Velux Window Automation: ESP32 and KUX 100 Remote DIY Solution

Overview

This guide provides a cost-effective method to automate Velux windows using an ESP32 microcontroller and KUX 100 remote, bypassing the expensive VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO hub.

🛠 Bill of Materials

Component	Quantity	Estimated Cost	Specifications
ESP32 Microcontroller	1	€4-€5	ESP32-DevKitC or Wemos D1 Mini
NPN Transistors (2N3904/2N2222/BC547)	3	€1-€2	For button press simulation
1 kΩ Resistors	3	€0.50	Current limiting
Wires and Connectors	As needed	€2	Jumper wires or soldered connections
KUX 100 Remote Control	1	€20-€40	Second-hand, platform-compatible

Total Project Cost: €30–€50

🚀 Key Advantages

• Cost Reduction: 75% cheaper than official VELUX hub
• Full Customization: Complete control via ESPHome and Home Assistant
• Scalable: Easy integration with existing smart home systems

🔧 Detailed Implementation Guide

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1. Prepare the Components

Materials:

• ESP32 development board.
• 3 x NPN transistors (e.g., 2N3904, 2N2222, BC547).
• 3 x 1 kΩ resistors.
• Jumper wires or soldering equipment.
• A KUX 100 remote control.

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2. Assemble the Circuit

Wire the ESP32 to the transistors and prepare the connections to the KUX 100 remote:

1. Open the Remote:

   • Remove the batteries as the remote will be powered by the ESP32.
   • Carefully push or pull the plastic clips holding the case together. Be gentle to avoid breaking the clips.
   • Slowly lift the PCB out of the case, paying attention to the metallic battery contacts:
   • Ensure you don’t break or tear these contacts, as they are still be needed for connections.
   • Turn the PCB around and peel off the tape or adhesive covering the buttons to reveal the contact pads.
   • The PCB is now ready for soldering and connecting to the ESP32.

2. Connect the ESP32 to the transistors:

   • Base of each transistor → Connect to an ESP32 GPIO (via a 1 kΩ resistor).
   • Emitter of each transistor → Connect to GND (shared with the KUX 100 remote).
   • Collector of each transistor → Connect to the corresponding pad on the KUX 100 remote:
     • Button UP → GPIO 17 → Transistor 1.
     • Button DOWN → GPIO 18 → Transistor 2.
     • Button STOP → GPIO 27 → Transistor 3.

3. Connect the pads:

   • Solder wires from the button pads (UP, DOWN, STOP) to the collector pins of their respective transistors.

4. Share the ground and VCC:

   • Connect the GND and 3.3V of the ESP32 to the GND and VCC of the KUX 100 remote.

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I came up with a PCB like this (very ugly, ngl), but it's working. The ESP32 is actually mounted under the PCB, and I wired the VCC and GND to a 2-pin terminal block to power the entire setup.

3. ESPHome Configuration

esphome:
  name: velux_remote
  platform: ESP32
  board: esp32dev

wifi:
  ssid: "Your_SSID"
  password: "Your_Password"

output:
  - platform: gpio
    pin: 18
    id: button_up
  - platform: gpio
    pin: 27
    id: button_down
  - platform: gpio
    pin: 17
    id: button_stop
  
switch:
  - platform: template
    name: "Velux UP"
    turn_on_action:
      - output.turn_on: button_up
      - delay: 200ms  
      - output.turn_off: button_up
  
  - platform: template
    name: "Velux DOWN"
    turn_on_action:
      - output.turn_on: button_down
      - delay: 200ms  
      - output.turn_off: button_down
  
  - platform: template
    name: "Velux STOP"
    turn_on_action:
      - output.turn_on: button_stop
      - delay: 200ms
      - output.turn_off: button_stop

🛠 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• No Remote Response:

  • Confirm remote pairing with blinds
  • Verify transistor connections
  • Check ground connectivity

• ESP32 Communication Problems:

  • Validate ESPHome configuration
  • Check network settings
  • Review ESPHome dashboard logs

🔮 Future Improvements

• Design custom 3D-printed enclosure
• Develop more compact PCB layout

🤝 Contributing

Suggestions and improvements are welcome! Please open an issue or submit a pull request.