A project by Jean-Claude Ponslet via baron.be
Experience the retrofit automated system operating real manual outdoor roller blinds. Powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, this solution automatically triggers shade deployment based on solar angle tracking, indoor/outdoor temperatures, and wind safety limits, while offering real-time percentage position tracking over MQTT via a custom web interface.
A detailed walkthrough of the CAD mechanical model engineered in FreeCAD. Designed for heavy outdoor usage, the casing and internal drive components were 3D printed in UV-resistant and high-durability PETG using a Creality K1 Max 3D printer.
An internal look at the mechanical gear drive and high-torque NEMA stepper motor in motion. The system uses Trinamic TMC drivers with StallGuard diagnostics to monitor motor load and torque during continuous opening and closing cycles.
Fully Installed System: External view of the fully assembled drive enclosure mounted at the end of the ALVEX outdoor roller blind. The blue heatsink is visible on the outside of the casing to cool the motor driver.
Internal Mechanism View: Detailed look at the mechanical drive inside the enclosure. Shows the PETG-printed gears (large green gear and black drive pinions), the NEMA stepper motor, and the power/data connector.
3D Printing on Creality K1 Max: The green PETG main enclosure on the build plate, supported by tree supports during fabrication on the Creality K1 Max 3D printer.