Home Automation - Automate Your Blinds!

Recently, my Somfy motorized blind failed and I discovered another solution by Sunsa. Sunsa created a smart wand intended to retrofit most standard window blinds on the market. I was very interested in their product and exchanged messages to gather more information. I got my hands on a wand and put it through the paces. In short, this thing is solid!
Feel free to follow me on Instragram - realworldpicts
Feel free to follow me on TikTok -
tiktok.com/@realworldpicts
=== LINKS ===
FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO (Amazon):
Sunsa Wand: amzn.to/3jxPFxR
============

[@anubiasab]

Nice to see you back! I commented in the summer of 2021 about wanting to buy the D3400 but having to wait until I had the money to. Well in the summer of this year I bought a camera, the Lumix G85. Loving taking photos and videos with it!

[@RealWorld]

Ahhhhh yes, the G85 is a solid choice as well! :)

[@jillmac8859]

Mark it's so lovely to see you again! Best wishes to you and yours for a healthy & happy 2023.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post! :) It's been over a year since my last video and I have more on the way - stay tuned! :)

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

Look who came back to us. 😊 Blessings to you and your family in the coming year.

[@RealWorld]

Thank you and yes, it has been awhile! :)

[@rob.cassie]

Good to see you back, haven’t seen you for a while. Love you’re videos, Happy holidays 👍

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post Rob! :) Yes, it has been a long time since my last video. I have another video to post very soon with a quick update. I intended to post it before this one but that did not happen:).

[@DjPorkchop73]

Hi Mark great to see the camera rolling again. Hope you and yours have a very wonderful and very Happy New Year! As always, looking forward to the next.

[@RealWorld]

Thank you sir! :)

[@diego88920]

Finally you are back! Waiting for your video since 11 months.

[@RealWorld]

:) ... more on the way! :)

[@rohitsagar6432]

Welcome back!!

[@RealWorld]

Thank you and glad to be back! :)

[@kuyajj68]

Wow, I'm happy to see you again 😇

[@RealWorld]

Thank you! :)

[@mariobravo8253]

Oh NICE ❗️. FINALLY see you again - 🙂😃

[@RealWorld]

LOL - yes, it has been a relatively long time since my last video and it is good to be back! :)

[@ultraniusmaximus1536]

Welcome back! Last we spoke is was regarding macro photography. I'm curious if you accept recommendation for video ideas. I was thinking of a comparison video between different rechargeable NiMH cells. Examples tests could be the differences in advertised vs. real world capacity, self-discharge speed, how capacity changes after multiple charge/discharge cycles, impedance, best brands for which applications, and so on. Uses could include R/C remotes, flashlights/torches, video game controllers, battery-powered fans, etc. Example brands could be Energizer, Duracell, LADDA, Varta, PowerEx, EBL, and Amazon basics (there are probably a lot more that I'm unaware of at the moment); it could also include both AA and AAA cells, maybe even C, D, and 9V sizes. Also, adding the best type of smart chargers could be included. What are your thoughts?

[@RealWorld]

Ahhhhhh yes, macro photography!:) I am open to suggestions and like the idea of battery testing as well:).

[@tarif7541]

after a long time ... merry christmas and happy new year 2023

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be back! :)

[@rupeshshivdas2593]

Good to see you back. How r u man?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post Rupesh and doing well!:) I have another quick video I am going to post in the next hour or two with a quick update ... stay tuned! :)

[@leogonzalez8165]

nice to see you again

[@mikey_w1834]

Two quick questions Mark, roughly how long do the batteries last? And does the app notify you if they are weak?

[@RealWorld]

Great questions!:) Mileage will vary depending on the number of engagements throughout the day. Nonetheless, I have a few wands installed and they are showing around 50% battery life remaining which is not bad given they are activated twice a day for the last 4+ months? The application provides a wealth of information including battery life and temperature. Temperature is interesting as readings can be leveraged to open and close blinds (i.e. if the sun is beating down and the temp is rising, you can setup a routine with Alexa or the like and close the blinds).

[@mikey_w1834]

@RealWorld thanks for the response! That's not bad for those batteries, them not being rechargeable. I was wondering, based on the fact that you have a few wands installed (the average home would) and changing the batteries would be a project every couple of months. It's good to know the app gives you the information though

[@excalibor2201]

Bought one, keeps popping off - not impressed