Z-Wave for drapes

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rgspb
Posts: 220
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:42 am
Location: Florida

Z-Wave for drapes

Post by rgspb »

I've got a standard set of drapes that I would like to automate using Z-Wave. It seems like there are a lot of different methods out there for using multiple devices and technologies. What is the simplest way to control these using Z-Wave?
agame
Posts: 514
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 10:29 pm
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Z-Wave for drapes

Post by agame »

are they already motorised? or are you needing both motorisation and indigo integration?
rgspb
Posts: 220
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:42 am
Location: Florida

Re: Z-Wave for drapes

Post by rgspb »

Not motorized, just standard string loop
agame
Posts: 514
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 10:29 pm
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Z-Wave for drapes

Post by agame »

ok I'll kick off my thoughts since no-one else has.

- I cant speak for any integrated zwave<>curtain solutions - they tend to be niche, and regionally specific as zwave solutions. have been to date, - everything I've personally done has been adding connectivity to an otherwise stand-alone motorisation solution . If you can find a full package that works with both your windows and Indigo, no doubt life will be easy.
- if you separate the motor selection from the z-wave integration, all you need to look for is either (A) a 'bare-wire' motor - and use one of several motor control zwave modules that work fine with indigo [eg. fibaro]; or (B) a motor with a dry-contact controller interface to which you can any of several modules supporting dry contacts. Option B most likely would come with a RF remote control...so RFXTRX becomes another integration path; option A requires more config but you should be able to achieve awareness of the %open of the curtains.
- just to complicate things in addition to RF, there are other options (eg Shelly/wifi) for motor control, or dry contract relays.

soo much choice! I'd start with finding a motor that integrates best with your window hardware.
rgspb
Posts: 220
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:42 am
Location: Florida

Re: Z-Wave for drapes

Post by rgspb »

Thanks. That was my fear, that there’s no single solution like there is for shades. I’ll take a look at all these choices and see what fits my needs best!
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