Homey-Compatible Outdoor Sun Sensor for Blinds – Any Ideas?

Questions & Help
1

Hello,

I’m installing external blinds to protect my apartment from the heat of the sun.

The blinds are of the Warema brand, which does not integrate with Homey. I’d like to find an alternative to the solar control proposed by Warema.

To control the blinds, it seems to me that switches connected to a Fibaro Roller Shutter (or similar) will do the trick. It also seems very simple to add a Homey-compatible remote control.

Where I get stuck is with sun detection. I’ve found options for indoor light detection, but I can’t find a Homey-compatible, rain-resistant outdoor light controller.

There’s the Somfy range but, as I understand it, you need a bridge to be compatible with Homey, which I’d like to avoid.

I also found this: https://ses-automation.fr/_catalogue/_fiche/AHKF.pdf. It outputs mA or V depending on the measured light.
Has anyone successfully converted a 4-20 mA or 0-10 V light sensor output for use in Homey? What device or method would you recommend?

Could you suggest a solution?
Is Somfy + bridge the only possible option?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Johann

2

I use the power output of my PV cells to steer the shutters, but obviously only works if you have them.

3

I’ve just put a light sensor on the inside of the window. But, I don’t cover it completely with the blind when it’s closed, to keep it from sending “no sunshine” lux values.

4

I use these Xiaomi sensors, Aqara compatible. Very cheap and stable. Complaints a lot on low battery (placed outside on the window frame placed at strategic height) but quick and simple. Use it for automized blinds.

5

Thanks. Unfortunately, I don’t have PV cells in the apartment.

6

Thanks. This does not work for me as the blinds are going further down my window to cover a panel area. The fame makes the full height and the window is only half of it.
When the blinds are down, they cover the sun which would impact the light sensor reading.

7

Good idea. I don’t like the battery thing and the IPX3 rating is a bit scary but that might work!

8

If anyone is interested, the best method in my situation seems to be using the Fibaro Implant together with the PHOTASGARD AHKF.

They both work on 24V (mini transfo is required but cheap) meaning that they don’t rely on battery. The PHOTASGARD AHKF has IP65 rating and is made for outside usage. It sends its output in V that the Fibaro implant can read and report to Homey.

In theory, this should fulfill my needs.

I’ll order the pieces and build a small proof of concept that I will share here if successful.