SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Hub Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Hub is designed to simplify your home entertainment experience by unifying control over a wide range of devices. This system supports IR, Bluetooth, RF, and Wi-Fi protocols, allowing seamless operation of TVs, soundbars, streaming players, cable boxes, Blu-ray players, and smart home devices.

Key features include a 2.4-inch high-definition touchscreen for intuitive navigation, a powerful hub for 360-degree signal transmission, and dedicated Home Assistant integration for advanced smart home automation. The companion SofaBaton App enables personalized button layouts, macro programming, and one-touch activity creation.

Figure 1: SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control and Hub.

This image displays the SofaBaton X2 remote control alongside its powerful hub, showcasing the sleek design and compact form factor of both components. The remote features a touchscreen display and an array of physical buttons for comprehensive control.

2. Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up your SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control and Hub.

2.1 Unboxing and Initial Activation

1. Open the packaging box and verify all components are present: X2 remote, Hub, charging dock, charger, and IR blaster.
2. Plug in the Hub and the remote to activate them. If you have an optional IR Repeater, plug it in as well.
3. Ensure the remote's battery level is above 50% or keep it charging during the setup process.

2.2 App Installation and Hub Connection

1. Download the SofaBaton App from your smartphone's app store.
2. Register an account or log in.
3. Ensure your smartphone is connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
4. Open the SofaBaton App, select "X Series" to begin setting up the Hub.
5. Press and hold the button on the Hub for 3 seconds until the blue light blinks, indicating pairing mode.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts in the app to connect the Hub to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
7. After the Hub network configuration is complete, wait approximately 5 minutes for the Wi-Fi settings to update automatically.

2.3 Pairing the Remote with the Hub

1. In the SofaBaton App, go to "Me" then "Settings" and select "Pair with a New Remote".
2. On the X2 remote, navigate to "Settings" and select "Pair New Hub".
3. The remote and Hub will automatically pair. A "Pairing Successful" message will appear on both the remote and the app.

2.4 Adding Devices

You can add devices either from the extensive cloud code library or by using the learning function for devices not in the database.

Adding from Database (e.g., Roku TV):

1. In the SofaBaton App, go to "Devices" and tap the "+" icon.
2. Select the control method (Infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RF). For Roku TV, Wi-Fi is often preferred.
3. Choose "Control Wi-Fi device" and select "Roku". The app will scan for compatible Roku devices on your network.
4. Select your Roku TV from the list. If prompted, ensure "Network access" is set to "Permissive" in your Roku TV's system settings (Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Control by Mobile Apps > Network access).
5. Confirm the device information and tap "Submit". The code library will download and sync to your Hub and remote.

Adding via Learning Function (e.g., Edifier Speakers):

1. In the SofaBaton App, go to "Devices" and tap the "+" icon.
2. Select "Infrared (IR)" as the control method.
3. Choose "Learning" instead of "Search in the database".
4. Select the device type (e.g., "Audio").
5. Indicate if your original remote has a single power key or separate on/off keys.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to teach the Hub commands from your original remote. Point your original remote vertically at the Hub's circular icon (within 2-5 inches) and press the desired button.
7. Repeat for all necessary commands (e.g., Power, Volume Up/Down, Input selection).
8. Select where to save the commands (e.g., to the Hub).
9. Name the device (e.g., "EDIFIER R1700BTs") and tap "Complete".

3. Operation

The SofaBaton X2 offers intuitive control through its touchscreen and physical buttons. Activities allow you to execute multiple commands across different devices with a single press.

3.1 Creating Activities

An activity combines functions of multiple devices (e.g., turning on TV and speakers, setting inputs).

1. Ensure all devices intended for the activity are added and configured (power settings, source configuration).
2. In the SofaBaton App, go to "Activities" and tap the "+" icon.
3. Select the devices to include in the activity.
4. Configure power settings for each device (e.g., "Yes, enable automatic power control").
5. Configure source input for each device if necessary (e.g., for Edifier speakers, select "Red" for Line 1 input).
6. Assign volume control to a specific device (e.g., TV or speakers).
7. Assign other button controls (e.g., navigation, playback) to desired devices.
8. Assign numeric keypad functions.
9. Name your activity (e.g., "Watch TV") and tap "Complete".

Figure 2: SofaBaton X2 demonstrating One-Touch Activity. This image illustrates how the SofaBaton X2 remote can initiate multiple device actions with a single command, streamlining complex home theater operations.

3.2 Using Activities

1. On the X2 remote's touchscreen, navigate to "Activities".
2. Select the desired activity (e.g., "Watch TV").
3. Swipe right on the activity to start it. The remote will send commands to turn on devices and set inputs as configured.

3.3 Touchscreen and Physical Buttons

• The 2.4-inch high-definition touchscreen allows direct on-screen navigation and control.
• The quick-access panel beneath the display provides instant one-tap entry to digital keypads and macros.
• Physical buttons offer tactile feedback for common functions.

Figure 3: SofaBaton X2 Touchscreen and On-Screen Number Pad. This image highlights the intuitive touchscreen interface of the SofaBaton X2, showing the main menu and an on-screen numeric keypad for easy input.

3.4 Smart Customization via SofaBaton App

• Create personalized button layouts.
• Program advanced Macro commands.
• Reassign buttons to suit your preferences.
• Set up One-Touch activities for multiple devices.
• All preferences are stored in the cloud for easy recovery.

Figure 4: SofaBaton App for Smart Customization. This image shows the SofaBaton companion app interface, demonstrating options for selecting control methods (IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF) and customizing device settings.

3.5 Home Assistant Integration

• Add the SofaBaton integration in your Home Assistant (HA) system.
• Trigger activities through HA automations for cross-platform synchronization.
• Utilize HA's MQTT capability to allow the X2 remote to send commands and trigger HA automation functions.
• Control audio-video equipment, lighting, curtains, and other smart home devices directly from your remote.

Figure 5: SofaBaton X2 Home Assistant Integration. This image illustrates the SofaBaton X2 remote's integration with Home Assistant, showing the app interface for managing smart home devices.

3.6 Voice Control

• The SofaBaton X2 works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Control preset activities via voice commands (e.g., "Alexa, turn on the light").

Figure 6: SofaBaton X2 Smart Voice Control. This image depicts the SofaBaton X2's compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free control of smart home devices.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Charging

• The X2 remote comes with a Type-C charging dock. Place the remote in the dock each night to keep it powered and ready.
• Alternatively, the remote can be charged directly via a USB-C cable.
• The Hub is powered via USB-C and should remain connected to a power source.

4.2 Firmware Updates

• Regularly check for firmware updates via the SofaBaton App to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.
• During updates, ensure the remote and Hub have sufficient battery or are plugged in, and maintain a stable network connection.

5. Troubleshooting

• Device Not Responding:
  • Ensure the remote and Hub are powered on and charged.
  • Verify the Hub is connected to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
  • Check if the device (TV, soundbar, etc.) is correctly configured in the SofaBaton App.
  • For IR devices, ensure the Hub or IR blaster has a clear line of sight to the device's IR receiver.
  • For Wi-Fi devices, confirm network access settings (e.g., "Permissive" for Roku).
• Buttons Not Working:
  • If using learned commands, re-teach the command to the Hub, ensuring proper alignment and button press duration.
  • Verify button assignments within the activity settings in the SofaBaton App.
• Activity Not Starting Correctly:
  • Review the sequence of commands within the activity in the SofaBaton App. Adjust delays between commands if necessary.
  • Confirm power state settings for all devices in the activity.
  • Ensure correct input sources are selected for each device.
• Remote Not Pairing with Hub:
  • Ensure the Hub is in pairing mode (blinking blue light).
  • Restart both the remote and the Hub.
  • Ensure your smartphone is connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network as the Hub.
• Home Assistant Integration Issues:
  • Verify the SofaBaton integration is correctly added and configured in your HA system.
  • Check MQTT settings and ensure proper communication between the Hub and HA.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty & Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official SofaBaton website or contact their customer service directly. Details regarding protection plans may also be available from your retailer.

• Protection Plans:
  • 2-Year Protection Plan
  • 3-Year Protection Plan
  • Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases
• Return Policy:
  • 30-day duration for refund/replacement.