RED ROCKET-X User manual

RED ROCKET-X
RED.COM
RED ROCKET-X
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Disclaimer 3
Copyright Notice 3
Trademark Disclaimer 3
Compliance Statements 3
Safety Instructions 4
Chapter 1: RED ROCKET-X Overview 5
Introduction 5
Scope of These Instructions 5
System Requirements 5
RED ROCKET-X Components 6
How to Handle the RED ROCKET-X 6
Additional Resources 7
Chapter 2: RED ROCKET-X Connectors 8
RED ROCKET-X Connectors 8
HD-SDI Slot Filler Connectors 9
Chapter 3: Install in a Mac Pro 10
Power Supply 10
Install RED ROCKET-X and HD-SDI Slot Filler 10
Chapter 4: Install in a Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis 16
Power Supply 16
PCIe Slot Considerations 16
Install RED ROCKET-X 16
Required Tool 20
Power Supply 20
Attach the PC Extender to the RED ROCKET-X 20
Chapter 5: Install in a Windows-based Computer 20
Install RED ROCKET-X and HD-SDI Slot Filler 21
Chapter 6: Install Driver and Firmware 25
Download Driver and Firmware 25
Install RED ROCKET-X Driver 25
Install and Upgrade RED ROCKET-X Firmware 34
Validate RED ROCKET-X Installation 36
Chapter 7: Set Up RED ROCKET-X
in REDCINE-X PRO 40
Set Up Video Out 41
Chapter 8: Troubleshoot RED ROCKET-X 42
Transcode Speeds 42
HDMI Adaptor Not Working 42
RED ROCKET-X Out of Date 42
Reduced Performance Over Thunderbolt 43
Mac OS X System Information Shows Incorrect Num-
ber of PCIe Lanes for Rocket-X 43
Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis Installations 43
Appendix A: Technical Specifications 45
Technical Data 45
Hardware Specifications 45
Supported Input Formats 46
Supported HD-SDI Signals 46

RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC 955-0033, REV-E |3
DISCLAIMER
RED has made every effort to provide clear and accurate information
in this operation guide, which is provided solely for the user’s infor-
mation. While thought to be accurate, the information in this docu-
ment is provided strictly “as is” and RED will not be held responsible
for issues arising from typographical errors or user’s interpretation
of the language used herein that is different from that intended by
RED. All safety and general information is subject to change as a
result of changes in local, federal or other applicable laws.
RED reserves the right to revise this document and make changes
from time to time in the content hereof without obligation to notify
any person of such revisions or changes. In no event shall RED, its
employees or authorized agents be liable to you for any damages
or losses, direct or indirect, arising from the use of any technical or
operational information contained in this document.
For comments or questions about content in this Operation Guide,
please send a detailed email to [email protected].
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
COPYRIGHT© 2015 RED.COM, INC.
All trademarks, trade names, logos, icons, images, written material,
code, and product names used in association with the accompa-
nying product are the copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual
property owned and controlled exclusively by RED.COM, INC.
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER
All other company, brand, and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders. RED has no af-
filiation to, is not associated or sponsored by, and has no express
rights in third-party trademarks. The terms HMDI and HDMI High-
Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks
or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the Untied
States and other countries. Mac, Mac Pro, and OS X are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and other countries. Thunderbolt is
a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Linux is a registered trademark of LMI.
COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) STATE-
MENTS
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital de-
vice, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a com-
mercial environment. This equipment gener-
ates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tion manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communica-
tions. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
NOTE: Connecting this device to peripheral devices that do not com-
ply with Class A requirements or using an unshielded peripheral data
cable could also result in harmful interference to radio or television
reception. The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. To ensure
that the use of this product does not contribute to interference, it is
necessary to use shielded I/O cables.
CAUTION: If the device is changes or modified
without permission from RED, the user may
void his or her authority to operate the equip-
ment.
EUROPEAN UNION COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS
RED herewith declares that
the following product(s)
RED ROCKET-X
according to the provisions
of the mentioned EC Direc-
tives—including their rele-
vant revisions at the time of
this declaration—is (are) in conformity with the detailed standards or
other normative documents.
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
Low-Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
INFORMATION
Products with the CE marking comply with the EMC Directive
(2004/108/EC) and the Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC) issued
by the Commission of the European Community. Compliance with
these directives implies conformity to the following European Prod-
uct Family Standards.
EN 55022 (CISPR 22) – Electromagnetic Interference
EN 55024
EN 61000-4-2
EN 61000-4-3
ROHS COMPLIANCE
The EU directive 2002/95/EC ’Restriction of Hazardous Substances
(RoHS)’ prohibits the use of certain substances in electrical and
electronic equipment.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
RED Digital Cinema
34 Parker
Irvine, CA 92618
USA

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read the following safety instructions very carefully before
attempting any installation and/or performing any work on the
RED ROCKET-X.
If the RED ROCKET-X is not used in compliance with the safety in-
structions, the warranty and all resulting liability claims will be void.
DO NOT use the RED ROCKET-X near water. Avoid exposing
your RED ROCKET-X to moisture. The unit is not waterproof,
so contact with water could cause permanent damage to the
unit as well as electric shock and serious injury to the user.
DO NOT use the RED ROCKET-X in the rain or under other
conditions with high moisture, and immediately remove power
source if the RED ROCKET-X is exposed to moisture.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, DO NOT expose the
RED ROCKET-X to rain or moisture.
DO NOT expose your RED ROCKET-X to excessive vibration or
impact (shock). Be careful not to drop your RED ROCKET-X.
Internal mechanisms may be damaged by severe shock.
DO NOT operate or store near any heat sources such as radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves, or any other apparatus that pro-
duce heat. Store in a protected, level and ventilated place.
Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, damp, severe vibra-
tion, strong magnetic fields, direct sunlight or local heat sourc-
es during storage. Recommended storage and usage tempera-
tures for your RED ROCKET-X are:
‒Operating range: 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)
‒Storage range: –20°C to 50°C (–4°F to 122°F)
If there are any performance issues with your RED ROCKET-X
when operating within this temperature range, please file a
support ticket on https://support.red.com.
Only use the RED ROCKET-X when it is in good working order.
The system in which you are trying to install the RED ROCKET-X
usually works with voltages that can be hazardous to your
health. Never work on the system or access its interior with any
power cable attached and plugged into a power source. Make
sure the power supply is disconnected from the components
you intend to work on.
Computer hardware contains components that are sensitive
to electrostatic discharge. If you touch them without precau-
tionary measures, they can be destroyed. Use a wrist strap
connected to ground when accessing electronic parts and
take care of grounding the video system. Avoid touching the
components of the computer system and the RED ROCKET-X
whenever possible.
Computer hardware contains components that are sensi-
tive to changing voltages. Connecting or disconnecting the
RED ROCKET-X to or from peripheral hardware while any sys-
tem component is powered on may damage the hardware.
Power off all peripheral hardware before connecting or discon-
necting any component, including the RED ROCKET-X.
The RED ROCKET-X may not be misused, abused, physical-
ly damaged, neglected, exposed to fire, water or excessive
changes in the climate or temperature, or operated outside
maximum rating.
DO NOT perform any changes or extensions to the
RED ROCKET-X whatsoever.
CAUTION: Refer all service and repair to
qualified RED service personnel. To re-
duce the risk of electric shock, and dam-
age to the RED ROCKET-X, DO NOT at-
tempt to perform any servicing other than
any procedures that are recommended in
the operating instructions.

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |5
INTRODUCTION
Optimized for the 6K RED DRAGON®sensor, the RED ROCKET-X®is designed to accelerate your R3D®workflow.
The RED ROCKET-X processes and transcodes files up to 5 times faster than the RED ROCKET®. A redesigned
chassis works to protect the card, which uses a full-length x16 PCIe port for installation in your Mac Pro®
(models Early 2009, Mid 2010, and Mid 2012), ThunderboltTM expansion chassis, PCIe expansion chassis, or
Windows®-based computer.
RED ROCKET-X provides real time, full quality playback onto a 1080/2k/4k monitor or projector via HD-SDI
through REDCINE-X PRO®.
The RED ROCKET-X supports all EPIC, SCARLET®, and RED ONE®formats.
NOTE: You can install and use a RED ROCKET and a RED ROCKET-X in the same system. However, you can
only use one (1) of these cards at a time. For example, DaVinci Resolve can access a RED ROCKET while
REDCINE-X PRO accesses a RED ROCKET-X.
NOTE: The RED ROCKET-X does not require or support the RED ROCKET Breakout Box. The RED ROCKET
Breakout Box is only compatible with the RED ROCKET.
SCOPE OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS
In order to install the RED ROCKET-X system, you should have experience with installing hardware components
in a computer system and be familiar with the hardware structure and interior of such a system. Additionally,
you should have general knowledge in the field of digital video and be comfortable working with computer
software.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED HARDWARE
The computer system must meet the following hardware requirements in order to use the RED ROCKET-X:
PCIe slot that accepts a x16 card, and has 16 lanes of data for maximum performance
Physical space to accommodate the 12" RED ROCKET-X card
One (1) 6-pin PCIe power cable (for Thunderbolt expansion chassis and PC installations)
2048 MB RAM
SUPPORTED HARDWARE
The RED ROCKET-X can be installed in any of the following:
Mac Pro
Thunderbolt expansion chassis
PCIe expansion chassis
Windows-based computer
01 RED ROCKET-X
OVERVIEW

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |6
ADDITIONAL MAC PRO REQUIRED HARDWARE
The RED ROCKET-X can be installed directly in the following Mac Pro models:
Early 2009 (machine model 4,1)
Mid 2010 (machine model 5,1)
Mid 2012 (machine model 5,1)
NOTE: The Mac Pro Late 2013 (machine model 6,1) does not support expansions cards. However, you can
connect a RED ROCKET-X to a Mac Pro Late 2013 via a Thunderbolt expansion chassis.
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS
The RED ROCKET-X can be used with the following operating systems:
Mac®OS X®10.7 or later
Windows Vista®or later
Linux®(Red Hat)
NOTE: Be sure that you have installed the latest system updates and service packs for your system; otherwise
you may encounter software or hardware problems.
NOTE: If you are using a Linux application with RED ROCKET, you need to obtain the appropriate driver from the
company providing the application. If you are interested in developing your own tools for Linux you may want
to sign up for the R3D SDK. RED®DOES NOT provide drivers for Linux.
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
RED ROCKET-X driver: Part of the RED ROCKET-X Installer, available for download at www.red.com/
downloads.
RED ROCKET-X firmware: Part of the RED ROCKET-X Installer, available for download at www.red.com/
downloads.
REDCINE-X PRO: Available for download at www.red.com/downloads.
Please contact third-party software vendors about the availability of other RED ROCKET-X enabled software.
RED ROCKET-X COMPONENTS
Each RED ROCKET-X package contains the following:
RED ROCKET-X
HD-SDI slot filler
PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (for Mac Pro installations)
PC extender (for Windows installations)
Two (2) M3x0.7 x 6 mm pan head screws (for PC extender installation)
HOW TO HANDLE THE RED ROCKET-X
When handling the RED ROCKET-X, hold the card by the gray card chassis and the metal bracket. Avoid
touching the board and connectors.

RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC 955-0033, REV-E |7
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The following resources offer additional information about RED, RED ROCKET-X, and the RED community:
RED.com: Check the official RED website for the latest information about RED products.
RED Learn Articles: RED offers in-depth technical articles about RED cameras, post-production, and digital
cinematography.
RED.com/downloads: Go to the RED Downloads page to download the latest firmware, operation guides,
and post-production software.
DSMC Toolkit: Go to the RED Downloads page to find the DSMC Toolkit, which offers many helpful tools and
resources to customize and improve your DSMC workflow.
Support.red.com: Check the RED SUPPORT site for FAQs, or to file a support ticket.
Bomb Squad Support: For more information, contact your Bomb Squad representative.
Reduser.net: Discuss all things RED on the REDUSER third-party forum.

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |8
RED ROCKET-X CONNECTORS
2
3 4 5
6
1
#CONNECTOR DESCRIPTION
1Out A1Dual-mode DisplayPort (DP++) output connector
2Out B2Dual-mode DisplayPort (DP++) output connector
3SDI Out A Connection for SDI Out A on the HD-SDI Slot Filler
4SDI Out B Connection for SDI Out B on the HD-SDI Slot Filler
5Power 6-pin PCIe female connector
6PC extender PC extender to fit the RED ROCKET-X®securely in the PCIe slot and card holder
1. HDMI adaptor for HDMI over DisplayPort is not supported.
2. Disabled.
RED ROCKET-X
Connectors
02 RED ROCKET-X
CONNECTORS

RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC 955-0033, REV-E |9
HD-SDI SLOT FILLER CONNECTORS
The HD-SDI slot filler provides optional high-definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI) connectors for the
RED ROCKET-X. Installing the HD-SDI slot filler is optional. Review your system and project requirements
before you decide whether or not to install the HD-SDI slot filler.
For more information, go to “Supported HD-SDI Signals” on page 46.
1
2
#CONNECTOR DESCRIPTION
1SDI Out A BNC connector for an output of digital video signals (serial digital interface, port A)
2SDI Out B BNC connector for an output of digital video signals (serial digital interface, port B)
HD-SDI Slot Filler

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |10
The RED ROCKET-X®can be installed directly in the following Mac Pro®models:
Early 2009 (machine model 4,1)
Mid 2010 (machine model 5,1)
Mid 2012 (machine model 5,1)
The Mac Pro Late 2013 (machine model 6,1) does not support expansions cards. However, you can connect
a RED ROCKET-X to a Mac Pro Late 2013 via a ThunderboltTM expansion chassis. For more information about
installing a RED ROCKET-X in a Thunderbolt expansion chassis, go to “Install in a Thunderbolt Expansion
Chassis” on page 16.
NOTE: DO NOT install more than one (1) RED ROCKET-X in a Mac Pro.
POWER SUPPLY
The RED ROCKET-X must be connected to your Mac Pro power supply via a PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin power cable.
The RED ROCKET-X ships with a PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter in case both of the power connectors
in your Mac Pro are in use, or in case you do not have an extra PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin power cable.
WARNING: If you use the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) to connect only the RED ROCKET-X
or graphics card, ensure that the unused connector does not come in contact with a fan or any moving parts.
WARNING: Regardless of how you connect the RED ROCKET-X, DO NOT overload the Mac Pro power supply.
WARNING: DO NOT connect both connectors of the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter to your graphics
card.
INSTALL RED ROCKET-X AND HD-SDI SLOT FILLER
WARNING: The computer system you are installing the RED ROCKET-X in works with voltages that can be
hazardous to your health.
Follow the instructions below to install the RED ROCKET-X and HD-SDI slot filler (optional) in a Mac Pro system:
1. Ensure that the computer is turned off.
2. Wait 5 to 10 minutes to ensure that the system components cool down.
3. Touch the metal on the outside of the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
NOTE: To avoid generating static electricity while installing the RED ROCKET-X, DO NOT walk around the
room until you have completed the installation and closed the computer.
4. Unplug the power cable and all external cables from the computer.
WARNING: Never work on the system or access its interior while any power cables are plugged in.
5. Hold the side access panel and lift the latch on the back of the computer.
03 INSTALL IN A
MAC PRO

RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC 955-0033, REV-E |11
6. Remove the side access panel.
7. Remove all hard drives except the one in the first bay (the one farthest to the left).
8. Loosen the two (2) thumbscrews that secure the PCI bracket to the enclosure and remove the PCI bracket.
9. Remove any cards that are not in slot 1 from the system.
10. Press the button on the PCI slider and move the PCIe fan to the side to create more room for installing the
RED ROCKET-X (slide the PCIe fan back into place after you install the RED ROCKET-X).
11. Connect your power cable(s) to the Mac Pro based on your configuration needs:
‒If the graphics card is connected to one Mac Pro power connector and the other power connecter is
unused, connect a 6-pin PCIe power cable (either a PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin power cable or the included
PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter) to power connector B on the backplane board (this is the
upper power connector that is closer to the optical drive). Connect the 6-pin PCIe power cable to the
RED ROCKET-X in Step 17.
‒If both Mac Pro power connectors are in use, disconnect the graphics card from the power connec-
tor and connect the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) to power connector B on the
backplane board (this is the upper power connector that is closer to the optical drive). Connect the
PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter to the graphics card and the RED ROCKET-X in Steps 17-18.
NOTE: For more information on different ways to connect power, go to “Power Supply” on page 10.
Remove Panel
Slide PCIe Fan Away

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |12
12. Feed the 6-pin PCIe power cable outside of the computer so that it is not in your way when you install the
RED ROCKET-X.
13. Angle the RED ROCKET-X so that the end with the DisplayPort connections is angled toward the upper
right corner.
14. Insert the RED ROCKET-X into the system so that the metal bracket at the end with the DisplayPort
connections clears the top.
15. Straighten the RED ROCKET-X.
Connect Power
Angle RED ROCKET-X

RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC 955-0033, REV-E |13
16. Line up the RED ROCKET-X connectors with slot 2, and then gently but firmly press the card into the slot,
ensuring that the lip at the end slides between slot 2 and slot 3.
NOTE: To prevent damage to your system and the RED ROCKET-X, DO NOT rock the card or use excessive
force when installing the RED ROCKET-X.
17. Plug your 6-pin PCIe power cable (either a PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin power cable or the included PCIe 6-pin to
6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter) into the RED ROCKET-X. Make sure that the latch of the power cable aligns
with the corresponding slot on the RED ROCKET-X.
WARNING: If you use the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) to connect only the
RED ROCKET-X or graphics card, ensure that the unused connector does not come in contact with a fan
or any moving parts.
18. If you are using the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) to connect both the graphics
card and the RED ROCKET-X to a single power connector in the Mac Pro, plug the second connector on
the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) into the graphics card. For more information on
different ways to connect power, go to “Power Supply” on page 10.
19. If you are using the HD-SDI slot filler, follow the instructions below to install and connect the HD-SDI slot
filler:
For more information, go to “Supported HD-SDI Signals” on page 46.
A. Remove one (1) free slot bracket from the system.
Insert RED ROCKET-X
Connect Power to
RED ROCKET-X

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |14
B. Slide the HD-SDI slot filler into the empty slot so that the SDI Out B connector is toward the back.
CAUTION: Ensure that the HD-SDI slot filler or connectors DO NOT contact other components inside the
computer.
C. Connect the SDI Out A cable on the HD-SDI slot filler to the SDI Out A connector on the RED ROCKET-X.
The SDI Out A connector is the right connector when the RED ROCKET-X is installed.
D. Connect the SDI Out B cable on the HD-SDI slot filler to the SDI Out B connector on the RED ROCKET-X.
The SDI Out B connector is the left connector when the RED ROCKET-X is installed.
Install HD-SDI
Slot Filler
Connect HD-SDI Slot
Filler to RED ROCKET-X

RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC 955-0033, REV-E |15
20. Place the PCI bracket under the brace and tighten the two (2) thumbscrews to secure the RED ROCKET-X.
NOTE: The photo below shows the system without the HD-SDI slot filer installed.
21. Reinstall any cards you removed from the system.
22. Reinstall any hard drives you removed from the system.
23. Slide the PCIe fan toward the RED ROCKET-X until it locks back into place.
24. Reinstall the side access panel.
25. Reconnect all cables to the computer system.
26. To install or upgrade the RED ROCKET-X driver and firmware, go to “Install Driver and Firmware” on page
25.
Install PCI Bracket
Slide PCIe Fan to
Original Position

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |16
POWER SUPPLY
Before installing the RED ROCKET-X®, ensure that you have the appropriate power connector or power cable
adaptor to plug into the RED ROCKET-X 6-pin power connector. The 6-pin PCIe power cable that is included
with the RED ROCKET-X is for Mac Pro®installations only, and is not compatible with a Thunderbolt expansion
chassis.
PCIE SLOT CONSIDERATIONS
SELECT A PCIE SLOT
Since the majority of ThunderboltTM expansion chassis do not have x16 slots, install the RED ROCKET-X in the
slot that has the highest number of electrical PCIe lanes. Refer to the Thunderbolt expansion chassis manual
to determine which slot has the most number of electrical PCIe lanes and can accommodate a full-length x16
card.
If you plan on installing the RED ROCKET-X in a physical PCIe slot that is smaller than the connector at the
bottom of the RED ROCKET-X, ensure that there is an opening at the end of the PCIe slot.
PCIE LANE SPEEDS
Due to Thunderbolt 1.0 specifications, each slot is limited to x4 lane speeds. Full-resolution, real-time playback
of 4K footage with a recording time base of 23.98 FPS should be unaffected.
INSTALL RED ROCKET-X
Since each Thunderbolt expansion chassis is different, the instructions in this section are general and cover the
essential steps for installing a RED ROCKET-X in a Thunderbolt expansion chassis.
Depending on how your system is set up, you may need to rearrange components in your chassis or perform
actions not described in these instructions in order to successfully install the RED ROCKET-X. For more
information about installing components in your chassis, refer to the chassis manufacturer instructions.
NOTE: Some Thunderbolt expansion chassis may not have a slot for the HD-SDI slot filler.
WARNING: The computer system you are installing the RED ROCKET-X in works with voltages that can be
hazardous to your health.
Follow the instructions below to install the RED ROCKET-X in a Thunderbolt expansion chassis:
1. Ensure that the Thunderbolt expansion chassis is turned off.
2. Wait 5 to 10 minutes to ensure that the system components cool down.
3. Unplug the power cable and all external cables from the chassis.
WARNING: Never work on the system or access its interior while any power cables are plugged in.
4. Discharge any static electricity from your body.
NOTE: To avoid generating static electricity while installing the RED ROCKET-X, DO NOT walk around the
room until you have completed the installation and closed the chassis.
04 INSTALL IN A THUNDERBOLT
EXPANSION CHASSIS

RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC 955-0033, REV-E |17
5. Open the chassis casing so that you can access the PCIe slots.
6. If the chassis has any screws installed that are intended to secure the card to the chassis, remove those
screws.
7. Line up the RED ROCKET-X connectors with the slot that has the highest number of electrical PCIe lanes,
and then gently but firmly press the card into the slot. For more information about choosing a slot, go to
“Select a PCIe Slot” on page 16.
NOTE: To prevent damage to your system and the RED ROCKET-X, DO NOT rock the card or use excessive
force when installing the RED ROCKET-X.
Open Casing
Insert RED ROCKET-X

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |18
8. Plug the Thunderbolt expansion chassis 6-pin PCIe power cable into the RED ROCKET-X. Make sure
that the latch of the power cable aligns with the corresponding slot on the RED ROCKET-X. For more
information, go to “Power Supply” on page 16.
9. If the chassis has any screws that are intended to secure the card to the chassis, install those screws.
10. If you are using the HD-SDI slot filler, follow the instructions below to install and connect the HD-SDI slot
filler:
For more information, go to “Supported HD-SDI Signals” on page 46.
A. Remove one (1) free slot bracket from the system.
B. Slide the HD-SDI slot filler into the empty slot so that the SDI Out B connector is toward the back.
CAUTION: Ensure that the HD-SDI slot filler or connectors DO NOT contact other components inside the
chassis.
C. Hand-tighten the screw that attaches the HD-SDI slot filler to the chassis. If it is difficult to hand-tighten
the screw, use a Phillips #1 screwdriver.
D. Connect the SDI Out A cable on the HD-SDI slot filler to the SDI Out A connector on the RED ROCKET-X.
The SDI Out A connector is the right connector when the RED ROCKET-X is installed.
Connect Power to
RED ROCKET-X
Install HD-SDI Slot Filler

RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC 955-0033, REV-E |19
E. Connect the SDI Out B cable on the HD-SDI slot filler to the SDI Out B connector on the RED ROCKET-X.
The SDI Out B connector is the left connector when the RED ROCKET-X is installed.
11. Reinstall the chassis casing.
12. Reconnect all cables to the chassis.
13. To install or upgrade the RED ROCKET-X driver and firmware, go to “Install Driver and Firmware” on page
25.
Connect
HD-SDI Slot Filler
to RED ROCKET-X

COPYRIGHT © 2015 RED.COM, INC
RED ROCKET-X INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
955-0033, REV-E |20
REQUIRED TOOL
Phillips #1 screwdriver
POWER SUPPLY
Before installing the RED ROCKET-X®, ensure that you have the appropriate power connector or power cable
adaptor to plug into the RED ROCKET-X 6-pin power connector. The 6-pin PCIe power cable that is included
with the RED ROCKET-X is for Mac Pro®installations only, and is not compatible with a Windows®-based
computer.
ATTACH THE PC EXTENDER TO THE RED ROCKET-X
If your Windows-based computer has a PCIe card holder, attach the PC extender (included) to the RED ROCKET-X.
When you install the RED ROCKET-X in the Windows-based computer, the PC extender slides into the PCIe
card holder, securing the RED ROCKET-X.
1. Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to install the two (2) M3 x 0.7 x 6 mm pan head screws (included) that attach
the PC extender (included) to the end of the RED ROCKET-X.
‒The PC extender should be flush with the front of the RED ROCKET-X.
‒The wider end of the PC extender should be at the top of the RED ROCKET-X.
Attach PC Extender
05 INSTALL IN A WINDOWS-
BASED COMPUTER