Lesson 7: Flipper Alt Mode – T-Embed CC1101 Setup (with BRUCE Firmware)
Today, you’ll set up your T-Embed CC1101—an open-source alternative to the Flipper Zero—and flash it with the powerful BRUCE firmware. This tool opens the door to wireless experimentation across SubGHz, NFC, IR, and RF channels, giving you a hands-on introduction to signal manipulation and replay techniques.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
By the end of this lesson, you will:
- Flash the BRUCE firmware to your T-Embed using a web browser
- Understand the wireless capabilities of Flipper-style devices
- Test simple and safe IR and RF-based hacks using your own household electronics
🛠️ Step 1 – Flash BRUCE Firmware (The Easy Way)
- Plug your T-Embed CC1101 into your computer via USB
- Open your browser and visit: https://bruce.computer/flasher
- Follow the on-screen steps to install the BRUCE firmware
- Once installed, confirm that the firmware boots and the main dashboard displays properly
💡 Only use firmware from official or trusted sources to avoid malicious code.
📡 Step 2 – What Can This Device Actually Do?
With BRUCE firmware, your T-Embed becomes a multitool for wireless experimentation, capable of:
- Sending/receiving SubGHz signals (used by remotes, doorbells, garage systems)
- Interacting with RFID and NFC tags
- Sending IR commands (like TV remotes)
- Sniffing and replaying signals from basic RF devices
🛠️ This makes it ideal for learning how attackers (and defenders) can interact with wireless devices—ethically, of course.
🧪 Hands-On Activity:
Try out two safe test experiments:
✅ IR TV-Off Prank (Home Only)
- Select the TV-Off signal from the IR menu
- Point it at a TV you own or have permission to test
- See if it powers off!
✅ RF Signal Sniffing
- Use the signal capture tool
- Aim it at a remote control you own (like for a fan or LED strip)
- Try capturing and replaying the signal
🧠 This simulates how signal replay attacks work—but only test on devices you control.
⚠️ Responsible Use Reminder:
Never use these tools on:
- Public spaces
- Schools or workplaces
- Devices you don’t own or control
🔒 This lesson includes clear warnings and comparisons to real Flipper Zero misuse cases to reinforce ethical boundaries.
📚 Homework Assignment:
- Capture and replay a signal from a household remote
- Record what worked, what failed, and why
- Share your test results or discoveries in the #wireless-hacks Discord thread
✅ By the End of This Lesson, You’ll Have:
- Flashed your T-Embed with BRUCE firmware
- Tested basic IR and RF features
- Captured and replayed real remote control signals safely
- Entered the world of wireless ethical hacking with real tools
In Lesson 8, we’ll go deeper into SubGHz signal replay, explore timing and frequency, and start analyzing the data behind these attacks.