Smart window blinds. Help needed to start.

Here is what I intend to do:

I need the MAKE controller to intelligently control the window blinds.

I need the following sensors to begin with, to send data to the MAKE controller wirelessly

• a light sensor (external to the MAKE controller)
• a temperature sensor (external to the MAKE controller)

On the basis of this data, the MAKE controller should make a stepper motor / servo work. This motor is not connected directly to the MAKE controller, and would have external power if required.

I have lots of questions to begin with:

1. Will each sensor require their own MAKE boards? If yes, this will become too expensive per sensor wise. e.g. motion sensors, if added can be numerous, and would naturally need to be scattered in the premises.
2. How will the sensors remotely send data to controller
3. How will the remote motors accept the data and implement it?

I was thinking zigbee (xbee), but am not sure.

Please help me get started, or perhaps direct me to availabel related documents on the internet. My project is towards home automation. Thanks.

your sensors will not each need their own MC. There are 8 analog inputs on the MC that can be used for 1 sensor each.

You can use Xbee modules to send up to 9 inputs to your MC remotely, but this will require batteries or a wall wart. You'll need to mount the MC within wiring distance from the motors, but your sensors can be remote.

There was some talk of being able to switch the Xbees outputs on and off remotely, but I'm not sure how to do this, and couldn't find the documentation here, but even if you could, there are no servo controls on the Xbee, only PWM and digital outputs.