Control of blinds, shades and window openers with Zwave and WiFi

Z-Wave & WiFi Group Control: Built-in Web Server: The WiFi Home Page

WiFi and Z-Wave group controller for blinds, shades and window openersPart 3 covers how to start up the web server and connect to your WiFi network.

When you have done that successfully, you will be presented with the home page.

It is the gateway to the configuration and motor control, and we have reproduced it here, so that you can read the introduction.

Welcome to the NodeSwitch™ Blind Motor Group Control System

This blind control kit is a single channel GROUP controller for motorized blinds, shades, window openers, curtain closers, skylight shades, and other devices. Whether you have 2 or 200 motors in the group, it will control all the motors in the group simultaneously, and each motor can have its own individual travel limits.

It is a member of our Unity series of controllers, so named because it is capable of using multiple radio protocols to control your motors. You can use any of the following RF radio methods to control a group of your shades and blinds with this unit:

  • Use a ZWAVE hub, such as SmartThings or Vera (Z-Wave is the default mode of this unit). These hubs usually have voice interfaces for systems such as Alexa or Google Home.
  • Use any WiFi enabled device with a browser, such as phone, tablet, or laptop (note that WiFi is used to configure the group operation of this controller).
  • Use our wall mount and hand held remote controls. Our customers often use wall mount remotes at room entry points.
  • Use our RF/IR BroadLink hub, with its own Android or iPhone app. It can also be used with Alexa or Google home; please see this article.

Please note that Z-Wave and WiFi are mutually exclusive methods of operation. If you have selected Z-Wave control in the CONFIGURE GROUP area, when you return to MOTOR CONTROL, this web interface will disappear. During normal Z-Wave operation you would use the interface for your Z-Wave hub to control the motor group. If you want to change some settings, you can activate this web interface again by holding down switch 4 on the controller for a few seconds (long press).

Please see the complete instructions at our website: NodeSwitch.com (look at the "How To" area on the MAIN MENU).

This unit is powered by a fast, dual core Wi-Fi microchip with plenty of memory and control inputs/outputs. From a cold start this device can be online, connected to your WiFi network in under a second! If you are reading this, you are already connected to the WiFi control console hosted on this microchip.

Although the primary function is intended for controlling blind motors, this unit is highly configurable via the CONFIGURE GROUP menu button below. It can be used for our electric window openers, or any other DC motor that is capable of reverse operation (we have receiver modules too).

If you are interested in modifying the programming or functionality of these units, please note that we have a series of educational kits based on this microchip.

File NameDescription
HOME The default mode for this controller is Z-Wave, but this home page is loaded after you long-press the S3 switch to power up this controller into its WiFi mode. Please follow the initial instructions to configure your WiFi settings to get an IP address on your local WiFi router (the IP Address on this unit is currently 192.168.1.7). This page provides introductory information about the controller, with links to the other files shown below.
CONFIGURE GROUP This page allows you to set timing parameters and control screen wording that affects how this group behaves. There are hints on the page that provide assistance for each setting.
MOTOR CONTROL If you choose the WiFi mode of operation, instead of Z-Wave motor control, you will have access to our interactive slider. You can set the percentage of travel with the interactive slider, or roll the shade to its fully deployed or fully retracted position, and you can also STOP the motor anywhere ). If you select the Z-Wave mode of operation (in the GROUP CONTROL settings), you would use the control interface provided by your Z-Wave hub.
Copyright © 2017 - NodeSwitch Controls

Purchase This Unit in Our Online Store

You can purchase our Unity group controller for blinds and window openers, and our other control products in our online DIY automation store.

Adrian Biffen
Senior Partner
NodeSwitch™ Controls

We sincerely hope you enjoy our advanced technology products; if you have any questions, please contact us at any time!

Articles in this series:

Part 1: Z-Wave Group Control of Blind & Shade Motors: Introduction

Part 1A: Z-Wave & WiFi Blind Control: Cloning Motor Channels

Part 2: Blind Motor Quick Start Pairing With Your Z-Wave Hub

Part 3: Blind Motor Quick Start Pairing With Your WiFi Network

Part 4: Welcome to the WiFi Home Page (you are here)

Part 5: Understanding the Controller Settings

Part 6: WiFi Slider Control for Motorized Blinds, Shades, and Window Openers