Blind Automation

I have an Omni Pro II and i would like to have it control some of my blinds/pleated shades/roller shades/vertical blinds/etc. My problem is I don't even know where to start? 
 
We need these blinds for the whole house, and I foresee some being controlled and some not controlled, to save on costs.  We DON'T have any type of blinds in mind because I don't know what the options are.  There are many blind companies, but I am guessing they don't know a lot about home automation, even companies like Home depot and Lowes have many, some that can be controlled by remotes. 
 
On the other end are Home Automation companies that can do this for LOTS OF MONEY.  I'm more looking for a solution I can do myself to save some cash.  Where do I start?  I know the OMNI can control Somfy, but are they sold to the DIY community? and if so, how do i find the blinds that work with their controllers? 
 
Thanks.

Hunter Douglas, somfy, lutron (sivoia & serena) are the big ones and they can all be integrated...

There are at least 3-4 online stores that sell somfy motors.

So are you saying you buy the blinds separate from the motors, and just buy blinds that are compatible with these motors?  How do you know which Home depot or Lowes blinds will work with these motors?  I highly doubt anyone from Home depot or Lowes would have a clue. 

If you want to do that look at somfy retrofit kits and they should tell you what type of headrail is compatible.

The were also 2 recent kickstarter projects for tilt motors for blinds and shutters.

It appears that Bali and Somfy are working together and it looks like these can be ordered at Home Depot or Lowes. That seems like the way to go. Hopefully cheaper than having it all professionally installed. So can a blind be controlled by a remote and by the serial controller connected to the OMNI at the same time, or can it only be paired to one controller?

Yes multiple controllers. I'm not sure custom ordering through HD/Lowes is going to give you the best price. Serena with the 20% off and hunter Douglas are worth comparing.

OK I'll take a look.
 
Thanks.
 
I do think I want to stay with Somfy RTS though since that integrates easily to HAI/Leviton, which is what I'm using.  Controlling the blinds from a smartphone seems to be the "in thing" which is fine, but in my book, that is not a smart home, that is a remote control home.  If I'm going to all the trouble to control the blinds, I want them to go up and down automatically based on sun, time of day, occupancy, etc.  Use the smartphone for the rare exception.

Well if it's too easy then it isn't fun. Hunter Douglas can be integrated via serial strings and Serena can be integrated via network (haiku helper) or using the radio ra2 config with a network to serial adapter.

I use the Somfy RTS SOM1000678 Tilt Motor with blinds from Lowes. They work great and it was simple to install the motors.
I have them set to open at sunrise, close at sunset. I haven't touched a blind in a long time now.

Frunple said:

I use the Somfy RTS SOM1000678 Tilt Motor with blinds from Lowes. They work great and it was simple to install the motors.
I have them set to open at sunrise, close at sunset. I haven't touched a blind in a long time now.

Click to expand...

So it sounds like you bought the motor separately from the blinds. Did Lowes not sell the motors also?  If i can ask, about how much cost does each motor add to the blind?  Cost might limit how many I automate.

A good rule is between $150 - 200 per blind. That includes the blind itself, the motor, the URTSII and power. The URTSII is going to be the most expensive thing but it's needed.
 
I bought the blinds long before I added the motors so I was glad to see I can use the ones I had. 
 
This should help you out.
 

That is true for tilt motors and off the shelf blinds but the other motors are more expensive.

I'm leaning toward blinds that roll up rather than rather than traditional blinds that can tilt and raise.  I ordered the URTS II to connect to the Omni.  Now this is where it gets a bit foggy.  I know I need an RTS motor and batter back for each blind. Ebay has lots.  But the question I have is how do I know which motors will work with which blinds?  Will the RTS Motor work with all Bali blinds that say they can be motorized, or special blinds or do the motors work with all blinds?  And do you always buy the blinds separate from the motors?

Try to find quiet ones. Most aren't.

Do anyone have some good sources to read more about blind automation. So much information have already shared but I need some extra.. please help