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https://github.com/breaching/velux-control-with-esphome

💡 This project automates Velux windows using an ESP32 microcontroller connected to a KUX 100 remote.
https://github.com/breaching/velux-control-with-esphome

esp32 esphome homeassistant homeautomation iot smart-home smarthome velux

Last synced: about 1 month ago
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💡 This project automates Velux windows using an ESP32 microcontroller connected to a KUX 100 remote.

Host: GitHub
URL: https://github.com/breaching/velux-control-with-esphome
Owner: breaching
Created: 2024-11-27T13:05:13.000Z (about 1 month ago)
Default Branch: main
Last Pushed: 2024-11-27T14:18:42.000Z (about 1 month ago)
Last Synced: 2024-11-27T14:37:24.470Z (about 1 month ago)
Topics: esp32, esphome, homeassistant, homeautomation, iot, smart-home, smarthome, velux
Homepage:
Size: 0 Bytes
Stars: 0
Watchers: 1
Forks: 0
Open Issues: 0
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md

Awesome Lists containing this project

README

# Velux Window Automation: ESP32 and KUX 100 Remote DIY Solution

## Overview

This guide provides a cost-effective method to automate Velux windows using an ESP32 microcontroller and KUX 100 remote, bypassing the expensive VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO hub.

## 🛠 Bill of Materials

| Component | Quantity | Estimated Cost | Specifications |
|-----------|----------|----------------|----------------|
| ESP32 Microcontroller | 1 | €4-€5 | ESP32-DevKitC or Wemos D1 Mini |
| NPN Transistors (2N3904/2N2222/BC547) | 3 | €1-€2 | For button press simulation |
| 1 kΩ Resistors | 3 | €0.50 | Current limiting |
| Wires and Connectors | As needed | €2 | Jumper wires or soldered connections |
| KUX 100 Remote Control | 1 | €20-€40 | Second-hand, platform-compatible |

**Total Project Cost**: €30–€50

## 🚀 Key Advantages

- **Cost Reduction**: 75% cheaper than official VELUX hub
- **Full Customization**: Complete control via ESPHome and Home Assistant
- **Scalable**: Easy integration with existing smart home systems

## 🔧 Detailed Implementation Guide

---

### 1. **Prepare the Components**
#### Materials:
- ESP32 development board.
- 3 x NPN transistors (e.g., **2N3904**, **2N2222**, **BC547**).
- 3 x 1 kΩ resistors.
- Jumper wires or soldering equipment.
- A KUX 100 remote control.

---

### 2. **Assemble the Circuit**
Wire the ESP32 to the transistors and prepare the connections to the KUX 100 remote:

1. **Open the Remote:**
![](/photos/Untitled-2.jpg)
- Remove the batteries as the remote will be powered by the ESP32.
- Carefully push or pull the plastic clips holding the case together. Be gentle to avoid breaking the clips.
- Slowly lift the PCB out of the case, paying attention to the metallic battery contacts:
- Ensure you don’t break or tear these contacts, as they are still be needed for connections.
- Turn the PCB around and peel off the tape or adhesive covering the buttons to reveal the contact pads.
- The PCB is now ready for soldering and connecting to the ESP32.
![](/photos/Untitled-1.jpg)

3. **Connect the ESP32 to the transistors:**
- **Base** of each transistor → Connect to an ESP32 GPIO (via a 1 kΩ resistor).
- **Emitter** of each transistor → Connect to **GND** (shared with the KUX 100 remote).
- **Collector** of each transistor → Connect to the corresponding pad on the KUX 100 remote:
- Button UP → GPIO 17 → Transistor 1.
- Button DOWN → GPIO 18 → Transistor 2.
- Button STOP → GPIO 27 → Transistor 3.

4. **Connect the pads:**
- Solder wires from the button pads (UP, DOWN, STOP) to the **collector** pins of their respective transistors.

5. **Share the ground and VCC:**
- Connect the GND and 3.3V of the ESP32 to the GND and VCC of the KUX 100 remote.

---

I came up with a PCB like this (very ugly, ngl), but it's working. The ESP32 is actually mounted under the PCB, and I wired the **VCC** and **GND** to a 2-pin terminal block to power the entire setup.

![](/photos/2833AC95-E9AB-4DBA-80E0-8B1037A12F69.jpg)

### 3. ESPHome Configuration

```yaml
esphome:
name: velux_remote
platform: ESP32
board: esp32dev

wifi:
ssid: "Your_SSID"
password: "Your_Password"

output:
- platform: gpio
pin: 18
id: button_up
- platform: gpio
pin: 27
id: button_down
- platform: gpio
pin: 17
id: button_stop

switch:
- platform: template
name: "Velux UP"
turn_on_action:
- output.turn_on: button_up
- delay: 200ms
- output.turn_off: button_up

- platform: template
name: "Velux DOWN"
turn_on_action:
- output.turn_on: button_down
- delay: 200ms
- output.turn_off: button_down

- platform: template
name: "Velux STOP"
turn_on_action:
- output.turn_on: button_stop
- delay: 200ms
- output.turn_off: button_stop
```

## 🛠 Troubleshooting

### Common Issues
- **No Remote Response**:
- Confirm remote pairing with blinds
- Verify transistor connections
- Check ground connectivity

- **ESP32 Communication Problems**:
- Validate ESPHome configuration
- Check network settings
- Review ESPHome dashboard logs

## 🔮 Future Improvements

- [ ] Design custom 3D-printed enclosure
- [ ] Develop more compact PCB layout

## 🤝 Contributing

Suggestions and improvements are welcome! Please open an issue or submit a pull request.