Bond Bridge Pro
VERDICT
Before replacing your expensive ceiling fans or Somfy shades just to get "smart" features, try this. The Bond Bridge Pro is the ultimate retrofit device. It blasts RF and IR signals in all directions, controlling up to 50 devices. It connects reliably to HomeKit, SmartThings, and Control4, bringing your legacy hardware into the future.
The Big Picture
Ceiling fans typically use Radio Frequency (RF) remotes, which phones can't talk to. Bond Bridge Pro bridges this gap. You simply point your old remote at the Bond Bridge, press a button, and it "learns" the signal. Now you can say "Hey Google, set the bedroom fan to 50%," and Bond fires the RF signal instantly.
📡 Long Range RF
The Power: Covers the whole house.
Performance: Unlike standard IR blasters that need line-of-sight, the RF signal goes through walls. One Bond Bridge Pro placed centrally can usually control fans and shades in bedrooms upstairs and downstairs (approx. 2,500 sq ft coverage).
🔌 PoE Support
Professional setup.
Connectivity: The "Pro" model supports Power over Ethernet. This means you can hardwire it to your network for 100% reliability, ensuring your automations trigger instantly without Wi-Fi latency.
✅ The Pros
- Value: Saves thousands by making dumb devices smart.
- State Tracking: Tries to remember if the fan is On/Off (though not perfect without 2-way feedback).
- Shades: Excellent support for Somfy, Rollease, and Nice motors.
❌ The Cons
- Price: The Pro model is pricey ($379). The standard model is cheaper ($99) but lacks HomeKit/PoE.
- Setup: Can be tedious to pair generic remotes manually.