User Guides - RGB Critter BT

Charging Time:

Charge time depends on your charger's output. With a 1.5A (or higher) charger:

• A 2500mAh battery takes about 3–3.5 hours
• A 3000mAh battery takes about 3.5–4 hours

The RGB Critter BT will display a Battery Life Indicator after either of the following actions:

• Plug the Critter into a power source
• Turn the Critter off, then hold the Arrow button
  

The button LEDs will glow in a solid color that corresponds to the current battery level:

• 🔴 0–10% – Red
• 🟠 11–25% – Orange
• 🟡 26–50% – Yellow
• 🟢 51–75% – Green
• 🔵 76–90% – Blue
• 🟣 91–96% – Purple
• 🟪 97–100% – Solid Purple
  

Charging Indicators

• Pulsing red LEDs on the buttons mean the RGB Critter BT is charging properly. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.
  
• Blinking red LEDs on the buttons indicate an issue with the USB power source. This usually means the power adapter or port is not compatible. Try using a different USB port or wall adapter that supplies at least 1.5A of current.
  

Make sure you are using the original USB charging cable that came with your device for best performance.

To Replace the Battery:

1. Twist the Modular Cap on the back of the RGB Critter BT counter-clockwise to remove it.
2. Insert the aluminum Critter Key into the Battery Door, then twist it counter-clockwise to open.
3. Remove the Battery Door and slide out the battery.
4. Insert a new battery with the positive (+) side facing the front of the RGB Critter BT (the light-emitting end).
5. Reinstall the Battery Door using the Critter Key and ensure it is fully latched.
   

Notes:

• The RGB Critter BT requires an 18650 battery with specific dimensions.
• We recommend only using the AOAM-supplied 18650 battery for best fit and performance.
• Replacement batteries are available on our website [here]. (Insert link)
  

Troubleshooting: If you experience issues, please refer to the section below titled “My Battery Won’t Charge."

Button Lock Options – RGB Critter BT

The RGB Critter BT offers multiple ways to lock the buttons:

Manual lock (on the device):

• While the device is turned on, press the Arrow and Power buttons at the same time.
• The LED will flash red to indicate the buttons are locked.
• The LED will flash green to indicate the buttons are unlocked.
  

App-based lock options:

• In the Universal Settings section of the AOAM app, you’ll find:
• Lock Buttons
  

Lock Power Button (See image below for reference.)

Turning Off the RGB Critter BT

To conserve battery, it's best to place the RGB Critter BT into deep sleep by holding the Power button on the flashlight for 1 second. Below are the different ways to turn off your RGB Critter BT, along with how each method affects battery usage:

1. Press the Power button on the "Playlists" page of the app (tap, don’t hold).

• The BT will enter standby mode.
• Battery will continue discharging at a fast rate.
• Standby allows the BT to stay connected to the app.
  

2. Press the Power button on the RGB Critter BT flashlight (tap, don’t hold).

• The BT will enter standby mode.
• Battery will continue discharging at a fast rate.
• Standby allows the BT to stay connected to the app.
  

3. Toggle off your RGB Critter BT on the "Devices" page of the app.

• The BT will enter standby mode.
• Battery will continue discharging at a fast rate.
• Standby allows the BT to stay connected to the app.
  

4. Hold the Power button on the RGB Critter BT flashlight for 1 second.

• The BT will enter deep sleep mode.
• Battery will conserve power and discharge slowly.
• The BT will disconnect from the app.

The RGB Critter BT comes with 20 preinstalled modes. You can access these modes—or any playlist you’ve exported from the app—using the onboard button controls:

• Press the Arrow button once
• Press the Rocket button once
• Hold the Arrow button. Each 1-second hold changes speed by 20%. Speed resets when you switch modes.
• Press the Power button once
• Press the Power button once, or hold for 1 second
• Hold the Arrow and Power buttons together
  

Navigating Modes with the RGB Critter BT

While there are many ways to navigate modes within the app, you can also use the physical buttons on the RGB Critter BT flashlight. Here's how:

1. Connect your RGB Critter BT to the Ants on a Melon app.
2. On the "Playlists" page, press the play icon on any playlist.
3. Use the Arrow button (up) and Rocket button (down) on the RGB Critter BT to scroll through the modes in that playlist.
   
   

Pro tip:
To avoid accidentally powering off your device while navigating, go to the "Universal Settings" section in the app and toggle on the "Lock Power Button" option.

You can access Universal Settings by tapping the green Rocket icon on the "Playlists" page.

Description

The Export to Critter feature lets you transfer the first 20 modes from any playlist in the "My Playlists" section of the app to your RGB Critter BT. This will replace the existing modes on your device, and the change cannot be undone.

The export applies to all connected RGB Critter BTs at the time of export.

Instructions

1. Create a playlist in the "My Playlists" section of the app.
2. Connect your RGB Critter BT(s) to the app.
3. Tap the three white dots next to the playlist name.
4. Select "Export To Critter."
   

Once exported, the RGB Critter BT will automatically disconnect from the app. You’ll then be able to access the exported playlist directly using the physical buttons—no app connection needed.

The Ants on a Melon App's Universal Settings pop-up includes the following features:

• Autoplay
• Strobe (1-100%)
• Brightness (1-100%)
• Analog/PWM
• Button LEDs (on/off)
• Lock Power Button
• Lock Buttons
• Momentary Press

To access the Universal Settings pop-up, go to the "Playlists" page and click the green Rocket icon (see image below).

The app gives you access to over 16 million colors.

To select a custom color:

1. Go to the DIY page in the app.
2. Select the Solid Color effect.
3. Tap the "+" button to open the color editor.
   

You’ll see three different color pickers to help you choose your exact shade.
(See the attachment for examples of the color pickers available in the app.)

Quickly edit your modes using the drag-and-drop feature on the DIY page of the Ants on a Melon app. The RGB Critter BT flashlight will instantly reflect any changes you make.

How to Create a Group of RGB Critter BTs in the AOAM App

1. Connect two or more RGB Critter BTs on the Devices page of the app.
2. Go to the Group section on the same page.
3. Tap the "Create Group" button.
4. Select the RGB Critter BTs you want to include.
5. Name your group and save it.
   

Important:

• Make sure all selected RGB Critter BTs are powered on before toggling the group on.
• When grouped successfully, the LEDs on each device will turn white.
  

Additional Info:

• The AOAM app does not support separate control of multiple connected devices.

No. The RGB Critter BT does not require cell service or Wi-Fi to operate.

The Ants on a Melon app connects to the RGB Critter BT using Bluetooth, allowing you to control the device wirelessly without any internet connection.

Bluetooth control details

• Connect up to 10 devices within a 20-meter (66-ft) range
  
• No Wi-Fi or cellular service required
  
• For best performance, keep your phone and the RGB Critter BT within sight, as Bluetooth signals can be blocked by large objects
  

Using the RGB Critter BT Without the App

Yes, the RGB Critter BT can also be used without the Ants on a Melon app.

The flashlight includes three onboard, illuminated buttons that allow you to operate the device completely offline.

Key features when using the device without the app include:

• Onboard controls for mode navigation, speed adjustment, and brightness control
  
• 20 preinstalled lighting modes for immediate use without Bluetooth
  
• Custom mode storage, allowing presets created in the app to be transferred to the flashlight for offline use using the Export to Critter feature
  
• Support for managing up to 20 custom presets with current firmware updates
  

While full customization requires the app, all essential functionality is available directly on the device.

Designed for Offline Use

The RGB Critter BT is designed to work with or without the app, making it ideal for light painting, flow arts, and creative use in areas with no cellular service or internet access.

This usually happens when the RGB Critter BT is put into the wrong pairing mode or is still paired to another device.

To avoid needing to forget the device from your phone, please follow the pairing steps below.

First-time pairing

Hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses green, then pair the device in the app.

Already paired to a device

Hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses blue, then pair.

Do not hold the button until green if the device has already been paired to a specific phone or tablet.

If pairing becomes stubborn

If the app or device is not connecting properly, hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses green to reset the pairing, then pair again.

Important note

The RGB Critter BT can only be paired to one device at a time. If it is still connected to another phone or tablet, it will need to be reset before pairing to a new one.

If you’re having trouble connecting your RGB Critter BT to the Ants on a Melon app, follow the steps below in order.

In many cases, the issue is caused by the device being in the wrong pairing mode or already connected to another device.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Put the RGB Critter BT into the correct pairing mode

• If this is your first time pairing, hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses green, then pair in the app.
  
• If the device has been paired before, hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses blue, then pair in the app.
  

2. Try reconnecting in the app

Open the app, go to the Devices page, and select your RGB Critter BT to connect.

3. If the app still won’t connect

On the Devices page, tap the three white dots next to your RGB Critter BT and remove it from the app.

Then:

• Open your phone’s Bluetooth settings
  
• Find the RGB Critter BT
  
• Select Forget Device
  

After doing this, hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses green to reset pairing, then reconnect in the app.

4. If the device is still not connecting

Try the following:

• Remove and reinstall the battery in your RGB Critter BT
  
• Restart your phone or tablet
  
• Try pairing again using the steps above
  

Important Note

The RGB Critter BT can only be connected to one device at a time. If it is still paired to another phone or tablet, it will need to be reset before connecting to a new one.

If your RGB Critter BT is not charging, please work through the steps below. In most cases, the issue is related to the battery door, battery orientation, or the power source being used.

Important

Only use the USB charging cable that was supplied with your order. Using other charging cables may prevent charging or cause damage to your RGB Critter BT.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Check that the Battery Door is fully latched

The Battery Door must be completely closed and latched for the battery to charge. Even if it looks closed, charging will not occur unless it is fully secured.

2. Confirm battery orientation

Make sure the battery is inserted correctly.

The positive (+) side of the battery should be facing the front of the flashlight.

3. Try a different power source

Plug the supplied USB charging cable into a different power source, such as:

• A different wall adapter
  
• A computer USB port
  
• A power bank
  

Always continue using the original charging cable.

USB Wall Adapter Compatibility Note

Some USB wall adapters use USB PD (Power Delivery) protocols. These adapters may not recognize the RGB Critter BT and can prevent charging.

If this happens, the buttons on your RGB Critter BT may blink red when plugged in.

If you see this behavior, switch to a different wall adapter or power source.

If Charging Still Does Not Work

4. Test while plugged in

Plug the RGB Critter BT into a power source and check whether it powers on.

• If it does not turn on
  
  Please try a different power source again.
  
  If the issue persists, email us a short video showing the behavior at
  
  support@antsonamelon.com
  
• If it turns on only when plugged in
  
  The Battery Door may be damaged. Please refer to the FAQ titled
  
  “RGB Critter BT will only turn on when plugged into a power source.”

A small amount of battery discharge is normal when the battery is left inside the RGB Critter BT, even when the device is not actively in use.

To minimize battery drain, please follow these tips:

Powering off the device

To save battery, turn off the RGB Critter BT by holding the Power button for 1 second.

Short-term storage

If the battery is left inside the RGB Critter BT, it will continue to discharge at a slow rate. This is normal behavior.

Long-term storage (2 to 3 weeks or more)

If you plan to store the RGB Critter BT for more than 2 to 3 weeks, we recommend:

• Removing the 18650 battery from the device
  
• Storing the battery at approximately a 50% charge level
  
• Keeping the battery in a cool, dry environment
  

For additional battery handling tips and important safety information, please visit our Battery Safety page:

https://antsonamelon.com/pages/battery-safety