Thread by @philletourneau

Finally installed the switchable film I bought for the front doors. Coming soon: HomeKit/Siri integration l.

Since y’all are digging this, I’ll post some more information in a couple days on how it’s setup.

So here's how it comes from the seller. Very nicely packaged. Included the two pieces of film, the power supply, and a wireless remote. Also had a film smoothing tool for installation and some extra wire.

I've always wanted switchable film, and even before I'd decided to buy some for the front doors, I had the foresight to drill holes at the base of each frame into the basement, and run 20 gauge 2 conductor wires to my electrical closet.

The base of each film has metal strips connected to positive and negative leads. The wire is very thin, maybe 24 gauge.

NOTE: I'm not finished installation yet, the wires you see are just temporary. I did consider taking apart the frame around the glass and concealing the connections in there, but I don't want to mess with the integrity of the door.

It gets down to -30C here in Canada...

I found this particular smart film on AliExpress. Including shipping, the final cost was $310 for everything. The seller is HohoFilm aliexpress.com/store/1621103?…

It also comes in several different colors!

For those of you asking about clarity, it definitely has some "haze" to it when you look at it from an angle, much less so straight on.

Something I ABSOLUTELY love, is how different the light looks in the foyer when the film is switched on. It becomes a big lightbox that diffuses the sunlight beautifully.

Now I'm 3D printing custom bezels to conceal the wiring along the bottom of the window frame.

For HomeKit integration; I use @home_assistant for my home automation system, which includes Homebridge.

I'll be using Sonoff Basic switches (flashed with ESPHome & modified to become dry contact relays) connected to the hardwire switch connectors on the film's power supply.