We have a few windows for which switchable smart glass would be ideally suited. But haven’t been willing to take out a second mortgage to play with them. Stumbled across http://www.smarttint.com today. For the windows in question, this stuff looks suitable, and we have power close to the target windows. On one pass through the website, I’d swear I saw that “on” power consumption (transparent) is 7-10W per meter squared–okay, I found that again. So fairly low power. The “clear” could be a little more transparent, but it’s not bad.
Have sent them an inquiry about supply voltage. Of course, they sell their own, but the output on their “dimmer” is 75VAC to 120VAC at pretty low amps (obviously). Would hope I could find some existing z-wave beastie to drive this stuff, even if it has to be run through a transformer or such. But it sounds like it could be on/off straight off house current. I’ll let you know what I find out.
We’re considering putting in a hot tub behind a small greenhouse in our garden; fitting a few panes in the greenhouse with this stuff would provide adequate privacy from prying eyes
[quote=“intveltr, post:2, topic:175452”]Very nice. Did you already order?
We’re considering putting in a hot tub behind a small greenhouse in our garden; fitting a few panes in the greenhouse with this stuff would provide adequate privacy from prying eyes ;)[/quote]
I have not. I sent them a query about voltage, product fatigue over time, product clarity when transparent, and got back an answer that I had an awful lot of questions for someone not yet in their customer DB, and suggesting I give them a pile of contact info (which would get into said DB) and they’d call me by phone.
I replied that the questions were simple, reasonable attempts to decide if the product was worth my while to try as a sample, and that if their site had real specs about the stuff I was trying to find out, I wouldn’t have to bother them. Ball seems to have landed in their court with a thud. They want me to talk to a salesperson. I want to get answers from a product engineer, or have such answers added to their FAQ. We’re in no hurry. The stuff will only get cheaper.
They originally announced this at CES I think this year so it’s been almost a year with no updates
I really hope they announce something new at the upcoming CES show…like…it’s release to the consumer market ^^. I also want to see curtains of some sort or a solution that can simply be hung against the window but not physically sticking to the window as that will void whatever warranty you may have on your windows.
I would love to invest in these/this if the price was right (compared to energy savings)
For Z-Wave draperies or roller shades, contact info@zwavemotors.com
WE also have all type of Z-wave controls for motors.
Regarding switchable glass, a simple on/off zwave switch will do, a dimmer will work too but testing is important as results vary depending which dimmer you use and which smart glass you use.
Having tested quite a few switchable glass products in the previous years, it seems there is always a compromise:
1- switch ON (120V): film clear, switch OFF film slighly transparent
2- switch ON: film slightly hazy, switch OFF, dilm completely opaque
Number 2 is the most commonly found
THen you will get into subjective arguments with the manufacturers about the definition of “clear” and “hazy”
Dont judge quality after seeing a 3sq.ft sample
Costs: anywhere from $400 to $800/sq.m
Tests and data over one year old, things might have changed (new manufacturers, lower prices)
Best Home Automation shopping experience. Shop at Ezlo!
