After lights, one of the easiest and cheapest items to automate the house without getting a full upgrade of curtains is to get one of Switchbot's Curtain Rod 2. This curtain opener and closer that can open with your standard automation commands. Wake up in the morning to fresh sunlight without having to get up. Close the curtain when it's raining or cloudy. This little gadget will open those curtains (as long as it's on a rod-see product specifics for the rod type). Getting a fully automated curtain can easily cost upwards of $500 (I've got one). If you have 2 Curtain bots, you can program them to control both at once so that each curtain on the left and right open and close from the middle.
Overall the setup requires the Switchbot MiniHub or Hub 2. Setup is simple to do. Attaching the device onto the curtain is simple. Hook it up so the light sensor is at the window, and lift the roller onto hanging hooks.
Automated Control is through the app. You can have it open or close completely, or only to a certain percentage open. However if you tug on the curtain enough, the Switchbot curtain will detect that it's moving along and move to completely open and close the curtain. All it needs is a bit of a tug and the device will do the rest of the work.
I've had this one a few types of curtains. It does really well with shears (50% opacity?) since they're lightweight. But it has some trouble with heavy curtains such as the full length 84" or 92" full blackout curtains.
Battery life is around 2 months for the heavier weight curtains. However, Switchbot also offers a solar panel to charge the switchbot so it is always topped off with a charge. Switchbot Curtain is not the only product that works with window coverings - they also have the blind tilt that rotates blind rods.
This is a simple and cheap way to give your home automation a bump.
Disclosure - When you buy something through our site, we may earn some compensation by clicking through on our affiliate links. See our Disclaimer
Finding Synology NASIn the past way long ago, I was lured into the expensive black hole called photography. I had one of the most popular DSLR cameras at the time (Nikon D90), and with it came RAW files that processing of large files on multiple computers brought about a new challenge. Where to store all
Read MoreA green, lush lawn is often seen as a symbol of a well kept house. However, maintaining a traditional grass lawn can be time-consuming, costly, and environmentally taxing. With the rise of sustainable landscaping practices, homeowners are turning to alternative options, such as clover lawns. More…Grass LawnsGrass lawns have been the standard for many years, and
Read MoreWe usually have a lot of parties or gatherings here at the house. Most of the events or gatherings usually start in the early afternoon and more and more people come as the time continues. The sun sets and the backyard gets darker, but the party continues. It’s time to switch on the lights. Backyards
Read MoreOutside it’s nice and warm, and a small slight breeze. Kids are out of school and weekends are great for coming together with the family and spend time together. Kids are running around, and the adults are having their cocktail. The sun is starting to set and it’s time to break out the equipment and
Read MoreWell we have to start somewhere, so might as well start from one of the more basic projects being done at the house. We’ll be calling this house Avalon, and it was bought with not much work done on it by the previous owner, and whatever work was done, there were a lot of design
Read MoreRain barrels have many benefits. They are Eco friendly by saving water. Saved water can be used for plants, gardens, or lawns. And when municipal water sources are talking about droughts, rain barrels will help with the water supply. And they will help save on bills by reducing the amount of water used for daily usage. Rain barrels also help with storm water management by diverting water that could potentially run off the property and flood the local storm water drains, and also help with preventing erosion. Read on to see how you can set up your own rain barrels.
Read More
0 comments