SkyLink Magic eye User manual

The Definitive SkyLink Magic Eye Guide
Definitions
SkyLink - Refers to "Sky magic eyes" such as tvLINK, SLxLink,
DigiLink, Digital Link, VisionLink, Triax Link and all the rest.
Secondary TV set - Any remote TV set connected by RF coaxial lead
(other than your main set, which is connected via a Scart or HDMI
lead to your Sky Digibox).
Decoupled cable - a cable in which the outer screen has been
disconnected to leave a tiny gap part way along its length.
Double-screened cable - coaxial cable having a metal foil screen
and a braided copper screen. (Aluminium foil screened cable is
perfectly OK for short runs indoors.)
What is the purpose of a SkyLink magic eye?
The purpose of any SkyLink "magic eye" is to send remote control
signals back down a coaxial cable to your Sky Digibox. It allows
other TV signals to pass through to your secondary TV aerial
socket, unaffected.
The SkyLink device passes all RF signals straight through without
affecting them, including the selected Sky channel (and any
terrestrial aerial signals if an aerial is connected to your Sky
Digibox aerial input).
How do I connect a SkyLink?
Connect it to the RF2 output on your Sky Digibox using double-
screened cable with soldered plugs or screw-connection plugs. It is
essential to have a good connection because the Sky Digibox
provides power to the SkyLink.
A little silicone grease on the plug and pin connections will make it
easier to remove without damaging the RF2 socket (common
problem!) without affecting the electrical connection.
Note that the RF2 socket is male so you will need to use a female-
female adapter unless you have a female TV plug fitted. (Female TV

plugs can not be soldered so ensure that it is the screw connection
type.)
The SkyLink module should never be connected directly to a TV
aerial socket as the strain could damage the socket and/or SkyLink.
You should preferably use a double-screened "decoupled" cable" to
connect the SkyLink to the TV aerial socket. This cable does NOT
need to have soldered plugs because it is not carrying any power.
However, there is no problem if the plugs are soldered. If space is a
premium, a right-angle TV plug can be used. If you need extra
flexibility and a less obtrusive cable, ultra-thin double-screened
cable is available. (Not to be confused with so called "low loss"
aerial cable, which should be avoided.)
A little silicone grease on the plug and pin connections will make it
easier to remove without damaging the TV aerial socket (common
problem!) without affecting the electrical connection.
As all TV sets radiate interference, which might interfere with the
operation of the SkyLink, you may need to position the device away
from the TV. In the case of some large screen TV sets, a distance of
up to three metres may be required. Please bear this in mind if
your SkyLink does not work reliably.
The SkyLink "magic eye" unit does NOT need to be connected to a
secondary TV set in order to send your remote control signals back
to your Sky Digibox. (For example, it can be used as a simple
remote extender if your Digibox is in a cabinet.) However, it MUST
be connected to your secondary TV set if you want Sky picture and
sound on that TV or Freeview programmes.
Will the SkyLink work with any Sky Digibox?
The Amstrad DRX595 has NO RF output at all, and will not work
with a SkyLink "magic eye" unless you also buy a tvLink-Plus and a
power supply.
All other Sky Digiboxes (Standard, Sky-plus and Sky-HD) are
theoretically compatible with all SkyLink devices. In practice,
however, variations in tolerances can cause unreliable operation
with some combinations and with some cable lengths.

The Pace BSKYB1000 minibox "Javelin" has only one RF output.
This is "RF2" and works fine with "magic eyes".
Some Sky Digiboxes have problems with specific conditions of cable
length and "discontinuities" caused by additional connections (in-
line connectors, wall plates, Y-splitters, amplifiers). In many cases
the solution is as simple as adding an extra metre of cable
somewhere in the run or removing the problem connector. In other
cases, the specific configuration will work only with a different
Digibox or SkyLink.
Some Sky Digiboxes can not power more than two “magic eyes”. In
this case you must use an amplified splitter with a separate power
supply.
(If anyone has experienced this problem, please post your Digibox
make and model number here!)
What settings must I change on the Digibox?
The Sky Digibox RF2 Outlet power must be set to ON in the on-
screen menu.
To access this secret Installer Menu, connect your main TV set to
the Sky Digibox with a Scart lead (if not already so.) Make sure you
can see a Sky programme.
Press the following sequence quickly on your Sky remote control:
[services] 401 [select]
or [services] 001 [select] in later HD EPG.
Then press 4 to access the RF Outlet menu.
Set the RF Outlet power to ON and set the UHF channel to an
unused channel between 21 and 69. Save the settings then press
[backup] repeatedly until you see the picture on your main TV.
Tune your secondary TV set to the same UHF number (or find it by
autoscanning in the TV analogue menu). Note that some TV sets
can not tune to 69.
If you see intererference or a grainy Sky picture on your secondary
TV, you have chosen a UHF channel number that is already in use.
Return to the secret Installer menu and try a different number.
Can I use more than one "magic eye"?

Yes. Connect RF2 to a SkyLink compatible splitter or amplifier (see
below). Connect the outputs directly to the "magic eyes" via
double-screened cable.
Can I use an amplifier?
If your Sky RF2 Outlet signal passes through any amplifier or
splitter, these units must be SkyLink compatible, otherwise reliable
operation may be impossible to achieve. If you use wall plates,
make sure they are "DC pass" versions (not "isolated") and fully
screened, otherwise you could get interference and unreliable
operation. Note that the amplifier amplifies the RF signal from RF2.
It does not amplify the signal coming back from the "magic eye".
What's the maximum cable length?
With good quality double-screened cable a length of 20m should be
fine and 50m is often possible. However, if you plan to run a long
length, be sure to test it (loose on the ground) before plastering it
into walls.
What's the best SkyLink?
It's really a personal choice. From feedback we've had, I would
currently recommend the "VisionLink" because it has proved to be
reliable, less prone to interference problems and the "eye" part is
tiny.
What's the best cable?
To minimise problems with interference - especially close to the TV
and other equipment - you should use only double-screened cable.
An ultra-thin white double-screened cable is available for use where
you need extra flexibility and lower visual impact.
What if I have problems after installation?
Buy from a reputable supplier. Ask your supplier for troubleshooting
information.

Troubleshooting isn't too difficult when you understand that the
"eye" requires a 9 volt DC supply from the Digibox (or from an
amplifier) and also sends a signal back to the Digibox.
Anything that blocks DC on the way out or blocks (or interferes
with) RF on the way back, will prevent reliable operation. Hence the
need for good connections and screening of everything, especially
near to any TV set or electronic equipment (including "energy-
saver" bulbs and fluorescent lights).
Since the "eye" itself can't be screened, move it well away from the
TV set and other sources of interference if you have a problem.
How do I power the SkyLink amplified splitter?
Normally it gets its power from RF2 on the Digibox. However, some
Digiboxes can't supply enough power for more than 2 "magic eyes"
so the SkyLink amplifier will require a separate "plug-top" power
supply. If you can't access mains power for a power supply unit
near the SkyLink amplifier, you could try fitting a DC1 in-line DC
inserter near to RF2 and feed a 9 volt DC power supply into that.
Get the complete SkyLink Magic-Eye Guide here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01DAHBTHM