Close
0%
0%

Automated Window Blinds

My classic automated window blinds project that integrates into the blinds and is hidden.

Similar projects worth following
An arduino based intelligent motorize window blinds system. It's a low cost and simple design that's pretty much a drop in replacement for the manual crank.

Link to original project post: http://homeawesomation.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/automated-window-blinds-with-arduino/

Stand back witness a very cool project that literally took me less than an hour to prototype. And the prototype isn’t that far from the complete project. For a long time now I wanted automated window blinds, because to me, blinds are pretty useless on their own. I don’t open them when it’s sunny, and if I do, I forget to close them for privacy when it’s dark. Can’t this just happen for me? Like come on.

There are solutions available but my theme is cheap. If I had to pay for premium home automation, I simply wouldn’t do it. I may be lazy but I’m even more so cheap.

I successfully converted existing blinds in my house to automated blinds with many features for about $35-40. The blinds themselves cost about $35-40. So all in all this is a cheap upgrade for what you get.

What my blinds do (aka what sensors does it have). My window blinds will:

  • Open when it’s day light, and close when the sun goes down. This is accomplished EASILY with a $1 Light Dependent Resistor.
  • Will close partially when it’s a very hot day. Accomplished by a $1 Thermal sensor model TMP36.
  • Open or close blinds to any degree I wish using my logitech harmony remote (or any remote), accomplished by an IR Receiver for $1.
  • Open “manually” by pulling on existing pull string (modified) or by waving hand near top of blind using a IR motion sensor

  • 1 × 2" Venetian Blinds (Faux or Real Wood)
  • 1 × Arduino UNO or preferably an Arduino Mini
  • 1 × Servo (Any standard RC car servo should do)
  • 1 × Photocell / Light Dependent Resistor
  • 1 × 10k resistor

View all 7 components

View all 6 project logs

Enjoy this project?

Share

Discussions

Davido Hyer wrote 09/16/2014 at 15:27 point
​There is now an automated blind retrofit kit on kickstarter.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/551966671/automate-your-blinds-with-a-smart-control-kit-in-1

  Are you sure? yes | no

DominicM wrote 07/18/2014 at 16:35 point
Your project could work very nicely with my own project. I added a section mentioning something that is essentially your project and how it could integrate. What do you think? http://hackaday.io/project/1911-Automated-multi-function-light

  Are you sure? yes | no

Home Awesomation wrote 07/24/2014 at 01:05 point
Nice, I've thought of that myself. I think a good light and motion sensor combo would be a good stand-alone input for many home automation things, especially maintaining a consistent light level by leveraging dimmable lights and natural light.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Jasmine Brackett wrote 06/12/2014 at 17:10 point
Hello ssshake.

I noticed that you tagged this project with TheHackadayPrize. We've updated the submission process for The Hackaday Prize, so if you want to officially enter this project - login and use the 'submit to' under your project images on the left hand side.

Although your write up on your blog has a lot more info, you should think about taking that a tailoring the content for our competition. Even an overview in the description field would help. Give more details on how it is 'connected'. You can also embed your videos here.

We're starting community judging soon, so now is the time to make sure you've added all the details to the project to give it the best chance of winning a prize.

I'd like to do something like this with the blinds in my projects (spare) room. Also, we are soon going to have some curated collections on Hackaday Projects, so if you spruce up this project page I can add this to Home Hacks.

Got any questions? Give me a shout. Good luck

  Are you sure? yes | no

hday wrote 06/26/2014 at 22:02 point
I can't seem to submit, my account looks a little borked. When I click on my projects it's empty.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Jasmine Brackett wrote 06/26/2014 at 22:23 point
hday, I have replied on your profile page.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Home Awesomation wrote 07/24/2014 at 01:06 point
np, I'm set, thanks.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Similar Projects

Does this project spark your interest?

Become a member to follow this project and never miss any updates