RedRat RedRat-X User manual

The RedRat-X
User Guide

Introduction
The RedRat-X is designed for automating control of TVs and set-top boxes via software applications.
It does this by transmitting the same kind of infrared remote control signals that the standard
remote control does. With the addition of one of our RF modules, it can also control some TVs and
STBs via Bluetooth and RF4CE.
Getting Started on Windows
We recommend starting off using your RedRat-X on Microsoft Windows (7 or later) as this is
currently the best supported operating system.
NOTE: We recommend you install the RedRat Software Suite before connecting
the RedRat-X to your computer.
The installer for the RedRat Software Suite can be downloaded from our website:
http://www.redrat.co.uk/downloads/rrss.zip
Once the zip file has been downloaded, unzip into a subdirectory and then run RedRatInstaller.exe.
Before plugging in the RedRat-X, please use the installer application to install the following:
1. The RedRat-X Driver.

2. Software applications to support device installation, configuration and use. At a minimum,
we suggest installing the RedRat Device Manager and the Signal DB Utility.
Once installed, plug the RedRat-X into your computer using its USB cable and then run RedRat Device
Manager.
NOTE: RedRat applications automatically check for updates on start-up, and if
required, can download and install updated versions. This check can also be run
manually from the Help menu.
Once started, the software will search for RedRat devices and should then list the RedRat-X. Here
you can use the Hardware/Firmware Info window to:
 Check for firmware updates
 Configure the RedRat-X’s IP address if it is to be controlled via network
 Look at details of any RF module plugged into the device and also update its firmware
Using the IR Input + Output window, it is possible to:
 Capture/learn an IR signal
 Enable IR outputs and send this signal, or another IR signal imported from the Signal DB
Utility application
Settings via the Web Page
If the RedRat-X is connected to your network, it is possible to adjust some settings by loading the
web page. By default, it expects to use a DHCP server to obtain a dynamic IP address.
Configurable settings available on the web page are:
 The device’s global name
 The IP address settings
 The default LED colour setting

Using the RedRat-X on Linux
Connecting the RedRat-X to a Linux computer via USB requires the libusb driver to be installed,
which is now included in most Linux distributions.
Non-GUI RedRat applications, such as RedRatHub will work on Linux using Mono. In addition, the
core RedRat SDK code also runs on Linux, so applications can be developed using the .NET/Mono
API.
LED Feedback
The lights on the front of the RedRat-X provide feedback to its operation:
Constant dim light
Idle
–
Red by default and can be changed either via the
web interface or RedRat Device Manager
Slow pulse
Active
–
a client
application is connected to it
Orange blinking
Obtaining an IP address
Purple blinking
IR Signal Output
Bright Red blink
Waiting for
IR signal input (learning mode)
Blue blink
Use of the
Bluetooth module (if attached)
Green blink
Use of
the RF4CE module (if attached)
Solid White light
Firmware update
Solid Y
ellow light
In factory mode
White SOS signal
Error during firmware install
Installation of RF Modules
An RF module (Bluetooth or RF4CE) can be installed by removing the cover on the bottom of the
RedRat-X, the Module will then easily slot into the available socket.
This image shows a RedRat-X with a module fitted inside.
Make sure that the device is not powered when doing this and it is recommended that the module is
held in place with the supplied screw.

Factory Mode Boot
Factory mode is where the RedRat-X runs a minimal firmware version which can communicate with
the PC and supports firmware update functionality only.
If there has been a problem updating the firmware and the RedRat-X does not boot properly, it can
be booted into factory mode by taking off the module cover, removing the RF module if one is
installed and then using the small switch on the PCB.
Hold the switch down and then plug in the power. The LEDs will turn white and then after about four
seconds will turn off. As soon as this happens, release the switch and the LEDs will light up with a
solid yellow colour. The RedRat-X is now in factory mode and RedRat Device Manager can be used to
re-program the main firmware image.
Next Steps…
We provide a number of software applications to use with the RedRat-X, so please see the software
section on our website (www.redrat.co.uk) for details.
If you are developing your own software or want to incorporate the RedRat-X into your own
software framework, then please see the RedRat X Integration Guide, available on our website.
This document is RedRat Ltd’s declaration with regard to the directive
of the European Parliament on the Restriction of the Use of Certain
Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(2011/65/EU RoHS 2).
To the best of our knowledge, the RedRat-X is in compliance with the
RoHS directive. Specifically, the components used in this product do not
contain substances in concentrations greater than the maximum limit
value as given by this directive.

Declaration of Conformity
This is to certify that the
RedRat-X
Manufactured by:
RedRat Ltd
Conforms to the protection requirements of the Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU by application of the
following standards:
EN55032: 2015 Class B
EN55024: 2010
EN61000-4-2: 2009
EN61000-4-3: 2006 + A1/A2
EN61000-4-4: 2004
EN61000-4-5: 2006
EN61000-4-6: 2009
EN61000-4-11: 2004
Signed:
C. J. Dodge
Technical Director
RedRat Ltd.
27 Apr 2017
Date

Tested to Comply
With FCC 47 CFR Part 15, Subpart B – Class B
We hereby declare that this device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Signed:
C. J. Dodge
Technical Director
RedRat Ltd.
10 Aug 2017
Date