Axis Gear User manual
AXIS Gear Partner Course
Documentation
V1.4
September 27, 2019
This document is accurate for the following builds:
Firmware 1122
iOS 1.2.32
Android 3.3.5
Contents
AXIS Gear Partner Course Documentation 1
Intro 4
What is Gear? 4
Gear Specifications 5
Physical Specs 5
On-Device Buttons 7
Battery and Charging 9
Shade Compatibility 14
Phone, Device, and Hub Compatibility 15
Firmware Updates 16
Gear Installation 18
Mount Configurations 18
Setup of Install Space 20
Pre-Installation Mount Setup 22
Installation 24
Shortening A Chain 29
Removing Gear From Bracket 30
Removing A Mounting Bracket 31
On-Device Control and Features 32
Gear Configuration and Control 32
LED Touch Strip User Feedback 35
Gear Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Functions 37
In-App Controls and Features 40
AXIS App Download 40
Gear Public Mode and Incognito Mode 41
App Onboarding and Device Pairing 44
Intro
What is Gear?
Gear is a retrofit device which automates existing window shades. It easily attaches to any
window and turns regular shades into smart shades. With powerful components and a design
that speaks for itself, Gear can complement any room to complete any home.
Gear can be controlled either by using on-device controls, the AXIS app or leading smart home
hubs. Groups can be created to move multiple shades simultaneously, and schedules can be
set to automate a home. Ultimately, Gear is a strong, subtle and stunning solution to more
efficiently and easily control window shades.
Gear Specifications
Physical Specs
LIFT CAPACITY
Approximately 9 ft x 9 ft or 10 lbs of weight
CONNECTIVITY
Bluetooth Low Energy
Zigbee HA 1.2
BATTERY
Internal lithium polymer recharged via solar panel (9 ft cable)
12 AA backup (Batteries included)
Power Adapter (9 ft cable)
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Gear, Solar Bar (batteries included), power adapter, back cover, mounting bracket, positioning
tool, screws, double-sided tape, cable clips, bead connectors, and quick start guide.
On-Device Buttons
There are 3 physical buttons on the top of the device SET, GROUP and PAIR, and an LED
capacitive touch interface on the front of the device.
Each physical button press creates a different outcome, along with combination button presses
such as Group+Pair.
Use the Set, Group, and Pair buttons for setup and diagnostics features. There is a further
chapter on these buttons.
The touch interface consists of a POWER button near the top (signified by the AXIS logo) and a
series of LED CAPACITIVE TOUCH BUTTONS positioned on the TOUCH STRIP.
The Power button turns Gear on and off or stops operation, while the touch strip is used to
control the shade.
To turn Gear on or off, touch and hold the Power button for five seconds or until the Touch Strip
lights up. While Gear is in operation, tap the Power button to cease movement.
Pressing the top of the Touch Strip opens the shade to the fully opened position and pressing
the bottom of the touch strip moves the shade to the fully closed position. You can move the
shade to 25%, 50%, and 75% positions by touching the Touch Strip in-between the opened and
closed positions.
The back of Gear has a Back Cover. The Back Cover MUST be on to power Gear on and to use
Gear in any capacity. Gear does not respond to any commands while the cover is loose.
Removing the cover while Gear is on turns the Gear off. If there is a loose cover, snap it back
into place and power Gear on.
Battery and Charging
Battery
Gear is powered by either the Solar Bar or Power Adapter. These are included in the box with
Gear and plug into the bottom of the device. It is up to you to decide which method works best
for the customer's setup. Gear must always be plugged into a power source to function at full
capacity.
When not plugged into a power source, Gear displays a flashing red LED at the bottom of the
LED Touch Strip when an attempt at a Gear interaction is made.
SOLAR BAR
The Solar Bar uses sunlight to recharge Gear. It comes equipped with non-rechargeable AA
batteries inside the casing. If there is insufficient sunlight, the Solar Bar uses power from its AA
batteries. The batteries are meant as a secondary power source if there is not enough
consistent sunlight.
Once the batteries drain, Gear flashes one red LED on the bottom of the LED strip when an
interaction is attempted. This is the same error message pattern as in the case of not being
plugged into a power source. If Gear is plugged into the Solar Bar and you see this message,
replace the AA batteries.
POWER ADAPTER
The Power Adapter uses electricity from the home to power Gear. This AC adapter keeps the
internal battery inside Gear charged. As long as the Power Adapter is connected to Gear and a
power outlet, Gear will run efficiently without interruption.
Charging
CHECK BATTERY STATUS
You may check battery status from within the AXIS app. To do so, connect to the Gear, navigate
to Gear Settings and then select About This Gear.
During initial Gear configuration via the AXIS app, you are given a choice as to whether you
wish to power Gear via the Solar Bar or the Power Adapter. This choice determines how the
battery readout functions from Gear Settings.
SOLAR BAR READOUTIf you determine that the Solar Bar is the primary source of power, then
you will see two separate readings; AA Battery
and Stored Energy.
The AA Battery section is a reading of the 12 AA batteries in the Solar Bar. These batteries do
not recharge while in use and can only drain over time. If this reaches 0% then Gear will
become inoperable and the batteries will need to be changed.
The Stored Energy section is a reading of the solar energy harvested by the solar component of
the Solar Bar and stored with the internal battery. This can be either Strong, Weak, or Critical.
This reading is taken over time and factors in your usage to provide a general idea of the
harvested solar energy that is available. Gear first uses up this energy, followed by the energy
provided by the AA batteries. This reading can fluctuate up and down based on available
sunlight and usage. If the power consumption due to Gear usage exceeds the rate that solar
energy is harvested, then AA battery energy will be used to power Gear while the stored energy
charges the internal battery.
POWER ADAPTER READOUT
If you determine that the Power Adapter is the primary source of power, then the battery storage
percentage does not provide a readout. It simply states that Gear is plugged in. This is because
in this case, Gear receives power through the wall charger and there is no battery to read.
It is important to note that there are potential incompatibilities with the power source selection
and battery readout. If you determine that the Solar Bar is the primary source of power but
instead plug in the Power Adapter, then the readout shows between 30% and 35% at all times.
If you state that the Power Adapter powers Gear and instead plug in a Solar Bar, then the app
states that Gear is plugged in; regardless of whether the Power Adapter or Solar Bar is plugged
in. Both of these cases provide incorrect information. It is important that the app is provided with
accurate power source information so that it may provide an accurate readout.
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