KickStarter - Z-Wave Controller for 2" Blinds (Battery or Solar Options)

[Daweeze]

Hey,

I just wanted to share a KickStarter that may be of interest for some of us here. This is a Project that won the Z-Wave Alliance IoT Contest for 2015. It looks like if this thing goes it will be for 2" Blinds will full Rotate Open/Angle/Rotate Close control and Z-Wave Battery Status. Also, there is an option for a solar panel to recharge the battery instead of the estimated 3/mo battery life before recharge. Interestingly enough, some of my blinds have broken at the Spin Rod due to abuse from the kids and this eliminates the need to even fix or replace them. This may even be justification for a more acceptable WAF expense since the motors are cheaper than replacing the blinds.

Info Here:

http://www.myiblinds.com/

Indiegogo Here:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/i...blinds-smart#/

Failed KickStarter Link Here:

(http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...ds-intelligent)

What do you guys think?

-Travis

[TechHA]

This is actually the second time they try to get funding on Kickstarter. I was a backer on their first try that didn't get the funding that they needed. I hope they do it this time but I'm still unsure whether I'll back it again.

[Daweeze]

Okay so I am in for 2 at this point. I backed the KickStarter for the solar option as well. They have 2 weeks left so hopefully it will happen. They are going to need some luck getting there. Not sure why there isn't much interest in these since they are Z-Wave and the cost is pretty low.

-Travis

[matt246]

It seems like they spent some money on advertising their campaign as well but I think the main reason people arent backing it, is because there have been some other successful ones that have already been funded, plus they work with more blinds than what those ones do, I think iBlinds is a very niche product.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/m...s-and-shades#/
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a...indow-shades#/

[Raptor]

this seems expensive for just tilt. one per blind would be really expensive.

[Daweeze]

The latest campaign started today and is almost at goal already!

https://igg.me/at/iblinds/emal/18228970

I grabbed a 10-Pack. Fingers crossed this time.

-Travis

[freeon]

I'm very tempted as well. I assume since these are Z-wave I will be able to integrate them with my current z-troller and homeseer?

If I do take the plunge I hope it doesn't fall true like the last time.

[racerfern]

Just tilt? No lift?

[mwolter]

[Daweeze]

Well, at least at this point they have met their initial goal for fundraising and almost doubled it the first day. As far as I know, this is their first successful fundraising campaign and so much more has already been accomplished than before. I have a feeling this will not be vaporware anymore.

-Travis