HM-RC-8 - Remote control EQ-3 - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Remote control for HomeMatic smart home system
Number of Channels	8 channels for controlling multiple devices
Power Supply	2 x AAA batteries (1.5V)
Wireless Frequency	868.3 MHz (BidCoS)
Range (Free Field)	Up to 100 meters
Dimensions (approx.)	150 x 45 x 25 mm
Weight (without batteries)	Approx. 80 g
Housing Material	Plastic (ABS)
Keypad	8 device keys + 8 channel selection keys + additional function keys
Display	None (status via LED indicator)
LED Indicator	Red/green for operation and battery status
Protection Class	IP20 (indoor use only)
Operating Temperature	0 °C to +50 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 °C to +60 °C
Humidity Range	0% to 90% (non-condensing)
Compliance	CE, RoHS
Maintenance	Clean with a soft, dry cloth; do not use liquids or abrasives
Battery Replacement	Open battery compartment at the back, insert new AAA batteries with correct polarity
Repair / Spare Parts	No user-serviceable parts; contact eQ-3 service for repairs
Included in Box	Remote control HM-RC-8, user manual (paper or download link)
Device Registration	Not required; pair with HomeMatic central unit via teach-in procedure
Manufacturer	eQ-3 AG, Germany

Frequently Asked Questions - HM-RC-8 EQ-3

How do I pair the HM-RC-8 remote with my HomeMatic central unit?

Press and hold the channel key (e.g., key 1) for 3 seconds until the LED flashes green. Then activate teach-in mode on your central unit. The LED will stop flashing when pairing is successful.

What batteries does the HM-RC-8 use and how long do they last?

It uses 2 AAA batteries. Battery life depends on usage; typically several months to a year. Use alkaline batteries for best performance.

Can I control multiple devices with one remote?

Yes, the HM-RC-8 has 8 channels. Each channel can be assigned to a different HomeMatic device (e.g., lights, shutters). Use the channel selection keys to switch between groups.

What is the maximum range of the remote?

In open field, the range is up to 100 meters. Indoors, range may be reduced by walls and obstacles. Ensure the remote and receiver are within a reasonable distance.

How do I change the battery in the HM-RC-8?

Slide the battery cover on the back downwards to open. Remove old batteries and insert new AAA batteries with the correct polarity (+/-). Replace the cover until it clicks.

The LED on my remote is blinking red. What does that mean?

A blinking red LED indicates low battery. Replace the batteries as soon as possible to ensure proper operation.

Can I use the HM-RC-8 to control devices without a central unit?

No, the HM-RC-8 is designed to work exclusively with a HomeMatic central unit (e.g., CCU2/3). Direct device control is not supported.

How do I reset the remote to factory settings?

Open the battery compartment, remove batteries, and press and hold any key for 10 seconds while inserting the batteries. The LED will flash red/green rapidly to confirm reset.

Is the remote waterproof?

No, the HM-RC-8 has an IP20 rating, meaning it is not protected against water. Keep it away from rain and moisture.

What should I do if the remote stops responding?

First, check the batteries and replace if needed. Then try re-pairing with the central unit. If issues persist, reset the remote to factory settings or contact eQ-3 support.

USER MANUAL HM-RC-8 EQ-3

HomeMatic

A B C D E F G H

Line drawing of a rectangular electronic device with a scroll wheel and directional arrow (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with a rotating arrow indicating motion (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a door handle with internal components and a handle (no text or symbols)

Technical line drawing of a door handle with battery and switch (no text or symbols)

1 x HomeMatic Remote Control 8 buttons
2 x 1.5 V LR03/micro/AAA batteries
1 x Operating manual

132751/V 1.0

Table of contents

1 Information about this manual ..... 32
2 Hazard information. 32
3 General information about the HomeMatic system 33
4 Function and device overview ..... 34
5 Start-up. 36
5.1 Inserting and replacing batteries ..... 36
5.2 Teaching-in 38
5.3 Configuring newly taught-in devices.....44
6 Operation 45
7 Errors and information indicated by the device LED 46
7.1 Flashing codes and error messages ..... 46
7.2 Weak batteries 49
7.3 Command not confirmed 50
7.4 Duty cycle exceeded 50
8 Restore factory settings 51
9 Maintenance and cleaning 53
10 General information about radio operation. . . 54
11 Technical specifications ..... 55

1 Information about this manual

Read this manual carefully before beginning operation with your HomeMatic components. Keep the manual so you can refer to it at a later date if you need to. If you hand over the device to other persons for use, please hand over the operating manual as well.

Symbols used:

Attention!

This indicates a hazard.

Note. This section contains important additional information.

Note. This section contains additional important information about using the device in connection with the HomeMatic Central Control Unit.

2 Hazard information

Do not open the device. It does not contain any parts that can be maintained by the user. In the event of an error, please return the device to our service department.

For safety and licensing reasons (CE), unauthorized change and/or modification of the product is not permitted.

The device may only be operated in dry and dust-free environment and must be protected from the effects of moisture, vibrations, solar or other methods of heat radiation, cold and mechanical loads.

The device is not a toy; do not allow children to play with it. Do not leave packaging material lying around. Plastic films/bags, pieces of polystyrene, etc. can be dangerous in the hands of a child.

We do not assume any liability for damage to property or personal injury caused by improper use or the failure to observe the safety instructions. In such cases any claim under guarantee is extinguished! For consequential damages, we assume no liability!

3 General information about the HomeMatic system

This device is part of the HomeMatic home control system and works with the bidirectional BidCoS ^® wireless protocol. All devices are delivered in a standard configuration. The functionality of the device can also be configured with a programming device and softv. The additional functions that can be made available in this way and the supplementary functions provided by

Function and device overview Function and device overview

the HomeMatic system when it is combined with other components are described in the HomeMatic WebUI Manual. All current technical documents and updates are provided at www.homematic.com.

4 Function and device overview

The HomeMatic Remote Control provides a convenient way of controlling taught-in HomeMatic devices using eight buttons.

The remote control can be taught-in directly to other HomeMatic devices or to the HomeMatic Central Control Unit. Thus, lights can be switched on and off and shutters can be moved up or down. You can individually define the functions of all eight buttons. A single button can be taught-in to work with one or more HomeMatic components. At the push of a button, several functions can be executed simultaneously.

The opposite buttons serve as pair. When connecting the device directly with an actor, a pair of buttons is taught-in at once. The left buttons are defined for the instructions „Off/Darker/Down“ and the right buttons for the instructions „On/Brighter/Up“.

Using the device for any purpose other than that described in this operating manual does not fall within the scope of intended use and shall invalidate any warranty or liability.

Controls:

A B C D E F G H

A - Button pair 1
B - Button pair 2
C - Button pair 3
D - Button pair 4
E - Device LED
F – Release button
G - Teach-in button
H – Battery compartment

5 Start-up

5.1 Inserting and replacing batteries

5.1.1 Inserting batteries

To start up the device, please insert the batteries. To do this, proceed as follows:

- Open the battery compartment on the rear (H) by pressing the release button (F) with you finger (1.) and moving the cover of the remote control to the back (2.).

1.

Technical line drawing of a rectangular electronic component with a small internal component labeled 'F' (no text or symbols beyond label)

2.

Technical line drawing of a rectangular electronic device with a scroll wheel and directional arrow (no text or symbols)

- This will open the catch; you can then remove the cover (3.).

3.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with a curved arrow indicating rotation (no text or symbols)

- Place two LR03/AAA/micro batteries into the battery compartment, using the polarity markings to ensure the polarity is correct. - Close the battery compartment by replacing the cover and pushing it with light pressure to the end of the housing until it latches into place.

5.1.2 Changingbatteries

If you press a button on the remote control and the flashing code indicating empty batteries is displayed (5 x red flashes), or the device being controlled does r spond, replace the used batteries with two new LR03/AAA/micro batteries, as described in the previous section. You must observe the correct battery polarity.

Never recharge standard batteries. Do not throw the batteries into a fire. Do not batteries to excessive heat. Do not short-circuit batteries. Doing so will present a risk of explosion.

Instructions for disposal:

Used batteries should not be disposed of with regular domestic waste! Instead, take them to your local battery disposal point.

5.1.3 Behaviour after replacing batteries

Once the batteries have been inserted, the remote control performs a self-test/restart (approx. 2 seconds).

The LED flashes red, green and orange briefly test display). Initialisation is carried out.

If the batteries are too weak for the device to continue being used, the 5 brief red flashes take place directly after the button is pressed. In this case, you have to replace the batteries with two new ones.

5.2 Teaching-in

Please read this entire section before starting the teach-in procedure!

To integrate the remote control into your HomeMatic system and enable it to communicate with other HomeMatic devices, you must teach it in first. You can teach-in the remote control directly to other HomeMatic devices or to the HomeMatic Central Control Unit.

5.2.1 Teaching-in directly to HomeMatic devices

If you want to teach-in the remote control to one or more HomeMatic devices, you must put the devices to be taught-in into teach-in mode and select the required button/channel.

During teach-in mode, always one left and one right button are taught-in as button pair. When pressing a left button to teach-in the function „Off“, the function „On“ will be taught-in for the right button automatically. This also applies to the other three pairs of buttons.

During teach-in, please make sure you maintain a distance of at least 50 cm between the devices.

To teach in, proceed as follows:

- You will find the teach-in button (G) on the back side of the remote control under the cover. Remove the cover and briefly press the teach-in button with pointed object.

Technical line drawing of a door handle assembly with internal components (no text or symbols)

• The remote control is now in configuration mode. The device LED flashes green to indicate this. (To exit configuration mode, briefly press the teach-in 5 button again.)
• To enter teach-in mode, press the remote control button in to which you wish to teach a function. The device LED flashes orange slowly. (Provided the device to be taught-in is not yet in teach-in mode, you can cancel teach-in mode on the remote control by pressing the teach-in button again briefly. The device LED then lights up red.)
• Now put the device in to which you wish to teach the remote control into teach-in mode by following the relevant operating manual instructions.
• If both devices are in teach-in mode, the LED flashes orange quickly to indicate this.

The device LED lights up green to indicate that teaching-in has been successful.

If the device LED lights up red for 2 seconds, teaching-in the device failed. In this case, please try again.

If no teach-in operations are carried out, teach-in mode is exited automatically after 20 seconds.

If the remote control has already been taught-in to a central control unit, it is blocked for direct teach-in to other devices and the device LED lights up red for 2 seconds.

5.2.2 Teaching-in to a HomeMatic Central Control Unit Your device can be conveniently

• controlled and configured,
• connected directly to other devices or
• used in central control unit programs

by using the HomeMatic software "WebUI". Therefore, The your remote control has to be taught-in to the Home-Matic Central Control Unit first. New devices are taught-in to the central control unit via the HomeMatic „WebUI“.

A soon as a component has been taught-in to a central control unit, it can only be connected to other components via this unit.

Each component can only be taught-in to one CCU.

Start-up Start-up

During teach-in, please make sure you maintain a distance of at least 50 cm between the devices and the central control unit.

To teach-in your device to the central control unit, proceed as follows:

- Open the "WebUI" user interface in your browser. Click the "Teach in devices" button on the right-hand side of the screen.

Alarm messages (0) Service messages (0) Logout Teach-in devices Help

- To activate teach-in mode, click "Start teach-in mode".

Teach-in devices BidCoS-RF - Variant 1: Direct teaching-in. Teach-in mode not active | Start teach-in mode To activate teach-in mode, click "Start teach-in mode". Teach-in mode remains activated for 50 seconds. Meanwhile, please activate the teach-in mode of the HomeMatic device you want to teach-in as well. The requiring time for teaching-in will be displayed. You will find further information in the operating manual of the corresponding devices. BidCoS-Wired - Variant 1: Automatic teaching-in. Please start the teach-in mode directly on the device. The device will then be taught-in to the COU automatically. Further information on the teach-in mode is provided in the respective operating instructions. BidCoS-RF - Variant 2: Teaching-in with serial number Serial number Iteach-in device Please enter the serial number and click on the button "Teach-in device". Please enter: Not every BidCoS-RF device does support teaching-in via serial number. BidCoS-Wired - Variant 3: Search devices Search devices Please click on the button "Search devices" The COU will then automatically teach-in all new HomeMatic wired devices. Back Inbox (1.)

• Teach-in mode remains activated for 60 seconds. An information box shows how much teach-in time remains.
  • Within this teach-in time, activate the configuration

mode of your remote control. Therefore, remove the cover and briefly press the teach-in button your remote control with a pointed object.

Technical line drawing of a door handle assembly with internal compartments and a handle (no text or symbols)

• The remote control is now in configuration m. The device LED flashes green to indicate this. (To exit configuration mode, briefly press the teach button again.)
• As soon as communication between the remote control and the central control unit has been established, the device LED flashes orange. The device LED lights up green to indicate that teaching-in has been successful.
• After a short time, the newly taught-in device appears in the inbox of your software interface. The button "Inbox (x new devices)" indicates how many new devices have been taught-in successfully.
• If required, you can teach-in additional devices by repeating the steps described above for each device.

- Now configure the newly taught-in devices inbox as described in the next section ("Configuring newly taught-in devices").

5.3 Configuring newly taught-in devices

Once you have taught-in your device to the HomeMatic Central Control Unit, it is moved to the inbox. Here, you must configure the device and its associated channels in order to make them available for operating and configuration tasks. Give the device a name it to a room. You can also make individual parameter settings.

Now you can use the "WebUI" user interface to control your device, configure it, link it directly to other devices, or use it in central control unit programs. Please refer to the HomeMatic WebUI Manual for more details (you can find this in the „Downloads“ area of www.homematic.com).

and assign

Operation

In the factory settings, the 8 buttons are def three separate button pairs (BP 1, BP 2, BP 3 and BP 4). The right buttons are defined for the functions „On/ Brighter/Up“, the left buttons for the functions „Off/Dark- er/Down“. With the remote control you can

• switch lights on and off
  • dim lights brighter or darker
  • move shutters up or down.

Example:

Shutters down Light on

Errors and information indicated by the device LED Errors and information indicated by the device LED

Light off Shutters raised

7 Errors and information indicated by the device LED

7.1 Flashing codes and error messages

This information applies to operation with and without a central control unit.

Error messages

Flashing code	Meaning Solution
5 x short red flashes	Batteries almost empty	Replace the batteries (see „5.1.2 Changing batteries“ on page 37).
1 x long, 2 x short red flashes	The remote control is defective.	Please contact your specialist dealer.
1 x long and 1 x short red flash	Duty cycle see „7.4 D	Duty cycle exceeded“ on page 50

Normal mode

Flashing code	Meaning Solution
Orange flashing with short or long button press	LED lights up orange throughout the duration of wireless transmission. Once wireless transmission is successfully completed, the LED lights up green for 1 s. If transmission was not successful, it lights up red for 2 s.	If transmission was not successful, please try again.

Errors and information indicated by the device LED Errors and information indicated by the device LED

1 s lighting up green	All actuators have confirmed the (most recent) bidirectional command.	You can continue with operation.
2 s lighting up red	At least one actuator has not confirmed the (most recent) bidirectional command.	Please try again.
1 x red, green and orange flash	LED test display Once	the test display has stopped, you can continue.

Teaching-in and restoring factory settings

Flashing code	Meaning Solution
Slow green flashing	Configuration mode (device waiting for radio signal)	Wait until the configuration data has been sent.
Slow orange flashing	Teach-in mode (device waiting for wireless partner)	Switch the device to be taught-in to teach-in mode.
Fast orange flashing	Configuration or teach-in mode (data being received)	Wait until the process is completed.

1 s lighting up green	Teach-in successful	You can continue with operation.
2 s lighting up red	Teach-in failed Try again.
Slow green flashing and red light if button is pressed	Remote control has already been taught-in to a central control unit and is therefore blocked for direct teach-in	see „5.2.1 Teaching-in directly in to HomeMatic devices“ on page 39
Slow red flashing	Stage before resetting to factory settings	Device is waiting for teach-in button to be pressed and held in order to carry out a reset, or for a short button press to cancel the process.
Fast red flashing	Teach-in button has been pressed long to perform factory reset	Factory settings are restored if teach-in button is released

7.2 Weak batteries

Provided that the voltage value permits it, the remote control will remain ready for operation also if the battery voltage is low. Depending on the particular load, it may be possible to send transmissions again repeatedly, once

the battery has been allowed a brief recovery period. If you are using weak batteries, the device may perform a restart automatically when you press a button. The device LED then briefly flashes red, green and orange, and follow this with 5 brief red flashes to indicate that the batteries are weak.

7.3 Command not confirmed

If a receiver (at least one in cases where multiple devices have been taught-in) does not confirm mand, the device LED lights up red at the end of the transmission process. This behaviour may be caused by the following:

• The receiver cannot be accessed.
- The receiver is unable to execute the command (load failure, mechanical blockade, etc.).
• The receiver is defective.

7.4 Duty cycle exceeded

The duty cycle is a legally regulated limit of the transmission time of devices in the 868 MHz range. The aim of this regulation is to safeguard the operation of all devices working in the 868 MHz range.

In the 868 MHz frequency range we use, the maximum transmission time of any device is 1% of an hour (i.e. 36 seconds in an hour). Devices must cease transmission

when they reach the 1% limit until this time restriction comes to an end. HomeMatic devices are designed and produced with 100% conformity to this regulation.

During normal operation, the duty cycle is not usually reached. However, repeated and wireless-intensive teach-in processes mean that it may be reached in isolated instances during start-up or initial installation of a system. If the duty cycle is exceeded, this is indicated by one long and one short red flash of the device LED, and may manifest itself in the device temporarily working incorrectly. The device starts working correctly

conagain after a short period (max. 1 hour).

8 Restore factory settings

When the factory settings of the remote control are restored, all setting will be deleted.

To restore the factory settings of the remote control, please proceed as follows:

- Press and hold the teach-in button (G) for at least 5 seconds. The device LED starts to flash red slowly.

To cancel the reset process, press the teach-in button again briefly or wait for 20 seco both cases, the slow red flashing and the reset process stop.

L > 5 s

• To restore the factory settings of the device, press and hold the teach-in button for at least another five seconds. With the button pressed, the LED starts to flash red faster.
• When you release the teach-in button, the reset process is completed.
• The red LED stops flashing and the remote control performs a restart.
• Following the LED test display (red, green and orange flashing - see „5.1.3 Behaviour after replacing batteries“ on page 38), the factory settings of the remote control are restored and the device is ready for operation.

Possible error messages:

The errors listed below can only occur if you have taught-in the remote control to a central control unit.

If the LED does not start to flash once the button has been held down for 5 seconds but lights up continuously instead, this means the remote control cannot be reset as it is taught-in to the central control unit. In this case, the remote control has been blocked for manual resetting. To restore the factory settings of the remote control, you need to use the "WebUI" user interface.

9 Maintenance and cleaning

This product does not require you to carry out any maintenance other than replacing the batteries when necessary. Enlist the help of an expert to carry out any maintenance or repairs. Clean the product using a soft, lint-free cloth that is clean and dry. You may dampen the cloth a little with lukewarm water in order to remove more stubborn marks. Do not use any detergents containing solvents, as they could corrode the plastic housing and label.

General information about radio operation Technical specifications

10 General information about radio operation

Radio transmission is performed on a non-exclusive transmission path, which means that there is a possibility of interference occurring. Interference can also be caused by switching operations, electrical motors or defective electrical devices.

The range of transmission within buildings can differ greatly from that available in the open air. Besides the transmitting power and the reception characteristics of the receiver, environmental factors such as humidity in the vicinity have an important role to play, as do on-site structural/screening conditions.

eQ-3 Entwicklung GmbH hereby declares that this device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant regulations of Directive 1999/5/EC. You can find the full declaration of conformity at www.home-matic.com.

11 Technical specifications

Device short description: HM-RC-8

Supply voltage: 2x 1.5 V LR03/micro/AAA

Current consumption: 40 mA (max.)

Battery life: > 5 years (based on a usage rate of 10 times per day)

Degree of protection: IP20

Ambient temperature: 5 to 35 °C

Radio frequency: 868.3 MHz

Typ. open area RF range: > 100 m

Receiver category: SRD category 2

Duty cycle: < 1 % per h

Dimensions (W x H x D): 46 x 126 x 16 mm

Weight: 86 g (incl. batteries)

Subject to technical changes.

Instructions for disposal:

Do not dispose of the device with regular domestic waste. Electronic devices must be disposed of in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive via local disposal points for electronic waste.

Information about conformity:

CE The CE sign is a free trading sign addressed exclusively to the authorities and does not include any warranty of any properties.

eQB