# Bond Sidekick for Shades Gen 5

*Bond / SKS-500*

> The Bond Sidekick for Shades Gen 5 (SKS-500) is a battery-powered RF wall keypad that pairs directly with a motorized shade motor, without the maker's own remote. It has interchangeable 5-channel and 1-channel button sets and reports shade state to a Bond Bridge Pro.

- Canonical page: https://smarthomecanon.com/devices/bond-sidekick-for-shades-gen-5
- Last checked: 2026-10-20

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Brand | [Bond](https://smarthomecanon.com/brands/bond) |
| Category | Remote |
| Model numbers | SKS-500 |
| Status | Current[^1] |
| Type | RF shade keypad[^1] |
| Channels | 5-channel and 1-channel button sets[^1] |
| Pairing | Pairs directly with the shade motor[^1] |
| Battery life | 10 years, estimated at one shade cycle a day[^1] |
| Mounting | Flush mount, with or without a workbox[^1] |
| Bond Bridge Pro | Reports shade state to a Bond Bridge Pro[^1] |
| Model code | SKS-500[^1] |

## Integration paths

**How the Bond Sidekick for Shades Gen 5 connects**

| Path | Requires | Local | Features lost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Proprietary + hub](https://smarthomecanon.com/protocols/proprietary-gateway) | Bond Bridge Pro, for shade state in the Bond Home app[^1] | unknown | unknown |

## Related pages

- [Bond shade remotes and sensors](https://smarthomecanon.com/lines/bond-shade-remotes-and-sensors) (line)
- [Bond](https://smarthomecanon.com/brands/bond) (brand)
- [Proprietary radio with a hub](https://smarthomecanon.com/protocols/proprietary-gateway) (protocol)

## Sources

[^1]: Sidekick for Shades Gen 5 | Bond. https://bondhome.io/product/sidekick-for-shades-gen-5/ (manufacturer, checked 2026-10-20)