Somfy DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS Switch
Programming/Operating/Assembly Installation Instructions
1. Description
The Somfy DecoFlex RTS Switch is a wireless radio transmitter compatible with all Somfy RTS Motors and externally mounted RTS receivers. It transmits commands via radio waves at 433.42 MHz.
Key Specifications:
- Power: 3V lithium battery, CR 2450 type ?
- Operating temperature: +5°C/+41°F to +40°C/+104°F
- Range: Up to 65 Ft.
- Fits into standard Decora Wall Plates.
The DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS switch is a low-voltage device that often does not require an electrical box. It can be mounted adjacent to an existing Decora-style light switch or as a standalone device using the included Somfy low-voltage mounting bracket.
Available Models:
- 1 Channel: White (1810897), Ivory (1810898), Black (1810899)
- 5 Channel: White (1810813), Ivory (1810814), Black (1810830)
2. Programming
This section details how to add or delete DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS wall switches and channels from memory.
A. Adding a DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS Wall Switch - Initial Installation
Note: During initial programming, it is recommended to provide power only to the motor or RTS receiver being programmed.
- Set the RTS Receiver or Motor into Programming Mode (refer to the specific RTS receiver or motor's installation instructions).
- Select a Channel to be memorized by pressing the appropriate CHANNEL BUTTON. The adjacent LED ? will light up to indicate the channel has been selected.
- Using a paperclip or similar device, briefly press the programming button (1 second max) located on the DecoFlex WireFree™ switch. The RTS receiver or motor will confirm the addition of the new DecoFlex switch.
B. Adding Additional Channels or DecoFlex WireFree™ Wall Switches
- Using a paperclip or similar device, press and hold the program button (for 3 seconds) on the previously addressed DecoFlex switch or channel in memory. The RTS receiver or motor will confirm programming mode.
- Select a NEW channel or DecoFlex switch to be memorized by pressing the appropriate CHANNEL BUTTON. The adjacent LED ? will illuminate to indicate the channel has been selected.
- Using a paperclip or similar device, briefly press the programming button (1 second max) located on the DecoFlex switch. The RTS receiver or motor will confirm the addition of the new channel or DecoFlex switch.
C. Deleting Specific Channels or DecoFlex WireFree™ Wall Switches from Memory
Note: This procedure should NOT be performed with the device or channel intended for deletion.
- Using a paperclip or similar device, press and hold the program button (for 3 seconds) on a previously addressed DecoFlex switch or channel in memory. The RTS receiver or motor will confirm programming mode.
- Select a Channel to be deleted by pressing the appropriate CHANNEL BUTTON. The adjacent LED ? will illuminate to indicate the channel has been selected.
- Using a paperclip or similar device, briefly press the programming button (1 second max) located on the DecoFlex switch. The RTS receiver or motor will confirm the deletion of the selected channel or DecoFlex switch.
Note: Only one channel can be deleted per procedure. To remove/delete additional channels, repeat Step 3, then start again from Step 1 for each channel.
Figure 1 (Programming): Diagram showing the DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS switch with controls labeled: "Select the Channel Button(s)", "LED Indicator" ?, "STOP" ⏹️, and "Program Button" ⚙️.
3. Operating the DecoFlex WireFree™ Wall Switch
- Select the CHANNEL BUTTON(s) programmed to a specific window covering(s). The adjacent LEDs ? will illuminate to indicate the selected channel(s). Press CHANNEL BUTTON(s) in successive order to DESELECT them; the adjacent LEDs ? will extinguish.
- To raise the window covering(s), press the UP ▲ button.
- To lower the window covering(s), press the DOWN ▼ button.
- To stop the window covering(s) at any time, press the STOP ⏹️ button.
- If a "Preferred Position" has been programmed, the window covering(s) can be commanded to travel to a pre-programmed intermediate position (refer to the relevant RTS receiver or motor's installation instructions).
Note: If a command button (UP ▲, DOWN ▼, STOP ⏹️) is pressed without a channel button(s) selected, the DecoFlex™ will default to the previously selected channel button(s). Selecting multiple CHANNEL BUTTONS for "group" activation will result in a sequential output, where each channel activates in sequence from channel 1 to 5.
Figure 2 (Operation): Diagram showing the DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS switch with controls labeled: "LED Indicator" ?, "Select the Channel Button(s)" ?, "STOP Button" ⏹️, "DOWN Button" ▼, and "UP Button" ▲.
4. Installation
A special Somfy low-voltage device mounting bracket is included, which attaches to drywall and eliminates the need for an electrical box. The bracket can be used in two mounting configurations:
- Adjacent to Existing Switch: The bracket is designed for mounting the DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS wall switch adjacent to a pre-existing Decora-style light switch. This allows for the necessary spacing for two adjacent switches and a new "Double Gang" (2 Gang) wall plate, resulting in a professional installation.
Note: This mounting bracket is not designed for use with "old-work" or retrofit electrical boxes. Always check local codes to determine if an electrical box is required for your installation.
For increased radio performance, Somfy recommends the use of non-metallic electrical enclosures.
- Stand-alone Mounting: The bracket can also be used for individual or "stand-alone" (1 switch) mounting configurations.
Tools Required for Installation:
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and Bladed) ?
- Dry-wall saw
- Wall stud sensor
- Non-marring tape and pencil
Installation Steps:
- Locate an existing light switch and remove the wall plate, exposing the electrical box. Somfy recommends shutting off power to the exposed electrical box prior to installation.
- Using a stud sensor, locate the stud nearest to the exposed electrical box. Mark the location for reference with removable tape or pencil.
- Place the flat side of the mounting bracket (included) against the wall. Align the thin side over the outside edge of the existing electrical box (opposite the stud side). Center the bracket to align the mounting screw holes with the existing switch height. Trace the inside shape of the bracket onto the wall using a pencil or thin marker.
- Using a dry-wall saw or similar tool, cut the drywall along the traced outline. Do not cut the hole larger than the outline, as this may result in a loose-fitting bracket. (Refer to recommended hole dimensions on reverse page for greater accuracy).
- Insert the bracket into the hole, keeping the thin side closest to the edge of the existing switch box.
- Carefully bend the bracket tabs 90 degrees behind the drywall to ensure a tight, secure fit.
- Position the DecoFlex RTS switch into the mounting bracket, aligning the screw holes. Ensure the wire antenna remains as straight as possible behind the wall. Secure the switch to the mounting bracket with the provided screws ?.
- Attach a new (2 gang) or double gang Decora-style wall plate over both switches to complete the installation.
* Recommended hole dimensions for mounting bracket (Step 4): 1 5/8" W x 3 7/16" L.
Visual Description of Installation Steps:
- Step 1: Shows an electrical box with the wall plate removed.
- Step 2: Illustrates using a stud sensor to find a wall stud near the electrical box.
- Step 3: Depicts tracing the outline of the mounting bracket onto the wall.
- Step 4: Shows cutting the drywall along the traced outline with a saw.
- Step 5: Demonstrates inserting the mounting bracket into the cut opening.
- Step 6: Illustrates bending the bracket tabs behind the drywall for secure mounting.
- Step 7: Shows the DecoFlex RTS switch being attached to the mounting bracket with screws.
- Step 8: Depicts a double-gang Decora wall plate being fitted over the installed switch.
5. Replacing the Battery ?
The DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS switch is designed for years of maintenance-free performance. If the battery becomes discharged, the LED indicator lights will no longer function when a channel button is selected or an Up/Stop/Down command is activated, reducing or preventing radio signal communication to the RTS receiver or motor.
The battery can be easily replaced by accessing the SWITCH BASE ASSEMBLY board of the DecoFlex WireFree™ switch. Slide the old battery out of its holder and replace it with a new 3V Lithium battery (type 2450), ensuring correct polarity.
Note: Batteries should be disposed of properly according to local regulations.
6. Assembling 2, 3, & 4 Channel Switches
This section explains how to configure the switch for different channel counts.
- Start with a standard (assembled) 1 or 5-channel button DecoFlex switch. Using a small flat blade screwdriver ?, carefully separate the SWITCH BASE ASSEMBLY from the FACEPLATE.
- Add or remove CHANNEL BUTTONS as required from the SWITCH BASE ASSEMBLY, ensuring the assembly remains intact.
- Attach the new 2, 3, or 4-channel button faceplate.
Figure 1 (Switch Assembly): Shows a 5-channel DecoFlex Wall Switch being disassembled, revealing the Switch Base Assembly, removable Channel Buttons, and the 5-channel Faceplate.
Figure 2 (Switch Assembly): Close-up view of the removable channel buttons.
Figure 3 (Switch Assembly): Shows the 5-channel faceplate.
Figure 4 (Switch Assembly): Illustrates examples of 2-channel, 3-channel, and 4-channel switch assemblies with their respective faceplates.
FCC Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference.
- This device must accept any interference received, including that which may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a CLASS B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Company Information & Support
Somfy Systems, Inc. North America Headquarters
121 Herrod Boulevard
Dayton, NJ 08810
Phone: US: 1-800-22-SOMFY
Phone: NJ: (609) 395-1300
Fax: General (609) 495-8117
Somfy ULC (Somfy Canada Division)
5178 Everest Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W2R4
Phone: CN: (800)-667-6639
Phone: (905) 564-6446
Fax: (905) 238-1491
Somfy Systems, Inc. reserves the right to change, update, or improve this document without prior notice.
© Somfy Systems, Inc. 9/13 Ref. No. 25018190