Silent Call Communications Sidekick II Signature Series User manual

1
Signature SeriesSignature Series
418MHz
Sidekick II™
Receiver
Model # SK2-SS
Sidekick II™
Receiver
Model # SK2-SS
www.silentcall.com

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
SK2-SS INITIAL SETUP:
The Silent Call Model SK2-SS is packaged with the following items.
x110VAC Power Adapter supplying 16 v[email protected]2amps
xSK2-SS Quick Start Manual
xSK2-SS Instruction Manual
xSK2-SS CD
xRJ11 Splitter
x7 Ft Telephone cable
Inspect all items when removing from packaging for damage or misuse.
xConnect supplied power adapter to 110VAC outlet.
xConnect barrel power connector to power receptacle on back lower cover of SK2-SS.
xOptional Bed vibrator may also be connected at any time.
xTurn the power on by sliding the on/off switch on the back of the receiver to the “ON”
position. The front panel display will show the time 11:59AM.
NOTE: THE SK2-SS HAS NO TRANSMITTER PROGRAM INSTALLED WHEN SHIPPED
FROM FACTORY.
xThe Receiver will need to be programmed to Silent Call transmitters at this time.
xMake sure that the transmitters to be programmed are near the Sidekick II Signature Series
Receiver.
xPerform All Erase to ensure SK2-SS receiver is cleared. Turn Unit OFF, Press and Hold
Minute Button, Turn Unit ON. Continue to Hold Minute button for a few seconds then
release. 11:59AM is displayed as time. Reference All Erase Section Page 7.
xPlease Remember to program the smoke detectors first then fire transmitters, if used,
before programming any other transmitters.
xOn the Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver, press and release the MODE button until the
Yellow LED lights up and “PPP” is displayed on the LCD screen. This means you are now
in program mode. May require cycling mode button a few times after an All Erase.
xPress the test button on the transmitter or smoke detector so that it sends a signal to the
Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver. The receiver will flash its strobe, turn on the
appropriate LED, and display the Icon for the transmitter that you used. Your transmitter is
now programmed to work with your receiver.
xWhen programming more than one Smoke and/or fire transmitter combined. You MUST
select different addresses in each unit for supervision to operate properly. Reference
Programming Transmitter Section.

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
SK2-SS INITIAL SETUP CONTINUED:
xRepeat selecting “PPP” mode for each Smoke/Fire Transmitter programmed. Cycle the
Mode button no more than once a second. Cycle Mode button after programming to ensure
unit is out of program Mode.
xYou can now program your remaining transmitters. Only required to program one non-
smoke/fire transmitter as long as remaining transmitters are set to the same address. We
recommend keeping all of your non- emergency transmitters set to the same address to
reduce interference from other Silent Call systems that may be in your area.
xAfter all transmitter programming is completed.
xSelect Battery back-up to “ON”. An amber light will appear if the unit is in battery backup
mode. I.E. Outlet power or Power adapter fails.
xSet clock time: press and release the mode button (the large button located at the lower
right hand side on the unit). The orange led will light up to let you know that you are in
“set clock time” mode.
xPress and release the minute button to set the minutes. Press and release the hour button to
set the hour.
xWhen you are finished setting the minutes and hours, press and release the mode button
three times to exit the setup mode.
NOTE: Any time you unplug your Sidekick II Signature Series receiver from the wall outlet or turn
the power off, without the battery back-up switch on, the receiver will reset the clock to 11:59AM. The
receiver will keep all programmed transmitters in memory when power is cycled.
REAR VIEW OF SK2-SS SIGNATURE SERIES RECEIVER.

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
ALARM CLOCK FEATURE:
Setting Alarm Clock:
xPress and release the MODE button twice.
xThe Green LED will light up indicating that you are in the “SET UP” mode. The display
will show the present Alarm Clock Time setting.
xPress and release the MINUTES button to set minutes and press and release the HOURS
button to set the hours.
xOnce the Alarm Clock Time has been set, press the MODE button 2 times to exit the “SET
UP” mode.
When your alarm is activated the LED strobe light and bell icon will flash and the bed vibrator
(optional) will shake.
To turn the ALARM on or off, press and release the “Alarm Clock” button. When the alarm is turned
ON the BELL ICON will appear on the screen.
LCD DISPLAY:
The LCD Display screen is back lighted. The back light brightness is automatically controlled by the
light level in the room. When the room becomes dark, the back lighting comes on. When the room
becomes light, the back lighting goes off.
LED STROBE:
The Sidekick II Signature Series has a solid state LED strobe board for visual alerting. The SK2-SS
LED Strobe Intensity can be controlled by a switch located on the right side of the Unit. Select High,
Medium, or Low for LED intensity desired.

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
TELEPHONE DIRECT INTERFACE:
The Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver has the ability to plug directly into a standard telephone
RJ-11 interface. Using the supplied telephone wire and RJ-11 splitter the SK2-SS will alert user to
phone each time it rings.
Plug the dual connector into your phone wall outlet. Then plug the wire from your telephone into one
side of the dual connector. Next, take the telephone wire that came with your Sidekick II Signature
Series Receiver and plug it into the other side of the dual connector. Reference FIGURE 1. Plug the
other end of that cable into the back of the Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver. Reference FIGURE
2.
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
DISPLAY AND LED DESCRIPTION:
When the Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver detects an incoming signal from any of the Signature
Series transmitters it will notify you by displaying the appropriate ICON and illuminating the
appropriate LED. :
Transmitter Type: ICON: Notification:
Alarm Clock Bell Icon, Strobe flashes, (Vibrator Optional)
Sound Monitor Transmitter Sound Icon, Orange LED, Strobe flashes,
(Vibrator Optional)
Telephone Transmitter Phone Icon, Green LED, Strobe flashes,
(Vibrator Optional)
Doorbell Transmitter Door Icon, Yellow LED, Strobe flashes,
(Vibrator Optional)
Door/Window Access Transmitter Door Icon, Yellow LED, Strobe flashes,
(Vibrator Optional)
TransMATTer Transmitter Door Icon, Yellow LED, Strobe flashes,
(Vibrator Optional)
Weather Alert Transmitter Weather Icon, 2nd Red LED, Strobe flashes,
(Vibrator Optional)
Carbon Monoxide Transmitter CO CO Icon, 2nd Red LED, Strobe flashes,
(Vibrator Optional)
Smoke or Fire Transmitter Fire Icon, 4th, 5th, or 6th Red LED, Strobe
(Vibrator Optional)* flashes
*See information on Supervision Mode for information on LED indicators.

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
TRANSMISSION RANGE:
Transmission range refers to the distance a Silent Call Transmitter can communicate with the
Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver. Range is measured in an outdoor environment without
obstructions from metal objects or buildings. The line of sight range for the Sidekick II Signature
Series Receiver is up to 1000 feet. The actual range inside a building will vary depending on many
factors outside of one’s control.
CANCELLING AN INCOMING ALERT:
To cancel an alert, press and release the mode button.
ALL ERASE:
Provisions are made to erase all programmed transmitter addresses. The only time you would need
to use the ALL ERASE feature is if you are receiving signals from another Silent Call System in your
area. You would then do the ALL ERASE feature on your receiver and then re-program your
transmitters to a different address.
The ALL ERASE function is performed as follows:
xTurn off the Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver by turning the AC power switch to the
off position. Turn back-up battery to OFF position. An indication of back-up power being
on would be that the amber light in the strobe lens is on.
xPress and hold the MINUTES button DO NOT RELEASE THE BUTTON.
xTurn the power back on while holding the MINUTES button in.
xOnce power is on, release the MINUTES button after a few seconds.
xThe all erase function is complete and the unit will now need to be
re-programmed with its transmitters. The Supervisor MODE is disabled and 11:59AM will
be displayed for time. Please Remember to program the smoke detectors first then fire
transmitters, if used, before programming any other transmitters.
VIBRATOR DESCRIPTION:
If you are using the optional Bed Vibrator and your Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver detects an
incoming signal from any of the Signature Series transmitters, along with the above Notifications, the
bed vibrator will also pulse in a specific pattern for each transmitter.
Alarm Clock Two Short Pulses and One Long Pulse —
Sound Monitor Transmitter Three Short Pulses 
Telephone Transmitter One long pulse —
Doorbell Transmitter Two Short Pulses 
Door/Window Access Transmitter Two Short Pulses 
TransMATTer Transmitter Two Short Pulses 
Weather Alert Transmitter One Short Pulse and One Long Pulse —
Carbon Monoxide Transmitter Three Short Pulses and One Long Pulse —
Smoke or Fire Transmitter Continuous Short Pulses 

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
PROGRAMMING SILENT CALL TRANSMITTERS:
All Signature Series Smoke detectors and consolidated transmitters are set to C-code (Factory code)
when shipped from factory.
NOTE: You do NOT need this step unless you need to change the address due to someone in your
area that has Silent Call products and they are interfering with your equipment OR if you want to use
the Supervision Mode with your smoke detectors.
xMake sure that all Silent Call transmitters in the area are turned off.
xSelect the transmitter you wish to program with the Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver.
xIT IS IMPORTANT TO PROGRAM THE SMOKE DETECTORS FIRST THEN
ANY FIRE TRANSMITTERS BECAUSE OF THE SUPERVISION CAPABILITY.
xAll Sound, Phone, Door, Weather and CO detectors are to be programmed only after smoke
and fire transmitters.
xLocated on the back of the transmitter case is a removable access panel. Remove the access
panel and take out the batteries.
xLocate the switch on the transmitter circuit board that has 5 small dip switches.
Reference Figure 3
xSet the switches to any combination that you want. For Example: 1,2 On 3,4,5 OFF. (DO
NOT SET THEM TO ALL ON OR ALL OFF AS THIS CAN CAUSE
INTERFERENCE). This gives your transmitter an “address”. Note that you MUST
remove the batteries or the switch setting will not take effect.
xC- Code or FACTORY CODE is Dip switch configuration as follows: 1, 2, 3 are OFF and
switches 4 and 5 are ON.
xReinstall batteries and replace the access panel.
FIGURE 3
Address
Dip Switches

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
PROGRAMMING SK2-SS RECEIVERS:
xMake sure that the transmitter to be programmed is near the Sidekick II Signature Series
Receiver.
xPerform All Erase to ensure SK2-SS receiver is cleared. Reference All Erase Section.
xPlease Remember to program the smoke detectors first then fire transmitters, if used,
before programming any other transmitters.
xOn the Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver, press and release the MODE button until the
Yellow LED lights up and “PPP” is displayed on the LCD screen. This means you are now
in program mode. May require cycling mode button a few times after an All Erase.
xPress the test button on the transmitter so that it sends a signal to the Sidekick II Signature
Series Receiver. The unit will flash its strobe, turn on the appropriate LED and display Icon
for the transmitter that you used. Your transmitter is now programmed to work with your
receiver.
xWhen programming more than one Smoke and/or fire transmitters combined. You MUST
select different addresses in each unit for supervision to operate properly. Reference
Programming Transmitter Section.
xRepeat selecting “PPP” mode for each Smoke/Fire Transmitter programmed. Cycle the
Mode button no more than once a second. Cycle Mode button after programming to ensure
unit is out of program Mode.
xYou can now program your remaining transmitters. Only required to program one non-
smoke/fire transmitter as long as remaining transmitters are set to the same address. We
recommend keeping all of your non- emergency transmitters set to the same address to
reduce interference from other Silent Call systems that may be in your area.

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
SUPERVISION MODE FOR SMOKE AND FIRE TRANSMITTERS:
The Sidekick II Signature Series is capable of monitoring up to three Silent Call Smoke Detectors
and/or Fire transmitters for low battery, out of range, interference from outside sources, and missing or
failure of the transmitter to communicate with the receiver. The MODE is referred to as the
SUPERVISOR MODE.
All 418 MHz Signature Series Silent Call Fire and Smoke Detector transmitters send out a special
alarm signal at two minute intervals. The receiver will continue to operate in its normal mode
provided the unit is receiving the supervisory alarm signals from the Smoke or Fire transmitter. The
receiver will alert the user if a Smoke Detector or Fire transmitter signal has not been received within a
period of 30 minutes. When this happens, the LCD display will flash the FIRE ICON and the CHK
ICON for 10 seconds every 1 minute. Also, the RED LED that corresponds to the transmitter that is
having the problem will light up and that is how you will know which unit is having a problem.
The Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver automatically enters the supervisor mode once it has been
programmed for a smoke detector or fire alarm transmitter.
Each Smoke Detector or Fire alarm transmitter must be assigned an address different from all other
transmitters. Reference section 4.5 for programming instructions. For example, if two smoke detectors
and one fire alarm transmitters are being used, they may be assigned Address # 1,( 1 Off, and 2, 3,4, 5
ON), Address # 2 (1 ON, 2 OFF, 3,4,5 ON) , and Address # 3 (1,2 ON, 3 OFF, 4, 5 ON).
Once programmed for the Smoke Detectors and Fire alarm transmitters, the receiver automatically
assigns each transmitter a location on one of the three RED LED’s located on the Front Panel, right
side. The LED located furthest left of the three is assigned the first Smoke Detector or Fire alarm
program. The second Red LED, the second Smoke Detector or Fire alarm programmed and the third
Red LED, the third Smoke Detector or Fire alarm programmed. Once installed and operating
correctly, the transmitters can be identified by location. For Example, a smoke alarm on LED # 1 may
represent the bedroom, a smoke alarm on LED # 2 may be located in the basement and a smoke alarm
on the LED # 3 may be located in the garage.
LOW BATTERY NOTIFICATION:
The Silent Call Signature Series Fire Transmitters, operates on two AA batteries and has a built in low battery
sensor. The transmitters will send out a special low battery signal whenever the low battery condition exists.
When the Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver detects the signal it will display the condition. For example, a
smoke detector battery is low. The smoke detector or fire alarm transmitter sends a signal to the Sidekick II
Signature Series Receiver about its battery condition. The receiver will display the FIRE ICON, the CHK
ICON, and turn on the FIRE LED. The unit will not turn on the Strobe or Vibrator. The display will continue to
show the low battery condition until the problem is resolved. Once resolved, the transmitter will no longer send
the low battery alarm.

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
BATTERY BACK-UP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Your Sidekick II Signature Series Receiver comes with the battery pre-installed at the factory. The
back-up battery is a NiMH, Model # BU-10, with a 1500maH rating. The Sidekick II Signature Series
receiver Model #BU-10 has been tested to provide back-up for 24 hours in Stand By mode and 15
minutes in full operational mode, (with both the strobe and vibrator operating). The battery back-up is
automatically being charged when the Sidekick II SS receiver’s power supply is plugged into a
standard electrical wall outlet and back up switch is selected to on. Switch is located on back of unit at
lower right hand corner of battery compartment. A small tool may be needed to select the switch.
In the event that you need to re-install or replace the battery pack, follow the instructions below.
xTurn SK2-SS OFF and disconnect from AC power adapter.
xSelect battery back-up switch to off.
xRemove battery access Cover
xRemove Battery by gently disconnecting plug on SK2-SS main board located in battery
compartment.
xGently connect new battery to two pin jack on SK2-SS main board located in battery
compartment. Inspect connector is correctly seated and secure.
xPlace battery in battery compartment and route wires alongside battery. Battery cover will
pinch wires if not properly installed.
xReplace Battery access cover. Place Battery back-up switch to On.
xVerify Amber Light is on and LCD Display is lit.
xCheck unit for proper operation.
xReconnect AC power adapter and turn ON/OFF switch to ON
xVerify Amber light extinguishes when AC power is restored.
The amber LED is a visual warning that the SK2-SS has lost Power from the supplied AC power
adapter. Normal operation of unit would be with amber LED extinguished.
It is important that the battery back-up feature be turned “ON” for proper operation.
The BATTERY ICON will display itself on the LCD display screen once the battery back-up level has
reached 2/3 of its discharge. However, the BATTERY ICON will not be displayed until this condition
is reached. This means the battery has a 2/3 to full charge.

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Signature Series Sidekick II Receiver Model: SK2-SS 418MHz
Technical Support
For technical support on this or any other Silent Call product, please feel free to contact us. You can reach us by
phone at 800-572-5227 (voice or TTY) or by Email at [e-mail]
Limited Warranty
Your Silent Call product is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for five years from the
date of initial purchase. During that time, the unit will be repaired or replaced free of charge when shipped
prepaid to Silent Call Communications. This warranty is void if the defect is caused by customer abuse or
neglect. We honor the smoke detector manufacturer’s warranty for their smoke detector. Only Silent Call
products are warranted for 5 years. Batteries are not warranted by the manufacturer.
5095 Williams Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48329
Phone [phone] v/tty
www.silentcall.com