Hey everyone, I wanted to share my recent experience with modifying a traditional remote control to work with a smart relay. I’ve been looking for ways to integrate my older home automation systems with modern smart devices, and this project turned out to be a great success!
The Challenge
I have these beautiful sunblinds all around my house, controlled by two remote controls. Unfortunately, the motor units are from a 12-year-old system, and they don’t support any smart functionality. I tried using some ASUN650 KaKu devices, but they didn’t work since the control units are built into the motor. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
The Solution
I came across the idea of modding the remote control by connecting the push button contacts to a smart relay. After some research and experimentation, I managed to set it up successfully! Here’s what I did:
- Identify the Contacts: I carefully opened the remote control and identified the push button contacts. This was a bit tricky, but with some patience, I got it.
- Connect to Smart Relay: I soldered wires to the contacts and connected them to a smart relay. This allowed me to control the remote via my smart home system.
- Testing: I tested the setup multiple times to ensure it works reliably. It’s been running smoothly for a few weeks now!
Why This Matters
For those with older systems like mine, this is a great way to bring them into the smart home era without replacing the entire setup. It’s cost-effective and preserves the functionality of the existing equipment.
Tips for Others
- Start Small: If you’re new to hardware modifications, start with a simple project like this.
- Research Compatibility: Make sure your smart relay is compatible with the voltage and current of your remote control.
- Safety First: Always disconnect power before working on electrical components.
Conclusion
This project gave me a great sense of accomplishment, and it’s been a joy to see my old sunblinds working seamlessly with my smart home setup. If anyone has similar challenges or questions, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to share more details!
Happy tinkering! 