B6-01   What are CCF files?

CCF files are used with the ProntoEdit and RC5000 Setup packages. They include a full configuration for the remote control, including layout, IR codes, macros, graphics and more. These can be shared between all Pronto and RC5000 users running the most recent software and firmware.

It stands for 'Cabernet Configuration File'. 'Cabernet' was the original codename for the Pronto while it was in development. When it was renamed the 'Pronto', the CCF file extension stuck.

This tip applies only to ProntoEdit v2.0 or newer:

As described in the previous question, the "+" symbol indicates that the device "needs programming" on TSU2000 and TSU6000 models. That results in the remote requesting a preset code for each device the first time it is selected during normal operation. Unfortunately, this setting resets each time your file is downloaded. What's more, each new device added in ProntoEdit 2.0 employs this "feature".

To correct this problem:

1. Make sure that "Developer Mode" is enabled (download Pronto.ini Workshop from the file area to make this configuration change).
2. In ProntoEdit, right-click over each device name and unselect the "needs programming" option.
   

Here is a complete list of what functions each letter code references:

[A] is an alias to a device's action list.
[B] is an alias to another LCD button.
[C] is learned/hex code for infrared signals (command).
[D] is a delay.
[J] is a page jump. (RC5000)
[K] is an alias to a hard key.
[S] is a beep (sound). (Pronto)
[T] is a timer. (Pronto)

Here is a complete list of what each symbol references:

- indicates a "Separator" – a line before it on the Device Menu.

* indicates that the device is "Read Only" and cannot be modified.

+ indicates a device that "Needs Programming". On the TSU2000, the first time such a device is selected the user will be asked whether they want to assign a preprogrammed code. The device must be configured with the UDB (Universal DataBase) for this to work.

(xxx) Any device name in brackets is a template and will not show during normal use. Such devices are only available as a choice when adding a new device on the basic remote.

[xxx] A page name in square brackets indicated that the panel is "Hidden" – better described as a "non-scrolling" page.

<xxx> A device or macro group shown in angled brackets indicates that that group is a Timer group. This is only useful or changable in the Macro section and means that any blank buttons edited in that group will be a timer, rather than a macro.

All CCF files located on Remote Central are stored in the "ZIP" file format. These must be decompressed before you can use them with ProntoEdit. Windows 98 has full ZIP compatibility built-in, meaning you only have to double-click on the file to decompress them. Other PC users can download PKZIP for Windows, while Macintosh users can use StuffIt Expander.

If these programs claim a file is corrupt or cannot be opened, check the file size to ensure it matches what is listed in the File Archive. If it does not, try a new software package to download with, or use one of the provided alternate download methods. All files in the Archive have been verified to decompress properly.

If you'd like to add a device (or several) from another CCF to your own:
1. Open the source CCF file that contains that device.
2. Delete everything from that file except that device. Make sure you remove macro groups and home panels as well. But do not delete any panels that the device you want aliases to! If you do, the copied device will not work.
3. Save that as a new file -- for example, "temporary.ccf".
4. Load your own CCF file. When prompted, select "replace".
5. Now, open the file you just saved but when prompted select "merge" instead of replace.

   The reason for opening your own file and then the one you saved is that the currently opened file is the one that maintains all remote settings. If you merge your file into someone else's you will instead receive their settings.
   

For some reason, when installing ProntoEdit v4.0 the gallery.ccf files are marked as "read only". This prevents you from deleting or making changes to them. To correct the issue, using Windows Explorer right-click on the filename, select "Properties", and then unselect the "Read Only" option under "Attributes". You will now be able to edit the file.

Also, make sure that you are modifying the right gallery file: each remote control type in ProntoEdit v4.0 has its own gallery.ccf file in a separate directory. Also note that when you have the RU890 type of remote selected, the gallery file the program mistakenly uses is from the TS1000 directory, not the one stored in the RU890 directory.