Important
We get a lot of enquiries from people who don't read our instructions. If you have a problem with our product you must specifically state that you've downloaded and read our PDF instructions and carried out the listed tests, when contacting us.
Sky High Definition -
We believe that the new Sky HD box has a different infrared sensor from previous Sky systems. This MAY cause problems with some eyes/repeater systems (but we don't know which, if any). We are investigating but we are desperate for customer feedback about what works and what doesn't. The RF cable length may be critical and wall plates may affect the remote extender operation. If you have problems, please follow the check list on the download page that we give you when you order.
Pace DS445NB -
We understand that this Sky Digibox is not compatible with the Global tvLINK so we recommend you choose a different make of "magic eye" for this unit.
As stated in our catalogue, it is most important to connect your Digibox "RF Output 2" to your tvLINK with a continuous run of double-shielded coaxial cable (eg. RG6 or better). The cable should have no attenuator, kinks, joints, sockets, splitters or wall plates (except our approved type). However, you can use one of our "SkyLink compatible amplifiers" if you are distributing the signal to more than one additional TV set. The tvLINK might work reliably with ordinary TV aerial cable (and you are welcome to try it) but don't be surprised if it doesn't. Ordinary cable can let in more interference than double shielded cable and this can prevent the Digibox from recognising the signals from the tvLINK.
The cable should be routed away from mains wiring and any source of strong interference, regardless of the type of cable used.
Certain devices can interfere with the correct operation of infra-red remote controls. The main culprits are lights (especially "energy saving", fluorescent and the high brightness mercury and sodium types), computer monitors and some sources of radio interferences, too.
The "magic eye" infra red sensor may not work if it is placed on, or very close to, a TV set which is emitting interference. A common problem is that people stick the "eye" to a plasma screen or large TV set and then report intermittent or no operation. If you have problems, please move the "eye" well away from any equipment that might interfere. A distance of 3 metres is required in the case of some large flat screens!
The tvLINK simply passes the TV picture straight through and sends the remote control signals back to the Digibox. The tvLINK is not needed unless you want to use a Sky remote control. It has no effect on picture or sound.
Remote extender "magic eyes" and masthead amplifiers need to be powered via the coaxial cable. If the "TV" plugs aren't fitted correctly, the connection will be intermittent and you'll have problems. See a short movie of how to fit a plug correctly by clicking HERE.
Checks to carry out
Connect the adapter female end (right hand of picture) to the "RF2" or "RF out 2" socket at the rear of your digibox with a short (1 metre) connecting cable. DO NOT connect a second TV to the adapter end marked "TV" at this stage. Turn the Digibox on and press the following button sequence quickly and without looking at the TV screen.
[Services] 401 [Select] 4
Now use the "down" arrow button to move the on-screen highlight bar down to RF POWER.
Use the "right" arrow button to change it to say "ON".
Use the "down" arrow button to move the highlight bar to "Save Settings".
Press Select.
The LED on the adapter should now light. If it does NOT light, check your connections and try again. If it still does not light, take a multimeter set to "DC Volts" and measure the voltage coming directly out of socket "RF2" at the rear of the Digibox. The multimeter should indicate approximately 8 to 9 volts DC. If it does not then your Digibox is probably faulty. If it does, then the connecting lead or the TV Link is faulty. Check the connecting lead by plugging it into "RF2" and measuring the voltage at the open end of the lead. If this measures 9 volts then the lead is OK. Contact us for a replacement TV Link. Note: if you have no meter, we sell multimeters! See "tools" in our price list.
If the adapter LED does light, put the "mouse" behind the Digibox where the Digibox will not see the Remote Control Handset and point the RCH at the "mouse". Press the "Sky" button then make sure that the Digibox responds to the RCH signals going to the "mouse" (and not simply to reflections off walls etc.) Shield the front panel of the Digibox if necessary.
Once you are happy that the TV Link is working, you can disconnect it from the Digibox and reconnect it to the location of the second TV set with the long run of double-shielded coaxial cable. (Leave the second TV disconnected for now). If the adapter LED now fails to light, the long coaxial cable is faulty or has a faulty connector plug or else you have connected something in line (a splitter?) which is preventing the voltage from reaching the TV Link. Investigate this further. Make sure all plugs are making a good connection by crimping or soldering. We stock TV plugs with a SCREW connection.
Once the adapter LED lights in this position, try using the RCH to control the Digibox remotely. If it now works OK, reconnect the adapter to the second TV and make sure it still works.
If, however, the adapter LED lights but it does not send signals back to the Digibox via the long cable, it's probable that the cable is the wrong type (not double-screened), or faulty (kinked), or connections are bad, or there's something else connected that's preventing the RCH signals from passing back to the Digibox (a connector, splitter or amplifier?)
OK, if you've followed these instructions carefully, you should at least have found the cause of your problem, if not cured it.
One point to note. The Digibox automatically detects a short-circuit and shuts off the 9 volt feed to "RF2". There is very little risk of causing damage but, if at any stage the adapter LED fails to light, the first thing to do is to use the RCH button sequence (above) to look at the "RF Power" menu. Simply viewing this on-screen menu will automatically set the power back to "ON" if it was ON to start with.
If you are absolutely convinced, after following these instructions, that your TV Link is faulty, then you may (after e-mailing me) return it for replacement (if you bought it from us). If it tests OK, however, we will charge you for postage and handling time.
Note: A failing GRUNDIG power supply can prevent any of the SkyLink remote extenders from working! (This may be true of other Digibox makes but it's a proven fact for Grundig).
Note: Some Digiboxes (especially SKY+) will not work when the TV Link is connected via a critical length of cable (usually 5.5 metres or a multiple of that - 11m, 16.5m etc. Try adding a couple more metres of cable with an in-line screw "F" connector. If that doesn't help, disconnect the 2nd TV. If the remote commands now get through, you need our Decoupler (see below).
