Automated Mini Blinds, Version 2
By Dan-O

This is Dan's second version of the blinds project. I kept the first to show the two design ideas and how this shook out, very innovative! - rick

I finished my X-10 automated shade project. The unit is installed, tested and working flawlessly. Like last time.

A close up of the motor

The motor is a power window motor out of a Cadillac and the pulley is off an alternator. I ended up having to modify the original design as the drill idea worked on paper, but in real life it was way too slow.

You can also see the levers I use that the cord slips through. The cords have stops crimped onto them that hit the levers and trip the switches. The lever switches control power to the two relays and keep the motor from ripping the cord or closing and opening the shades too far.

A close up view of the cord lever and limit switch

More Pictures-->