Let's consider the operating principle of the automation system circuit. Let's say the curtain is in the open state and the Limit Switch GC2 is in the on state. If you press the KH2 "" button, then nothing will happen, since the button is shorted to ground by the closed contacts of the reed switch GC2. If you briefly press the KH1 “↓” button, the transistor VT1 will open with the current flowing through the resistor R1. Relay P1 will operate. Using contacts P1.1, the relay will supply power to the electric motor and the curtain will begin to lower. At the same time, contacts P1.2 will break the power supply circuit of the KH1 button and block the operation of the KH2 button. When the curtain is lowered to the lower position, sensor GC1 will operate and turn off relay P1 - the device will stop in standby mode. The device operates in a similar mode and when moving upward when contacts P2.1 are triggered, the motor will rotate in the other direction. If you need to stop the curtain in any intermediate position, then pressing the KH3 “Stop” button will de-energize the relay, respectively, turning off the engine and setting the device to standby mode.
The circuit is powered by a bridge rectifier that rectifies an alternating voltage of 18 Volts from the secondary winding of transformer T1. A 0.5 A fuse is installed in the mains voltage supply circuit. The electric motor was powered by a separate stabilizer on a KREN5 microcircuit mounted on a powerful radiator. Subsequently, a 24-volt electric motor from the printer was installed and the circuit took the form shown. It turns out that all motors in electric screwdrivers, screwdrivers, toys and printers are unified in size and mounting.
Device details
Silicon transistors of medium or high power n-p-n structures. Relay series RES9 passport RS4524200. VD ordinary rectifier diodes are required to be installed. Any buttons to open. Capacitor in the filter with a capacity of 500-100vra for 50 volts. Any bridge rectifier for a current of 3-4A.
The installation was carried out by hand using a hinged method on the relay contacts; the relays themselves are installed on a textolite board. The controls, transformer and electronics are housed in a suitable housing. A DB9 type socket is installed on the case for connecting a connector with a cable for supplying signals from sensors and powering the motor motor. See photo.
The homemade curtain has been working reliably for three years now. The automation circuit can be successfully used to control other devices, for example, electrified lifts Garage Doors various designs it is permissible to control according to this scheme. In the future, it is planned to make automatic control of the Roman blind on the Arduino board with the implementation remote control via IR remote control and automatic operation from the light sensor. An example of how the curtain works in its current state is shown in the video
You can make electric blinds with your own hands. First determine the size of the curtain. To do this, you will need to measure the window frame or sashes. The length of the blinds must match the parameters of the frame. It is allowed to increase this indicator for curtains (compared to the frame) by 8-12 cm. You will need to leave 2 cm for allowances. The width of the blinds should be equal to the same indicator as the frame.
Main works
Making electric curtains with your own hands is done using fabric, a stapler, a tape measure, a level, and an electric screwdriver. The next stage involves cutting the fabric. You will need 2 patterns - for the back and for the front side. The pieces are joined inside out and stitched. The curtain turns inside out. The resulting gap is sutured and smoothed. Experts recommend using fabric of the same color.
Types of drive control for blinds.
Blinds are attached to wooden beam, the length of which should be 1 cm less than the width of the curtain. To do this, spread the fabric on a flat surface (wrong side up). Make an indent of 5 cm on top. Then lay finished timber. The support is wrapped in fabric. The wood and canvas are fixed with a stapler. In order for the rail to pull the curtain, you will need to make a pocket for it. The edge of the canvas is folded 3 cm. The beam is threaded into this pocket.
An electric drive is used to raise/lower the blinds. It can be purchased at finished form or do it yourself. The last method involves the use of an electric screwdriver, bits, and a bit extension. Initially, the screwdriver is disassembled. She is powered by 3 batteries with A4 format. Battery compartment disconnect, the power wires are extended by 2-2.5 m. The electric motor and gearbox need to be improved. This is due to the fact that the main electric drive will need to be installed in a narrow window space. In this case, modification of the device involves shortening its body.
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Rules for choosing a motor
Installation of roller blinds with electric drive.
The drive is easily connected to the curtain with your own hands. The corresponding gland is provided with a bit fixing extension. The first element is installed at the end of the blind winding housing. First remove the standard plug. This procedure is carried out in such a way that the oil seal is tightly fixed at the end.
The device is mounted to a building bracket attached to the frame. Initially, the electric curtain drive is fixed using ties. Then the fasteners are replaced with brackets. If the motor is installed, install the blinds in a horizontal position.
The operation of the structure can be controlled using a reversing switch located on the power supply.
You can make blinds with an electric drive, presented in the form of a motor with a gearbox. When choosing the last unit, the speed and force of shaft rotation are taken into account. Experts recommend purchasing motors with a shaft rotation speed of more than 15 rpm for these purposes. The voltage of the reversible unit should not be less than 12 W.
In this article I will talk about the design automatic drive curtains installed on my balcony. There we grow flowers that are harmed by direct sunlight. In addition, in the summer, if the balcony windows are closed, with direct sunlight the air on the balcony quickly overheats. However, when there is no direct light, it is advisable to open the curtains - the shadow also does not contribute to the growth of flowers. Therefore, to maintain acceptable illumination on the balcony, I automated the operation of the curtains.
Mechanics
The curtains were originally already on the balcony. There are two of them, both suspended on a metal cable stretched under the ceiling from one wall of the balcony to the other. It is clear that you need to move both curtains at once, and due to the friction of the curtains on the cable (it is quite rough), the required force must be quite large. In addition, sometimes there may be obstacles in the path of the curtains, for example, a slightly open balcony window, which further increases the strength requirements.Thus, the drive must be sufficiently powerful and reliable - on the balcony it often happens high humidity, quite a large temperature difference between winter and summer is possible. Therefore, I based the drive on a car window lift drive. It has sufficient power, is capable of producing high torque (it has a built-in worm gear) and is very reliable.
The mechanical diagram of the drive is shown below: 
More details about the design. A plastic roller with a groove is attached to the window lift drive shaft (on the left in the diagram), on which a turn of rope is wound. The drive is mounted on one of the walls of the balcony. A similar roller is attached to the opposite wall, through which a rope is also thrown.
After this, the rope is tensioned so that the friction of the rope on the drive roller is enough to move the curtains. The opposite ends of each curtain are attached to a rope so that when the motor rotates, the curtain moves or moves apart.
To test the operation of the drive, I made a smaller model of it. The window lift drive and the independent roller were mounted on a board, a rope was pulled between them, after which it was possible to check the operation of the electronics and measure the force developed by the drive.
Photo of the drive itself on the layout: 
As can be seen from the photo, a fairly large thin plate is attached to the window lift drive (I used textolite). Attached to it metal corner with two holes through which a rope is passed. It is needed so that the turn of the rope on the roller does not get tangled; for this purpose, the holes in the corner are made at different heights relative to the plate.
To the right of the corner are limit switches needed to stop the curtains in their extreme positions. In order to indicate these positions, two plastic tubes are put on the rope (only one of them is visible in the photo next to the bottom switch). The tubes are arranged so that when the curtain reaches its extreme position, one of them presses the switch, and for reliable pressing, it is attached next to each of the switches. metal plate, which presses the tube to the switch.
Three metal racks attached to the plate are needed to secure the drive cover.
Both rope rollers are made from furniture wheels. Using a drill and a file, you need to make a groove in each of them; two turns of rope should fit in the groove of the drive roller. The drive roller is attached to the shaft by tension, and the hole in it had to be bored out to a square one, since the drive shaft is square.
The drive is attached to the balcony wall using suitable furniture corners (one of them is visible in the photo on the left). There are enough mounting holes in the window lift drive, so there are no problems with fastening.
View of the drive already attached to the wall and covered with a lid: 
In order to tension the rope, a special screw with a nut is used, to which the ends of the rope are attached: 
The end of one of the curtains is also attached to it.
Electronics
All my electronics are divided into two parts - power and control. The main task of the power section is to provide power to the drive motor. The power window drive can draw very high current. To reduce this current, I reduced the drive supply voltage to 5 volts, but even so, the maximum current consumed by the motor can reach up to 3A. To provide such a current, I used a printer power supply capable of delivering a voltage of about 30V and a current of up to 0.7A, as well as a DC-DC converter of up to 5V. By lowering the voltage, DC-DC is quite capable of delivering the required current.Motor power control is carried out using a powerful relay designed to change the polarity of the signal, and a MOSFET that controls the voltage supply to the motor. Thanks to the use of MOSFETs, it is possible to control the rotation speed of the motor, but this feature is not currently used.
Also installed on the power section are stabilizers designed to power the control electronics and the engine power control circuit. The stabilizers are powered from a lower voltage circuit of the power supply, the voltage there does not exceed 12V.
The control electronics are represented by the STM8S microcontroller. The controller performs quite a lot of functions - measuring illumination, making a decision about starting the drive, monitoring the position of the curtains using limit switches, controlling the power supply of the drive, controlling the drive in manual mode- according to remote control commands. In addition, a radio module based on NRF24L01 and a 1-Wire bus are connected to the controller, through which three temperature sensors are connected. Using a radio module, you can control the drive and read temperature values in different points balcony and on the street, however, at the moment the second radio module is connected only to breadboard, so I won’t consider this functionality further.
The printer power supply used has an input for switching it to Stand-by state. I also use it, which reduces the energy consumption of the structure. The program takes into account that the power supply switches to operating mode with a certain delay, and after 30 seconds of inactivity of the drive, the power supply again switches to Stand-by mode.
Indication of drive operation using a three-color LED (only blue and red diodes are used). Blue lights up when voltage is applied to the motor, red starts flashing periodically if there are errors in the drive operation. The number of flashes allows you to determine the error number.
For sound alarm For some events (for example, when a command is given to close curtains that are already closed), the drive motor itself is used. A PWM signal with a small duty cycle is supplied to it, as a result of which the engine beeps quite loudly.
A photoresistor attached to the window with a suction cup is used as a light sensor. Since the suction cup may fall off the window, there is a small button next to the photoresistor. While the suction cup is held on the window, the button is pressed against the window. If the suction cup falls off, automatic operation drive stops and the red diode starts flashing. If the sensor is not connected to the connector, this is also detected by the controller.
Type of light sensor: 
Since the illumination of the sensor can change sharply - due to various flashes on the street, partly cloudy weather - the data from the sensor has to be filtered. I have implemented the following processing algorithm: data from the sensor is digitized at a frequency of 10 Hz and written to an array. Once a second, the value of this array is averaged (primarily this is needed to filter out noise and flashes). Next, the resulting values are added to another array of 600 elements; after reaching the end of the array, recording begins from the beginning. Also, this array is analyzed every second - the controller calculates what percentage of the array elements is less than a certain threshold (with increasing illumination, the voltage at the output of the photosensor drops). If the values of more than 66% of the elements are less than a given threshold, then it is considered that the illumination is high enough and the curtains can be closed. In this way, periodic changes in illumination are filtered. At the same time, a limitation is also imposed on the operating frequency of the drive - in automatic mode, the motor turns on no more than once every ten minutes.
As I mentioned above, it is possible to control the curtains from the remote control. Using the remote control, you can fully open and close the curtains, partially open them, and start the drive based on the instantaneous illumination value. When controlled from the remote control, there are no restrictions on the operating frequency of the drive.
It is also possible to programmatically reboot the controller.
When moving the curtains, the controller monitors the state of the limit switches. If, after starting to move, the corresponding switch does not operate within 20 seconds, the engine stops working. To continue operation of the drive after eliminating the malfunction, you just need to reboot the controller.
All electronics are installed in a standard plastic case: 
One of the switches is needed to switch the electronics to automatic operation mode, the second allows you to completely turn off the power to the motor.
Using 3.5mm Jack sockets, a light sensor, TSOP for receiving data from the remote control, and external temperature sensors are connected to the device.
The LED is covered with a white cap so it can be seen from any angle.
View of the assembled and installed electronics unit: 
Video of the drive operation (control from the remote control):
Automatic blinds today have become widespread not only in office premises. They are increasingly used in private cottages and apartments.
The possibility of remote control allows you to more accurately regulate the level of illumination, saves effort and time, increasing the comfort of use.
The need for an electric drive
Automatic electric blinds for windows are especially necessary for large rooms, conference rooms or balconies.
Installation allows you to save time on system regulation.
Setting up a specific program makes it possible to manage all windows, adjusting each of them independently.
The advantage of automatic models is also the slower wear of the blinds material, since the same effort is constantly expended on their adjustment.
The need for automation also arises:
- when installing blinds on ventilation grilles in hard-to-reach places;
- on air intake grilles that are mounted high on the facade;
- on heating radiators.
Depending on the location of installation, electric blinds are divided into:
- on external ones - they are mounted on external openings of windows and doors to protect from direct rays or the penetration of strangers;
- electric internal blinds are used in everyday life for doors, windows or partitions;
- technical devices are used for ventilation grilles, usually in industrial plants.
Self-production of the device
The cost of electric blinds is quite high, but it is possible to make such a system yourself.
The design of the device consists of three parts:
- bearing shaft;
- main fabric;
- electrical unit.
To design automatic blinds with your own hands, you do not need to be a specialist with a technical education. You can install the system if you have certain skills and use step-by-step instructions.
Required measurements
On initial stage it is necessary to determine the dimensions of the product, which depend on the parameters window frame. The curtain may be a little longer, but its width should not extend beyond the window.
The standard allowance is usually no more than 2 cm. The structure of the material from which the blinds are made does not affect the possibility of their automation.
Therefore, the choice of material is mainly determined by the interior of the room, the shape of the window, and the installation location. High density material is often used.
The curtain making process is simple:
- According to the existing dimensions, taking into account allowances, two identical parts are cut out;
- they are neatly folded with the front side inward and stitched;
- the resulting bag is turned inside out;
- Next, the upper edge of the bag is stitched.
The curtain is ready. However, there is no need to sew it yourself. You can use old blinds with the plastic rod they already have.
Any type of blinds is suitable for installing an electric drive. For ease of manufacture, roller blinds are most often chosen, but they can only be used indoors.
Engine selection
At the next stage, you need to choose the right electric drive for blinds with your own hands.
Engines can operate:
- from a 12 V battery;
- from a solar battery;
- from 220 V network.
You can use a motor with a gearbox as a drive, choosing it taking into account the shaft rotation speed. In this case, according to experts, the motor shaft rotation speed should be higher than 15 rpm, and the voltage should not be lower than 12 V.
The choice of engine depends on:
- from the location of the system installation;
- weight of the entire structure;
- type of blinds
IN horizontal structures with element widths from 1.6 to 5.0 cm, drives with voltages from 24 V to 220 V are selected. It is mounted inside the curtain rod and programmed for remote raising, lowering and turning of curtains.
For vertical blinds They usually use a 24 V motor, which is installed behind the cornice. The slats can be moved or rotated remotely.
Installation of roll models is much simpler. The blind drive is fixed in the curtain winding pipe, which ensures space efficiency.
At the same time, a radio signal receiver can be installed in the drive. In the pleated design, motors with a voltage of 24 V are used.
Selecting a control device
Exist different ways electric blind control.
Radio signal
At remotely The remote control is programmed in a certain way.
At a given time, it sends a signal to the timer on the device, after which the blinds are adjusted.
Switch
With the stationary method, a button is mounted near a window or in another convenient place, with the help of which the entire mechanism is launched.
Smartphone
A special program is installed on it that allows you to remotely control the entire system.
Blinds with photocells
The most expensive control method. Reacting to the intensity of illumination, photocells trigger the device when the intensity of the luminous flux changes.
Universal way. Makes it possible to control automatic blinds on windows in any of the possible ways.
Arduino connection
Automation for blinds can be designed using Arduino module. A program is written onto it that specifies certain functions.
Depending on the installed sensors, the system will respond:
- to changes in temperature;
- light level indicator;
- a timer set for a specific time.
Using the Arduino platform is especially convenient for controlling two or more windows. The module allows you, if desired, by pressing a button to change the speed of movement or rotation of elements, as well as program additional functions.
The security mode is especially important, in which the owner is promptly notified of the occurrence of failures in the system.
Advantages and disadvantages of automation
Blinds on electric windows are installed, first of all, for the convenience of their operation (compared to manual control).
Other benefits of using them include:
- the ability to simultaneously control all curtains in the house;
- reduced wear and tear of curtain fabrics;
- ease of control of panoramic windows;
- possibility of using a programmable timer and;
- Possibility of integrating the device into .
In addition to advantages, electric blinds also have disadvantages:
- quality of components - cheap components quickly fail, the purchase of high-quality parts leads to an increase in the cost of the entire structure;
- using batteries requires regular recharging;
- if mains voltage is used, it is necessary to install additional sockets near the windows;
- It is worth considering the additional energy consumption that will be required to operate the system.
Conclusion
Installing automatic blinds with your own hands is simple and affordable way increase the comfort of living.
However, even high-quality installation of the structure does not exclude the possibility of failures in the control system or breakdown of any parts.
Therefore, along with automation, it is advisable to leave manual method curtain control as a spare. It will come in handy while repairing an electrical device.
Video: Automatic blinds using a servo drive and Arduino
With the modern pace of life, you always want to return to a pleasant and comfortable home, which soothes with its warmth and comfort, giving new strength and energy. And just from interior decoration at home depends on the appropriate mood and disposition to relax.
Indoor windows always occupy a special place in interior design. That is why it is necessary to pay maximum attention to the choice of textiles. Our article will discuss the use of automatic curtains, their installation and photos.
Benefits of curtains
Window decor depends on the tastes and preferences of home owners, general interior rooms. And, since our lives are closely intertwined with new technologies, it has recently become very popular to use electronic curtains. They are created for convenience and saving effort and time, which is very important in the modern world.
Such curtains block out light well and in a matter of seconds create the desired atmosphere of privacy in the room. Moreover, such a device automatically controls the level of lighting in the room, which is important when the owners are absent for a long time.
Automatic roller blinds
Among the variety of curtain models, Roman and roller curtains have become the most popular. Although vertical, pleated or horizontal bamboo curtains are well suited for room decoration.
More and more popular roller blinds with electric drive. Their price depends on the material, size, complexity of installation, availability of drive and control.
The advantages of such curtains include quickly darkening the room or creating comfortable twilight while sitting on the sofa. Any windows are suitable for these models, as they are installed on all types of frames. But it would be more expedient to design large openings or panoramic and bay windows in the floor.
For houses with high windows or their big amount, for example, in offices, car showrooms, shops, clubs and private multi-storey dwellings, the proposed option is simply irreplaceable.
There are two groups of automatic curtains:
- for outdoor use (rainblinds and roller blinds on the facade of the building). They are installed on windows and doors to protect against unauthorized entry.
- interior models used to decorate indoor windows.
Electric curtain rods
Such curtain rods are regulated using remote controls or special switches. Their feature is the ability to repeat any wall shape. Automatic curtain rods are becoming more and more popular and may soon become a worthy replacement for conventional curtain rods. They have a wide range of benefits. For example, having a timer makes it possible to control curtains at a set time.
Some curtain rods have a light sensor built into them to respond to bright sunshine, allowing the curtains to be closed automatically if necessary.
Another positive quality of curtain control systems is the ability to attach textiles of any weight, size and structure; silent, smooth operation, which is important during night time and rest; Long service life with regular proper maintenance.
DIY automatic curtains
If you have the desire and the appropriate materials, you can easily and quickly make all the automation yourself.
First we install the electric drive for the cornice. It must be selected in such a way that it can withstand the weight and amount of fabric. The drive can be covered or left in sight - choose any suitable location.
We organize control via a remote control or a button; this requires the presence of wires. It is also appropriate to set a timer for ease of regulation.
When choosing a drive, you need to take into account its power and reliability due to the temperature difference in cold and hot times. A car power window drive is best suited.
We mount it on a strong and thin textolite plate. For ease of use of the rope, we fix a corner with openings to the plate.
To the right of the corner we install limit switches. It is necessary to install a pair of plastic tubes on the rope at the point where they will press the switch when reaching the end position.
After this, we install the drive by putting a roller with a drilled groove for turns of rope on it. Then we install metal stands (3 pieces) on the board to mount the lid. The drive is fixed using furniture corners.
On the other side of the drive you need to fix an independent roller, and put a rope on it. The opposite ends of the curtains are connected so that they open and close with the help of a motor.
To do this, you need to connect the power supply to the drive motor using a power supply. Adjustment occurs using a relay. It is necessary to install stabilizers to check the power supply to the regulated part of the electronics.
We display the drive operation using red and green LEDs. If an error occurs, the red light starts to blink, and if voltage is applied to the engine, the green light comes on.
The entire electronic structure fits into plastic container with openings for switches and LEDs. The function of the first switch is to convert to automatic mode, the second is to turn off the power. You need to choose a white cap for the LED; this will increase its visibility from anywhere in the room.
Photos of automatic curtains
