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Re: Tuya WiFi M616EGWT
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Theo
Dec 28, 2022, 12:28:23 PM12/28/22
to
Jethro_uk <jeth...@hotmailbin.com> wrote:
> as in ..
>
> https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005004403086346.html
>
> Looking (again) at home automation to ease life for SWMBO.
>
> Since it seems "difficult" to get automation for vertical blinds that can
> open/close & tilt, we're looking at the idea of simply automating
> existing curtains.
>
> That already have a corded track.
>
> I note there are plenty of outfits that will flog you a motorised track,
> and I can't seem to flush them out of Google.
>
>
> However I notice the unit linked does show one option of working with a
> cord (2mm or 4mm ?) in it's (excellent :) ) PDF instructions.
>
> Has anyone fitted one of these to know if it can ?
I had one of those with a blind. It's just a motor with some
interchangeable spindles - you mount it to drive the cord loop (eg if the
cord has balls on it for grip, you use the one with slots for the balls).
Then you teach it what 'open' is and what 'closed' is, and it can then wind
the cord from one place to another. If you ask for half open it drives to
the halfway position, etc.
I think the above would be fine with curtains that have a cord loop, but
perhaps might need some adjustment for curtains where the end is
free-hanging (ie you need a takeup spool rather than a gear to drive the
cord). It needs to be mounted so the cord has some tension on it, so that
it can drive it without much slack in it. If you have a multi-strand loop
that needs to be pulled equally, or your loop action isn't smooth or isn't
very 'grippy', perhaps it might have trouble.
You can also get gadgets which attach to your centremost curtain hook, have
some wheels that drive against your track/rail and push the curtains open
and closed. Whether they'll work depends whether your existing curtains are
happy being pulled open and shut without using the cord, and whether they
are happy to sit on the rail. You need one gadget per curtain, ie two for a
pair, so that can get a bit expensive.
Theo
> as in ..
>
> https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005004403086346.html
>
> Looking (again) at home automation to ease life for SWMBO.
>
> Since it seems "difficult" to get automation for vertical blinds that can
> open/close & tilt, we're looking at the idea of simply automating
> existing curtains.
>
> That already have a corded track.
>
> I note there are plenty of outfits that will flog you a motorised track,
> and I can't seem to flush them out of Google.
>
>
> However I notice the unit linked does show one option of working with a
> cord (2mm or 4mm ?) in it's (excellent :) ) PDF instructions.
>
> Has anyone fitted one of these to know if it can ?
I had one of those with a blind. It's just a motor with some
interchangeable spindles - you mount it to drive the cord loop (eg if the
cord has balls on it for grip, you use the one with slots for the balls).
Then you teach it what 'open' is and what 'closed' is, and it can then wind
the cord from one place to another. If you ask for half open it drives to
the halfway position, etc.
I think the above would be fine with curtains that have a cord loop, but
perhaps might need some adjustment for curtains where the end is
free-hanging (ie you need a takeup spool rather than a gear to drive the
cord). It needs to be mounted so the cord has some tension on it, so that
it can drive it without much slack in it. If you have a multi-strand loop
that needs to be pulled equally, or your loop action isn't smooth or isn't
very 'grippy', perhaps it might have trouble.
You can also get gadgets which attach to your centremost curtain hook, have
some wheels that drive against your track/rail and push the curtains open
and closed. Whether they'll work depends whether your existing curtains are
happy being pulled open and shut without using the cord, and whether they
are happy to sit on the rail. You need one gadget per curtain, ie two for a
pair, so that can get a bit expensive.
Theo
Brian Gaff
Dec 28, 2022, 1:47:51 PM12/28/22
to
Most work, but do have issues with dirt on the tracks. I'd also avoid the
battery powered ones, and most failures I hear about are teeth off gears due
to their cheap plastic construction.
I don't use them myself, but its another one of those things that looks
simple but isn't with limit switch adjustments stretching cords and jamming
runners to contend with.
Brian
--
--:
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"Jethro_uk" <jeth...@hotmailbin.com> wrote in message
news:tohp46$dac$7...@dont-email.me...
battery powered ones, and most failures I hear about are teeth off gears due
to their cheap plastic construction.
I don't use them myself, but its another one of those things that looks
simple but isn't with limit switch adjustments stretching cords and jamming
runners to contend with.
Brian
--
--:
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"Jethro_uk" <jeth...@hotmailbin.com> wrote in message
news:tohp46$dac$7...@dont-email.me...
Theo
Dec 28, 2022, 2:02:00 PM12/28/22
to
Jethro_uk <jeth...@hotmailbin.com> wrote:
> And no amount of searching with "-Switchbot" could remove the ***ing
> thing from the first page of results.
Maybe you need a search engine that isn't run by an ad network :)
I Startpaged 'Tuya curtains' and various sorts turned up, eg:
https://expo.tuya.com/smart/home-appliances/smart-home-motor/curtain-robot/CT9cn92ta5qvq2-CTam7gido2uzbn-CTatya1av84jm9
- seems like 'curtain robot' is the search term.
Paul Hibbert on Youtube has a few videos about them, although if I recall
the ones he tested a year or two ago were quite pricey (~£70 territory, per
curtain). The Tuya ones seem about half that. Others also have videos.
> I'm leaning towards the device in the subject ... c. £35 if I wait.
If your mechanism looks like a blind then I think it should probably work.
The main thing is to securely mount to the wall so it can hold enough tension.
> Thanks for such a full reply. Seasons greetings and a very happy new
> year !
And to you :)
Theo
> On Wed, 28 Dec 2022 17:28:16 +0000, Theo wrote:
> > You can also get gadgets which attach to your centremost curtain hook,
> > have some wheels that drive against your track/rail and push the
> > curtains open and closed.
>
> The only thing like this I've seen is the Switchbot for curtain poles.
> > You can also get gadgets which attach to your centremost curtain hook,
> > have some wheels that drive against your track/rail and push the
> > curtains open and closed.
>
> And no amount of searching with "-Switchbot" could remove the ***ing
> thing from the first page of results.
Maybe you need a search engine that isn't run by an ad network :)
I Startpaged 'Tuya curtains' and various sorts turned up, eg:
https://expo.tuya.com/smart/home-appliances/smart-home-motor/curtain-robot/CT9cn92ta5qvq2-CTam7gido2uzbn-CTatya1av84jm9
- seems like 'curtain robot' is the search term.
Paul Hibbert on Youtube has a few videos about them, although if I recall
the ones he tested a year or two ago were quite pricey (~£70 territory, per
curtain). The Tuya ones seem about half that. Others also have videos.
> I'm leaning towards the device in the subject ... c. £35 if I wait.
If your mechanism looks like a blind then I think it should probably work.
The main thing is to securely mount to the wall so it can hold enough tension.
> Thanks for such a full reply. Seasons greetings and a very happy new
> year !
And to you :)
Theo
Peeler
Dec 28, 2022, 2:15:23 PM12/28/22
to
On Wed, 28 Dec 2022 18:47:44 -0000, Brainless & Daft, the TV-watching and
pity-baiting senile "blind" mole, blathered again:
> Most work, but do have issues with dirt on the tracks.
I do have issues with all the shit you keep squeezing out of your senile
head in these groups, Brainless & Daft, you disgusting pity-baiting senile
shithead!
pity-baiting senile "blind" mole, blathered again:
> Most work, but do have issues with dirt on the tracks.
head in these groups, Brainless & Daft, you disgusting pity-baiting senile
shithead!
Ian
Dec 29, 2022, 4:16:57 AM12/29/22
to
On 2022-12-28, Jethro_uk <jeth...@hotmailbin.com> wrote:
> as in ..
>
> https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005004403086346.html
>
> as in ..
>
> https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005004403086346.html
>
> Has anyone fitted one of these to know if it can ?
Just ordered one to try out, when it arrives I'll post some details if
you like. (I'll probably be ripping out the "smarts" and hooking it
up to our bespoke home automation system, but £40 for what's hopefully
a decent looking housing, motor, and mechanicals isn't bad...)
--
Ian
"Tamahome!!!" - "Miaka!!!"
Theo
Dec 29, 2022, 4:39:55 AM12/29/22
to
ESPHome, meanwhile the Zigbee ones can communicate with a Zigbee hub attached to something like
Home Assistant (or just zigbee2mqtt and then talk basic MQTT). So there are options if you don't want to rebuild
it.
(No knowledge of this specific listing though)
Theo
Ian
Jan 6, 2023, 8:08:32 AM1/6/23
to
First impression is that it looks decent enough, slim and unobtrusive:
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/
I like the detachable backplate - gives about 1" of height adjustment to take
up any slack in the cord (and makes it easy to remove for, er, modifications :)
The guide is in traditional chinglish, and ominously suggests you have to
register and turn on GPS for the app to work. There is no remote with this
version btw, though it's mentioned in the guide.
I'll nail it to a wall over the weekend and see how it behaves, then take
it apart to see how it ticks...
Ian
Jan 7, 2023, 12:20:14 PM1/7/23
to
On 2023-01-07, Jethro_uk <jeth...@hotmailbin.com> wrote:
> At this point, my key question is can it drive a plain *cord* (as the
> illustration on like hints at) not just a beaded cord.
And the answer is yes. The default pully is for beaded cords, but there were
three others included that have slots in to fit thin, medium and thick cord.
Using the medium size one, it grips our cord - Dunelm "Comet Rod",
surprisingly well:
https://www.dunelm.com/product/white-comet-rod-1000010222
Don't know how well it will work over time if the cord stretches, but
the mount does have a bit of adjustment built in.
Installed the App on iPhone, paired up ok using Bluetooth (I think), then
works over WiFi. Didn't have to sign up to try it out, but it won't remember
any settings unless you do*, and the limit settings are pretty important
for it to be usable (the default is for a very short throw). Seems to have
lots of options, and can link up with Alexa etc. (if you sign up...), so
probably great if you're that way inclined. It certainly "does what it says
on the tin".
My interest is more linking it to our wired system, so I'll be taking a
(torx) screwdriver to it soon to see what it's like inside. If anyone
is interested I'll take pictures...
* It doesn't even remember the pairing, as I've just found out :(
> At this point, my key question is can it drive a plain *cord* (as the
> illustration on like hints at) not just a beaded cord.
And the answer is yes. The default pully is for beaded cords, but there were
three others included that have slots in to fit thin, medium and thick cord.
Using the medium size one, it grips our cord - Dunelm "Comet Rod",
surprisingly well:
https://www.dunelm.com/product/white-comet-rod-1000010222
Don't know how well it will work over time if the cord stretches, but
the mount does have a bit of adjustment built in.
Installed the App on iPhone, paired up ok using Bluetooth (I think), then
works over WiFi. Didn't have to sign up to try it out, but it won't remember
any settings unless you do*, and the limit settings are pretty important
for it to be usable (the default is for a very short throw). Seems to have
lots of options, and can link up with Alexa etc. (if you sign up...), so
probably great if you're that way inclined. It certainly "does what it says
on the tin".
My interest is more linking it to our wired system, so I'll be taking a
(torx) screwdriver to it soon to see what it's like inside. If anyone
is interested I'll take pictures...
* It doesn't even remember the pairing, as I've just found out :(
Theo
Jan 7, 2023, 1:55:57 PM1/7/23
to
> My interest is more linking it to our wired system, so I'll be taking a
> (torx) screwdriver to it soon to see what it's like inside. If anyone
> is interested I'll take pictures...
Please do. I think some of the other ones of the same design have an
> (torx) screwdriver to it soon to see what it's like inside. If anyone
> is interested I'll take pictures...
ESP8266 or similar microcontroller in there, which is why they can be
reprogrammed with Tasmota or ESPHome. I think the one I had did, but I
never took it apart and sold it because I didn't need it.
Theo
Ian
Jan 10, 2023, 5:26:10 AM1/10/23
to
On 2023-01-07, Theo <theom...@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> Please do. I think some of the other ones of the same design have an
> ESP8266 or similar microcontroller in there, which is why they can be
> reprogrammed with Tasmota or ESPHome.
Innards revealed:
> Please do. I think some of the other ones of the same design have an
> ESP8266 or similar microcontroller in there, which is why they can be
> reprogrammed with Tasmota or ESPHome.
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/
Pretty impressed with the build quality, simple and efficient.
The microcontroller is a Geehy APM32F030C8T6. It seems to be compatible with
Tasmota according to this:
https://github.com/RavenSystem/esp-homekit-devices/issues/1314
There is what looks like an ISP connector (5 pads) on the PCB, but programming
that is an adventure I don't have time for, and I'll be interfacing it to a
wired RS485 system anyway, so a custom driver with a PIC is quite sufficient.
Let's look at the parts...
The motor / gearbox assembly is a JL-29Z370-135. Some info:
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/jl-29z370.jpg
Impressed that all the gears, apart from the first flat gear, are metal
(hopefully not chineseium). The gearbox is about 280:1.
The motor PCB has a neat quadrature hall-effect sensor with a magnet on the
shaft and two TCS40DLR-like sensors (plus ESD protection):
https://4donline.ihs.com/images/VipMasterIC/IC/TOSC/TOSC-S-A0001249298/TOSC-S-A0001249298-1.pdf?hkey=52A5661711E402568146F3353EA87419
Unfortunately the position detection is purely relative, unless there's
some current detection that can spot the end-stop. There is a fat current
sense resistor (possibly) on the main PCB, but I suspect that's just
overload protection). I guess the end stops may need re-calibrating
occasionally, or I could fit a limit switch to the curtain rail...
The motor driver (a PT5126) is on the main PCB:
https://datasheet.lcsc.com/lcsc/1912111437_PTC-Princeton-Tech-PT5126-HS-TP-Green_C402691.pdf
The radio uses a WBR3 module, and does do BT (for the initial configuration)
and WiFi:
https://developer.tuya.com/en/docs/iot/wbr3-module-datasheet?id=K9dujs2k5nriy
Next task is hooking it up to some testgear and checking the volts and amps to the
motor, then make a driver for it. I may even do a custom PCB as I'll need about 10
of these... Watch this space!
Ian
Jan 13, 2023, 8:29:46 AM1/13/23
to
On 2023-01-10, Ian <${send-direct-email-to-news1021-at-jusme-dot-com-if-you-must}@jusme.com> wrote:
> Next task is hooking it up to some testgear and checking the volts and amps to the
> motor.
> Next task is hooking it up to some testgear and checking the volts and amps to the
On the bench, popped a breakout board in the motor cable and took some measurments:
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/gallery/previews/IMG_1740.html
From the Hall sensors the motor spins at ~70 revs/sec (4200RPM):
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/gallery/previews/TM616-sensor.html
With 280:1 gearbox this is 15RPM, but the output is closer to 30RPM so my guess
at the gear ratio was out. Maybe the worm drive is 1:2 not 1:1? Whatever, it is
what it is...
The drive is 12V, 20KHz PWM, running at about 50% with no load other than the gearbox:
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/gallery/previews/TM616-motor-v.html
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/gallery/previews/TM616-motor-t.html
It maintains 4200RPM pretty closely under load by adjusting the PWM.
Peak current is (very approximately) 160mA (36mV across 0.22 Ohms):
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/gallery/previews/TM616-motor-i.html
So now to add some muscle to one of my PIC boards and fire up the PWM.
(The 3V sensors are going to be a bit of a pain, though I could run the
whole shebang at 3V3, or hope the sensors are 5V tolerant parts).
Andy Burns
Jan 13, 2023, 9:33:48 AM1/13/23
to
Ian wrote:
> The 3V sensors are going to be a bit of a pain, though I could run the
> whole shebang at 3V3, or hope the sensors are 5V tolerant parts.
> The 3V sensors are going to be a bit of a pain, though I could run the
Level-shifters are ten a penny
<https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004560297038.html>
Probably a couple of quid each if bought in the UK
Ian
Jan 13, 2023, 10:46:45 AM1/13/23
to
and extra parts to deal with. The PIC and RS485 driver both
have 3V3 versions.
Ian
Jan 21, 2023, 8:07:04 AM1/21/23
to
Prototype lashed up, I now have open loop control from "the system" (no
speed regulation or limits yet, but that's just a SMOP :)
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/gallery/previews/ctrl-proto.html
https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/gallery/previews/ctrl-proto-sch.html
(Check out the date code on the 'LS08, it's almost an antique!)
Theo
Jan 24, 2023, 9:29:37 AM1/24/23
to
> On 2023-01-07, Theo <theom...@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>
> > Please do. I think some of the other ones of the same design have an
> > ESP8266 or similar microcontroller in there, which is why they can be
> > reprogrammed with Tasmota or ESPHome.
>
> Innards revealed:
>
> https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/
Missed this at the time, but thanks.
>
> > Please do. I think some of the other ones of the same design have an
> > ESP8266 or similar microcontroller in there, which is why they can be
> > reprogrammed with Tasmota or ESPHome.
>
> Innards revealed:
>
> https://www.jusme.com/perm/TM616EGWT/
> Pretty impressed with the build quality, simple and efficient.
> The microcontroller is a Geehy APM32F030C8T6. It seems to be compatible with
> Tasmota according to this:
> https://github.com/RavenSystem/esp-homekit-devices/issues/1314
>
> There is what looks like an ISP connector (5 pads) on the PCB, but programming
> that is an adventure I don't have time for, and I'll be interfacing it to a
> wired RS485 system anyway, so a custom driver with a PIC is quite sufficient.
what you're comfortable with...
> The radio uses a WBR3 module, and does do BT (for the initial configuration)
> and WiFi:
>
> https://developer.tuya.com/en/docs/iot/wbr3-module-datasheet?id=K9dujs2k5nriy
reflashed with custom firmware (Tasmota, ESPHome). That one appears to be a
Realtek KM4-based CPU which Tasmota etc isn't compatible with.
> Next task is hooking it up to some testgear and checking the volts and amps to the
> motor, then make a driver for it. I may even do a custom PCB as I'll need about 10
> of these... Watch this space!
Theo
Ian
Jan 25, 2023, 8:28:43 AM1/25/23
to
On 2023-01-24, Theo <theom...@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> Ian <${send-direct-email-to-news1021-at-jusme-dot-com-if-you-must}@jusme.com> wrote:
>> There is what looks like an ISP connector (5 pads) on the PCB, but programming
>> that is an adventure I don't have time for, and I'll be interfacing it to a
>> wired RS485 system anyway, so a custom driver with a PIC is quite sufficient.
>
> A PIC would be my last choice for anything these days, although if that's
> what you're comfortable with...
They're pretty well suited to this sort of application, waggling a few I/O pins
> Ian <${send-direct-email-to-news1021-at-jusme-dot-com-if-you-must}@jusme.com> wrote:
>> There is what looks like an ISP connector (5 pads) on the PCB, but programming
>> that is an adventure I don't have time for, and I'll be interfacing it to a
>> wired RS485 system anyway, so a custom driver with a PIC is quite sufficient.
>
> A PIC would be my last choice for anything these days, although if that's
> what you're comfortable with...
and talking RS485. Cheap, plenty of I/O and peripherals, start up instantly, run
reliably forever. Of course I have the toolchain, PCB templates and firmware
stack ready to go, and I like writing in its quirky assembler, which helps.
Yes, I'm old-school :)
(Elsewhere there's a Raspberry Pi as the bus controller, talking https to a
bespoke server, and a https/javascript GUI, so it's not all clockwork...)
Jason D
Oct 31, 2023, 11:04:38 AM10/31/23
to
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