Trouble pairing Somfy RTS blind with RFLink

Hi,

I can’t get either of my Somfy RTS blinds paired with a new RFLink device, and am hoping someone can help me please.

I’ve successfully programmed the Arduino with the latest RFLink firmware (R48).

When I use either of my existing single channel Somfy remotes, I see the commands appear on the RFLink Loader serial console:

20;13;RTS;ID=a0002c;SWITCH=01;CMD=UP;
20;14;RTS;ID=a0002c;SWITCH=01;CMD=DOWN;

This makes me think the RFLink is communicating (RX at least).

But no matter what I try, I can’t seem to pair the RFLink to either of the blinds.

I press the program button on the back of the Somfy remote. The blind jiggles up & down as expected. I then send the PAIR command, which results in an OK message:

10;RTS;0F0F0F;0412;1;PAIR;
20;0D;OK;

But the blind does NOT jiggle up & down at this point, like I believe it should to confirm successful pairing.

I see the new entry listed with the RTSSHOW command:

10;RTSSHOW;
RTS Record: 0 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 1 Address: 0F0F0F RC: 0412
RTS Record: 2 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 3 Address: 02FFFF RC: 0414
RTS Record: 4 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 5 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 6 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 7 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 8 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 9 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 10 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 11 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 12 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 13 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 14 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF
RTS Record: 15 Address: FFFFFF RC: FFFF

I then try to move the blinds with the UP and DOWN commands, which all result in an OK response after a short delay, yet the blinds fail to move:

10;RTS;0F0F0F;0;DOWN;
20;8B;OK;
10;RTS;0F0F0F;0;UP;
20;8C;OK;
10;RTS;02FFFF;0;DOWN;
20;8D;OK;

This behaviour is the same for both blinds, using each of their own single-channel remotes.

Can anyone help suggest what is going wrong please?

Thanks,
Olie

Does anyone have any suggestions, please?

Thanks,
Olie

Unfortunatly no. I have a Rflink, but I didn’t even know a PAIR command existed.

There are a lot of reports of troubles pairing RTS blinds, especially with the newer models.

RFLink displaying records for an ID is NOT indicative that the pairing has worked. You should always pay attention to the blind’s response to commands. If it doesn’t respond, it doesn’t matter what RFLink tells you.

The usual checks to carry out are:

  • are you using the specific version for RTS (433.42 MHz)?
  • use a code similar to the remote
  • put RFLink near the blind during pairing process

To verify that RFLink is working you can use the same remote ID and rolling code, but use it only for testing purposses.

Also, I can’t find it, but I remember something about NOT using a device_id starting with 0.

Thanks for the suggestions - I’ve only just come round to trying again (after flashing latest firmware) but still no response to the pairing command, so no change in status :frowning:

I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet and buy a Connexoon RTS as I really want to get these blinds automated.

Is your RFLink the RTS version?
What code have you tried to pair?

Yes, it’s the 433.42MHz version and it certainly logs the codes from the existing Somfy remote etc.

I’ve tried various codes including changing just the last hex-digit of the existing remote for testing purposes, as you suggested on another forum.

If it is a specific one for RTS and you have tried several similar codes, it seems that your problem is the same that other users are experiencing with newest versions of the motor.
I also cannot tell you what alternatives to RFLink are available.

i also had problems with RFlink and RTS now i use an ESP32 with CC1101 it works great you can pair multiple remotes just by pressing PROG button on the original remote. here someone made a easy tutorial Controlling Somfy roller shutters using an ESP32 and ESPHome | die-welt.net i didnt make a nice case for it just used some dupont jumper wires to connect the esp and cc1101 spend €11 euro including shipping. its lot cheaper then the connexoon. setting everything up and adding it home assistant took like 15 min.

Hi @Olie Did you ever solved this issue?
Where did you find out you need to send the PAIR command? And how are you sending the PAIR command? I have the setup in HA already and I have the same logging you got, but I’m also not able to send or receive commands.

I hope you can help me with this.

Jo

I never got it working - so ultimately bought a Somfy Tahoma instead.

1 Like

Yes, I have this one also, but the problem with using the TaHome it does not give you the status from the covers if someone is using the remote.

I think I have sorted out how the RTS systems are working. One of the problems I have now is the wrong antenna. It does not pick up the signal very well. Sending right next to the RFLink gateway it pick up the signal.

Also, it seems pairing is not needed.

Here is a solution that may fix all your issues. It keeps track of the remotes and uses a tunable radio.