I recently decided to automate my blinds to open at sunrise and close at sunset, and I thought I’d share my journey and solution with the community. While I found the standard controls somewhat limited, I managed to create a simple yet effective setup using a SmartApp. Here’s how I did it:
First, I connected my Z-Wave blind controller (Zipato Micro Module Motor Control) to my system. It integrated seamlessly, and all functions worked as expected. However, the challenge was automating the blinds based on sunrise and sunset times, which wasn’t directly supported by the default controls.
I explored various SmartApps but didn’t find one that met my needs. Since I have a technical background, albeit a bit rusty, I decided to write a custom script. The script calculates the sunrise and sunset times based on my location and adjusts the blind schedule accordingly. It’s a straightforward solution that doesn’t require advanced coding skills.
Here’s a quick overview of the script:
- Location Setup: Enter your latitude and longitude to get accurate sunrise and sunset times.
- Time Adjustment: Add or subtract minutes to align the blind movements with your preferences.
- Automation: The script triggers the blinds to open at sunrise and close at sunset, with a slight delay to account for daylight saving changes.
I’m happy to share the script with anyone interested. It’s been running smoothly for a few weeks now, and it’s been a great addition to my home automation setup. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out!
Happy automating! 