The app isn't the most intuitive software I’ve ever used, but I eventually discovered a Silent option in the Motion Mode settings. “Silent” is an exaggeration, but it does run much quieter. It's a trade-off, because it runs much slower and opens the curtains only about halfway. Still, it does encourage me to get out of bed rather than doomscroll for half an hour. The solar panel can supply unlimited power to the Curtain 3 according to SwitchBot, as long as it gets 3 hours of sunlight per day. It’s attached permanently with a clip via USB-C and hangs behind your drapes facing the window. The Curtain 3 bot carries the solar panel whenever it moves, keeping the battery charged at all times. Bluetooth connectivity is handled through the BM-8762CMF Bluetooth 5.0 BLE Module [ Datasheet] manufactured by CC&C Technologies in China, which is based on the Realtek RTL8762C [ Datasheet] Bluetooth low-energy SoC.

I’m going to be fitting the SwitchBot Curtain 3 to a wooden curtain pole that’s about an inch and a half in diameter. The curtains are the grommet type with hole punched into them for the pole to go through. I was a bit concerned at first that I might need to change the pole because if I pull on the curtains then they don’t move freely and easily along it. They just kind of get jammed. But… SwitchBot have thought of this problem and I’ll discuss their solution in a bit. Provided you have the SwitchBot Curtain installed correctly, and it isn’t too tight, it works brilliantly. There’s a pitched whine to the motors as they power your curtains open or closed, but the system worked flawlessly for me over a period of weeks.Now go and create a Script using the below YAML code. This script calls the REST command with the requested curtain position. It then loops around waiting for 30 seconds each time and updating the curtain position sensor. It does that a few times because it takes so long for the curtains to move using QuietDrift. alias: Curtains Set Position Quiet The SwitchBot Curtain 3 is powered by a encoder motor operating at 3V, labelled PR-520SV. SwitchBot claims a life span of over 10 years on the motor, tested at standard room temperature and humidity conditions. It’s suppose to greatly exceed the lifespan of the rubber roller. The rubber roller which actually moves along the rod has a claimed lifespan of 10 years according to SwitchBot, moving approximately 22.000 meters in total (6 meters daily). It’s rotated by the last gear in the chain, which slots perfectly inside the rubber roller plastic cap. Why would you need a robot that automatically opens your curtains anyway, they asked. “Need” is a bit strong, but the temptation of the SwitchBot is automation. Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up with sunlight touching your face instead of an alarm (or, in our house, a cat crying for breakfast)?

The installation is super easy and took me maybe 5minutes, including wrapping the connector rod. The included beads fixer can be used to even out the distance between the ring in grommet curtains. I did not do this, since the bot operated without them just fine. My wife and kids were perplexed by my excitement as I gathered them by the window to unveil a mysterious new gadget. With all eyes on the curtains, I tapped a command on my phone. The room was heavy with anticipation. After an agonizing 10-second delay, the left curtain jerked open in spurts. A few seconds later, the right curtain tried to join in but moved less than an inch and made a very unpleasant, high-pitched whine that lasted about 30 seconds. These modules are capable of creating a BLE mesh within the SwitchBot ecosystem and are found across their range of smart devices such as the Blind Tilt and Meter Plus. I use all SwitchBot devices with Home Assistant, if you are interested in digging deep into their ecosystem and HA Integration, here are a few of my articles: Connectivity was not an issue for me, but It’s important to note I work diligently to eliminate interference between Bluetooth, Zigbee and Wi-Fi. I use Bluetooth proxies with cheap ESP32 boards to create a better connection and integrate Bluetooth devices in Home Assistant.To house the batteries and a motor powerful enough to move a set of curtains, SwitchBot Curtain is rather large (116 x 65 x 51mm). Its clip slides up and then you squeeze the top to ratchet the motor into place. It’s important that you only clip the SwitchBot Curtain into place to the point it feels secure; squeeze it too hard and it won’t move. As smart as our homes have become, most of us still have to get up to close (or open) our curtains, since motorised rails are expensive and can be difficult to fit. However, the SwitchBot Curtain provides a simple upgrade that turns your dumb curtains into smart ones in a matter of minutes. If you have tabbed curtains then there are adapters you’ll need to fit for those, and if you have an extendable pole then you’ll need to fit the included adapter to your pole too so as the robot can make it over the step.

Next find your rest sensor configuration, the section where you created your ‘all devices’ sensor. Add the following new position sensor configuration to it making sure that you change the DEVICE_ID to match again. rest:If you want remote control, you need to install the SwitchBot Hub Mini, which can also act as an IR transmitter if you want to control practically any device, from a TV to air-con. With the Hub installed, your SwitchBot Curtain will automatically communicate with this device (provided it’s within Bluetooth range). That gives you remote control over your curtains, including scheduling.

The new SwitchBot Curtain 3 is much quieter than the Curtain 2 model, as it has a QuietDrift mode to keep the noise level at only 25 dB. This mode is slower, but it makes for a quiet, less distracting experience. It's also stronger than before, capable of passing up to 36 lbs of curtains, and has a larger battery to ensure a longer time between charging, though the new Solar Panel could mean never having to charge it. ZDNET's buying adviceSwitchBot claims these will outlive the other components, noting that the rubber roller will need to be replaced after 10 years. This is such a long period to even think about, let alone worry about the curtain roller. Installation Most smart curtains require to you replace the curtain rail with a new one, but the SwitchBot Curtain is different. Here, you get a robot that clips onto your existing curtain rail, moving side-to-side to open or close your curtains automatically.