Re: opening/closing miniblinds

["BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

You could interface the wireless remote to a computer controlled relay
fairly easily.  In fact, I do that to operate my front gate and and
outside awning.  Because wiring to these locations was a PITA I just ran
leads from the remote control to a relay. When my automation program
calls for the awning to go up or down the appropriate relay is
momentaritly operated to, in essence, press the button on the remote.


> The Worthington link you provide is broken, but this one
> works: http://www.worthdist.com/autotilt/AT110A.htm
>
> Unfortunately the AT110A, although motorized, is still
> manually actuated with a remote.  The DIY solution would
> allow computer control - it'd be nice if it was in
> commercial production
>
> On Sat, 08 Apr 2006 22:53:20 +0000, BruceR wrote:
>> Here's a DIY article:
>>
>> http://www.circuitcellar.com/library/print/hcs-pdf/57-MckinneyJr.pdf#search='miniblind%20motor'
> Worthington Distribution has this ready made motorized solution
> fromAuto Tilt for you for
> $44:http://www.worthdist.com/autotilt/AT110A.HTMI actually found it
> on the Smarthome site but it shows as discontinued.Enlarging the
> picture there revealed the AutoTilt brand name and asearch for that
> found it at Worthington. Enjoy!
>
>>> I'm looking for a way to open/close my miniblinds..i'm not so
>>> concerned about pulling them up/down, but just something to actuate
>>> the rod part that rotates the blinds into open/closed positions...
>>>
>>> smarthome seems to offer a variety of vertical blind and drapery
>>> solutions, but nothing for horizontal miniblinds...   I know some
>>> manufacturers offer all in one solutions where the blinds and the
>>> motor are all one piece, but i'm looking for an add-on solution to
>>> activate my existing miniblinds.
>>>
>>> is anyone aware of a commercial product to handle this?  i built a
>>> custom solution using lego mindstorms, but i'm looking for something
>>> with a bit more durability.