Bond Home Sidekick SKS-500 User Manual

Features

• Mix and match shade motor types on a single remote.
• Multiple channels can be selected and controlled simultaneously.
• Control multiple devices within the same channel.
• Pairs directly with the shade and works seamlessly with Bond Bridge Pro.
• Limit-setting is fully supported; no factory remote is needed.
• Securely flush mounts to a wall with or without a junction box.
• Compatible with standard Decora cover plates.
• Optionally functions as a handheld remote.

1. Introduction

The Sidekick is a 5-channel wireless keypad capable of communicating directly with multiple motorized shade technologies. Designed for ease of use, it operates similarly to motor manufacturer remote controls. By default, the Sidekick is configured to communicate with Somfy RTS motors and functions like a Somfy DecoFlex or Telis 5 remote control.

Keypad Layout:

• Channel Buttons: Buttons labeled 1 through 5, each with an LED indicator.
• STOP/MY Button: Used to stop shade movement or recall a favorite position.
• DOWN Button: Used to lower the shade.
• UP Button: Used to raise the shade.
• MENU Button: Accesses advanced functions like changing motor technology.
• PAIR/PROG Button: Used for pairing and programming.

2. Package Contents and Technical Data

Package Contents

• 1 x Cover Plate
• 1 x Wall Clip
• 1 x Sidekick Unit
• 2 x Phillips Head Screws
• 2 x Drywall Anchors
• 1 x Battery (CR2430 3V)
• 1 x Back buttons press tool

Technical Data

3. Basic Operation

3.1. Channel Selection

You can operate one or more channels simultaneously. To deselect a channel, select another one; it is not possible to have no channel selected.

To Select a Channel: Press the desired channel button (1-5). The corresponding channel LED will light up.

To Deselect a Channel: Press the selected channel button again. The button LED will turn off.

3.2. Raise, Lower, Stop Shade, and Favorite Position

• Raise Shade: Press the [UP button]. The shade will move up. Holding the button is not necessary once movement begins.
• Lower Shade: Press the [DOWN button]. The shade will move down. Holding the button is not necessary once movement begins.
• Stop Shade: Press the [STOP/MY button] while the shade is moving.
• Move Shade to Favorite Position: Press the [STOP/MY button] while the shade is stationary.

4. Setup with New Motors

To pair your Sidekick with a window covering that has no previously paired control, you must set the motor to factory mode. This process can vary by motor manufacturer; consult your motor's instructions if needed.

Step 01: Pair Sidekick with New Shade Motors

1. Set your shade motor to Factory Setup Mode (refer to motor instructions).
2. Select the desired channel on the Sidekick keypad (1-5).
3. Hold both the [UP button] and [DOWN button] on the Sidekick simultaneously.
4. The shade will jog once to confirm pairing.

Step 02: Check Motor Directions

When in Factory Setup Mode, the motor moves only while the [UP button] or [DOWN button] is held. Check the direction of motion and reverse if necessary.

• If shade starts lowering as expected: Proceed to Step 03.
• If shade starts raising instead of lowering: Hold the [STOP/MY button] for 5 seconds (⏳). The shade will jog once, confirming the direction has been reversed.

5. Setup with New Motors (Continued)

Step 03: Set Top Limit

1. Tap the [UP button] and [DOWN button] to fine-tune the shade to the desired top position.
2. Hold the [DOWN button] and [STOP/MY button] simultaneously to set the top limit.
3. The shade will start lowering automatically.

Step 04: Set Bottom Limit

1. When the shade reaches the desired bottom position, press the [STOP/MY button] to stop the shade from lowering.
2. Tap the [UP button] and [DOWN button] to fine-tune the shade to the desired bottom position.
3. Hold the [UP button] and [STOP/MY button] simultaneously to set the bottom limit. The motor may not move to confirm.

Step 05: Finish Setup

1. Hold the [STOP/MY button]. The shade will jog once to confirm that the settings are saved.
2. Hold the [PAIR/PROG button] (using a tool or paperclip). The shade will jog once to confirm that the shade has exited factory mode.

6. Setup as an Additional Keypad (Remote Control)

You can pair additional Sidekicks with your shade. You will need to use an existing paired keypad (A) to introduce a new keypad (B).

Step 01: Introduce New Keypad

1. On the Sidekick that is already paired with the shade, hold the [PAIR/PROG button] using a tool or paperclip. The shade will jog once, indicating it is in listen mode.

Step 02: Add New Keypad

1. On the new Sidekick to be added, select the desired channel (1-5).
2. Press the [PAIR/PROG button] on the new Sidekick using a tool or paperclip.
3. The shade will jog once to confirm that the new keypad has been paired.

Note: You can also introduce a new Sidekick using a Somfy Telis or Situo remote. Use the PAIR button on the back of those remotes following the same instructions.

7. Advanced Operation

6.1. Save Favorite Position

1. Move the shade to the desired position.
2. Hold the [STOP/MY button].
3. The shade will jog once, confirming your new favorite position has been saved.

6.2. Adjust Top Limit

Step 01: Move to Top Position

1. Move the shade to the top position using the [UP button].
2. Hold the [UP button] and [DOWN button] simultaneously.
3. The shade will jog once.

Step 02: Set New Top Limit

1. Use the [UP button] and [DOWN button] to fine-tune the shade to the exact top position.
2. Hold the [STOP/MY button].
3. The shade will jog once, confirming the new top limit has been saved.

8. Advanced Operation (Continued)

6.3. Adjust Bottom Limit

Step 01: Move to Bottom Position

1. Move the shade to the bottom position using the [DOWN button].
2. Hold the [UP button] and [DOWN button] simultaneously.
3. The shade will jog once.

Step 02: Set New Bottom Limit

1. Use the [UP button] and [DOWN button] to fine-tune the shade to the exact bottom position.
2. Hold the [STOP/MY button].
3. The shade will jog once, confirming the new bottom limit has been saved.

6.4. Reverse Motor Direction

1. Move your shade to an intermediate position.
2. Hold the [UP button] and [DOWN button] simultaneously. The shade will jog once.
3. Hold the [STOP/MY button]. The shade will jog once more, reversing its direction.

9. Battery Replacement

Follow these steps to replace the Sidekick's battery:

1. Separate the Sidekick covers using a screwdriver.
2. Once the back cover is removed, use a screwdriver to assist in removing the battery. Ensure the circuit board is not damaged during this process.
3. The replacement battery should have its label facing up. Use only a non-rechargeable 3V lithium battery of size CR2430. Check that the replacement battery has not been stored for more than a year, as this can reduce battery lifespan.

10. Associating with a Bond Bridge Pro

When paired with the Bond Bridge Pro, the Sidekick can update your shade's status in the Bond Home app. To enable this feature, associate each Sidekick channel with the corresponding shades in the Bond Home app.

To associate your Sidekick with the Bond Home app, ensure the following:

• Your Bond Bridge Pro firmware is version 3.1 or higher.
• Your Bond Home app is updated to version 2.40.0 or higher.
• You can control your shade from the Sidekick.
• You can control that same shade from the Bond Home app.

10.1. Associating with Bond Bridge Pro on iOS

1. Open the Bond Home app and navigate to the shade you wish to control. Tap the options menu (usually represented by three dots or lines).
2. Select "Device Settings".
3. Tap on "Advanced Settings".
4. Scroll down and tap on "Manage Sidekicks".
5. Tap "Associate with Sidekick".
6. Follow the on-screen instructions. This typically involves pressing and holding a channel button on your Sidekick until it blinks.
7. The channel LED on the Sidekick will blink, and the app will confirm the association.

10.2. Associating with Bond Bridge Pro on Android

1. Open the Bond Home app and navigate to the shade you wish to control. Tap the options menu (usually represented by three dots or lines).
2. Select "Settings".
3. Tap on "Advanced Settings".
4. Scroll down and tap on "Manage Sidekicks".
5. Tap "Link a Sidekick Channel".
6. Follow the on-screen instructions. This typically involves pressing and holding a channel button on your Sidekick until it blinks.
7. The channel LED on the Sidekick will blink, and the app will confirm the association.

11. Mixing Motor Technologies

The Sidekick supports a variety of motor technologies. Follow the instructions below to expand your Sidekick's capabilities.

If you need to cancel a change, press the [UP button]. If an invalid code is entered, or if there is no activity for 20 seconds (⏳), the Sidekick will return to normal operation.

9.1. Changing Technology for All Channels

1. Press the [MENU button].
2. The Sidekick will wait for a code for 5 seconds (⏳).
3. Insert the appropriate code from the "Motor Technology Codes Table" (see section 9.2.1).
4. Press the [STOP/MY button].
5. All channel LEDs will blink to confirm the change.

9.2. Changing Technology in Selected/Desired Channels

Step 01: Channel(s) Selection

1. Select the channel(s) you want to use.
2. Press the [MENU button].
3. The Sidekick will wait for a code for 5 seconds (⏳).

Step 02: Setting Technology

1. Press the desired channel button (e.g., "Press 1").
2. Insert the appropriate code from the "Motor Technology Codes Table" (see section 9.2.1).
3. Press the [STOP/MY button].
4. The LEDs for the selected channels will blink to confirm the change.

9.2.1. Motor Technology Codes Table

9.3. Relay Mode

In Relay Mode, the specified channels of the Sidekick keypad will not transmit signals directly. Instead, they rely on the Bond Bridge Pro to send the signal to the shade.

To Enable Relay Mode: Press [MENU button] → • 4 → • 3 → • 4 → • 5 → [Square Button Icon].

Recommendation: If your shade technology is supported by Sidekick, it is strongly recommended to operate Sidekick in direct mode rather than relay mode.

10. Safety and Legal

Trademark Notice

Bond, Bond Home, Sidekick, and Sidekick for Shades are trademarks of Olibra LLC. Somfy, RTS, DecoFlex, Telis 5, and other trademarks are the property of Somfy Activities SA. Decora is a trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. These trademarks are used in this User Manual for the express and limited purpose of elucidating the operation of the SKS-500 product. Their use does not constitute an endorsement by Somfy or any other trademark rights-holder.

Safety Precautions

Improper installation or operation may result in personal injury or property damage. Follow all instructions carefully, including these important safety notes:

• Battery Warning: This product contains a lithium coin cell battery. These batteries are small and pose a choking hazard to children. The chemicals inside can cause fire, explosion, or severe burns if mishandled. Do not dispose of in fire, eat, or puncture. Dispose of according to local hazardous material regulations.
• Battery Replacement: These coin cell batteries are NOT rechargeable. Replace only with another non-rechargeable ("primary") 3V lithium battery of size CR2430. Using an unauthorized battery is unsafe and will void your warranty.
• Product Operation: This product operates motorized shades, awnings, and pergolas. The movement of these items may pose a physical threat. Please follow all manufacturer safety instructions for your shade, awning, or pergola.
• Child Safety: Do not permit children to operate this product. Install on a wall at a height out of reach of small children.
• Impairment: Do not operate if under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that may impair reaction time or judgment.

Legal Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Olibra could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. For more information on avoiding interference, see the full manual.

Hardware and firmware are Copyright © Olibra LLC, 2022. All rights reserved. Firmware includes ChibiOS/HAL Copyright © 2022 Giovanni Di Sirio (Apache License v2.0) and tiny print library Copyright © 2014-2019 Marco Paland (MIT License).

Bond, Bond Home, Sidekick, and Sidekick for Shades are trademarks of Olibra, LLC. Designed by Olibra in New Jersey and Santa Catarina. Made in Vietnam.