I’ve been working on this DIY smart blinds project for around 9 months now, and I’m thrilled to share my journey and solution with the community. Inspired by @jetpuf’s implementation using the ESP8266, my solution had to be a bit more creative to achieve low power consumption, enabling it to run on batteries and allowing for solar recharging with a small, discrete solar panel.
My Solution
The core of my setup is a central ‘hub’ that’s always connected to WiFi, enabling communication with the blinds. These blinds are generally in a low-power sleep mode and only awaken when they receive a command from the hub via 915Mhz RF. Here’s a breakdown of the components:
- Hub: A WeMos D1 Mini paired with an RF shield (using RFM69W) and a 915Mhz antenna.
- Blind Controller: A Moteino from lowpowerlab.com, which also includes an RFM69W module.
- Custom Circuit Board: Handles battery management, solar charging, servo output, and momentary switch input.
Features
- Fully Self-Contained: No need for wired power sources.
- Precision Control: Capable of moving to 180 different set points.
- Customizable Positions: Set a standard “Close” position and define a custom “Open” position.
- Manual Override: Users can manually open or close the blinds.
- Group and Universal Commands: Send commands to specific groups or all blinds simultaneously.
- Battery Life: Theoretical 8.9-year life on a 2200mAh LiPo battery, with quick charging via a small solar panel.
- Status Reporting: Real-time updates on battery voltage, percentage, charger status, and any errors.
Implementation
The design involved creating a custom Moteino shield, which I’m currently offering on Tindie. The system also includes a 3D-printed gearbox, gear set, and solar panel case for a sleek, integrated look. Special thanks go to @jetpuf for allowing me to adapt his gearbox design and to the LowPowerLabs community for their invaluable support during the coding phase.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the key challenges was optimizing the power consumption to ensure long battery life. This required meticulous design of the sleep/wake cycles and efficient RF communication. The use of a solar panel for charging was another critical aspect, ensuring the system remains sustainable without frequent battery replacements.
Outcome
Seeing the system come together and function seamlessly has been incredibly rewarding. It not only enhances my home’s automation capabilities but also serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration and innovative problem-solving.
If you’re considering a similar project, I highly recommend exploring the resources and forums for insights and support. Happy tinkering! 