Z-Wave + integrated blinds/shades: Custom Graber Virtual Cord Shades

Hello,
I received and installed two z-wave motorized shades from Zebrablinds today. I ordered blackout roller shades for the basement where I have my TV in order to cut out the glare on the TV during the day. The blinds were relatively easy to install. One bracket on each end. Install the battery pack and they are up. Took longer to find my tools than to do the install.

We decided to order inside mount shades as the window frame/casing is very deep and that’s what my wife preferred. We mounted them fairly deep in the frame close to the window and behind the old cellular blinds mounted at the front of the window frame/casing. For now we have kept the old shades up so we can have either option of blackout or some sun. The old blinds also act as a valence as I chose to order the roller shades without the additional valence.

The programming was done just as described in the zebrablind youtube video but I had to watch it a couple of times to get the exact sequence right. My blinds joined Smartthings as a generic on/off switch. I went into the IDE and edited the device to make it a generic dimmer switch so I could get the “open 50%” option to work.

I integrated them with Alexa and now I can say “Alexa, Shades On” or “Shades Off” or “Shades to 50%” to my echo dot and the shades will go up or down.

There is a gap of about 1/2 inch between the window casing and the left and right sides of the blinds. I will have to wait until daylight to see how much light leakage comes from the sides. I could potentially put in some sort of decorative side curtains to block the light on the side gaps. I could have also considered ordering shades that would have mounted on the wall in front of the window to get better coverage but given the choice of function or looking the way she wants…my wife will always pick the latter…so that means whatever I do I have to convince her it was her idea. :slight_smile:

The remote comes with a small clear bracket to mount the remote to the wall next to the shades. I thought that was a great idea to keep them organized and in a logical spot. My wife announced it was the worst idea ever so they are not installed. I think we will mainly use voice commands for remote control so the remotes are going in a drawer never to be found again I think. There is a button on the shades themselves that will allow manual control anyway.

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