Reddit mentions of Flow Angel Universal Ceiling Fan Remote Control Kit

This with this and this will do what you are doing without the soldering iron.

I've got a fake wemo device defined, that triggers the broadlink to send RF or IR commands to any compatible device.
This, these, and these work really well for us.

You can add a remote kit to any ceiling fan install then buy a Bond Smart Home puck. It learns the rf frequencies from the remote and makes your fan "smart "

https://bondhome.io

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Ceiling-Fan-Remote-Control/dp/B001I1M95E/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1543293378&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ceiling+fan+remote+control+kit

Yes, it would be. https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Ceiling-Fan-Remote-Control/dp/B001I1M95E

What about a universal wireless remote?
Universal Ceiling Fan Remote Control Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001I1M95E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6ii7BbHJ2ZKJ8

Thinking you'll want a tool like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zji6A5T8As&t=1m12s and use the remote control fan

Redwood: your idea is great for the light. If anyone here also wanted to control the fan speeds as well, this kit is reasonably priced:

https://www.amazon.com/Flower-Angel-Universal-Ceiling-Control/dp/B001I1M95E

I don't know. I grew up in the US, where every fan has a chain. I'm not against running wire, but it's a bit inconvenient. There's also another solution, though.

Remote

vs Wall Switch

what do you suggest?

I think the OP's solution helps with fans that are also lights if I'm not mistaken. It looks like a hack to control one of those universal fan remotes using the Arduino and SmartThings.

I'd love to do something similar as I have five fans in the house that I'd like to control separate from the attached lights. I can add these (http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Ceiling-Fan-Remote-Control/dp/B001I1M95E) but that doesn't get me z-wave.

Technically you can. But this is also assuming that you have a separate wire for the fan control to your wall switch. This way, you can have a separate ZWave switch to control just your fan.

Alternatively, if you dont have that separate wire for the fan control in your wall switch, I would just get a universal remote control for your fan and call it a day. (https://www.amazon.com/Flower-Angel-Universal-Ceiling-Control/dp/B001I1M95E)