Smartblinds Pro - automate your roller blinds

SmartBlinds Pro is a fully DIY, 3D-printable smart motor for roller blinds with bead or chain operation.
It is designed for makers who want full control, local operation, and open hardware instead of closed, cloud-dependent smart blind solutions.

The project combines a custom PCB, an ESP32-based firmware, and a clean on-device web interface into a compact, window-mounted blind motor. While the system is already functional and usable, SmartBlinds Pro is still evolving — think of it as a polished beta for experienced DIY users.

If you enjoy soldering your own PCB, flashing firmware, and tweaking smart-home integrations, this project is for you.

Design Thoughts & Special Features

• Fully DIY & open
  All mechanical, electronic, and software source files are included. You can print the housing, order the PCB, assemble everything yourself, or adapt the design to your needs.
• Advanced maker focus
  This project assumes experience with:
  • Soldering PCBs
  • Flashing ESP32 firmware
  • Basic smart-home concepts (MQTT, Wi-Fi, local networks)
• ESP32-based (ESP32-C3)
  Uses a Wemos LOLIN C3 Mini, offering Wi-Fi connectivity, low power consumption, and enough performance for future extensions.
• Local-first, cloud-free
  SmartBlinds Pro runs fully offline after setup when used with a local MQTT broker. No cloud, no accounts, no external dependencies.
• Flexible software stack
  • Included firmware with web-based setup wizard and control UI
  • MQTT support out of the box
  • Planned: HomeKit support
  • Alternative firmwares like ESPHome can be used if preferred
• Expandable hardware concept
  Currently controlled via Web UI and MQTT.
  The PCB includes an extension port for future add-ons like buttons, sensors, or external controls.

• Honest project status
  The hardware is solid and the firmware works, but this is still an actively evolving project. Minor hiccups may occur, and updates are expected.

   

Materials & Build Instructions

3D Printing

• Printing method: FDM
• Recommended materials:
  • PLA (easy to print, sufficient for indoor use)
  • ASA / ABS (recommended for higher temperature resistance)
• Supports:
  • Required for the housing’s mounting-adapter notch
• Assembly time:
  • ~5 minutes for installing hardware into the printed case

Electronics

• Controller: ESP32 (Wemos LOLIN C3 Mini)
• Motor: Stepper motor (28BYJ-48)
• Power: USB-C powered
• PCB:
  • Custom PCB
  • Gerbers, schematics, and BOM included
  • Designed for self-assembly or professional PCB manufacturing

Firmware & Software (custom firmware)

• Initial setup:
  1. Flash firmware & datapackage
  2. Power the device
  3. Connect to the SmartBlinds-XYZ Wi-Fi hotspot
  4. Follow the built-in web setup wizard
• Calibration:
  • Semi-automatic (manual start/stop during calibration)
• Control options:
  • On-device Web UI
  • MQTT topics (position, movement, state)

Firmware (ESPHome):

Flash as usual with ESPHome, adjust provided ESPHome config yaml files to your liking, 

Included Files

• 3D files: Housing and mounting adapters 
• Electronics: https://github.com/fluetke/sbp-pcb-gerber/
• Firmware: https://github.com/fluetke/sbp-firmware
• Web UI: https://github.com/fluetke/sbp-webinterface