Activating Hub with Phone App for Blind Motors

Phone App for Blind Motors: Download & Install Android/IOS App

This article is about downloading and installing the phone app for the BroadLink^® smart hub for controlling our blind motors, skylight/window openers, smart film, drapery motors, and many other devices, such as fans & LED lighting.

If you didn't see the previous article about powering up the WiFi hub, please take a moment to review that important step.

Please Note: It is important to follow these instructions sequentially to avoid any confusion.

This controller has quickly become our hub of choice for a number of reasons, not the least being the ease-of-use factor, and if you follow these instructions carefully, you will find that it is quite "user friendly".

One of the most important features is its ability to "learn" RF radio commands, which means it can directly control our radio motors, whether they are our new G series radio motors or the older R series motors. It can also learn x10 radio commands, in case you have a few of those old modules lying around. It is also an excellent IR code learner too, for controlling all your TV, sound and other media systems.

Buy These Products In Our Online Store

If you are interested, you can purchase these products in our DIY online automation store.

Downloading the App: Android and IOS Versions

There are 2 different ways to download and install the BroadLink^® program:

1. Scan the QR code from packing box, or from this screen to automatically download and install the software.

Platform:	Android	IOS
QR Code:

2. Visit the following links. The Android link is a direct download of the APK file, but you may have to enable downloads from unknown sources on your phone. You can also get it from the Google Play store (search for 'BroadLink'). The IOS link will take you directly to the item in the Apple store.

BroadLink^® Hub Software: Direct Android Download Link (APK file)

BroadLink^® Hub Software: Download Link for IOS (iTunes store)

Configuring the Hub After Software Installation

When you first open and run the software you have downloaded, you will see the opening screen on the left, in the picture below.

The program will detect that you are a first time user and switch to the 'Add Device' connection screen, shown on the right in the picture below (the 'device' is the hub).

Depending on the type of WiFi router you have, you may be able to simply enter your WiFi ID/password credentials and it will connect automatically. If that works and you get a "successful connection" message, you can skip the section below and go to the next article: methods of adding remote control commands to the phone app

If you get a time-out connection error, please return to the previous article about powering up the WiFi hub, and follow the directions for putting the hub into AP mode, then come back to this page and follow the procedure below.

If you cannot get it to connect with SmartConfig™, please see this page and use the alternative AP mode method.

Please Note: Once your hub has been paired with your Wi-Fi router, the blue LED light will blink slowly for a brief period, then it will stay OFF, indicating a good connection (there should also be a screen message in the app, indicating success). If you know how to login to your WiFi router, it will show up on the client list as something like "Broadlink_RMPROPLUS-ee-e7-bf".

After the Hub is Successfully Connected to your WiFi Network

The hub will also show up on the 'Device List' in the app as 'eRemote'. Here are the 3 main screens you will be dealing with, once the hub is connected:

The first thing to do is to check for a device firmware update. If you look at the third screen above, you'll see the eRomote device that you have added to the system. Press it once to get a sub-menu, and you'll see a Tools icon (the gear symbol at top right of screen).

Press the gear symbol and you'll see a pop-down list of options, one of them being "Device Info". Select that option, and you'll see the "Firmware Update" selection. Please check that and update your firmware if it is not current.

Please Note: Wait if you see that it is stormy outside as you do not want to interrupt that process; do it only when you have a rock-solid internet connection, otherwise you could "brick" the device and render it inoperable.

The next step will be to review the methods of adding remote control commands to the phone app, as covered in the next article.

Buy These Products In Our Online Store

If you are interested, you can purchase these products in our DIY online automation store.

Articles in this series:

Part 1-Smart hub for blind motors: Introduction

Part 2-Smart hub WiFi router connection: Activate Hub

Part 3-Smart hub program installation: Download Software (you are here)

Part 4-Smart hub methods: Creating Control Screens

Part 5-Smart hub example: Home Theater Control Screen

Also, see the follow-on series about our other devices:

• IFTTT example: rain sensor for closing skylights
• IFTTT example: temperature and light sensitive blinds and shades
• Wi-Fi Smart Plug with timers and IFTTT capabilities