blindshome-automation
My room has a window with motorized shades, which can be brought up or down using a switch that's in the same enclosure as the light switches in the room.
I want to set it up so I could program the shades to be open now, but close automatically at 5:00 AM.
How can I do that? What do I have to buy and connect?
You need a way to send Infrared signals to the Adapter. So you will also need to buy a remote for another 50USD.
So to use it from another computer somewhere else in the office you first need to get this
USB Wireless adapter for your PC
Then you need to get an access point to bridge the wireless to a electric
This AP - i am not sure but you might need something more- read more here
But i think this temperature controller will be better- as you dont have to program any thing just set some temps and viola- but again- you might need to buy something extra to connect to your blinds.. read more
I've seen every type of "home automation light switch" system, but they all require some sort of "hub" by a company. Some communicate wirelessly and others do not. They also have varying levels of security.
If you are still against a hub, there is one more option you have:
Solid state relays. You can wire them inline before all your lights, then put an arduino with it. Example: http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Controlled-Relay-Box/?ALLSTEPS
However you will not have physical switches any more- you will need to replace them all with some sort of momentary switch which ties into the arduino and relays.
Best Answer
There are numerous timer switches that replace a conventional switch in a wall box. For example, this is a seven day timer from Honeywell
The wiring for simple timers is pretty straightforward. Usually you simply replace the existing switch and wire the new switch the same way. Often you need to add a neutral wire to the switch, and most recently wired switch boxes have a neutral available, even if it is not currently attached to the old switch.
There are also more advanced home automation systems that combine switches with hand-held controls that can both turn things on and off, or program them to come on based on time, temperature or a number of other criteria.
If you are unfamiliar with electrical wiring, even a simple switch replacement can be daunting (or even dangerous). If you are not comfortable with this or if you want a more complex home automation system, you may want to consult with a pro, or find a friend or neighbor with some experience.
SUPPLEMENT Based on the additional information provided, you could accomplish this using two timers. Wire the first one to work the up mechanism and the second to operate the down mechanism. Set the timers to turn on for 5 minutes (or slightly longer than what is needed to fully operate the mechanism), and then off. Just make sure that both are not set to go on at the same time. Clearly mark which is up and which is down.