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Quoya QL500 Smart Curtains System, Electric Curtain Track with Automated Rail【Motorized and Adjustable Tracks/Rod/Pole (up to 5 metres / 196 inches)】【Motor compatible with Alexa】
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Quoya |
Color | Aluminium |
Product Dimensions | 275.59"L x 78.74"W |
Material | Aluminum |
Mounting Type | Pole |
Item Weight | 3 Kilograms |
Maximum Weight Recommendation | 25 Pounds |
Manufacturer | Quoya |
UPC | 782290129936 |
About this item
- Aluminum
- 【NEW MODEL AVAILABLE- Search: Quoya AT5810 and Quoya EX500】Quoya electric curtain tracks are perfect for hard to reach or heavy curtains. Imagine waking up the natural way by setting a scheduled opening with your curtains. Alternatively, synchronisation with local sunset and sunrise times creates a true automated curtain system. (NOTE: Works with all curtain types that use curtain hooks. Does NOT work with eyelet, grommet, ring curtains)
- 【FIT FOR ALL】Our customizable tracks can fit any window size up to up to 196 inches. Simple connection system, sawing/special tools NOT needed. Ceiling brackets and wall brackets included for every type of installation. You can guarantee a direct connection to a power outlet with our extra long motor wire of 3 metres (US/USA 3 Pin Plug). All installation accessories included for one way(Side to Side) and two way(Center to Sides) open system.
- 【VIP CUSTOMER SERVICE】Full 24/7 Customer Support available via text/phone/email/Facebook Messenger/whatsApp. All our products come with a 3 year warranty for a complete peace of mind.
- 【8 SMART FUNCTIONS】1)Touch motion activation 2)Powercut overdrive 3)Schedule setting 4)Sunset and sunrise automation 5)App control 6)Remote control 7) Works with Alexa, Google, Home Assistant(Uses Tuya/SmartLife APP- No Hub required)
- 【INSTALLATION PROMISE】Our installation videos will guide you step by step to ensure a smooth installation. Our wealth of 16+ videos will show you how to optimise your curtains from setting a schedule to setting up voice control. Make sure you contact us for FULL access. Still worried? Contact Quoya customer support if installation is unsuccessful, we will send you replacement parts or provide instant refund.
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High-quality, affordable smart products whose quality matches that of the biggest brands.
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All of our smart electric products have been designed with ease-of-installation, as well as product longevity, in mind.
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How did we get our start?
Quoya Living was started to help people simplify their daily routines, to add a bit of luxury and flair to their homes, and to help people reach peak relaxation at home. We thought, what better way to do that, than by automating people’s curtains and blinds. It might sound simple, but the ability to open and close your curtains from bed can have a truly transformative impact on just how much you enjoy being at home.
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Why do we love what we do?
Smart electric curtain tracks were previously only accessible to the ultra-wealthy, to the mansion owners and millionaires. Now, however, thanks to Quoya Living, you can purchase high-quality, affordable smart curtain tracks whose quality matches that of the biggest brands.
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What makes our products unique?
Quoya Living’s smart electric curtain tracks all work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch and Siri. Your curtains can be opened from the comfort of your sofa, bed or kitchen table, with no effort required. If you visit family, go on holiday, or simply fancy a weekend city break, you can easily control the curtains with your app.
Videos
Videos for this product
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Quoya Automatic Smart Curtain System - Install Video
PureReviews
Videos for this product
0:44
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Smart curtains are fantastic to open or close remotely
Danny Black ☑️
Videos for this product
0:56
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Electric Curtain Track - love the timer function
Juliet Vrudny
Videos for this product
3:49
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Two Way Center Opening Installation (Full Version)
Quoya® Living Co. Ltd
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Product information
Brand | Quoya |
---|---|
Color | Aluminium |
Product Dimensions | 275.59"L x 78.74"W |
Material | Aluminum |
Mounting Type | Pole |
Item Weight | 3 Kilograms |
Maximum Weight Recommendation | 25 Pounds |
Manufacturer | Quoya |
UPC | 782290129936 |
Item Weight | 6.6 pounds |
ASIN | B07X3XTFWS |
Item model number | QL500 |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #236,964 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #151 in Home Automation Devices #4,566 in Curtains & Drapes |
Fabric Type | Aluminum |
Assembly required | Yes |
Batteries required | Yes |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Quoya QL-500 electric curtain track system is a fantastic motorized curtain track that offers smooth operation and can be customized to your window size.
Package Includes
1) Customizable rail tracks up to up to up to 5.2 metres / 204 inches
2) Smart curtain motor with 3 metres/ 118 inches motor wire with USA US 3 Pin Plug
3) Wall brackets
4) Ceiling brackets
5) All installation accessories
Product Specification
Track max length: up to 5.2 metres / 204 inches
Power: 40W
Voltage: AC100-240V
Power type: USA US 3 Pin Plug
Ingress protection: IP20
Motor Strength: 1.2Nm Torque
Compare with similar items
This Item Quoya QL500 Smart Curtains System, Electric Curtain Track with Automated Rail【Motorized and Adjustable Tracks/Rod/Pole (up to 5 metres / 196 inches)】【Motor compatible with Alexa】 | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $259.00$259.00 | $239.00$239.00 | $229.00$229.00 | $60.00$60.00 | -11% $138.99$138.99 Typical: $156.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 17 | Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 17 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jun 18 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jun 19 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Value for money | 4.5 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.3 | — |
Easy to install | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 4.2 | — |
Sturdiness | 4.6 | 4.5 | — | 4.5 | — |
Remote Control | 4.1 | 4.2 | 3.6 | — | — |
Sold By | Quoya® Living Co. Ltd | Quoya® Living Co. Ltd | Quoya® Living Co. Ltd | ZSHINE | Aosom Direct |
size | up to 5.2 metres / 204 inches | up to 118 inches (3m) | up to 3 metres (118 inches) | 9.8ft | — |
material | — | QL600 Aluminium (White) | AT5810 | Aluminum | Aluminum,Plastic |
max. recommended weight | 25 pounds | 50 kilograms | — | 40 kilograms | 110 pounds |
mounting type | Pole | Wall Mounted | Wall Mounted | Ceiling Mounted or Wall Mounted | Ceiling Mounted |
weight | 3 kilograms | 7 pounds | 8 pounds | 4.5 pounds | 9.9 pounds |
Customer reviews
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Customers say
Customers like the performance, quality and appearance of the hanging rod. For example, they mention that it works beautifully, is well made, sturdy and reliable. That said, some like the ease of operation, and value. Opinions are mixed on ease of installation and connectivity.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the curtain rod. They mention that it works beautifully, quietly, and smoothly. Some say that the product is great and goes together exactly as it should.
"...Overall, a fun project, and great result at an excellent price!" Read more
"Works great. Easy to install. Great customer support. Love these motorized curtain tracks.." Read more
"...It operates /well and is reliable so far. The instructions videos are a great help. Take your time...." Read more
"These were so easy to install and they work so well." Read more
Customers like the quality of the hanging rod. They mention that it's well-made, sturdy, and reliable. The track is very well constructed out of extruded aluminum and flexes very little while lifting it. Customers also appreciate the good support and videos.
"...It is made of thick aluminum, with strong connectors between track segments. The motor, track bands, hangers are well made and strong...." Read more
"...SMART. Lots of extra hooks, track belt, etc. You're never in fear of a "1 cut ruins the whole project" situation because there are extras included...." Read more
"good quality and easy to install - only issue i see is that if the power goes off it forgets the curtain set points" Read more
"...they found the right video I really like it and have heavy drapes- very sturdy. Using the wall mounts and draws over to the right. Smooth and quiet" Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the hanging rod. They mention that it's well-thought-out, well-designed, and quiet. Some are also pleased with the final product and the good value.
"...and slightly complicated to put together, but It is also well thought out...." Read more
"...They are quiet and smooth, and awesome...." Read more
"The system is DESIGNED WELL and thought through...." Read more
"...The hardware is very well designed. You must watch the you tube videos and follow along carefully." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the noise level of the hanging rod. They mention that the motor action is very quiet and smooth.
"This system is quiet, reliable and solidly built...." Read more
"...The motor action is very quiet and is very smooth...." Read more
"...Using the wall mounts and draws over to the right. Smooth and quiet" Read more
"This drapery system works like a dream! Quiet and smooth! We installed it ourselves and the video is essential for step by step instruction...." Read more
Customers like the ease of operation of the hanging rod. They mention that it is very quiet, and the track is smooth. Some say that the support is excellent and responds quickly.
"...The motor action is very quiet and is very smooth...." Read more
"...Using the wall mounts and draws over to the right. Smooth and quiet" Read more
"This drapery system works like a dream! Quiet and smooth! We installed it ourselves and the video is essential for step by step instruction...." Read more
"...They are quiet and smooth, and awesome...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the hanging rod. They say it's well worth the price, has excellent value, and has saved them a ton of money.
"...I emailed the company and they sent me more hangers free.The price is great compared to the alternatives...." Read more
"...Great value for money, definitely recommend. 5 stars" Read more
"...It has worked flawlessly for about 6 months with daily use. Saved us a ton of money and I think it looks great!" Read more
"...Overall amazing quality for the price. I would recommend this to anyone!" Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of installation. Some mention the installation video was straight forward and clear, and relatively straightforward. They also say the large amount of installation videos are very helpful and flawless. However, some customers say the installation instructions were terrible, written instructions are terrible, and the videos are hard to follow as they are too quick.
"Works great. Easy to install. Great customer support. Love these motorized curtain tracks.." Read more
"...to the video with the Quoya rod, and it was very smooth and quick to assemble.I hung this rod on the wall and not the ceiling...." Read more
"These were so easy to install and they work so well." Read more
"...The motor, track bands, hangers are well made and strong. The assembly was not intuitive, but they provided a number of video instruction links..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the hanging rod. Some mention that it comes with a remote and a WiFi antenna connection, and can pair without a hub. It connects to Alexa and quiet, while others say that the app that controls it is very hard to connect as it only allows 2.4 GHz and is nearly impossible to pair.
"This system is a dream. It works, connects to Alexa and quiet. The wife loves it and so do I!..." Read more
"The smart app that controls it is very hard to connect as it only allows 2.4 ghz and most phones are not 2.4 ghz meaning you have to use your cell..." Read more
"...As far as function. It has been perfect. It's never disconnected from wifi or the app. Always opens and closes perfectly...." Read more
"I can not connect it to the app, I only can use it with the remote control, they never allow me set it up with the app" Read more
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I made a video to show you the curtains, how they work, and what I like/dislike. I also summarized it here.
I love being able to set the curtains (in the app) to automatically open and close every day. And the cool factor. These motorized curtain rods are Just.Plain.Cool.
I had a huge advantage with assembly because I was already familiar with the installation. Quoya provides links In the instruction manual and on the Amazon product page, to VERY HELPFUL videos on assembly and installation. I never read any written instructions—based on other reviews, I knew the videos would be the most helpful. I am a “senior” female, but fairly handy—I assembled and hug the rod by myself.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to watch the assembly videos. I watched before I began, and watched again during assembly, pausing regularly to follow the instructions and then resumed the video. The downside of a video, is that it goes too fast to follow on a step by step basis; all that pausing and restarting was a bit of a pain, but still the video was hugely helpful.
With my first rod assembly, I made a minor mistake which was to insert both the two wheeled pulleys into the rod the wrong way. I had to partially disassemble the rod to correct that and put it back together again. But it was not difficult or time-consuming to do that. I knew to pay more attention to the video with the Quoya rod, and it was very smooth and quick to assemble.
I hung this rod on the wall and not the ceiling. The seller provides 5 wall brackets, 10 screws, and 10 plastic drywall anchors (each bracket takes 2 screws). The drywall anchors are a little flimsy, so be careful when you push them into the wall to not compress, squish, or bend them.
A complaint is that they do not give you any sort of cover to hide the screws which are exposed on each bracket. Those exposed screws make the bracket look a little unfinished. Also, I hung the curtains using pinch-pleat drapery clips high enough so that when the curtain is closed, the top edge of the curtain hides the motorized curtain rod. However, when the curtain is open, you can see the rod. The rod is not pretty like a lot of decorative rods are—so I might need to have another project to build (or buy) a cornice to hide this rod. I wish they would make the rods a little more decorative looking.
I had no trouble attaching the motor and using the remote control. Very smooth operation. Works very well.
To operate the motorized rod with your phone, you can use either the TuyaSmart app or the Smart Life app. They seem identical in all respects. I prefer the Smart Life app because I already had other smart devices on that app. Either one is easy to operate. The app includes a timer feature which is very handy. You can set seemingly unlimited times of day (for whatever days of the week) to adjust the curtains to close at any % you want. Oddly, to set the timer to automatically *open* the curtains, the setting in the app is that the curtains need to be set to 0%. The only way that makes sense to me is to think of the % as representing the amount that the curtains are *closed*. So 0% means they are closed 0% (which means they are open all the way). They can be set to open/close at any % from 0 to 100.
I can also use the app when I am away from home to adjust the curtain.
I followed the instructions to set up the integration with Alexa. It was not hard, but I am *disappointed* in everything to do with integration with Alexa—it all needs developmental improvement. First, Alexa operation is verbal only (cannot operate with the Alexa app). That means you can use Alexa only when you are home within voice range. In order for Alexa to understand the verbal instruction, I have to say something very awkward:
“Alexa, tell TuyaSmart to TURN ON the bedroom curtains”
It is just not natural or logical to “turn on” curtains.
And then to close the curtains, I have to say:
“Alexa, tell TuyaSmart to TURN OFF the bedroom curtains.”
You CANNOT ask Alexa to open the bedroom curtains 50% or half way or any other partial opening. The only way to do that is to use the TuyaSmart app (or the Smart Life app) or the remote control.
Overall, I love this motorized curtain rod. I love having the curtains open and close automatically at a designated time of day. If I want to see the stars at night, I can ask Alexa to ....tell TuyaSmart to turn on the curtains (which is just weirdly worded but still convenient to have her do it). It operates /well and is reliable so far. The instructions videos are a great help. Take your time. I liked these rods so much that I bought a second one.
I write honest reviews to help others make informed purchases because I read reviews myself and appreciate how helpful they can be. I hope that my review helped you!
The price is great compared to the alternatives. Delivery time was short (I had to wait anyway until my wife was out of town to put it up). I assembled and mounted the whole thing myself, but I recommend having an assistant to make it easier. Overall, a fun project, and great result at an excellent price!
Check your drapes to ensure you order the correct type and number of runners/hooks.
I synced mine to the Tuya Smart AAPP and the drapes automatically close at Sunset and open at 10:30AM. In 2+ years, the only issue we've had is the motor didn't run after a power outage. If the LED continues to blink, unplug for an extended period of time and it will resync.
Top reviews from other countries
The instructions are a bit complex but they have good resources
Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2024
The instructions are a bit complex but they have good resources
Funzionamento silenzioso. Si utilizza con telecomando, a mano (basta una pressione alla tenda ed il motore si attiva) con Alexa e tramite App (Smart Life).
Apprendimento automatico dei fine corsa e riduzione della velocità prima di arrivare a "battuta".
Il motore si può montare in entrambi i versi (alto o basso) ed è possibile inverire l'impostazione predefinita di chiusura ed apertura. Si monta sia a binario singolo che a doppio binario.
In dotazione tutti gli accessori (escluso le paperelle).
Consigliato
Per glu amanti della domotizzazione un vero incanto.
Vorteile:
Einfache Installation: Die Montage der Schiene ist dank der mitgelieferten Anleitung und des Montagematerials sehr einfach. Selbst unerfahrene Heimwerker können die Schiene in kurzer Zeit installieren.
Vielseitige Steuerung: Die Vorhänge können über die mitgelieferte Fernbedienung, die Smartphone-App oder Sprachbefehle gesteuert werden. Die App bietet zusätzliche Funktionen wie die Erstellung von Zeitplänen und Szenen.
Zuverlässige Leistung: Die Schiene arbeitet leise und zuverlässig. Die Vorhänge öffnen und schließen sich sanft und gleichmäßig.
Elegantes Design: Die Schiene ist aus hochwertigem Aluminium gefertigt und hat ein modernes, elegantes Design. Sie passt sich jedem Einrichtungsstil an.
Leiser Betrieb: Die Schiene arbeitet leise und stört nicht beim Schlafen oder Fernsehen.
Verschiedene Längen: Die Schiene ist in verschiedenen Längen erhältlich, so dass sie für jede Fenstergröße geeignet ist.
Gute Kompatibilität: Die Schiene ist kompatibel mit verschiedenen Smart-Home-Systemen, z. B. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant und Apple HomeKit.
Le fournisseur est accessible et renseigne très bien.
In the box you get:
1x Motor
1x Remote control & wall mount
Various sticky pads for mount
5x Wall Brackets (combine with ceiling brackets to make an angled wall mount)
5x Ceiling brackets
2x Drive belts
The Rail is in segments of various lengths. To get the length required join the segments using the Allen screws (Allen key provided).
If you need a shorter length rail you will need to cut a segment shorter, which is easily done with a decent metal hack saw saw - I don’t recommend a junior hack saw or chop saw with metal capable blade and reasonably fine teeth.
Bay window?
You can’t bend the rail - it’s a “rigid rail system”, and it’s wider than it is deep, so bending it really isn’t possible (you’d need to bend it on its width, which would be ridiculously difficult / impossible). I imagine someone reading this will say they could bend it, but it’s not how it’s “supposed to work” and you’d invalidate any warranty if you tried, so I wouldn’t bother and there are simpler way to achieve this anyway:
3 window bay: pre-defined angles are available, just buy two and you’re away.
5 window bay: you need to cut your own angles into the rail because they don’t sell per-made ones (I asked).
As long as you cut your angles accurately and cleanly, so your hooks glide easily round the angled corners, the rail will work just fine.
Tip for 5 bay windows: I got some 2x2 lengths of wood and cut them to match my 5 bay window ledge. So I literally copied the angles off the inside ledge onto the wood and them to make a replica I could use as template. I cut my rail to these same angles and mounted my rail onto the wooden template.
Doing it this way, while a bit time consuming, could test my rail angles worked. As it was a full sized replica I could cut the belt and test the motor pulling the hooks too, so it’s worth doing, especially if you’re not someone who does a lot of DIY and isn’t used to doing precise work like this.
So what’s GREAT about this system?
1. Almost silent: my dogs, don’t even seem to hear this new rail in operation. When it activates they don’t even acknowledge it! By contrast, the 8+ years old, self-close system I had previously would drive my dogs insane, making them bark and run around like lunatics.
2. Build quality: The motor is a beauty. It’s heavy with a fully metal casing and it’s exceptionally quiet in operation. The motor houses the wifi gear, the reset button, the wifi antenna and a captive mains lead of approx. 250cm long.
The rail: beautiful quality, very sturdy and if mounted correctly and not abused, it won’t ever come down.
Warranty covers the motor for THREE years - the rail and hooks shouldn’t break under normal use, so a one year warranty is ample.
Spare parts (including motors, rail segments, belts and hooks) are lol available.
Interesting note: I looked a many different rails before buying one and I noticed that they are STRIKINGLY similar; so much so, I suspect there may be one place manufacturing them and other companies just badge them up and flash their own firmware / make an app for smart control. I can’t prove this, but look for yourself: there’s a system for FOUR TIMES the price and it’s identical, apart from branding. If that’s true, this rail is even better value for money that I initially thought.
Control for curtains:
You have four “usual” ways to operate your curtains, plus several other options of you’re into home automation.
1. Remote Control
2. Tuya Smart Life App
3. Manual (like normal curtains)
4. Voice / Smart Home / Other
1. Remote Control (provided): a cream / beige coloured, slim line, smart looking, 3 button controller:
The buttons are:
1. open 2. close 3. pause.
The remote is supplied with a wall mounting bracket, so you don’t lose it; there are 2 supplied options for attaching the bracket to the wall:
1. 3M sticky tape
2. screws & plugs
Using the remote is easy. It works straight from the box (you supply the batteries - 2x AAAs). I found the remote operation a little odd at first because it didn’t do what I expected, but it does make sense when you get used to it.
To open or close the curtains you press the open or close button. This starts the curtains moving.
If you want them fully open / closed, just press the appropriate button and let them do their thing.
If you want to stop the curtains part way, you start them off opening / closing, then press PAUSE when they are in the position you want them.
2. The Tuya Smart Life App:
A. Download the app for Android or Apple and paid your curtain motor by following the (only decent set of) instructions provided.
B. You can drag the little sliders to open or close the curtains wherever you want, which is very intuitive and useful.
In the app there are also some options for closing at dusk or at sunset (sunset tends to close while it’s still light, dusk is usually when it’s dark). You can set up various timers in the app, pair with Alexa or Google
Voice assistants and all kinds of other stuff. It’s impressive and easy to use and operating curtains while away from home is easy to do.
The app also performs a very useful function if you happen to have the buttons reverse, so open is close and close is open….
THE APP PAUSE BUTTON & Switching the OPENING / CLOSING buttons around.
Why would you want to switch the open and close buttons?
Some people build the rail and find that Close is Open and Open is Close.
While it may not bother you if you exclusively use the remote control unit, you will find that the app / timers / scenes / smart home operation it will all be reversed which
will cause you problems.
To switch the open / close function buttons you need the Tuya Smart Life App installed (I believe you do anyway).
In the App:
PRESS AND HOLD THE PAUSE ICON FOR A FEW SECONDS.
A message will flash up telling you the directions are reversed.
Simple as that - you don’t need to rebuild the rail or anything complex or cumbersome, just press and hold pause in the app. There may be a way to do this from the remote unit but I haven’t tried it so I don’t know.
3. Manual operation
Say you don’t have your phone to hand and haven’t set up voice and your remote isn’t handy. Or maybe someone doesn’t realise you have smart curtains and just wants to open or close the curtains and doesn’t understand that you need a remote or an app…
If you gently pull the curtains, just as you would if you wanted to open them by hand (not like a lunatic or someone with no fine motor control - like a normal human with a brain) the motor sense this and sets off the automation. Gently pulling the curtains will set them in motion opening or closing and stopping when fully open or closed.
I’ve tried this over 10 times personally and so have my kids. So far (this rail has been up just over a month at time of writing) it has worked 100% of the time. It only takes a gentle pull in the appropriate direction: You have to move the curtains about 3cm before they will set off.
If you yank at your curtains or try to drag them along faster than they are designed to move, you will break them.
4. Voice / smart home / other
I never use voice operated anything because, personally, I find it cumbersome and pretty useless. Never tried it, can’t comment.
Smart home - with Home Assistant it’s great. I’ve set up a few “close curtains / the lights on” scenes and “if temp outdoor < 3c then close curtains “. They work great and Smart Life is a HACS integration in Hassio / Home Assistant so it’s easy to set up.
How fast do they open / close?
My curtains take approx 11 seconds to fully open or close. That’s when I use the remote or the app.
The window in this case is 280cm wide and the curtains have to close over a 210cm gap.
So works out as (roughly, rounding it) 20cm per second - which is pretty quick.
I can’t honestly imagine and real life situation where you’d need a faster closing time than 20cm/s… maybe if you’re a vampire and there’s and unexpected sunrise?
If you genuinely do need curtains that close faster, if recommend a pneumatic security screen, like they in banks: I believe they can close a 1m gap in under a second…
Mains leads: some reviews says it’s a 90cm lead but mine is 250cm.
The lead is captive in the motor so unless you dismantle it and swap it, you need an extension lead or a socket on the wall near the curtains.
What’s bad:
The Instructions! What a crappy, poorly thought out set of instructions these are!
Utterly garbage and worthless: frustrating, annoying and pointless.
Annoyingly, once you inderstand how to set the rail up, you realise there’s NO NEED at all for these instructions to be so bad!
I suspect the designer, or someone who’d built a thousand of these things, created the instructions as an afterthought. The pairing instructions are great, but the build
tutorial is utterly useless.
To Quoya: please create a better instruction / guide. It’s not difficult.
1. Write out the instructions step by step.
2. Try following them yourself, as written. Change anything that’s wrong or not clear.
3. Give your instructions to someone who has NEVER seen or used the product and watch them as they follow your guide.
4. Change anything that is wrong or misleading and take feedback from the tester.
5. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until someone who’s NEVER seen or used the product and assemble it FIRST TIME without help.
Done right, decent instructions can change a mediocre product into a brilliant one. Done wrong, they can make a brilliant product into an utter failure no one wants to use.
What’s wrong with the instructions?
For a start, there barely are any! The few that exist are badly executed drawings that don’t show anything useful and just aren’t clear.
They try to rectify this with several videos with truly AWFUL, looping music, which is irritating as hell when you’re trying to concentrate.
Also the videos have NO COMMENTARY - just a video of someone building a rail and pointing at things like a Mime! It would be funny if it weren’t their only method of instruction.
I watched all their videos several times, but without a voice-over I found it impossible to understand what was happening on screen most of the time. The other tragic decision was to put these videos on YouTube! So you get adverts popping up constantly which, when you’re trying to follow a guide, is REALLY IRRITATING.
Why are there no voice instructions? You can’t watch a screen and work with your hands and look at the rail at the same time!
If having multiple languages was too expensive, so then in English - which is near Universal now anyway (I’m Italian and I read and write English fine, so do all my friends).
The instructions let this product so massively I honestly believe they hinder it’s adoption. It’s so well made, beautifully packaged, very strong, resilient to damage; the motor and rail are gorgeous and the fully metal construction; the drive belt system - everything is just so very clever and well done that honestly, the instructions are bafflingly bad. This is another reason I think it’s made by one company and branded by others who create their own guides and software… Gliss would not (I hope) have such naff instruction as these.
Instructions aside, it’s great value for money.
To build this thing, I’d advise looking for a YouTuber who’s done their own video - watch that instead. That’s what I did in the end. As I say, once you do it, you’ll see that it’s so easy, you don’t really need the guide at all if you have a second one to build, it actually very simple, ironically.
Tech Support:
Their support email IS very good and they respond quickly. While advice is mostly accurate, I recommend that if you do ask for help, word your question as clearly and precisely as possible using the least number of words and leave out everything irrelevant to the question.
Why?
I will show you. I asked support, “how can I stop my curtain tops looking bumpy and raggedy? I only have 7 hooks per curtain as recommended in the guide, but they bunch up and look untidy. Would a wave system help? My curtains are pencil pleat and I don’t know if wave is better”.
I asked this because I knew that if I used more hooks (they give you 10 per curtain) my curtains would not open fully: they take up space in the rail and obviously stop to curtain being able to open into that used space.
Anyway, that was my question.
Their answer: “more hooks are available from the site if you’d like to order more for the rail. You don’t need wave if you have pencil pleat already”.
As you see, this isn’t a very useful answer. I wanted to know tips on tidying the tops of my pencil pleat curtains and if I could use wave. All I found out was that I could buy hooks.
I never did get a useful answer but I made the rail a little longer and added more hooks to give extra support and that worked ok.
So be careful when you ask a question and don’t give detail that isn’t relevant or which can be misunderstood. If you do that their answers will be more useful.