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SWITCHBOT CURTAIN
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By: Eric from ModernDayTech
SwitchBot Curtains is a brilliantly designed solution to open and close your curtains automatically. Even though they are not native to HomeKit, I was able to integrate them into HomeKit via SmartThings & Hoobs.
Things you will need:
Curtains (I have the Rod type, but they also have a SwitchBot curtain model for u-rails)
I will have a full review and details on how to set up everything in my full review video - coming soon. If you want to see the same setup (Hoobs & SmartThings) but with the SwitchBot Bot, check out the review I've already done - here.
PROS: Easy to install, long-life battery,
CONS: quiet mode is not powerful enough for medium-heavy curtains, not native to HomeKit, can be loud to some people who are sleeping
Things to keep in mind:
Many rod curtain bars have two parts. One side of the bar is slightly smaller to fit into the other side to create one long bar. When the SwitchBot travels along the bar it is possible that the transition between the two bar sizes could stop the SwitchBot from traveling the entire bar.
If you have a single curtain only opening from one side, it best to find a single bar with no transition. If you can't or don't want to get a single bar, you could try to fill in or smooth that transition with something so the bot can travel the entire distance.
If you have a double curtain like I have that can open from the middle then the best solution is two bots. One on either side of the transition. I was able to put my transition dead center at the center mount. I know that might not always be possible depending on the size of your window and the size of your bar so you might have to have one curtain close more than the other. If you don't want that, then try to fill in the transition to make it smoother.