Rather than the percentages, it’s actually knowing if your shade did indeed move. There can be a number of things that prevent it from moving from random signal interference to the bridge disconnecting. Also the higher cost is partially for a reputable brand (Graber, over 80 years and second largest custom window covering manufacturer in north america) using a reputable motor (Somfy) and ease of use with pretty much any z-wave hub out there.
We have done testing with the Broadlink Rm Pro and it pretty much works with everything but getting it integrated with another home automation system is more trouble than it’s worth for regular consumers so it was abandoned.
For the others even if I wanted to I can’t on the one’s I am aware of. While they are certified we are under non disclosure agreements since we are working with them and until something is set in stone officially I can’t name them.There’s currently 4 different bridges being tested. One of them is already out in the wild and 2 are set for first quarter 2018. The last one is something we are working on internally.
Sorry to keep harping on this, but I think the major comparison point is that graber shades with integrated z-wave can be purchased today and leviosa shades can’t.
If you don’t need shades now, it could be worth the wait. But you never know, maybe this yet-to-be released feature doesn’t work out.
I got two graber roller shades last summer for my bedroom. Took me a little while to get the hang of the pairing procedure. But since then they’ve been working great.
I got three cellular shades for my living room more recently. This time I paired them easily. I really like the control as a dimmer switch.
Seems then only 1 other in the market, and several others are “coming soon”. For the benefit of the forum, and since you state the 1 is already publicly disclosed (“out in the wild”) so NDA no longer applies, please name it. No luck so far trying to find it with basic web search.
Looks like 2018 will be a great year for smart controllers options!
I have somfy virtual cord zwave motors that came with my signature series blinds. Will the same procedure described in the video for adding blinds to smartthings work for me?
Solar adapters on motor shades are over-hyped. First, they are pricey, adding significantly to the system cost vs. plain battery systems. Second: Sure, they work - when positioned perfectly on a SE facing window in Arizona. But when your windows are on the wrong side of your house, or when you live in an average photovoltaic location, or if you don’t cover a good portion of your windows with photo cells, they often don’t keep your rechargeable motor shade batteries topped off. So you just spent alot of money and are still recharging batteries all the time. Most people don’t realize how little energy the new motor shades consume (standby current is micro-amps!), mitigating any benefit from solar.
Most people will be better off hard-wiring their motor shades or buying the systems with large D-Size cell batteries (several now available) that last 3+ years (and replace for only $10). And they save their money to buy more shades.
Worked perfectly. Thanks. Probably obvious but I just didn’t realize at first that I had to push in the center on the far right on the blinds. I initially was pushing the top right corner. Hope this helps someone else!
Can you please include links for all the companies that have the D cells, are ST compatible, and provide real-time updates to ST (opened, closed, etc.?) Thanks
Hi Smartie-
I don’t know the entire landscape, but Leviosa and Serena both take D-cell batteries. Most others do not take D cells, and require AA (expensive Li AA!) that are 7 times LOWER energy. I used to get 4 months with my old shades on AA (I use them everyday). Now I am getting 2+ years and counting with D cells - still have not changed them out.
Options exist for real-time updates, but they tend to be very expensive as they require 2-way comm and accounting for EACH shade.
Comes down to a choice - pay lots more $$ for real-time update, or pay far less for a controller to send a signal that works pretty much all the time. Mine are 100% — shades have never missed a command I have sent. And I love the daily settings the controllers all have with ST - can even link to sunrise/sunset in your geography. Easy Easy (and inexpensive!).
I am considering installing the motorized blinds in my remodel - currently our house is down the studs and I’d like to potentially use hardwired electricity or use POE to connect to the DC. Can you provide more information or point me in that direction on the power options? Has anyone used POE ? What is voltage requirement? Looks like 12v adapter?
I saw in the video that you have to repair the button as a secondary remote for the blinds, after connecting it to smartthings. What about the Master, Single Channel Remote? How do you add that as a Secondary controller to multiple blinds? Is there a special procedure?
Has any one tried powering these off a lithium ion power bank like those used for phone or computers? Mine use a micros connector so should just plus right in.
We haven’t really tested it with one. You would have to make sure the battery pack can provide 12v at 1.6 - 2A. Also voids warranty if anything goes wrong.
I got 3 shades from Zebrablinds. I have no financial relationship. I just am a customer who found them on this forum. Although I wish because now I was to order several more.
The shades are great. I got them set up relatively hassle free. I used the Smart Light app to shut them at bed time and open them in the morning. So far so good. I am a bit worried about battery life and the lithium aa batteries are not cheap. I wish there was a rechargeable battery.
However, if I get a year out of them I will be super happy.
