Alber neodrives SimplyRemote User manual

User manual for simplyRemote user
interface and simplyRide App
neodrives
Alber GmbH
Vor dem weißen Stein 14
72461Albstadt, Germany
Date 06/2023
Technical changes reserved.

Table of Contents 2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents........................................................................................................2
List of figures ..............................................................................................................3
List of Tables...............................................................................................................3
1Important instructions .....................................................................................4
2simplyRemote...................................................................................................6
2.1 Scope of supply / components............................................................................6
2.2 Assembly and commissioning ............................................................................7
2.3 Using the simplyRemote.....................................................................................8
2.3.1 Using a display...................................................................................................9
2.3.2 neodrives system updates..................................................................................9
2.4 Retrofitting of Z20 and Z20 S by specialist dealers.............................................9
3simplyRide app...............................................................................................11
3.1 Download and install the simplyRide app .........................................................11
3.2 Using the simplyRide app.................................................................................14
3.2.1 Pairing an E-bike..............................................................................................14
3.2.2 Setting options..................................................................................................14
3.2.3 Display .............................................................................................................14
3.2.4 Pairing of other devices....................................................................................15
3.2.5 neodrives system updates................................................................................15
4Notes and troubleshooting............................................................................17
4.1 Cleaning...........................................................................................................17
4.2 Transport..........................................................................................................17
4.3 Error symptoms and possible measures...........................................................17

List of figures 3
List of figures
Figure 1: simplyRemote ................................................................................................6
Figure 2: simplyRemote Adapter...................................................................................6
Figure 3: simplyRemote representation.........................................................................7
Figure 4: adapter cable with neodrives connector (left) and with JST connector
(right).................................................................................................................9
Figure 5: example of an installation of an adapter cable with integrated
rechargeable battery........................................................................................10
Figure 6: simplyRide connect E-bike...........................................................................11
Figure 7: simplyRide switch on E-bike.........................................................................12
Figure 8: simplyRide start pairing................................................................................12
Figure 9: simplyRide search for E-bike........................................................................13
Figure 10: simplyRide pairing......................................................................................13
Figure 11: simplyRide connect E-bike .........................................................................14
Figure 12: display of the availability of an update and transfer of the update...............15
Figure 13: Performing a software update.....................................................................16
List of Tables
Table 1: technical data simplyRemote...........................................................................7

1 Important instructions 4
1 Important instructions
In addition to this user manual, further documents are enclosed with your pedelec.
Please observe the instructions and notes contained therein. There is currently no legal
obligation to wear a helmet when using a pedelec. Nevertheless, it is advisable to wear
a helmet for your own safety.
Intended use of neodrives components
Your pedelec, which is supplied with neodrives components by a specialist dealer, is
designed as a trekking or city bike for normal person transport on public roads.
Settings and repairs to the pedelec and the individual components are only considered
as intended use if they are explained and permitted in this user manual, in the user man-
ual of the pedelec manufacturer, in the instructions of the component manufacturers or
in other documents enclosed with the purchase of the pedelec.
The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage caused negligently by misuse, im-
proper maintenance, improper repairs or improper use. It is the responsibility of the rider
to check the pedelec as prescribed, to haveany work doneon it and to use it responsibly.
This user manual describes exclusively the use of the simplyRemote on your neodrives
E-bike with neodrives components (compatible with the neodrives systems Z20 as well
as Z20S) and is state-of-the-art at the time of printing. The manufacturer reserves the
right to make changes resulting from the further development of mechanics, software or
legal requirements.
The manufacturer regards the following cases as misuse of the neodrives components
attached to your pedelec:
•Use of the drive system contrary to the instructions and recommendations of this
user manual
•Exceeding the technical performance limits defined in this user manual
•Technical modifications to the neodrives components
•Changes to the software of the neodrives components
•Unauthorised mounting or unauthorised use of neodrives components on bicy-
cles or on any Pedelec other than the one supplied to you
The manufacturer declines any liability for damage resulting from misuse of the compo-
nents.
Before starting the journey, familiarise yourself with the safety and hazard notices in the
individual chapters of these operating instructions and all other enclosed documents.
While riding, only operate the simplyRemote to set the assistance levels or to display the
charging status; for further operation, stop and make the respective settings.
Explanation of symbols
Warning note

1 Important instructions 5
Warning of possible dangers to your health, indication of possible risks of injury; warning
of possible technical problems or damage. Always observe these precautions in order to
avoid injury to persons and damage to the product.
Permissible operating conditions / locations for use
The neodrives components can be operated at temperatures of between -20°C and
+60°C → See Table 1: technical data simplyRemote. In addition, observe the information
on permissible operating conditions in the operating instructions of the pedelec manu-
facturer. Its restrictions of the permissible operating conditions (e.g. maximum climbing
capability, maximum permissible obstacle height, maximum user weight) must also be
observed when using the pedelec. Observe the safety and hazard notices in the individ-
ual chapters of these operating instructions.

2 simplyRemote 6
2 simplyRemote
The new simplyRemote (see Figure 1) is a user interface for the neodrives systems Z20
(E-bike up to 25 km/h) and Z20 S. It offers intuitive usability due to its simple represen-
tation and limitation to the essential functions.
2.1 Scope of supply / components
There are five buttons on the simplyRemote (see Figure 1: simplyRemote) which are
easy to operate due to their size and coating. In addition, there are 5 LEDs in the centre
of the simplyRemote for easy display, which makes it easier for the user to operate.
Figure 1: simplyRemote
An additional adapter cable is used to connect the simplyRemote; this is used to connect
the simplyRemote to the wiring harness of the E-bike. Depending on the type of battery,
a neodrives connector (see Figure 2 on the left) or a JST connector (see Figure 2 on the
right) is used. The JST connector is used for all integrated rechargeable batteries and
the neodrives connector only for the external neodrives V2 rechargeable battery.
Figure 2: simplyRemote Adapter

2 simplyRemote 7
Table 1: technical data simplyRemote
2.2 Assembly and commissioning
To start up your E-bike, please read the usermanual of the respective system. For proper
installation of the simplyRemote control unit, please consult a specialist dealer.
To switch on the system, briefly press the "On/Off button" once (1 sec) (see Figure 3:
simplyRemote representation), when starting up all five LEDs briefly light up white three
times. The start-up process takes six seconds.
Figure 3: simplyRemote representation
Please note: with the rechargeable battery version BMZ UR-V2 (top-mounted recharge-
able battery), the E-bike must be switched on via the On/Off button on the rechargeable
battery. After a standby time of 4 hours, the V2 rechargeable battery switches to the so-
called "deep sleep" and must be woken up again by pressing the rechargeable battery
button.
Notes:
SimplyRemote
Interface
Bluetooth (BLE)
Operating temperature
-20 to +60°C
Storage temperature
-40 to + 65°C
Protection class
IP 65
Clamping diameter
22.2 mm
Fastening torque
max. 1 Nm

2 simplyRemote 8
Please unload the pedal during switch-on. Only pedal when the simplyRemote is
switched on completely and the white LEDs are permanently lit. Do not switch on the
system while riding or apply load to the pedal. If it is switched on while riding, the second
lowest LED of the simplyRemote lights up orange. Please unload the pedal until the LED
no longer lights up, then you can continue your ride with the support of the motor
Please remember to switch off the pedelec after each ride using the local control panel.
2.3 Using the simplyRemote
When the E-bike is switched on, the green LEDs light up first (2 seconds), then the white
LEDs light up permanently. The green LEDs indicate the set assistance level, the last
selected assistance level is automatically pre-set again. The white LEDs show the
charge level of the E-bike rechargeable battery. You can switch between the views using
the "SET" button unless connected to the simplyRide app.
"+" button:
•Increase the assistance level (5 LED = 5 assistance levels) by pressing thebutton
•Activation of the pushing aid (4 km/h): press and hold the button for 4 seconds,
release and confirm the forward pushing aid by pressing and holding the "+" but-
ton (or "-" for the backwards pushing aid). (Attention: backward pushing aid is
only activated with respective motors).
"-" button:
•Decrease the assistance level
•Activation of recuperation (only possible above 6 km/h (blue LED))
LED display
•White flashing LED: switching on the system
•Green LED indicator: assistance levels
•White LED display: rechargeable battery charge status (5 white LED = recharge-
able battery fully charged)
•Blue flashing LED Pairing Process
•Failure diagnosis, see Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.
Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.
“Light” button
You can recognise when the light is switched on by the intensity of the LED display. If
the LEDs light up more strongly, no lighting is switched on and if the LEDs of the display
light up less strongly, the light of the E-bike is switched on. The dimming of the LED can
be adjusted via the simplyRide app, e.g. if the LEDs are not visible in sunlight. If the light
was switched on the last time the E-bike was switched off, it is also activated again when
it is switched on again.
"On/Off" button; switching the E-bike on and off

2 simplyRemote 9
"SET" button; changing the views, rechargeable battery charge level and assistance
level. If the Remote is connected to the app, the displayed values are changed through.
2.3.1 Using a display
The simplyRemote does not require an additional screen and displays all relevant infor-
mation via the LED display, however, the smartphone can be used as a screen for the
simplyRemote, for this purpose please note 3.2.3 Display. You can also use a Sigma
bicycle computer as a display to show your speed or similar if you do not want to use
your smartphone with the simplyRide app as a display. When purchasing, look for the
"E-Bike Ready" label.
2.3.2 neodrives system updates
All system updates of your neodrives components, can be carried out using your simp-
lyRide app. You will find all information on installation and use in the chapter 3.2.5 neo-
drives system updates.
2.4 Retrofitting of Z20 and Z20 S by specialist dealers
The new simplyRemote is also suitable for retrofitting to E-bikes with Z20 and Z20 S
systems that previously had the neoMMI with neoTwistlock and neoNode (or also called
"BLOKS" components) installed. To retrofit the simplyRemote to these E-bikes, you only
need a simplyRemote as well as the matching adapter cable. Please use the adapter
cable with the JST connector ("square" plug connection, right in the figure) for integrated
rechargeable batteries: V7, V8 and V10. For the UR V2 and UR V5 top batteries, please
use the adapter cable with the neodrives connector ("round" plug connection, left in the
figure) see Figure 4: adapter cable.
For the exchange, remove the neoMMI and the neoTwistlock from the handlebar. Then
remove the neoNode, the position of which varies depending on the bicycle model. In
the case of integrated rechargeable batteries, the rechargeable battery holder must be
removed in order to reach the cable harness with the necessary JST connector (see
Figure 5: example of an installation of an adapter cable with integrated rechargeable
battery).
Figure 4: adapter cable with neodrives connector (left) and with JST connector (right).

2 simplyRemote 10
Examples for positioning the neoNode are on the down tube, in the seat tube, above the
gear, etc. The adapter cable is connected directly to the cable harness of the neodrives
system and thus replaces the previous neoNode. The simplyRemote is connected to the
adapter cable.
Figure 5: example of an installation of an adapter cable with integrated rechargeable
battery
As usual, care must be taken when pulling in the cable, as the defect of a cable will lead
to the defect of the simplyRemote. In addition, the cable must be routed without kinks
and cable ties and similar fixings must not be too tight.
Warning note: the connector of the neoNode near the handlebar is an identical con-
nector (green plug connection) to that of the simplyRemote. However, this must not be
used to connect the simplyRemote. If however, you do then the simplyRemote will not
function and an error will occur. You can easily solve the problem by removing the ne-
oNode and mounting the adapter cable and the simplyRemote directly on the cable har-
ness. Software is pre-installed on the simplyRemote to adapt your neodrives Z20 E-bike
to the new simplyRemote. All important configuration files are automatically transferred
from the motor during the initial installation of the simplyRemote. To install the software,
start the simplyRide app and install the updates see 3.2.5 neodrives system updates.

3 simplyRide app 11
3 simplyRide app
As a supplement to the simplyRemote, there is the simplyRide app, which can be used
as a versatile tool. It offers the possibility to use the smartphone as a screen on the
bicycle handlebars, individualisation, evaluations and system updates. (The illustrations
in the following chapter may deviate depending on the published version of the simp-
lyRide app).
3.1 Download and install the simplyRide app
Download the app:
Andriod: Google Playstore →simplyRide
IOS: Apple Store →simplyRide
Search for the simplyRide app and install it on your smartphone.
Step 1:
Select “Connect E-bike”.
Figure 6: simplyRide connect E-bike

3 simplyRide app 12
Step 2:
Switch on the E-bike and confirm this with "My E-bike is
switched on" in the app.
Step 3:
Press and hold the "Set" and "Plus" buttons on the
simplyRemote at the same time until their LEDs start
flashing blue/white. Confirm the blue/white flashing
LED in the app with "Done".
Figure 7: simplyRide switch on E-bike
Figure 8: simplyRide start pairing

3 simplyRide app 13
Step 4:
The app searches for available E-bikes and displays
them on the screen. Now connect to the desired E-bike
and press "Connect" in the app.
Confirm the pairing request of the app with "Yes". The
LEDs of the simplyRemote will now start to flash faster
and you confirm the connection by pressing the "SET"
button again.
Step 6:
Using the smartphone, now confirm the pairing of the
E-bike and the app by confirming "Pair".
(The pin in this figure is not required.) It depends on
the smartphone whether it is displayed. Simply press
"Pair" to connect.
Press “SET” on the simplyRemote to confirm.
Figure 9: simplyRide search for E-bike
Figure 10: simplyRide pairing

3 simplyRide app 14
Step 7:
Your neodrives E-bike is now connected to the simp-
lyRide app.
Enter a name for your bike and thus complete the in-
stallation. The name you enter here is not important
and will only be saved in the simplyRide app.
3.2Using the
simplyRide app
3.2.1 Pairing an E-bike
If you have already connected your E-bike to the simplyRide app, you do not need to
add it again as a new device when using it again. When the E-bike is switched on and
the simplyRide app is opened, the E-bike is automatically connected. All you have to do
is tap "Connect" on the start screen of the simplyRide app. The Bluetooth and the loca-
tion of your smartphone must be activated for the app to connect to the E-bike.
3.2.2 Setting options
Assistance levels
Speed
3.2.3 Display
You can use your smartphone as the display of your E-bike by attaching it to the handle-
bars using a commercially available holder for smartphones. Operating the smartphone
while riding is dangerous and should therefore only be done while stationary. You can
change the different displays while riding with the "SET" button on the simplyRemote, so
you do not have to take your hand off the handlebar and do not take any risks. As soon
Figure 11: simplyRide connect E-bike

3 simplyRide app 15
as they are paired, you can only change the views in the app with the "SET" button and
no longer change the LED display on the simplyRemote.
The possible views are:
- Screen: speed, assistance levels/recuperation, pedalling frequency (which is de-
termined by the motor)
- Statistics (average speed, distance, watts motor/human, riding time and mileage)
3.2.4 Pairing of other devices
simplyRemote can pair with up to four Bluetooth devices at the same time and addition-
ally also with broadcast signals (such as the SKS pressure sensor).
- Smartphone
- External display (Sigma EOX View 1300)
- Gears (e.g. pinion)
- Pulse monitor
- Tyre pressure sensor (SKS pressure sensor)
3.2.5 neodrives system updates
Step 1:
The availability of system updates is displayed directly on
the start screen. To perform the updates, simply tap on "In-
stall now" and follow the instructions. Now the update is
transferred.
Figure 12: display of the availability of an update and transfer of the update

3 simplyRide app 16
Figure 13: Performing a software update
During this time you will have no assistance from the motor. Do not move the E-bike
during this time.
Step 2:
During the update, the
simplyRemote flashes.
First, the update is trans-
ferred. After the success-
ful transfer, you can start
the installation with an
"OK". The simplyRemote
flashes during this time
and shows theprogress (1
LED = 20 %). The dura-
tion of the update de-
pends on how many and
which components are in-
cluded in the update and
can take up to 15 minutes.

4 Notes and troubleshooting 17
4 Notes and troubleshooting
4.1 Cleaning
Never use benzine, thinner, acetone or similar substances for any cleaning process.
Likewise, do not use abrasive or aggressive cleaning agents. Instead, only use commer-
cially available cleaning agents and disinfectants (isopropanol) as used in the household.
The LCD may be cleaned only with a damp cloth. Never use benzine, thinner, acetone
or similar substances. Likewise, do not use abrasive or aggressive cleaning agents.
4.2 Transport
The following instructions must be observed when transporting the handlebar-mounted
simplyRemote on a car:
•Take appropriate measures to protect all components of your pedelec from mois-
ture and dirt.
•Ensure that the cables are not kinked
•After driving, check all contacts of the pedelec for possible foreign objects or
moisture. To ensure safe operation, all plug connections in particular must be
free of dirt and foreign bodies and completely dry.
•Never place your pedelec on the side of the simplyRemote during transport, for
example in the boot of a car This could damage it.
4.3 Error symptoms and possible measures
Error pattern
Error correction
The E-bike does not pair with the simp-
lyRide app
Close the app, switch off the E-bike via
simplyRemote and remove simplyRe-
mote/E-bike from your Bluetooth devices
on the smartphone. Reconnect to the E-
bike as described in 3.1 Download and in-
stall the simplyRide app
Are location and Bluetooth activated?
Bike data such as frame number is not
saved
The E-bike is not connected to the app.
See 3.2.1 Pairing an E-bike