alternative wiring
https://www.avforums.com/attachments/upload_2017-8-24_15-52-24-png.902162/
Official documentation
https://www.avforums.com/attachments/upload_2017-8-24_15-57-25-png.902165/
Hi Chaps
Im in the same boat. I am considering a 5100(x) but cant believe it is so much hassle connecting to alexa. Can the controls such as the wall button not be hacked or do we know if the Radio Remote Tech can be emulated by another product.
Good info, AngarMgmt.
Has anyone actually tried using those connections to control the rail?
I've used the wiring diagrams to connect a relay board. I now have control of opening and closing via my home automation system
Great news, that's what I'm planning to do, glad to hear it works as advertised. I intend to use a couple of relays controlled from an ESP8266 board.
I presume you just have 2 relays, one to activate "clockwise" and the other to activate "anticlockwise"? Which of the 2 schematics worked for you?
Yes, you need a pair of relays. The official documentation worked for me. I have it set that the appropriate relay closes the contact and then opens after a second. The motor continues to operate until the curtain is fully closed/fully open. I haven't determined a way to partial open/close.
Good to know, thanks. I can't imagine needing anything other than fully open or closed, so that works for me.
Where did you get the info from in the first place?
Would anyone be kind enough to do a very brief tutorial. It would be much appreciated
I'd really like to automate the curtains through Alexa, and maybe my phone. I understand the electrics of 2 relays.
It's the software/home automation part that goes over my head. From seeing both of your posts, I gather you can buy wifi enabled relay boards, but how does Alexa control it? Do you need another smart home hub?
Any help would really be appredciated.
Thanks
I hadn't planned to use Alexa, my home automation is based upon a Raspberry Pi running some software called Node Red.
Do you have any experience using an Arduino or similar? If so, you can get Alexa talking directly to an ESP8266 device (which is similar the more commonly known Arduino but with WiFi built in). That device can then react to the Alexa commands and operate the relays to open and close your curtains.
Have a read of this and, if it seems within your understanding, I might be able to suggest some pointers - Overview | Easy Alexa (Echo) Control of your ESP8266 Huzzah | Adafruit Learning System