Comfortable control of curtains placed in an apartment or cottage involves the use of an over-the-air signal or special rays of the infrared spectrum. To do this, the cornice is equipped with a drive that receives the command sent by the corresponding devices. Their work can be regulated in the following ways:

remote control

control button

The efficiency and coherence of such a device depends, first of all, on the power of the main element of the system - the electric drive. It is also what ensures the noise level of the curtain opening process.

System composition:

The system consists of the following components:

• base unit or controller;
• various relays and drives that execute commands;
• timers and sensors;
• remote controls, tablet, smartphone or personal computer;

The choice of control method is carried out depending on what type of system is taken as a basis.

Curtain control methods:

Remotely

In order to control the curtains from a distance, no special effort is required. Thus, the assembly of a device that allows the use of a remote system is carried out if the following products are available:

• drive;
• sensor with infrared system signal perception;
• the corresponding remote control;
• controller;

• special block management;
• sensor;
• tablet or smartphone;
• drive.

Using a button

You can also use a regular switch. This button can be placed anywhere convenient for you. So, in the bedroom this can be done next to the bedside table. The installation requires the following items:

• drive;
• buttons (switch);
• signal reception sensor.

Moreover, if a switch is installed, then it should consist of 2 keys, one of which will ensure the movement of the curtain up, and the second - down. There should also be two buttons, each of which will have its own contact group. In this case, the switches are connected to a sensor that sends commands to the drive.

The sun protection control system (automatic curtains, blinds, electric roller shutters) in the INSYTE smart home is an automated complex for controlling all types of motorized solar protection devices. Just like other smart home systems, it works automatically and according to the owner’s commands. Curtains can be controlled “manually” from switches, as well as from tablets, smartphones, and computers. Automatically, electric curtains can close in the evening before bed and open after the sun comes out. The system itself will determine the amount of sunlight and make a decision. It is possible to set the curtains to open exactly according to time or days of the week. The control of motorized blinds and roller blinds works in the same way.

Control of roller shutters when combined with a security alarm system allows them to be closed automatically when arming. Closing roller shutters at night is also often used to reduce heat loss through window structures.

What features do I get?

• control of curtains, blinds, roller shutters from an IR remote control, tablet, smartphone, computer
• standard and manual control of curtains, blinds, roller shutters from conventional or touch switches
• automatic control curtains, blinds, roller shutters with electric drive according to the scenario, depending on the time, date, event, sensor triggering
• control of curtains by time of day, light level
• control of blinds by time of day, light level
• control of roller shutters by time of day, light level
• automatic closing of roller shutters when the owners leave
• saving thermal energy

How does this work?

You, as the owner of an INSYTE smart home, can control it using any IR remote control, Apple or Android tablet and smartphone, laptop or desktop computer. It is also possible to control the curtains from switches on the wall. Commands from a smartphone or tablet via dot Wi-Fi access and then they fall into the main module, called the central controller, which in turn controls not only curtains, blinds, but also the entire smart home system. You can control all existing types of sun protection and roller shutters.

This mechanism is only suitable for string plastic or metal curtain rods. Two pulleys are installed along the edges of the cornice, onto which a string connected by a tension spring is placed in a loop. (See photo below). For better grip on the string, you can use pulleys with toothed flanges. You can also make pulleys from wood by slightly “ruffling” their grooves with a file.

The string will always move in opposite directions, and the curtains should be attached to each end using a small hook or piece of wire. (See below).

Both pulleys are fixed to a short distance from the wall using a bracket or wooden block. For rigidity, they are pressed with another bracket or bar. Small axles pass through both brackets, which are fixed with a clamp on one side and a gear rotated by a motor on the other. (See below).

To mount the motor, I made a bracket from two pieces of wood. It allows you to move the motor away from the driven gear and disengage the transmission. Since each curtain is connected to a loop, when one curtain moves, the other also moves.

Friction: friend or foe?

Friction is very important for the operation of the mechanical part of this structure. If there is too much friction, the motor may not move the shades and the pulleys will slip. If the friction in the loop created by the tension spring is too low, the motor will rotate the pulley but the string will remain stationary. I solved this problem by using an aerosol can of silicone furniture polish and rubbing it on the plastic curtain rail. To tension a string with a spring, first attach one end of the string to the spring, then pull the free end through the pulleys, and also attach to the spring using nylon cable ties or glue. (See below).

Some adjustment may be required until the mechanics work properly.

The answer to the subtitle question is: friction is both friend and foe. The string requires friction, but the motor does not. The motor with the drive connected is shown below.

The motor must be selected according to the length and weight of the curtains. I used a 12V motor sold in DIY stores. I slightly lengthened the axle using a brass adapter sleeve. The engine torque is small, but reducing the speed by the gearbox gives a proportional gain in torque. In my case, the winnings were 57:1. The gears can be lightly lubricated with machine oil or grease, but be aware that excess grease will splatter on the walls and curtains!

Settings

This is best done with the curtains open and the transmission disconnected. Pull one of the curtains. Both curtains should move easily and without jamming and meet in the middle of the cornice. If this does not work, lightly rub the cornice with silicone polish and change the fastening of the curtains with wire.

Then switch the circuit to manual mode. With the curtains open, press the close button. While the button is pressed, the curtains will close, and will stop as soon as the button is released. Now press the open button. The curtains should move in the same way, but now in the opposite direction. If everything works out fine, take a watch and measure the time it takes to open and close the curtains. The motor should be fairly slow and run for a few seconds. (My curtains close in 3 seconds, although my room is small).

At the end, open the curtains, turn the tuning resistor P1 to the minimum resistance position, and set the switch S3 to the automatic mode position. Press the close button, the motor will turn on for a second or so and the curtains will begin to close. Switch to manual mode, increase P1 slightly, return to automatic mode and press the close button again. Repeat these steps until you find the right time to close the curtains. Now press the open button (with S3 set to manual mode), and set time the curtains should open completely.

Conclusion

If you have problems with this circuit, first determine whether they are mechanical or electrical. Mechanical problems occur both manually and automatic mode, and are determined by the mechanism for opening/closing curtains as a whole.

If the problem is electrical, check the power supply first, then the L1 and L2 indicators. If nothing works at all, put together a simple relay circuit for manual control from the first part of the article, and then return to the circuit for automatic control.

Automation of your home includes, one of which is curtain control. I can use curtains in a “smart home” automatically close at nightfall and open in the morning, respond to changes indoors and outdoors, and simulate presence to ensure home security during long trips. By customizing the controls to suit your needs, you can wake up to the rays of the sun, enjoying them without getting out of bed.

Possibilities for controlling curtains in a “smart home”

When arranging a “smart home,” people often don’t even think about controlling curtains, although this is a very convenient automation function.

Management options include the following:

1. The curtains close automatically when given parameters: the onset of darkness on the street, turning on the lights in the house, at the time set by the owner. Curtains can be closed if the owner leaves the house. All this allows you not to think about such trifles and intervene in the process only if necessary, for example, wanting to look at the starry sky.
2. The curtains open in the morning, respond to light from the street or a command from the control center, which is given the task of opening them at a certain hour. Sensors installed indoors and outdoors allow the control center to command the curtains to open if the house is much darker than outside.
3. The effect of presence. During long journeys, the safety of property is ensured by a security company and presence sensors, but the ability to control the curtains allows you to even prevent intruders from thinking about breaking in. At certain hours they will automatically open, simulating the presence of a person, and then close back.

Depending on the time of year and weather, the curtains can automatically close when the sun is scorching, reducing heating of the room and reducing energy costs for the operation of the air conditioning system. Despite the fact that there is no difficulty in closing the curtains yourself, by automating this process you can save time and not be distracted from the movie if the bright sun suddenly prevents you from watching it.

Types of “smart curtains”

There are several varieties of “smart curtains”, which allows you to choose the appropriate option, depending on the preferences of the owner. Types include:

1. Blinds. They can be vertical, horizontal or rolled. In some versions, in addition to lifting, there is a height adjustment function.
2. Lifting curtains. Ideal for unusually shaped windows, there are different designs available to suit people of all financial backgrounds.
3. Sliding curtains. A classic option, which at first glance is difficult to distinguish from ordinary curtains. They move horizontally along the cornice due to an electric drive.

The choice of the appropriate option depends on several factors:

• the amount available to the owner of the house;
• the premises in which the equipment is planned to be installed;
• type of window and its shape;
• individual preferences of the owner.

Correctly selected curtains will provide maximum comfort and will allow you not to think about the need to constantly open and close the curtains manually.

Required Equipment and Controls

All control of curtains in a smart home comes from single center, to which all sensors and equipment are connected. The owner can program a specific mode or control the curtains via touchpad, remote control, computer. will allow you to close and open curtains while away from home, which adds convenience to using this function.

For remote control curtains you will need a variety of equipment, its types and complexity depend on the functions that you plan to use. “Smart curtains” are based on an electric curtain rod equipped with a special cable. The built-in electric drive allows you to move the position of the curtains without any physical effort, and if necessary, completely entrust the entire process to the equipment. The equipment is quite easy to install and fits almost anywhere.

Automation of curtains in the house is a convenient function that adds comfort when living in a “smart home”. Installation of equipment takes little time and does not require repairs after installation.