README.md

Motorized_MQTT_Blinds

THIS IS A FORK OF ROB'S CODE FROM THE HOOK UP: MOTORIZED MQTT BLINDS PROJECT

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The Original Video

This repository is to accompany Rob's Motorized_MQTT_Blinds video:

Parts List

Affiliate links to support Rob!

Stepper Motors: https://amzn.to/2D5rVsF

Stepper Drivers: https://amzn.to/2OZqW1W

NodeMCU: https://amzn.to/2I89xDF

12V Power Supply: https://amzn.to/2G2ZJrf

Buck Converter: https://amzn.to/2UsQ7jA

3D Printing

Download the correct STL file(s) for your style of tilt rod. You will find all the 3D Print file in the extra/files folder.

Wiring Schematic

Dont forget to cut the center trace on the stepper motor as shown in the youtube video

How to setup, build, and flash this image

I recommend using VSCode with the PlatformIO extension. So these instructions will only support this method:

First-Time Setup

1. Clone the project or download/unzip the files from the browser
2. Open in VSCode
3. Rename user_config.h.sample to user_config.h
4. Fill out user_config.h with your information for your setup.
5. When you are ready to build, click on the PlatformIO icon in the left panel.
6. In the Project Tasks window, drill into env:d1_mini* > General > Click Build!
7. You will find your new bin file in the build/d1_mini folder.
8. Plugin your device and use some kind of flashing tool to do your initial flash. Recommended: Tasmotizer

* = While the project actually uses a Wemos D1 Mini, this code should still work with no issues on a NodeMCU like in the schematic picture.

You should leave "STEPS_TO_CLOSE" at 12 to start with. It can be adjusted for your specific blinds

OTA Updates

For future updates it is easier to update them in place rather than taking down the blinds and re-flashing. I could never get ArduinoOTA to work for me, so instead I changed to using an HTTP Update Server.

1. Get your bin file following steps 1-7 above.
2. Get the IP address of the device on your network.
3. Navigate to http://YOUR-DEVICE-IP/firmware (unless you changed the update path in your user_config.h file)
4. Click browse under Firmware and locate your new bin file
5. Click 'Update Firmware'
6. It will likely redirect you to a 404 page after it successfully updates. However, it should have updated successfully.

Home Assistant YAML

Replace "BlindsMCU" with your MQTT_CLIENT_ID if you changed it in the file setup

cover:
  - platform: mqtt
    name: "Motorized Blinds"
    command_topic: "BlindsMCU/blindsCommand"
    set_position_topic: "BlindsMCU/positionCommand"
    position_topic: "BlindsMCU/positionState"
    state_topic: "BlindsMCU/positionState"
    retain: true
    payload_open: "OPEN"
    payload_close: "CLOSE"
    payload_stop: "STOP"
    position_open: 0
    position_closed: 12

If you changed your "STEPS_TO_CLOSE" in your user_config.h file then make sure to update the position_closed value here.

KNOWN ISSUES:

• Blinds default to the Open position when they reboot for some reason.
  • This is my main reason for forking this project. So expect it to be fixed soon hopefully.

Recommended Tools

Ender3 3d Printer: https://amzn.to/2GcznnZ

Dupont Crimper and Connector Set: https://amzn.to/2X1Oeap

Breakout Board GERBER Files (Optional)

I wanted something a little cleaner for when I do the actual installs. So I created a breakout board for this. I have included the GERBER files if you want to have your own printed.

Here is a 3d render of the board:

Unlike Rob, I do not support an Alexa based code-base.