlier, it would slip for me on the original plastic cog, since they shipped the metal one they dont click or skip.


  • #33
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    Davy wrote: »
    The MOVE (Bluetooth only) cant be used with Alexa/GH/Hub etc. The MOVEZ will be able to, but hasn't launched yet.

    The clicking means the chain is slipping. If you use the metal cog and have it setup so its not to loose then it should work fine. As I said earlier, it would slip for me on the original plastic cog, since they shipped the metal one they dont click or skip.

    The metal one made no difference, it still clicked, just not as much as the plastic cog but still annoying. This is an unfinished product and will never have it's issues resolved as they're putting their effort into Movez. I'm even having issues with the app failing to connect straight away.


  • #34
    lardarse
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 121 ✭✭lardarse


    If you have broadlink this might be an option.


    Alexa and Smartphone capability - several customers have adapted the controller to work with Alexa. To achieve this they use Broadlink RM Pro along with the Tasker plug in app.

    Easier and cheaper still, with a Sonoff RF bridge device currently selling: Ebay item number 292289957822 for around 12 pounds and by downloading the free accompanying app you can directly link with Alexa for voice commands. Additionally, control your blinds with your smartphone from anywhere worldwide. Timed operations are also available through the app.

    could be a cheap option for £35
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VERTICAL-BLIND-Security-Controller-Alexa-Smart-Phone-Capable-Light-Sensor/253316191474?hash=item3afad254f2:g:aSkAAOSwax5YqDq4


  • #35
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    lardarse wrote: »
    If you have broadlink this might be an option.


    Alexa and Smartphone capability - several customers have adapted the controller to work with Alexa. To achieve this they use Broadlink RM Pro along with the Tasker plug in app.

    Easier and cheaper still, with a Sonoff RF bridge device currently selling: Ebay item number 292289957822 for around 12 pounds and by downloading the free accompanying app you can directly link with Alexa for voice commands. Additionally, control your blinds with your smartphone from anywhere worldwide. Timed operations are also available through the app.

    could be a cheap option for £35
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VERTICAL-BLIND-Security-Controller-Alexa-Smart-Phone-Capable-Light-Sensor/253316191474?hash=item3afad254f2:g:aSkAAOSwax5YqDq4


    Bare in mind:
    Note that this controller is not suitable for Roller or Roman Blinds

    The MOVE can do timed control while away, just not interaction outside the Bluetooth range.


  • #36
    vienne86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,076 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    I'm just wondering what sort of a chain anyone has used with this. Mine is a regular plastic beeded chain, and as I have a USB right beside it, the power isn't an issue for me. I would LOVE this to be a success.....but wouldn't we all???? It is just what I want.


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  • #37
    kuang1
    Registered Users Posts: 3,458 ✭✭✭kuang1


    Apologies for resurrecting an old thread...

    I'm building a house, and have got the electrician to wire for motorised blinds.
    I mistakenly assumed that voice activated smart roller blinds would be fairly easy to get my hands on.
    The whole thing has me confused however!

    Smart blinds exist that are battery operated, but can anyone point me in the direction of somewhere I can get smart blinds to connect to the mains?


  • #38
    Ush1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,476 ✭✭✭✭Ush1


    kuang1 wrote: »
    Apologies for resurrecting an old thread...

    I'm building a house, and have got the electrician to wire for motorised blinds.
    I mistakenly assumed that voice activated smart roller blinds would be fairly easy to get my hands on.
    The whole thing has me confused however!

    Smart blinds exist that are battery operated, but can anyone point me in the direction of somewhere I can get smart blinds to connect to the mains?

    If you had non-smart motorised blinds you could just add on the likes of a sonoff switch to make them smart.


  • #39
    kuang1
    Registered Users Posts: 3,458 ✭✭✭kuang1


    Ush1 wrote: »
    If you had non-smart motorised blinds you could just add on the likes of a sonoff switch to make them smart.

    Would these be capable of getting the blinds to stop in a half open position I wonder?
    Or does a sonoff switch only have the capability of completing a circuit or breaking it?

    Come to think of it do motorised blinds only rotate in one direction? Because if they did then problem solved.
    That is to say, the blind rotates in one direction only and when all of the blind is released, the continued rotation would then regather the blind and raise it back up unless it was stopped....


  • #40
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    kuang1 wrote: »

    Smart blinds exist that are battery operated, but can anyone point me in the direction of somewhere I can get smart blinds to connect to the mains?

    The ones linked earlier in the thread can be powered directly. You could just charge the battery ones as a fall back from the mains


    kuang1 wrote: »
    Come to think of it do motorised blinds only rotate in one direction? Because if they did then problem solved.
    That is to say, the blind rotates in one direction only and when all of the blind is released, the continued rotation would then regather the blind and raise it back up unless it was stopped....

    The motor goes in forward and reverse.


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