Blinds / curtain lifter (hanging) with nema17

I needed blinds lifter that would work without attachment to the wall and lift my heavy blinds. So I made this, a vertical lifter using a nema-17 stepper and 3 to 1 reduction. The bead wheel fits 4.4mm balls spaced 6mm apart but will work for smaller balls as well.

For light blinds you don't need to attach it anywhere, just hang it. For heavier ones you may need to add weight or attach it using string to something stationary. I suggest printing it from PETG so it doesn't break when putting the stepper in.

Bottom compartment has space for an esp32-c3 mini, stepper driver, linear regulator and a switch on the front of the device

Bill of materials:

• 1x nema17 motor

• 1x esp32-c3 or similar

• 1x 5v or 3.3v linear regulator for powering esp32

• 1x stepper motor driver, I used DRV8825

• 1x 24 volt power supply or lower if you are using a stepper rated for lower voltage

• 2x 10x4 bearings with a center hole for an m3 screw

• 2x 15mm m3 screws or a bit longer

• 2x m3 heatset inserts

• some wires for connecting it all