Fibaro HC2 + Global Caché iTach Flex — Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

Step-by-step guide for configuring a Global Caché iTach Flex with the Fibaro Home Center 2 (HC2) to control IR (infrared) or RS-232 devices via a Virtual Device — TVs, AV receivers, cable/satellite boxes, DVD players, and other IR/serial-controlled automation equipment.

What Is iTach Flex?

Global Caché's iTach Flex bridges IR- and RS-232-controlled equipment onto a WiFi or wired Ethernet network, letting Home Center 2 control them through a Virtual Device.

Key Features

• Connects almost any electrical device to a WiFi or wired Ethernet network instantly
• Access, monitor, automate, and control standalone equipment
• Web-based control protocol using HTTP
• 4 MB flash memory for storing web pages/files accessible via URL
• Tiny footprint; 4-conductor Flex Link Port for versatile Flex Link cable use
• Built-in IR learning, plus access to a cloud-based IR command database
• Mounting dock for simple installation
• Made in the USA, RoHS compliant

Quick Start / Initial Connection

Out of the box or after a reset, the iTach Flex is an unsecured "adhoc" WiFi device discoverable by any WiFi-enabled device. Power it via the included power supply or USB, then find it in your available wireless networks — it's named by its unique MAC ID (printed on the bottom label), e.g. MAC 000C1E-01B45C appears as network ITACHFLEX000C1E01B45C.

• WPS setup: hold the side button for 4 seconds and release; the LED flashes quickly to confirm WPS mode.
• Ethernet setup: connect directly to your computer and change your network adapter settings to match the Flex's default IP range (e.g. 192.168.1.x, using any value other than .70 for your computer).

WiFi Setup

1. Select the iTach WiFi (adhoc) network from your computer's wireless list.
2. The Flex checks for available wireless networks — select yours and enter its password.
3. Once connected, open a browser to the Flex's configuration page at http://192.168.1.70 (default IP) if not redirected automatically.
4. Enter your network's SSID and passphrase on the configuration page — these must match your router's settings exactly. The unit then connects via DHCP.

Flex units take up to 30 seconds to connect after settings change; the power LED blinks once per second once connected. Flex units will NOT connect to a network with 802.11g disabled.

IR / Serial Configuration

• IR functionality: verify the Flex Link Port is configured as "Single IR Emitter" and connect the supplied IR emitter. In this mode, the Flex responds to IR commands like sendir.
• Serial/RS-232 functionality: configure the Flex Link Port as "Serial" with the correct baud rate/serial settings for your target device, then connect the supplied Serial Flex Link cable. It provides a standard male DB9 connector with Tx/Rx on pins 2/3, Gnd on pin 5, and RTS/CTS on pins 7/8. Wiring between the cable and your controlled hardware depends on that device's own settings.

Flex units ship with a metal cradle for surface mounting — gently push the flange and pull to remove the Flex from the cradle.

IR Learning

Each Flex has a built-in IR learner. Download the iLearn application from Global Caché's downloads page (tutorial at www.globalcache.com/support). To capture a command: point your remote at the small hole on top-center of the Flex and press the button you want to learn.

Troubleshooting / Factory Reset

Press and hold the reset button (to the right of the Flex Link Port) for 8 seconds and release. The LED blinks quickly at 4 seconds (confirming WPS) and faster at 8 seconds (confirming factory default reset).

Configuration Software

Download tools at globalcache.com/downloads.

• iHelp: a Windows utility that locates and configures iTach Flex, iTach, and GC-100 devices on your network. Run iHelp.exe on a PC on the same network; it listens for multicast beacons and lists every device's MAC ID and IP address within a minute. Right-click a discovered unit and select "Configure" to open its setup page in your default browser. iHelp also notifies you of available firmware upgrades.
• iLearn: the companion IR capture application for iTach models, GC-IRL, and GC-IRE (with attached GC-RG1). Converts between Global Caché and Hex (CCF) IR code formats.

Capturing and Formatting an IR Code with iLearn

1. In iLearn, select Connection → IR Learner, type the Flex's IP address, and click "Connect."
2. Point your remote at the IR learner hole and press the button to learn — the captured code appears highlighted in dark blue.
3. Press "Edit" to trim the string and name the button, then "Save."
4. Copy the trimmed code from the Edit View window. Example format:
   sendir,1:1,1,37825,1,1,171,171,21,64,21,64,...,21,1778
5. To make the code work in a Fibaro Virtual Device, append 0x0D0x0A to the end of the code string.
6. Edit the final code in Notepad to ensure there are no spaces and it's a single trimmed line before pasting it into the Virtual Device button.

Creating the Virtual Device in Home Center 2

1. Go to the Devices tab and select "Add or remove device," then "Add Virtual Device."
2. Name the new Virtual Device, assign it to a room, and enter the iTach Flex's IP address and TCP port — port 4998 for IR, port 4999 for Serial.
3. Press Save.
4. In the Advanced tab, select the set of buttons you want and press "Add set."
5. Paste the formatted IR command code (from iLearn) into the Virtual Device button.
6. Check "Wait for device response."
7. Label the button and its ID for easy reference when building Scenes.
8. Press Save, then test each programmed button.