Overview
In this chapter, we will explore how to automate the electric blinds in a home. With this type of equipment installed, we can create various automations that improve our daily routines. For example, every night at 10:00 PM, the blinds can close automatically.
Or in the morning, the blinds can open 5% to help wake us up gently.
Next, we will look at the types of equipment that can be used in this case study.
Shutters: DIY Smart Switches or Wall Smart Switches?
Just like with lighting, SONOFF also offers DIY modules or Smart Wall Switches for blinds control.
Here is the list below:
DIY Smart Switches for blinds control
Are small smart modules used to turn a retrofit switch into a smart switch.
How does it work in practice? It’s quite simple: just remove the wall switch, place the module inside following the wiring diagram, and connect the retrofit switch to the module. This way, you’ll be able to control the lighting circuit through Alexa, Google, and the eWeLink app.
Currently, SONOFF offers two options for DIY Smart Switches for shutters.
| Communication Technologies | Product designation | |
| Matter Over WI-FI | |
|
| WI-FI | |
|
Smart Wall Switches
On the other hand, we have smart switches that completely replace traditional ones.
These products are generally sought after by those looking to replace all the switches in their home, or by people building a new house who choose to install this type of smart switch from the start.
SONOFF Has the following product for blinds control using smart wall switches.
| NOTE: Only the 3-gang version has the ability for blinds control at 1.3.1 above |
| Communication Technologies | Product designation | |
| WI-FI | SONOFF TX Ultimate (3-gang version) | |
| Matter Over WI-FI | Fusion Series—Orb-RBS | |
Practical use case
In this case study, looking at the layout of our home, we want to automate the blinds. We will divide this use case into three possibilities:
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For those who want to use DIY switches
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For those who want DIY with an ERBS enclosure
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For those who want to use Smart Wall Switches
Requirement: Use a zigbee Gateway. There's several options that SONOFF has to offer. You can choose the SONOFF Zigbee Bridge Pro for create and add zigbee devices, or you can choose more advanced gateways with more features. Because in this scenario we want use the SONOFF devices in other platforms, like Apple Homekit or SmartThings through Matter-Bridge, we'll opt for the SONOFF Bridge Ultra.
You can learn more about the zigbee protocol on the previous chapter.
For this scenario we will use as an example the following rooms: Entry, Bathroom and bedroom.
Use Case A: Control blinds using DIY Switches
For this first case, we can use two different products.
On one hand, there is the Dual R3, which is Wi-Fi compatible but slightly larger, suitable for the existing switch boxes.
Alternatively, we can opt for the MINI-RBS, a smaller module that makes installation much easier. It is also Wi-Fi compatible and, in this case, supports the Matter protocol. This means the same module can later be used with other platforms such as Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, Home Assistant, Alexa, and more.
| NOTE: In the case of the Dual R3, to control blinds, you must use the non-Lite version. |
| Product Designation | |
|
SONOFF DUAL R3 |
|
SONOFF MINI-RBS |
In this type of installation, the traditional switch is preserved. The module is installed directly in the box, behind the switch.
Use Case B: Control blinds using DIY Switches and Roller Shutter Smart Switch Enclosure (ERBS)
In this Case Study B, we assume the user still wants to use DIY solutions to control the blinds, in this case the MINI-RBS.
However, they can choose to replace the traditional switch and install it with the ERBS.
This new SONOFF product, the Roller Shutter Wall Switch Enclosure (ERBS), allows you to fit the MINI-RBS module behind it, effectively turning it into a smart wall switch.
It’s perfect for those who want a minimalist smart switch, and the installation is much simpler compared to traditional setups.
Since the MINI-RBS is a Zigbee device, we will also need use some Zigbee Gateway, for example the SONOFF Bridge Ultra gateway.
Gateway
| Product Designation | |
|
Zigbee Bridge Ultra |
DIY Smart Switch
| Product Designation | |
|
SONOFF MINI-RBS |
Roller Shutter Smart Switch Enclosure (ERBS)
| Product Designation | |
|
SONOFF ERBS |
Use Case C: Control blinds using Smart Wall Switch
For users who want to completely replace their traditional switches with smart wall switches, SONOFF offers the TX Ultimate Series.
| Communication Technologies | Product designation | |
| WI-FI | SONOFF TX Ultimate (3-gang version) | |
Conclusion
In summary, automating your home’s blinds with SONOFF solutions is both simple and flexible. Depending on your needs and the level of integration desired, you can choose DIY modules like the MINI-RBS, use the ERBS to turn the module into a smart wall switch, or completely replace traditional switches with the TX Ultimate Series. These options allow you to combine functionality, modern design, and compatibility with protocols like Wi-Fi and Matter, enhancing comfort and convenience in daily life.