User Manual

Degen
Shackles

Read all safety instructions before use.

Section 01

Before You Begin

A few things worth knowing before you dive in.

This is a DIY Kit

DegenShackles is a DIY electronics kit. All components are included and assembly is straightforward — most people have it running within an hour. That said, this is an experimental product, not a mass-market consumer device. It hasn't gone through CE, FCC, or similar certification processes, and it shouldn't be treated as one.

If you're comfortable with basic electronics and understand that you're building and using something you've assembled yourself, you'll be completely fine. We just want you going in with clear eyes.

Your Responsibility & Legal Compliance

By assembling and using this device, you accept full responsibility for how it is operated. This includes compliance with all applicable local, national, and regional laws — particularly those governing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) emissions.

  • The device contains active wireless hardware: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (currently unused, reserved for future features), and electromagnets. All of these produce emissions that may be regulated in your jurisdiction.
  • You are solely responsible for ensuring your use complies with the RF and EMI regulations in your country or region (e.g. FCC Part 15 in the US, CE/RED in the EU, or equivalent frameworks elsewhere).
  • Never use this device to intentionally interfere with, disrupt, or jam any other wireless device, network, or system. Doing so is illegal in virtually every jurisdiction and can result in serious legal consequences.
  • Do not operate the device in environments where RF emissions are strictly controlled, such as hospitals, aircraft, or sensitive research facilities.
If you're unsure about the regulations in your area, check with your national telecommunications authority before use. We're happy to help point you in the right direction — reach out via the contact details in Section 09.
Section 02

Assembly

Before anything else, let's get the hardware put together. This should take about 5–10 minutes.

What you'll need
  • The PCB (circuit board)
  • The PCB case (top and bottom halves)
  • The included hex / allen key (M3)
  1. Unbox everything and set it aside on a clean, dry surface. For assembly, focus on the PCB, PCB case, and the included allen key — you won't need the straps or magnets just yet.
  2. Flip the case over and unscrew the four screws on the bottom using the included allen key. Set the screws somewhere safe — you'll need them again shortly.
  3. Inside the case you'll find two cables with connectors in two different sizes:
    • The larger connector links the screen to the PCB.
    • The smaller connector connects the button.
    On the PCB you'll see two matching sockets. Both connectors and sockets have notches — align them carefully and they should seat smoothly with gentle pressure. Do not force them. Connecting the display in the wrong orientation can permanently damage it.
  4. Align the PCB with the top half of the case. Make sure neither cable is pinched between the PCB and the casing — gently tuck any excess cable out of the way. If the display cable is too short or awkward, unplug it from the PCB, rotate it slightly, and reattach it so it sits comfortably.
  5. Place the bottom half of the case onto the assembly.
  6. Reinsert the four screws using the allen key. Make sure all holes are aligned before you start. Tighten in a star pattern (opposite corners alternately) and avoid overtightening — snug is enough.
🎉 That's it — you've assembled your DegenShackles. Read the safety section before going further.
Section 03

Safety Precautions

Please read this section in full before using the device. Your safety — and that of anyone involved — depends on it.

This device is intended for consensual adult use only. Always agree on safe words and an emergency removal plan before play. Never leave anyone restrained and unattended.

Power & Charging

  • Use a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) supply that supports 12 V output — ideally 12 V / 3 A or more. Lower current (e.g. 12 V / 1.5 A) may only work reliably with a single electromagnet active at a time.
  • Do not use USB-A chargers or cheap, non-PD adapters. They will not work correctly and could damage the device.
  • There is no internal battery. If the device is unplugged, it turns off immediately.

Water

  • The device is not waterproof — not even splash resistant. Do not use it in wet environments or anywhere liquids could reach it.
  • If the device gets wet: disconnect it from power and all accessories immediately, and allow it to dry completely before attempting to use it again.
Water damage is not covered by the warranty.

Electromagnet Safety

  • Electromagnets can warm up during extended use. This is normal, but do not cover them with thick clothing or insulating materials, as this can cause overheating.
  • All connectors are short-circuit protected. Use only official accessories where possible.
  • The system includes overload protection — if a fault is detected, the device will shut down automatically.
  • Keep electromagnets away from electronics (laptops, phones, hard drives, etc.). Direct contact or proximity may damage them.
  • Avoid prolonged, continuous use on the same area of skin to prevent irritation or burns.

Emergency Unlock

Lost connection? The device will automatically restart and unlock itself.
Double-press the button on the device at any time to manually lock or unlock.
Last resort: unplug the electromagnet cable or disconnect the USB-C power supply entirely.

Health & Medical

If you have a pacemaker, metal implant, electronic prosthetic, or any other implanted medical device, consult a medical professional before use. The electromagnetic field produced by this device may cause serious injury or death to people with such implants.
  • If you have piercings near the contact area, take extra care — metal can attract unexpectedly or cause discomfort.
  • Recommended contact areas: wrists, elbows, ankles, knees. Other areas are at your own risk.

General Use

  • Do not modify the device in any way. We cannot guarantee safe or correct operation of modified units.
  • If the housing is cracked or visibly damaged, stop using the device immediately. Exposed electronics can cause electric shock or further damage. Contact us — replacement housings are available at a reasonable price.
  • Never use electromagnets on or near medical equipment or inside medical facilities. The electromagnetic field may interfere with sensitive equipment.
Before first use, ensure you have read this manual in full.
Section 04

Quick Start

Once assembled and with safety in mind, here's how to get up and running.

Step 1 — Connect everything

  • Attach the electromagnet ring to one strap.
  • Attach the metal plate to the other strap.
  • Plug the electromagnet cable into one of the four ports on the device.

Step 2 — Power on

  • Plug in your USB-C PD (12 V) supply. The device powers on automatically.
  • The screen will show the device's Wi-Fi network name and an IP address — you'll use these next.

Step 3 — Configure Wi-Fi

  • From your phone or PC, connect to the Wi-Fi network shown on the screen.
  • Open the displayed IP address in a browser (e.g. http://10.10.x.x).
  • If you see a "site not secure" warning, click Continue anyway — this is expected.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the device to your home Wi-Fi.
That's it — you're ready to go.
Section 05

Offline Mode

The device works perfectly without an internet connection. There are two ways to control it locally.

Manual Control (Button)

  • Double-press the button on the device to lock or unlock the cuffs.
  • Safety fallback: the cuffs will unlock automatically after 2 hours.

Local Browser Interface

  • In your browser, type the IP address shown on the screen — make sure to use http:// (not https://).
  • If you see an insecure connection warning, ignore it and continue.
  • Under Local Control, you can set a fixed lock duration (up to 8 hours) or enable random mode with a minimum and maximum time range.
Section 06

Remote Sessions

Want someone else to control the device remotely? Here's how to set up a session.

Linking Your Device

  1. Go to control.degen-designs.com and click Create session.
  2. Click Options → Link device. The device code will be copied to your clipboard.
  3. Open the local interface (http://[IP address]) and click Connect to session.
  4. Enter a minimum and maximum lock time, a device name, and the Session Key.
  5. Click Connect — the device will appear in your session within a few seconds.

Sharing Control

Never share the link from your browser's address bar — it gives full host access, including the ability to end the session or restart the device.
  • To share control safely: click Options → Share session. This copies a separate share link to your clipboard.
  • Send that link to whoever you want to give control to.
Section 07

Mounting to a Wall or Chair

  1. Choose your position and drill holes for the mount. Screws are not included.
  2. Fix the mount in place, then remove the mount cover.
  3. Insert the electromagnet into the mount and replace the cover.
  4. Put on the cuffs: one part attaches to the electromagnet, the other (with the metal plate) remains free.
  5. Power on the device and bring the metal plate close to the electromagnet — it will attract and lock into place.
Section 08

Troubleshooting

Can't connect the device to a remote session?

Make sure you're using the device link code (from Options → Link device), not the session share link.

Wi-Fi issues or unusual behaviour?

  1. Power on the device.
  2. Hold the button until the device restarts.
  3. Keep holding until the screen tells you to release.
  4. Release — the device will reset to factory defaults.
Section 09

Contact & Support

Got a question, hit a problem, or have an idea? Reach out — we're happy to help.

Community
Discord Server
Email
[email protected]

Thank you for choosing DegenShackles. Use responsibly, and have fun. 😏