My biggest gripe with Switchbot is the Bluetooth. Bluetooth proxies has made them better, but not perfect. I have very high curtains in my family room which requires a two-floor high ladder to reach my Switchbots. The solar panel works great so I don't have to go up and recharge them, but they don't work consistently with HA even with proxies.
When support for Home Assistant is introduced they will work with the BT Proxy. Also, there are still a couple of bugs on active BT proxy within ESPHome. Teething issues with a new functionality. That said, all the switchbot stuff I have (other than the blind motor) works consistently and reliably.
The size of your wand doesn't matter as long as it gives full satisfaction (of controlling the light level in the room), but good to hear that it has been given due consideration in this product :) Congrats on keeping a straight face, how many takes did you need?
Hello, have had mine for 2 weeks now and they work perfectly, love the schedule ability! This one small thing was sorely missing in the home automation field
Re-watching this now I have received the 3 I ordered via Kickstarter. Switchbot have slightly modified the way it sticks to the blind rail, meaning that if you don't want to use the solar panel, you can now secure it without it. It also seems to stop the wand getting quite so excited, even in sticky spots. Overall I am impressed with these blind motors. I have 2 Soma Tilt 2's and they are huge boxes on the wall compared to the switchbot ones, which look quite discreet. I only set one up as a test though as I really can't replace the SOMA's until Switchbot get Homekit or Home Assistant support. This is really the only thing letting these motors down. The rest is virtually flawless. The other great thing, the 3M double sided tape that switchbot use is far better than what SOMA uses. It is the really heavy duty version and once stuck, it is not coming off without slicing it with a blade then working with some cleaner to peel off the residue. SOMA's supplied tape has a tendency to fail, meaning you have to replace it with the heavier duty tape after the motor comes crashing down.......
Just purchase one kit! As another solution (motor inside blind) not selling outside USA... But this one does... And for a fraction of the price! Thanks for this review!
My blinds came with cords. I tied a metal chain (from old verticals) to both ends and used Aqara's Zigb blind controller. It looks better and is less intrusive, also it is much quieter.
How could you easily tell the extra large wand was being gripped good… for science of course? Also is there a way to stop the excited mode or is that a feature of the switchbot to indicate it’s strapped on and working?
My blinds have 2 cords (one to turn the bills and another to open it), what would you recommend? I've seen the other product that featured but it only works with one cord.
You freaked me out a little when you said the hub mini doesn’t work in HomeKit as I’ve just ordered 2 of them and some bots! Had to check it. Works with Siri. That’s enough for what I’m doing with it at the moment. Phew!
Since this vid was published, the google SDK integration was added to Home Assistant to route directives. Between that, the Hub mini, and 'Scenes' in the Switchbot app, you can automate the blinds via Home Assistant. There's no feedback and it's a crude workaround, but a workable stop-gap, nonetheless, until proper integration support is added.
I love your channel. Great video. I have a question, are there any wired smart home products? I think that wired products are more secured. For example, Why there isn't wired smart bulb? The technology to have enthranet over power has been here for many years. I'm looking for any wired smart home products.
I've used tilt 2 for a little while now and although it works, I always found the connect and app a little clunky. Lcak of features and the fact the connect loses connection made me look further at Switchbot's option. I've ordered a set via the kick starter, as it is cheaper than waiting :). Looking forward to getting it and trying it out. In Australian dollars, getting 3 Switchbot motors (with the hub) is cheaper than one tilt 2. I understand that the blind tilt allows you to still use the rod if you need to operate the blind manually. Can you confirm this? That would be a really huge improvement over the other option
Been looking for a good solution for my wand-operated blinds and was just about to order some motors to rig something custom up with esp32s. At that price, getting the 3 pack is well worth the time savings alone (not to mention the SO approval factor from the improved look versus a stepper motor in a 3d printed enclosure). Only hope that direct ha control is added soon!
Don't knock the stepper in 3d printed enclosure thing. I use ESP8266s with 28byj-48s. A ULN2003 with a few pins bent solder directly into a D1 mini, a UJ (I printed that too) attached to the motor output linked onto my big fat wand with a wooden dowel in gap spanning duty seals the deal. Yes you need local 5V, and a 3d printer, or duct tape, for the case, so not a panacea. But at £5 compared to £150........And if you make a nice case the SO factor when they press a button and all of the blinds (there were 5, so it cost me £25) open or close is priceless.
I wish someone could make an integration that fakes being Alexa in Home Assistant like the Home kit plugin we have so we could ad any Alexa-compatible device to home assistant
Don’t care that much about their products but I love the way they force you to make hilarious reviews about it. Curious about the next product :) some device that has different thrust modes?
I'm not really a fan of the wand cover. I know it totes itself as being thin, but it still gives a different feel than just the wand by itself. As for accommodating different sizes, do you think they will make an additional size for those of us whose wands may be too big for even the XL size? Unfortunately, I find that my wand is too big to fit into even the snuggest of pathways. If they make an XXL wand size option I believe that I would buy this product. The Early Bird special price is really nice, but I'll probably have to wait for the $69. It's not the ideal position to put my bank account in, but I think I can make it work!
If you need a wand size bigger than XL then you might need something custom or maybe just try it without the sleeve....sleeveless if you will. $69 is still nice, real nice.
@@EverythingSmartHome Custom sizing sounds expensive and really wanted the $69. I'd much rather go sleeveless anyway, though. I appreciate the input from someone who hasn't had my wand size issue. Keep up the good work!
Would you say that the Sunsa would work for vertical blinds? I typically just open and close mine with the wand spin, but sometimes I like to completely open them which requires me to pull the wand to do that. Been trying to find a good retro for these kind of blinds.
Would it not have been better to make the battery remote with the solar panel so it could be hidden and make wand driving unit smaller and less visually intrusive?
I got one of these units and got quickly sick of it flapping around when doing it's "thing". We have recessed blinds so i 3d printed a side mount/ sheath to keep it under control. Just need the API/ HA integration and we will be laughing!
I found a TH-cam video from 3 years ago to use a ESP 32 and embedded inside of the blind mechanism even with 3D printed adapters for the various types of blinds. I don't know why none of the production companies want to do it this way
The way that extra large wand lifts itself up when it's getting worked is enough to make anyone giggle.
There is something quite mesmerising about it 😂
Thumbs up just for all the wand double entendres 2:30
No idea what you mean...👀
My biggest gripe with Switchbot is the Bluetooth. Bluetooth proxies has made them better, but not perfect. I have very high curtains in my family room which requires a two-floor high ladder to reach my Switchbots. The solar panel works great so I don't have to go up and recharge them, but they don't work consistently with HA even with proxies.
When support for Home Assistant is introduced they will work with the BT Proxy. Also, there are still a couple of bugs on active BT proxy within ESPHome. Teething issues with a new functionality. That said, all the switchbot stuff I have (other than the blind motor) works consistently and reliably.
The size of your wand doesn't matter as long as it gives full satisfaction (of controlling the light level in the room), but good to hear that it has been given due consideration in this product :)
Congrats on keeping a straight face, how many takes did you need?
Sometimes you just need a firm grip on the wand to get the job done... (Filtering the light in the room)
Nice wand mate
Glad you like my wand, I was a bit worried about showing my wand, but all these nice comments make me realise showing my wand was the best decision.
Educational Wand Video
@@EverythingSmartHome I didn’t expect to see anyone’s wand on TH-cam, but it was totally worth it. :)
Hello, have had mine for 2 weeks now and they work perfectly, love the schedule ability!
This one small thing was sorely missing in the home automation field
Re-watching this now I have received the 3 I ordered via Kickstarter. Switchbot have slightly modified the way it sticks to the blind rail, meaning that if you don't want to use the solar panel, you can now secure it without it. It also seems to stop the wand getting quite so excited, even in sticky spots. Overall I am impressed with these blind motors. I have 2 Soma Tilt 2's and they are huge boxes on the wall compared to the switchbot ones, which look quite discreet. I only set one up as a test though as I really can't replace the SOMA's until Switchbot get Homekit or Home Assistant support. This is really the only thing letting these motors down. The rest is virtually flawless. The other great thing, the 3M double sided tape that switchbot use is far better than what SOMA uses. It is the really heavy duty version and once stuck, it is not coming off without slicing it with a blade then working with some cleaner to peel off the residue. SOMA's supplied tape has a tendency to fail, meaning you have to replace it with the heavier duty tape after the motor comes crashing down.......
I just noticed the LTT mousepad. Good stuff.
Just purchase one kit! As another solution (motor inside blind) not selling outside USA... But this one does... And for a fraction of the price! Thanks for this review!
What about that hole/stuck blinds on it at 3:35 ??? That you also like and think is ok ?
My blinds came with cords. I tied a metal chain (from old verticals) to both ends and used Aqara's Zigb blind controller. It looks better and is less intrusive, also it is much quieter.
Mine too and this is is exactly what i did. Looks much better.
I need to see the bloopers reel no way you didn't laugh during all of these wand measuring instructions 😂
How could you easily tell the extra large wand was being gripped good… for science of course? Also is there a way to stop the excited mode or is that a feature of the switchbot to indicate it’s strapped on and working?
I think excited mode is a nice visual indicator that something is happening, you know?
@@EverythingSmartHome rgghgh
My blinds have 2 cords (one to turn the bills and another to open it), what would you recommend? I've seen the other product that featured but it only works with one cord.
You freaked me out a little when you said the hub mini doesn’t work in HomeKit as I’ve just ordered 2 of them and some bots! Had to check it. Works with Siri. That’s enough for what I’m doing with it at the moment. Phew!
Thumbs up for the wand jokes.
Thanks 😂
Since this vid was published, the google SDK integration was added to Home Assistant to route directives. Between that, the Hub mini, and 'Scenes' in the Switchbot app, you can automate the blinds via Home Assistant. There's no feedback and it's a crude workaround, but a workable stop-gap, nonetheless, until proper integration support is added.
Check out my latest video 😜
I love your channel. Great video. I have a question, are there any wired smart home products? I think that wired products are more secured. For example, Why there isn't wired smart bulb? The technology to have enthranet over power has been here for many years. I'm looking for any wired smart home products.
I've used tilt 2 for a little while now and although it works, I always found the connect and app a little clunky. Lcak of features and the fact the connect loses connection made me look further at Switchbot's option. I've ordered a set via the kick starter, as it is cheaper than waiting :). Looking forward to getting it and trying it out. In Australian dollars, getting 3 Switchbot motors (with the hub) is cheaper than one tilt 2.
I understand that the blind tilt allows you to still use the rod if you need to operate the blind manually. Can you confirm this? That would be a really huge improvement over the other option
yes
Been looking for a good solution for my wand-operated blinds and was just about to order some motors to rig something custom up with esp32s. At that price, getting the 3 pack is well worth the time savings alone (not to mention the SO approval factor from the improved look versus a stepper motor in a 3d printed enclosure). Only hope that direct ha control is added soon!
Nice one, and me too! Would make these unbeatable at the price IMO
Don't knock the stepper in 3d printed enclosure thing. I use ESP8266s with 28byj-48s. A ULN2003 with a few pins bent solder directly into a D1 mini, a UJ (I printed that too) attached to the motor output linked onto my big fat wand with a wooden dowel in gap spanning duty seals the deal. Yes you need local 5V, and a 3d printer, or duct tape, for the case, so not a panacea. But at £5 compared to £150........And if you make a nice case the SO factor when they press a button and all of the blinds (there were 5, so it cost me £25) open or close is priceless.
I've been on the fence about ordering a few of these. Finding out there is no HA support puts the nail in the coffin for now.
Hopefully it's quickly sorted!
I wish someone could make an integration that fakes being Alexa in Home Assistant like the Home kit plugin we have so we could ad any Alexa-compatible device to home assistant
I'm not done watching the video yet, but I really want to know if it has a user replaceable battery.
This thing looks ridiculous im not lazy enough for this yet :D Thanks as always!
Don’t care that much about their products but I love the way they force you to make hilarious reviews about it.
Curious about the next product :) some device that has different thrust modes?
😂😂 I'm not sure I could keep a straight face if that happened
@@EverythingSmartHome “Challenge Accepted” - Switchbot
With the blind tilt, if you want to pull the blinds up, how would you do it?
With whatever cord, rope, chain you have..
This is to open or close the blinds not pull up or down....😉
The light level sensor needs to be inside the room not through the solar panel which are on the outside of the blinds.
$69 for all that wand action, nice!
It's almost like it had to be intentional 👀
SwitchBot is awesome, I just wish they would bring their lineup to HomeKit (and thus Home Assistant) and/or used ZigBee instead of Bluetooth
Homekit would be great I agree!
I'm not really a fan of the wand cover. I know it totes itself as being thin, but it still gives a different feel than just the wand by itself. As for accommodating different sizes, do you think they will make an additional size for those of us whose wands may be too big for even the XL size? Unfortunately, I find that my wand is too big to fit into even the snuggest of pathways. If they make an XXL wand size option I believe that I would buy this product. The Early Bird special price is really nice, but I'll probably have to wait for the $69. It's not the ideal position to put my bank account in, but I think I can make it work!
If you need a wand size bigger than XL then you might need something custom or maybe just try it without the sleeve....sleeveless if you will.
$69 is still nice, real nice.
@@EverythingSmartHome Custom sizing sounds expensive and really wanted the $69. I'd much rather go sleeveless anyway, though.
I appreciate the input from someone who hasn't had my wand size issue. Keep up the good work!
😂😂
You could swap it out for a thinner wand. Your partner might not like that though…
@@Dane-ish yeah, unfortunately the wand size is non-negotiable.
Maybe it's time for a stepper motor module for ESPHome?
I've been using the Sunsa wand. Works great with Home Assistant.
Good to know, thanks!
I was going to add this but you beat me to it. They have the market on this style I think. I am so glad I got in when they were still a kickstarter.
Would you say that the Sunsa would work for vertical blinds? I typically just open and close mine with the wand spin, but sometimes I like to completely open them which requires me to pull the wand to do that. Been trying to find a good retro for these kind of blinds.
@@PtolemyInventedThePSVita Yes, if the blinds have the twist wand to operate it, doesn't matter which direction the blinds open or close.
Let’s get you a Sunsa Wand - to test out :)
Would it not have been better to make the battery remote with the solar panel so it could be hidden and make wand driving unit smaller and less visually intrusive?
what if the customer doesn't want to use solar and instead hook it up to a usb power brick?
While designing: “This thing looks like some weird kickstarter project…. You know what would be really funny?”
Again sir love from India.
Is this product available in india?
🙏🏻🙏🏻
It all looks good except for the lack of Home Assistant support. I won't be considering it until that's established. ~Frank
Shame there is no zigbee version for tuya
Sounds like a angry bee.
😂
Shedgle
Thats what she said...
😂
I got one of these units and got quickly sick of it flapping around when doing it's "thing".
We have recessed blinds so i 3d printed a side mount/ sheath to keep it under control.
Just need the API/ HA integration and we will be laughing!
It does like to flap around sometimes when it's doing it's thing huh 😂
Intriguing but without the support of Home Assistant it’s a no go for me.
All the wands...
You can't have enough wands 👀
I feel like there must be some limit to the number of wands one needs at any given time.
Lewis! 🤣🤣🤣
👀😂
You really milked that wand joke dry🤣
👀😂
Giggity
😂
Can they make an automatic toilet paper roller, which rolls out just enough paper based on my toilet time (and smell) ?
G A R B A G E
Look at that horrendous thing lmao...
Same mechanism copied over and over ?
Why doesn't any brand offer any other kind of blind mechanism with automation ?
I found a TH-cam video from 3 years ago to use a ESP 32 and embedded inside of the blind mechanism even with 3D printed adapters for the various types of blinds. I don't know why none of the production companies want to do it this way
th-cam.com/video/1O_1gUFumQM/w-d-xo.html
The noise of this would drive me insane. Sounds like mosquitoes which I HATE. So, I rather turn the blinds myself manually over using this.
It's actually pretty quiet IMO, it's louder in the video than it is in real life
@@EverythingSmartHome Oh okay. That’s good to know!!
watching that thing flap around while it tries to open the blinds would drive me nuts, it just looks too silly. there's got to be a better way
I think it's only because my blinds get stuck at certain points, on a normal blind I don't think it'd be an issue
I would never put something like that in my house. It looks so rigged. Who wants to see that?
In all honesty they blend in very well and work flawlessly.