The irNetBox-IV
User Guide
irNetBox-IV – User Guide
Contents
1. Getting Started ................................................................................................................... 3
Step 1: Plug into your network and power up ....................................................................... 3
Step 2: Set the IP Address ...................................................................................................... 3
Step 3: Verify Network Connectivity...................................................................................... 4
Step 4: Start the RedRat Device Manager ............................................................................. 4
2. The Front Navigation Panel ................................................................................................ 4
3. The Web Interface .............................................................................................................. 5
4. Wiring Up IR Emitters ......................................................................................................... 5
5. Capturing and Testing IR Signal Datasets ........................................................................... 5
6. Software Applications......................................................................................................... 6
RedRat Device Manager......................................................................................................... 6
Signal Database Utility ........................................................................................................... 6
Test Manager ......................................................................................................................... 6
RedRatHub ............................................................................................................................. 6
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irNetBox-IV – User Guide
1. Getting Started
The irNetBox-IV is a networked, 16 channel infrared controller for TV and STB automation
tasks. This guide will take you through the steps needed to install it on your network and
communicate with it via software applications.
The irNetBox is used in many different applications, which can’t be covered in detail in this
guide, but please get in contact with RedRat support if any further help is needed.
Display and navigation panel
IR output ports
Power via PSU or Ethernet
Restart button. Press for 2s to reboot
or 8s for booting to factory mode.
Step 1: Plug into your network and power up
The irNetBox-IV can be powered over Ethernet, or using the optional power-supply unit
included with it. Once powered, the front display will light up and show progress while it
boots up.
- RedRat Ltd -
IR-NetBox-IV
Step 2: Set the IP Address
To be reachable on your network, the irNetBox needs an IP address. By default, it is
configured to obtain an IP address automatically using DHCP - a dynamic IP address. If it
needs to use a static IP address, then this can be configured via the front panel.
Information about using the front panel to configure the irNetBox-IV is given in section 2
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irNetBox-IV – User Guide
Step 3: Verify Network Connectivity
Once your irNetBox has a valid IP address, use a web browser to load its webpage. The URL
is [Link] address>/, for example [Link]
Details of settings available on the web page are given in section 0.
Step 4: Start the RedRat Device Manager
This application provides full installation and configuration support. It can be downloaded
from the RedRat website.
2. The Front Navigation Panel
The panel shows the state of the irNetBox, plus operational information such as IR signals
being output.
When the arrow keys flash slowly in turn, it indicates that the irNetBox is
idle and no application is connected. When an application is connected
then all four arrow keys gently pulse together.
Status Network Config Clock Exit
Firmware Version Address Assign Clock Config
Hardware Version IP Address Idle Mode
Serial Number Netmask IR Display
MAC Address Gateway Timeout Config
Restart Box
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irNetBox-IV – User Guide
If no client is connected, the irNetBox will enter a low-power idle mode and the display will
show a screen saver, such as “matrix” style character patterns. After a while in idle, the
display will become dim to reduce power and prevent burn-out.
3. The Web Interface
This shows information about the irNetBox and allows configuration:
Name: The global name of this irNetbox as displayed in software applications.
Date/Time: The irNetBox’s time. This is set to the required date/time or synchronized with
computer’s time.
Network Properties: Used to change the network settings of the irNetBox. If the IP address
is changed, then the web page will need to be reloaded from the new address.
Port Mode: Sets the ports to be in current or voltage drive modes. The default is current
mode and is used when an IR emitter is plugged into the jack socket. Voltage mode if
connecting an output port to an IR distribution system.
Display Text: This will display the text on the irNetBox’s display. This can be useful for
device identification if there are a number of units.
4. Wiring Up IR Emitters
The most common use of the irNetBox is for direct control of TVs and set-top boxes (STBs)
using plug in IR emitters. These may have been supplied by RedRat or a third party.
Correct placement of the IR emitter over the IR receiver on the STB is important to get the
most reliable IR signal transmission possible.
The irNetBox-IV supports 100 different power output levels, the default being
approximately 30% maximum power. If the power level used is too high it can increase the
chances of IR leakage to neighbouring STBs and so unwanted signals being transmitted to
them.
5. Capturing and Testing IR Signal Datasets
All application software using the irNetBox needs IR signal datasets, which can be captured
from the original remote control unit using the Signal Database Utility software application.
This is available on the RedRat website.
The irNetBox-IV has a built in IR receiver which can be used for the capture of most type of
IR signal. We do however recommend using one of RedRat’s USB devices for IR signal
capture as these devices are generally easier to use and provide more flexibility.
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irNetBox-IV – User Guide
Having a good quality IR dataset is critical for reliable STB control using the irNetBox. It is
recommended that the IR signal data is thoroughly tested during and after capture, which
can be done using the Signal Database Utility.
This is often the most awkward part of setting up automated STB control, so please contact
RedRat support if you have questions or need help in capturing your IR dataset.
6. Software Applications
RedRat provide a number of software applications for use with the RedRat devices. In
addition, RedRat products are used by many third parties as part of STB testing systems for
example.
The following RedRat applications may be useful for use with the irNetBox-IV. More details
are found on the appropriate pages on the RedRat website:
RedRat Device Manager
Used for installation, configuration and management of RedRat devices. Also supports
updating firmware, so please check for new irNetBox-IV firmware periodically.
Signal Database Utility
This is used to capture, view and test IR signals from the original remote control unit.
[Link]
Test Manager
Provides scripted and interactive control of banks of STBs, for example to test them.
[Link]
RedRatHub
Runs on Windows and Linux, and provides a simple messaging protocol for client
applications of any language to communicate with irNetBoxes. It can also be used to
multiplex commands from multiple client applications to one irNetBox.
[Link]
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irNetBox-IV – User Guide
Declaration of Conformity
This is to certify that the
irNetBox-IV
Manufactured by:
RedRat Ltd
Conforms to the protection requirements of the Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EC by application of the
following standards:
EN 55032: 2012 Class A
EN 61000-3-2:2006 + A1/A2
EN61000-3-3:2008
EN55024:2010
Signed: 17 Oct 2016
C. J. Dodge Date
Technical Director
RedRat Ltd.
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irNetBox-IV – User Guide
Tested to Comply
With FCC 47 CFR Part 15, Subpart B – Class A
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.
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 irNetBox-IV 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.
Signed: 17 Oct 2016
C. J. Dodge Date
Technical Director
RedRat Ltd.