motorization module test for Aqara curtain driver E1

Designed in a quality white plastic material with a satin texture, the Aqara Curtain Driver E1 track version module (motorization of curtain on track) is a block of 14.05 cm x 9.6 cm x 4.4 cm which weighs almost 500 grams. It’s a lot and you have to take into account the weight that will be hanging from the rod. It is not negligible and is added to that of the curtains. However, the capacity of its motor supports a load up to 12 kg of fabric, which is huge.

What about integration into open home automation systems on the market?

AQARA - MOTORIZATION FOR CURTAIN ZIGBEE 3.0 AQARA CURTAIN DRIVER E1 (TRACK VERSION)

By Xiaomi

Aqara Curtain Driver E1 curtain motor is a Zigbee 3.0 smart product which can help you control your curtain and turn your existing curtain into a smart curtain. Model for track only.

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In the box

1. 2 adjustable pulleys (for type I rail systems with base dimension ≥1 cm).
2. 1 USB / USB-C power cable with a length of 80 cm. Once charged the battery should last about 1 year
3. 1 user manual (including French). It includes in particular a QR Code referring to a video, in case you need help with the installation, but it is subtitled in Chinese.

The packaging is very well done, as we are used to seeing for Aqara products. All the important information is displayed on the cardboard, which is a very good point.

Installation of the engine Aqara curtain driver E1 track version

Only compatible with U-type rail whose opening is <= 0.8mm

or compatible with I-rails whose base is >= 10mm, you can use the guides supplied with the CM-M01 driver

functioning and characteristics of the Aqara curtain driver E1 track version

operation of the status indicator LED:

The physical operating button:

The brightness sensor, is located in the lower part to be placed as close as possible to the window. It will be possible to use it to open or close the curtains depending on the ambient, indoor or outdoor light depending on your configuration.

Beeps indicate:

Function of the Aqara curtain driver E1 track version:

• Control your curtain
• App remote control
• Smart automation
• Opening/closing calendar
• Custom open and close percentage
• Integrated light sensor
• Rechargeable lithium battery
• Up to 1 year battery life (depending on usage)
• Easy installation
• Compatible with U- and I-tracks
• Maximum load of 12 Kg

Characteristics of the Aqara curtain driver E1 track version

Installation with Zigbee2mqtt

Installation in Zigbee2mqtt is done without any problems, as is often the case

There I am amazed, the integration of the Aqara curtain driver E1 track version in Zigbee2mqtt is simply stunning it gives you access to all of the module functions i.e. 17 functions I have never seen nothing like it!

Feature Status:**

1. state: open/close/stop
2. position: position of the opening from 0 to 100%
3. hands_open: pulling the curtains by hand starts the motor ( true/false )
4. limits_calibration: start and end of run settings
5. battery: you got it
6. voltage: same
7. device_temperature: Device temperature
8. illuminance_lux: Luminous illumination measured in lux
9. action: Action triggered (eg button click)
10. motor_state: motor state (open/closed/stopped)
11. running: Is the motor running or not
12. hooks_lock: locks/unlocks the module (locking hooks in the bracket)
13. hooks_state: Hooks state
14. target_position: Target position in %
15. power_source: batteries or dc
16. charging: Charging status
17. link_quality: link status in mesh

The control in Home Assistant is brilliant, you can easily control everything with a single click, perfect.

Installation on Jeedom Luna

Recently an update of the Zigbee module dated 05/26/2023 and the Luna module of 06/08/2023 the integration and stability of zigbee modules has been improved. I didn’t encounter any problems for the integration of the Aqara curtain driver E1 track version. And that’s a very good thing. However the commands are more limited than in Zigbee2mqtt.

1. Open/Close/Stop
2. Position adjustment from 0 to 100%
3. state
4. position status

In the Dashboard you are limited to the opening/closing and stop as well as the position, nothing more normal.

Integration in ZHA Home Assistant

Again I did not encounter any problems but the number of orders is even more limited than in Jeedom

1. open/closed/stp

and that’s it…

Conclusion integration

I strongly advise you to use the integration by Z2M

the + of the product

• manufacturing quality
• OTA update support
• zigbee 3.0 certified
• the many options available (z2m)
• lithium battery charging

the - of the product

• Store compatibility (to be defined)
• the price approx 90€
• the weight
• volume

AQARA - MOTORIZATION FOR CURTAIN ZIGBEE 3.0 AQARA CURTAIN DRIVER E1 (TRACK VERSION)

By Xiaomi

Aqara Curtain Driver E1 curtain motor is a Zigbee 3.0 smart product which can help you control your curtain and turn your existing curtain into a smart curtain. Model for track only.

Buy Now

Conclusion

This is a very well thought out and feature-rich product. I just regret the compatibility with the rather restrictive market curtains, especially since in Europe we use guided clip curtains a lot, and unfortunately it is not compatible. But if you want to automate your curtains don’t hesitate to buy it, it will do you a lot of good.