Project Hub /Test & Measurement Instrumentation/Sensors & Signal Measurement Tools/TiltForge — a repairable, Matter-native blind tilt

Intermediate

ESP32

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

6 – 12 Hours

Partial Kit

TiltForge — a repairable, Matter-native blind tilt

TiltForge is an in-headrail motorized blind tilt system featuring Matter over Wi-Fi, absolute magnetic position encoding, and a preloaded friction clutch that keeps manual pull cords fully functional.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

ESP32 WiFi+Bluetooth CP2102 Development Board Rs. 520.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: Rotary Encoder
3D Printed Parts / Filament / Printer
Screws / Nuts / Standoffs / Hardware
N20 gearmotor
Studio pack files
mechanical fasteners

Browse all components

How It Works

TiltForge is an automated blind tilt system designed to fit inside the headrail of standard window blinds. At the heart of the system is an ESP32-based microcontroller, which connects to your home network and allows the device to integrate with Home Assistant using Matter-compatible smart home ecosystem software. When a command is sent to change the blind position, the ESP32 drives an N20 gearmotor (specifically the Hotec HT-SOG12C, rated at 60 RPM at 6V) to rotate the tilt mechanism. To ensure the blinds always know their exact angle, an AS5600 magnetic absolute encoder tracks the precise rotational position of the shaft without losing its calibration when powered off. Additionally, the mechanical assembly incorporates 3D printed parts from the Studio pack files, along with friction clutch washers and standard mechanical fasteners. This friction clutch is a key mechanical feature: it allows the motorized gears to engage when driven by the N20 motor, but also lets users manually operate the traditional pull cords without stripping the gears or fighting the motor.

Why Build This

Automate your home or office window blinds to improve energy efficiency by blocking harsh sunlight and maintaining indoor temperatures.

Build a repairable smart home device that adheres to right-to-repair principles, letting you easily service components or swap 3D-printed parts.

Retain the convenience of physical, manual pull cords alongside modern Matter-over-Wi-Fi smart home controls.

Real-World Application

Automating home or office window blinds for energy efficiency, privacy, and convenience while maintaining full right-to-repair principles and reliable manual cord controls.

Skills You'll Learn

Microcontroller programming

wireless smart home integration

magnetic absolute position sensing

DC motor drive control

mechanical assembly and clutch integration

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

MATTER

ESP32

3D PRINTING

WI-FI

HOMEKIT

GOOGLE HOME

ALEXA

HOME ASSISTANT

AS5600 MAGNETIC ENCODER

N20 GEARMOTOR

FRICTION CLUTCH

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the manual pull cords after installing TiltForge?

Yes. The design includes preloaded friction clutch washers that allow the manual pull cords to operate freely without damaging the N20 gearmotor.

What smart home platforms are compatible with this project?

TiltForge uses Matter over Wi-Fi, making it compatible with Home Assistant and any other ecosystem supporting the Matter standard.

Why use an absolute magnetic encoder instead of a standard rotary encoder?

The AS5600 magnetic absolute encoder tracks the exact angle of the shaft continuously. This means the system won't lose its position tracking if the power is cycled or reset.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

PRJ-01618