Step 1: Gather the parts
1. A 6 volt power adapter (wall wart)
2. LED assembly
3. A small project box
4. Power Jack
5. Power Plug
6. Batteries
Step 2: Disassembly
The first step is to remove the handle from the motor. Be careful doing this as you do not want to cut the wires yet. Cut as close to the body as possible.
Step 3: The Switch
After removing the handle, separate the handle, and remove the switch. We will extend the wires and use this to control the opener. The purpose of this switch is to reverse the polarity of the DC current. Unsolder the motor and the battery connector from the PCB.
Step 4: Preparing the Motor
This is the power end of the driver. The motor is visible. We need to make the cut area as flat as possible to secure it to the wooden block used to mount it.
Step 5: Back-up Power
The next step is to prepare the batteries for back-up power. This will allow us to still open the blinds if the power fails. *** A word of caution: If you must solder batteries you have to be very careful. To much heat can cause batteries to explode.***
Step 6: Building the Switch Box
First, fit the switch in the box then cut a hole in the lid to fit the switch.
Step 7: Power Jack and LED
Next, install the LED on the side of the case. This will light when the unit has power. Then cut a hole to mount the power jack.
Step 8: Adding the Batteries
Fit the battery into the box and wire it up.
Step 9: Mounting to the Window
There are several ways to put this on the window, but the solution the author choose included mounting a 2x4 board. Cut it wide enough to hold the motor under the opening rod of the blind. Cut a slot for a zip tie. The next step is to mount this to your window frame. Make sure the mount does not touch the blinds or they will not close properly. Using the Phillips bit that came with the drill, which fits right inside the rod. The author recommends heating the rod slightly when inserting the bit to keep the rod from splitting. The author attached the rod to the motor and then the whole thing to the blind.
Step 11: Dress it Up
Optional: Design a logo for your opener. Open and Close labels for your switch and then sit back and open your blinds from your chair.
There are really many possibilities for this device. You could interface this into your computer so you could open the blinds from your desk. You can also use an IR or RF remote and open your blinds from anywhere in the room.
Author: ContraptionMaker