Hi all. I'm a very happy UK-based Hubitat user now considering getting some Somfy motorised blinds. After doing a bit of research here it looks as if getting a Bond bridge might be the best way for me to go since that is officially supported and looks like a decent device rather than messing around with a Somfy hub. I'm having trouble finding a UK source though since the UK distributor (Indigo Distribution) is business to business only and Bond itself doesn't ship outside the US & Puerto Rico.
My next step will be to contact Indigo and ask them what Bond resellers they can suggest that deal directly with the general public but I'm wondering whether anyone has gone through this process already and might be able to point me towards a reseller, ideally online, for the Bond bridges. My Google searching didn't come up with anything. If I can't find anywhere in the UK then buying online from somewhere in Europe who ships to the UK would also be an acceptable option.
On the device itself, while from my internet searches I did find some indications that the Pro version was once extremely expensive ($650), the manufacturer's web site now lists it at $379 so I'm inclined to go for the Pro version if/when I can find a retailer since as I understand it that is needed to support Somfy position awareness/control and the Pro version would also remove any "range anxiety" due to the extra coverage advertised. Am I missing anything or getting anything wrong there? (I also quite like the fact that the Pro version has a wired network port since it will be going into an equipment rack that already has a network switch in it.)
In terms of the specific Bond questions, I would suggest posting on their Community or some other communication channel directly to them, i.e. your choice of Pro vs other models. I personally bought before the Pro was available but am more than happy with my choice, one of the most reliable parts of my setup, but I'm in what many would consider an Apartment size home, so range and other obstructions are not really a problem for me. Equally, the integrations with HE and other platforms is equally reliable, I still use the original HE Community developed App, no need to transition to the built-in, but no reason not to either.
I'm in Australia, so can't comment on the shipping to the UK, again something I would suggest asking on the Bond Community, i.e. other UK users.
Depending on the price difference and the need for other Pro features, I'd consider the position awareness a little more. If you simply need open, close and the "My" position, then that is able to be achieved (supported may be a strong statement, but it is certainly possible). If you need to slowly adjust the position throughout the day based on the position of the Sun, for example, then that is more likely something a Pro version will allow for. Again, another good question on the Bond Community.
Not trying to direct you away from the HE Community Just that some of your questions may be able to be answered there more accurately or quickly.... But would definitely recommend anyone to couple a Bond bridge with HE, been a great match for my setup.
Thanks. Your input has definitely been taken in the spirit it was intended. I hadn't got far enough into the Bond ecosystem to have discovered their community forum so that's helpful input. I've now found it and posted my getting-it-in-the-UK question there. On reflection I might as well take things one step at a time - if I can't find a source for the Bond products in the UK then there's not much point in my starting to agonise over which version of an unobtainable product to get!
Hey @Julian2 . I'm also in the uk and looking to use the bond bridge rather than the somfy tahoma switch. Did you have any luck with this in the end? I can't see anywhere in the uk that sells it. I could buy on Amazon.com (us). Thanks. Also, if possible, could you post a link to to your post on the Bond forum. Not sure if that's allowed or not.
Just that some of your questions may be able to be answered there more accurately or quickly.... But would definitely recommend anyone to couple a Bond bridge with HE, been a great match for my setup.
