Review of smart curtains Aqara. They open and close according to schedule

Kits for self-assembly of smart homes appeared quite a long time ago by the standards of the development of modern technologies.

But they offer little that is really useful - turning on the light when there is a clap or movement, video surveillance and much more do not require such costs and effort.

However, there are true movements in this direction: Aqara has created a unique ecosystem in which more and more advanced devices are appearing to solve real problems, and not for self-indulgence.

For example, motors for automating curtains, colloquially referred to as “smart curtains”: with their help you can not only simplify your life, but also improve your own well-being.

Let's take a closer look?

How Aqara came up with the idea of ​​automating curtains

The range of the Russian branch of Aqara includes 2 options for automating curtains: one is designed to control roller curtains (regular, Roman, day-night), the second - classic sliding ones.

Today we will deal with the second, the most interesting and technically complex.

The set of “smart curtains” consists of a special curtain rod with a kit for mounting on a wall or ceiling and an Aqara Curtain Controller motor for control, in which the “brains” are hidden.

The principle of operation is surprisingly simple: a V-belt “runs” inside the cornice, terribly similar to a timing belt. It is attached to the carriage, which opens the curtains.

A stepper motor is responsible for the movement; the belt is rotated back and forth using gears (more precisely, one into which it will be connected) hidden in the end part.

The belt runs perfectly. Moreover, a de-energized cornice also works; you can close it manually. And if it works, but you want to close the curtains yourself, too. And nothing will break.

Aqara engineers did their best for us: the buyer does not need to think about how the hardware works. You buy it, install it and it works. Right out of the box, with virtually no settings. Like a regular curtain for curtains.

Everything is thought out so that the curtains completely cover the windows - it turns out better than with ordinary curtain rods. And when a smart control system gets down to business...

Where should you not install an electric curtain rod?

There are no restrictions on installing an automated cornice. However, there are situations when you need to be careful about installation:

• The curtain rod moves the curtains automatically over a predetermined area. If the fabric gets caught on the radiator, the corner of the table, or the curtain rod does not remove the curtain, a rupture may occur. Therefore, you need to check the path of movement of blinds or curtains in advance.
• If the window opening is of a non-standard shape - arched, round, or made in the form of a bay window - you need to first calculate the turns and process the corners. This adds additional costs for supplies and engineering work to the installation of an electric curtain rod.

It is worth assessing the feasibility of installing smart curtains in typical apartments with small rooms and low ceilings. In most cases, an electric curtain rod will be a waste of money.

Aqara Curtain Controller motor for curtain automation

The motor looks completely different from how you imagine a device for controlling such a common thing as curtains.

This is an electric motor in all-metal protection with a wire for connection to the junction box.

One and a half kilograms that are not afraid of cold, humidity and dust (they are afraid of water, they cannot be washed or exposed to the rain)

The only button on the end allows you to connect the motor to the Aqara application or reset the settings on the Aqara curtain rod

The cornice is not simple, “golden”: rollers with rings for attaching curtains run inside a unique profile. The cornice is as convenient as possible, adapted to the task.

The strength is incredible, although the cornice is “only” made of aluminum. You can buy it in the online store Aqara.ru. The cornice is available in sizes 2.5/2.75/3/3.25m.

If you need a curtain rod for a non-standard size, you can order it from companies that produce curtain rods for smart curtains.

Pre-installed

• rings for curtains (8 pieces for each meter of length),
• end blocks covering the ends of the cornice (2 pieces at the edges),
• clamps that secure these blocks and the edge of the curtain (2 pieces on each),
• carriages that will “move the curtains” (2 steel brackets in the middle or 1 on the side).

If the buyer uses only thick curtains, a regular single curtain rod will suit him. For those who prefer a “curtain + tulle” pair, there is a double guide.

The opening side also changes: right out of the box from the store, options are available that open from the center, right or left. They can be easily remade on site by disassembling the cornice. But why?

Manufacturers

Popular manufacturers of electric curtains include the French-German concern Somfy, the French company NOVO, the Dutch Forest and the Chinese RAEX.

Premium segment products are produced under the following brands:

• Silent Gliss;
• Leha;
• Warema;
• Hunter Douglas.

Budget automation is presented in the catalogs of Chofu, Bofu and Aerolux. Each of them provides guarantees for their products for up to 3 years, a wide range of designs and all kinds of auxiliary devices.

The final cost is influenced not only by the prestige of the manufacturing company.

The price of an electric curtain rod will depend on:

• engine power;
• type and size of canvas;
• additional options and sensors;
• base material of the guides (metal ones will cost more).

You can calculate the cost of electric curtains and select the appropriate model online. To do this, follow the link: https://prokarniz.ru/avtomaticheskie-shtory/

Regardless of the model and type of system, you will receive a design that will significantly simplify working with curtains and reduce the cost of time and effort.

Assembly of the “smart” curtain rod Aqara. A child can handle it too

The motor mounting system in the cornice is simple, reliable and incredibly elegant. Deserves the highest praise:

1. Pull the small pin towards you and to the side on the back side of the motor shaft. 2. Install the motor in the counter part of the cornice. 3. Again we pull the mentioned pin towards ourselves and in the other direction.

Done, the motor can no longer be torn off. If you hang on it, the cornice will come off first (no) - the steel “teeth” hold both parts with a death grip.

The motor can be installed on either side of the cornice: both end with the same end blocks. The empty, unused one is closed with a plug from the kit, but it can always be used again.

It is better to install the motor after installing the cornice.

Motor design features

During operation, the motor noise does not exceed 30 dB, so residents of the apartment will not experience any discomfort. The electric drive is designed in such a way that it can be hung from any side of the eaves. And so that it is not noticeable, there is a special hook on which the edge of the curtain clings and thereby covers the motor.

To ensure protection against overload, the motor is equipped with an emergency shutdown system. It is triggered when an obstacle is detected in the path of the curtains moving along the canvas, as a result of which the motor simply turns off.

How to install a “smart” cornice correctly?

When ordering, you must immediately indicate where the system will be mounted - to the ceiling or to the wall above the window. An important point: the ceiling mount will definitely be included in the kit, the wall mount will only be provided if the appropriate choice is made.

It's all about the fastening system. It consists of 2 elements: a cunning bracket that needs to be inserted into the cornice and turned at a right angle; and a massive wall corner, to which the first one can be attached with screws.

It is on the screws, and they need to be screwed in from below, preferably placing a washer. You don't need a nut - the holes in the corners are threaded.

On the ceiling, the corresponding brackets are fastened with self-tapping screws, a pair for each.

The system is impressive - I have never seen such strong fastening systems before. The elephant can be hanged.

The installation rules were well defined by Aqara’s own specialists:

1. The minimum width of a niche for installing one profile is 10 cm. 2. The length of the cornice should be 2 cm less than the length of the niche for installation. 3. The distance between the brackets during installation is 50 cm. 4. The first and last brackets are installed at a distance of 10-11 cm from the edge. 5. For a two-row cornice, the minimum distance between them is 5 cm.

Important: for wall mounting, only original curtain rods from the Aqara.ru online store are recommended.

Choosing an electric cornice

When choosing an electric curtain rod, it is important to choose the right type of device. To do this, you need to answer the following questions.

What type of curtain mechanism will there be: lifting or sliding? If the mechanism is sliding, is it single-sided or double-sided? Depending on the type of curtains, the type of drive is selected.

How will the engine be powered? Most models of electric curtain rods are mains powered, but there are also battery options. They are chosen if it is impossible or difficult to provide wired power.

Is engine noise important? For rest rooms, it is advisable to choose quieter systems - with a noise level during operation of no more than 35–41 dB.

What will be the dimensions of the curtains and the weight of the fabric? Electric drives vary in maximum load. An insufficiently powerful engine simply cannot cope with heavy fabric. The choice of power is also influenced by whether the cornice is straight or curved: the latter requires a more powerful engine.

Approximate diagram of a roller curtain mechanism

1 - electric drive; 2 — set of adapters for a round shaft; 3 — adapter for round shaft; 4 — fastening from the drive side; 5 — opposite fastening; 6 — metal sleeve; 7 — adapter for round shaft; 8 - round aluminum shaft. Photo: Somfy

Consider the dimensions and weight of the curtain fabric!

Calculate in advance what the size of the curtains and the weight of the fabric will be. The fact is that electric drives differ in maximum load (30, 40, 60 kg, etc.). An insufficiently powerful engine simply cannot cope with heavy fabric. The choice of power is also influenced by whether the cornice is straight or curved: the latter requires a more powerful engine.

Automation of curtains allows you to optimize the temperature inside the room: in summer, reduce it by 3–5 ° C, and in winter, on the contrary, increase it - and save on heating.

Approximate diagram of a sliding curtain mechanism

1 - drive plug; 2 - belt; 3 — ceiling mount with a latch; 4 - reinforced cornice connector; 5 — roller runners; 6 — ceiling eccentric fastening; 7 - cornice profile; 8 — standard or shortened response plug; 9 — hook for fixing curtains; 10 — driving carriage for curtains; 11 - drive. Visualization: Igor Smiryagin/Burda Media

What to consider during installation

When installing the system, you must not forget about the reserve for “naked” endings. They can be hidden by hanging the edge of the curtain on the plastic hooks included in the kit. Then the motor and the empty block will be completely invisible.

Both ceiling and wall mounting of cornices actually take up no more space than conventional cornices. But you should take care of the free movement of curtains in advance.

The Aqara Curtain Controller motor is powered only from the mains (the battery version is currently offered only for China), so you need to think about the connection in advance.

You can connect directly to the wiring, or into a separate outlet. 3 wires, grounding actually works.

When fully open, the curtains move to the length that the drapery hooks take up. You won't be able to enlarge it. But this is a good reason to stop hiding everything behind the curtains.

There are no hooks included in the kit, you need to buy the simplest ones yourself, without a roller (most often you can find the latter in construction stores).

Any curtains are suitable. The hook fastening is standard, on a tape.

Self-installation

With perseverance, attention and some knowledge, you can still install automatic electric curtains yourself. The most important thing is to choose the right drive for the cornice. It must be powerful enough to move the entire mass of the curtain. It is also necessary to select a thermally stable mechanism. For example, an actuator for automobile glass may be suitable.

Advice. If the weight of the curtains does not exceed 50 kg, the motor must be taken with a power of 75 W.

Having installed the selected drive on a thin but strong textolite plate, it is recommended to screw a corner with openings nearby for convenience. A belt or chain will pass through them, to which the curtain parts are attached below.

Settings

In the final position, the drive must stop the movement of the curtain, for which special plastic tubes are installed in the right places to stop the motor. The drive is connected to a roller that controls the turns of the rope, belt or chain. An independent roller is also mounted on the reverse side.

Power pin

The motor of the drive carefully screwed to the wall must be connected to the electrical supply. The choice of the method of such power supply is individual: from batteries, accumulators or from the electrical network. It is imperative to install control relays, as well as stabilizers responsible for checking the power supply.

DIY installation diagrams

You should set up a control system for automatic curtains on windows in accordance with the simple diagram below:

• on the left – drive;
• on the right is a movable block with a wheel;
• between them there is a cable on which the curtains are attached.

The diagram for assembling the control system for automatic curtains with the inclusion of a light sensor is presented below:

A sensor that registers the degree of illumination (in the schematic diagram it is a photoresistor) is installed on the window so that it “looks” onto the street.

Control options

Electrically operated lifting or sliding curtains can be controlled by a stationary button, which is located in an easily accessible place and is powered from the mains. The most acceptable and most convenient way to adjust the position of automatic curtains is remote control from the remote control, which displays all the necessary buttons (closing, opening, stopping the panel, turning the blinds slats). As an alternative to the second method, you can use a smartphone for control. How to connect is up to the owner of the smart home to decide.

Operating rules

To properly use motorized curtains, you should follow simple general rules. It is necessary to press the control buttons sequentially, and if there is the slightest sign of malfunction, temporarily stop using the curtains until their functionality is restored.

Connecting smart curtains to Aqara Home

Smart curtains work in the same way as all components of the Aqara smart home in Russia using the ZigBee protocol.

To connect to a smartphone you need Aqara Hub, which we talked about in the previous article. Those who read it can handle it themselves after installing the cornice; everything connects instantly.

But just in case, let's repeat the algorithm:

1. Turn on and configure the Aqara ZigBee hub, if this has not been done before. 2. Launch the Aqara Home application. 3. Click on the “+” icon in the upper right corner, select “Controllers” - “Household Appliances” - “Curtain Controller” 4. Press the only motor button for Aqara sliding curtains for 5 seconds. 5. Confirm the connection.

That's it, after that you can control the curtains in the application.

Useful characteristics of curtain rods

In addition to the fact that these curtains are usually considered as innovative, as well as quite comfortable (if we take into account the need to speed up everything, even the usual daily processes), it is necessary to pay attention to other aspects. For example, an automatic cornice is also characterized by the presence of a combination of positive aspects.

Firstly, the speed of both opening and closing is adjusted, depending on individual preferences.

Secondly, it is possible to move curtains without causing damage to structures (if we are talking about sliding curtain rods). This approach is most in demand, for example, in hotels, but is also considered as most suitable for citizens suffering from forgetfulness.

Thirdly, there is an opportunity for a possible intermediate position, which is most significant for individuals prone to perfectionism.

Note!

• Double-row curtain rod, all types: wall, ceiling, metal, plastic. Assembly and installation instructions

• Ceiling hidden curtain rod - do-it-yourself installation and installation rules (110 design photos)

• Wooden curtain rods: flexible, hidden, corner. Photos of new design and interior decoration

Fourthly, there is a simulating function that will create the illusion of the presence of residents.

Fifthly, the presence of sliding options that provide reverse movement and ensure the process of leveling both the top and bottom of the curtains, reaching the floor. This will make the curtains look more attractive.

How to control smart curtains via Aqara Home

Curtains or blinds are controlled from the screen on the main page of Aqara Home. The only slider on the screen is responsible for the current state.

Everything is simple and clear: the slider is at a minimum - the curtains are open; at maximum - closed. If you pull the curtain with the motor running yourself,

Theoretically, after the first turn on, you need to calibrate. And after the curtains are changed, too.

But this will only be needed when something doesn't work. A good fifty permutations showed that the system is smart, calibrates itself, you just need to move the control slider to the extreme positions once. And nothing goes wrong.

In the simplest case, it is enough to turn on the smart home (or not turn it off), go into the curtain window and set the position of the curtains.

Through three dots on the screen you can get to the settings, the main place of which is occupied by information about the module and the ZigBee hub network used, recalibration, placement in smart home rooms.

But what kind of smart home is this? This is only remote control - a real smart home is ahead, after the "Automation" and "Scenarios" settings tabs are activated. And voice assistants.

When do you need curtain automation?

Having curtains with electric drive and remote control is convenient for any room/hall. It is reasonable to use lifting/sliding electric mechanisms for rooms with high ceilings and large window areas. Automatic curtains are combined with bay windows, panoramic windows, and structurally complex windows, because it is difficult to control large panels manually. The same situation occurs in rooms where there is a lot of furniture or access to windows is difficult.

What issues does their installation solve?

The use of electric curtains has several advantages:

• saving time;
• maximum convenience;
• functionality;
• safety and hygiene.

Operating principle

Roller blinds with electric drive and remote control are designed as follows:

• The main element of motorized curtains is a profile with grooves (tire) on which the curtain is mounted.

In this case, the number of grooves depends on the row characteristics of the curtain fabric. There can be a maximum of four such fastening grooves made of plastic, polymer materials or metal.

Hooks are attached to the top of the curtain at equal distances from each other, which are connected to a belt or chain that has a limiter (carriage). The design is completed by a motor (drive), to which pulses are supplied (if not remote control is used, but conventional control, the pulses are supplied via wires). To directly control the curtains (closing, opening, etc.), a remote control or switches are used.

Integration of Aqara curtains with Homekit

It is better to immediately transfer curtain control to Homekit. As with other Aqara components, this is done in just a couple of clicks: the motor will appear in the Home application immediately after setting it up in Aqara Home.

If this does not happen, just synchronize the devices in the settings of the Aqara application by going to the Profile tab -> HomeKit Information -> Name synchronization.

Afterwards, a “Curtains” shortcut will appear in “Home”, which can be placed on the main screen. Through it you can also control the position of the curtains directly.

Or carry out configuration, create commands to launch chains of actions.

Important: to create automated scripts via HomeKit, you will need a HomeKit hub that is always turned on at home - a tablet or set-top box. There is no such limitation for Aqara; a basic ZigBee hub is sufficient.

Manual control

The manufacturing company has also provided the ability to control Xiaomi Aqara curtains in the usual, that is, manual mode. However, automation was not possible here either. In order to completely close the canvas, just pull it a little in the desired direction. Then the automation connects and completes the action instead of the user. The curtains are opened in the same way.

If you need to not fully open the curtain, then at the right moment you should hold it a little and the electric drive will stop the process.

Learning Siri and Alice

Voice control of scripts is very convenient. Let us remind you that all Aqara components running in HomeKit work perfectly with Siri (you can read about all the details here).

In short, to use Siri with the Aqara motor we do this:

1. Go to “Home”, check that there is a “Curtains” tab. Or we check the same thing in Homekit -> Profile -> HomeKit Information -> HomeKit Device. 2. Open the scenario window from the main page or from the “Curtains” settings in Aqara Home. 3. Create a new scenario by selecting the sequence of actions of the smart home components. 4. Activate the “Enable automation” switch and select the launch method. 5. Click on the Siri icon for the scenario. In the pop-up window, create a control phrase for Siri.

Now Siri, having heard the specified phrase , will force the smart home to perform the specified sequence of actions.

Blurry control phrases work with “Alice”: “Alice, open the curtains completely” or “Alice, make the room dark.” But the setup is a little more complicated:

1. Install “Yandex.Browser” or “Yandex” from the application store and launch it. 2. Open the side menu, select “Devices” -> “Device Management” -> “My Home”. 3. Click “+” -> “Other device” and select the Aqara plugin in the list of ecosystems. 4. Wait for installation, log into the plugin using the account used in Aqara Home. 5. Click the Update device list button.

Unlike Siri, “Alice” works through any device with a microphone that is constantly on the same Wi-Fi network with the Aqara ZigBee hub.

But Siri is faster and more stable. But “Alice” doesn’t need an always-on iPad or Apple TV in the apartment to use the scripts—an old smartphone or a cheap (or not so cheap) Yandex.Column will do.

Connection and setup

All models differ in the principle of fastening. Popular are those that are fixed on side hooks. When purchasing such a design, attention is paid to the length of the product. Often you need to make a custom-made cornice so that it fits into the window opening.

The electric curtain rod for Roman blinds has a special cassette, which is both a fastener and a decorative element. Its installation is easier, the cassette is more convenient to use. Installation of a Roman electric curtain rod requires special tools.

The combined type of fastening includes both a cassette and side hooks. The combination results in a reliable design that can withstand heavy curtains.

When the distance between the walls is too large, making a cornice becomes expensive. It is difficult to find a finished product of a non-standard size with the usual side fasteners. Therefore, models with a top mount, which allows you to fix the cornice on the ceiling, are much more practical. Although the mechanism is reliable, you need to be careful when hanging heavy curtains.

Another type of electric curtain rods is with rotating shutters. The practicality and reliability of sashes is an order of magnitude lower than that of cassettes. Therefore, they are not popular among buyers.

Why do we need voice assistants?

Once the ecosystem is set up, voice assistants are working and the smart home is assembled, you can begin the fun part.

The magic of Aqara is hidden in the automation of devices in its ecosystem: interactions between them and quick commands that implement chains of events.

Chains of events executed on command in the Aqara ecosystem are called “Scripts”. They can be launched from the main screen, the “Scripts” tab in Aqara Home or HomeKit, or using voice assistants

You can create them from the same tab. Nothing complicated, just open the window - the interface will allow even a child to figure it out at first glance.c.

It’s very convenient to use automation to set actions for the entire room or apartment:

• turn off the lights throughout the apartment while closing the curtains;
• open the curtains and turn on the lights;
• close two levels of curtains and reduce the brightness of the light;
• turn off the night lights and open the curtains.

You can set delays for all actions. That's all. But they can be created in countless numbers in one application and called from another. The search works great, all the most important things are displayed on the first screen.

Electric cornice as an interior detail

The sliding electric curtain rod will fit harmoniously into the interior. Manufacturers of smart curtains will produce a model of the desired shape and color upon request. So it won’t be difficult to add it to a room in a classic, shabby chic or country style.

There are directions in which the electric cornice looks organic. This is high-tech, which is characterized by a minimum number of decorative details, straight lines, materials such as metal and PVC, and plastic fittings.

Smart curtains look appropriate in the Smart Home Ablog, Xiaomi system: parts there are automated, right down to light bulbs and electric kettles.

How to teach Aqara to work independently?

“Automations” work differently: they are a kind of macros, sequences of actions of the “If - Then” type. They allow you to configure the actions of Aqara devices based on signals from others.

The “If” trigger can be a sensor reading, the activation of a smart home component or its specific state, the execution of automation by command, the activation of a device, or a specific time.

Separately, you can specify when actions should be performed - if all conditions are met or if just one is sufficient.

“Automations” work great on their own, if you remember to include them in the list. And then Aqara shows all its strength:

• The light sensor in the hub and/or proximity sensor can close the curtains;
• turning off the lights - on the contrary, open them;
• disabling the security system may first turn on the lights and then close the windows with a delay;
• absence of movement in the room for the specified time - on the contrary, it will open the curtains by the specified percentage.

The options are endless. It all depends only on imagination.

Selection help

To choose between a wired and wireless drive, you should evaluate the features that distinguish the house in which the automatic curtain will be installed. Sliding, Roman or roller blinds with electric remote control should be installed if:

• there are periodic blackouts or power surges in the house;
• there are too many automatically controlled curtains, they are massive and heavy;
• access to the curtains is difficult;
• The area of ​​the room with automatically closing curtains is significant.

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite the high level of convenience that properly installed electric curtains can provide, there are not only positive, but also negative aspects of such an innovation.

Advantages

The “advantages” of installing automatically controlled curtains include the following:

• maximum increase in the level of comfort for those who will use such curtains;
• the noiselessness and gradual movement of curtains does not contribute to the strong spread of dust or rapid breakage of the cornice, which cannot be guaranteed when manually closing ordinary curtains;
• the tightness of the housing and the design of the drives that control the curtains make it possible to install them even on “non-format” windows or in a place with high humidity (for example, in a bathroom);
• drives and sensors equipped with controlled smart home curtains will function without repair or replacement for many years;
• the ability to use additional light, temperature, motion, and timers allows you to customize the operation of the curtain system “for yourself,” that is, individually for the user.

Interesting fact: the less you touch the curtain fabric with your hands, the longer it will look neat, clean and presentable.

Flaws

Smart motorized curtains have several disadvantages. These include:

• high price;
• the need to install additional wiring and related elements;
• Mandatory special knowledge.

Types of automatic curtains

These are roller blinds, indoor roller shutters, and various types of blinds. They are classified according to several criteria:

By mounting options

1. Directly into the opening are internal roller shutters for the windows. There is a significant drawback - this option does not provide for opening a window or even a vent. Only ventilation mode is possible.
2. Overlapping window opening. Maneuverability is becoming wider, but you still won’t be able to fully open the window.
3. External options. These are shutters, roller blinds. They are made of metal or plastic. They protect windows from natural precipitation - rain, hail, snow. Significantly prevent the entry of uninvited guests.

By design

1. Open. Regular type blinds with open edges. Installed inside the window openings of an apartment or house. The lower edge remains unsecured and has a device for manual control of the blade - a ring, a bracket, a cord.
2. Cassette. External roller shutters that, when closed, “move out” from the grooves of the vertical guides. There is an option for mini-cassette curtains - they are installed on small dormer or dormer windows.

It is important to choose the type based on the owners’ goals. External options allow you to install the usual variations of paintings inside - multi-layered, structural, asymmetrical. Nothing will bother them. It is preferable to install internal blinds in new interior styles - minimalism, hi-tech, kitsch. If there is a desire for innovation, act boldly.

Design and principle of operation of automatic sliding systems

Sliding-type automation is installed on curtains and curtains, which close and open the window opening, moving horizontally. It is also used for Japanese panels and vertical fabric, plastic, and multi-textured blinds that are relevant today.

The set of automatic curtains includes:

In addition to convenient control, users who choose automatic sliding systems receive beautiful drapery of drapes and curtains without any intervention on their part.
In vertical blinds, the slats can move to the right, left, towards the center and away from it, and rotate around a vertical axis. Professional video with electric curtain rods

Main characteristics