The Automate Pulse 2 Hub

The Automate Pulse 2 Hub allows you to control your smart curtains and blinds via HomeKit, as long as your motor is compatible with the hub.

Automate Pulse 2 Hub review: Showcasing the design of Automate

Automate, a company that may sound unfamiliar, offers motorized rods for all types of curtains. And using the Pulse 2 Hub, they can be controlled from your devices. Smart shades are a great way to set the mood when starting a movie night or going to bed. They also help let the sun in when your alarm goes off in the morning. The downside, however, is that they require a separate hub to communicate with your devices, which can be expensive, and the Pulse 2 Hub is no different.

Automate Pulse 2 Hub review – A simplistic design

The Automate Pulse 2 Hub has a simple yet modern design that will match any room decor. The white top and silver bottom give it a clean, understated look that won't clash with existing furniture. Measuring 4.41 x 4.41 x 1.18 inches, the Pulse 2 Hub can be placed on a shelf or side table without taking up too much space. At just six ounces, it's also light enough to place on surfaces that can't support heavy objects.

Automate Pulse 2 Hub review: Automate Pulse 2 Hub's thickness

Behind the hub is a pairing button, a small insert to reset the hub, a 5-volt micro-USB port for power, and an RJ45 jack to plug in an Ethernet cable. The Pulse 2 Hub is IP20 rated, which means ingress protection of up to 12.5mm from solid objects such as fingers or dust. This also means it's not waterproof, so be careful when placing drinks nearby.

Automate Pulse 2 Hub review -- A champion of long-distance connectivity

The Automate Pulse 2 Hub has two ways to connect to your WiFi: wirelessly or through the Ethernet port. Connecting the Ethernet port will provide a more stable connection between the hub and your Internet. A nearly 40-inch Ethernet cable is included in the box. On the other hand, if you want to connect the hub wirelessly, you will need to connect it to a 2.4 GHz network.

Automate Pulse 2 Hub review - App connectivity and setup

Unlike other HomeKit devices, where you can choose which app you want to set up the device, the Automate Pulse 2 Hub gives you the authority to use the native app. To start the installation process, you need to scan the code on the back of the hub. This doesn't add the hub to your home, but instead creates a bridge from one app to another. Once installation is complete, you can connect your curtain(s) to the app. For our pairing process, we only needed the remote control that controlled the motors.

Automate Pulse 2 Hub review: Remote control to control curtains

Once everything is successfully paired, they will go to the Home app via the bridge that was initially created. Apple's Home app You can adjust your curtains in the Home app, just like with other compatible devices. You can combine each curtain into one group, customize their name and icon, and launch or add them to your existing automation or shortcut. When you add your curtains to an automation or scene, you can preset what position you want them to be in when they are activated.

Automate Pulse 2 Hub review: Home app control

Controlling your curtains is similar to changing the brightness of a dimmable light bulb. You tap on the curtain and drag your finger to choose the desired position. If your device isn't nearby (or you don't want to open the Home app), Siri can help you control your curtains. It can close or open them completely or lock them into a position via specific percentage points.

Automate Pulse 2 Hub review - app

With the Automate Pulse 2 Hub app you can do almost everything in the Home app, such as creating rooms, scenes and timers to control the curtains at specific times. However, unlike the Home app, the native app provides essential information worth knowing such as battery percentage, signal strength, and real-time status updates on the curtain's connectivity status.

These features are thanks to the ARC (Affinity, Reality and Communication), which allows live communication between the Pulse 2 Hub and the curtain motor. This allows the app to tell you the battery status and the current position of the curtain.

The Automate Pulse 2 Hub is a simple hub that offers a wide connectivity range, fast response times and easy operation. But unless you want to pay an arm and a leg for it, you'll want to reconfigure your curtains the old-fashioned way.

Our time with the Pulse 2 Hub was enjoyable, with no apparent interruptions or delays. Especially when a bridge was involved, it was impressive to see minimal delay between speaking commands and executing them through the curtains. However, regardless of performance, asking more than $250 for the hub is way too expensive, and that price doesn't include the motor and curtains themselves. If you have a compatible motor installed and want to add intelligent controls, the Automate Pulse 2 Hub won't disappoint. On the other hand, if you only want to control your curtains from your device, we recommend looking at significantly cheaper options.

Compact and lightweight Easy installation Fast response times Long connection time

Difficult to connect to the wireless network Sold separately from the motor High price Only made for blinds/curtains Rating: 2.5 out of 5

You can buy the Automate Pulse 2 Hub from Amazon for $255.95. At the time of this review there is a 6% discount on the hub. You can also purchase it from the RollEase Parts website for $249.99. There is also a 20% discount applied at checkout at the time of this review.