Sky I/O Replication

iO-LINK compatibility for multi-room installations

Older type Sky™ boxes such as the DRX595 and DRX890 series no longer provide a UHF modulated output.

A consequence of this is that they have no powered RF2 connection for distribution to other rooms of a house, just the iO link.
A significant difference between the iO-LINK and RF2 is the available current for powering remote infrared eyes and associated amplifiers.
The iO-LINK will only power one eye , whereas RF2 on the older receivers could power a typical 4-way distribution system (75mA max).

Using PROception products with iO-LINK to build multi-way systems...

Our ProLink22 product plugs into the accessory I/O PORT of the newer HD Sky™ set-top box and provides a modulated PAL output together with the remote control power facilities originally provided by RFOUT-2.
An aerial loop-through facility is also provided. It's easy to use the iO-LINK with the unrivalled PROception range of amplifiers and accessories to build multi-room systems, allowing users to watch and control their Sky™ receiver from every TV room in the house.

For a simple single extension room only a proSAT1EYE infrared eye is required. Larger systems will need a suitable amplifier to distribute the signals and power the eyes.

PROception Alternative to iO-LINK (PROLINK22)

Flexible RF Output Modulator, restoring traditional Sky distribution

Distributing the analogue RF output of a Sky™ box from the main TV location to other rooms remains a popular solution for aerial installers. The new PROception proLINK22 modulator and remote control unit allows unrivalled flexibility for this application.

System Components for iO-Link Compatibility with Other Equipment:

Using passive splitters

A 2-way passive splitter such as the proSPL204 can be used with the iO-LINK to power two PROception eyes without an additional amplifier or power unit. However, this is not a recommended configuration since we cannot guarantee that it will work in all situations. The iO-LINK is designed to power one eye only. All other configurations should include a powered amplifier to ensure reliable operation with iO-LINK or proLINK22.

Using passive splitters can introduce other problems. A splitter must have DC power-pass capability to power multiple eyes to all its outlets. If one split leg is connected directly to a TV receiver, omitting the eye, it is likely to short out the 9V power to the eyes on the other leg(s), causing confusion and callbacks. This risk is avoided entirely by using a proper IR-capable amplifier designed to handle this situation.

Sky™ is a registered trade mark of British Sky Broadcasting plc.

tvLINK™ is a registered trade mark of Global Invacom Ltd.

Problem-solving installation of IO-Link (PROLINK22 and TV Eyes (PROSAT1EYEMK3)
If after your installation things are not working as expected:

1. TV is not displaying picture from Sky™ box and LED on PROSAT1EYE mk3 is NOT lit.
   Please check all of the connections. If the LED is not lit, then this suggests one of the plugs is not correctly fitted and is either shorted or not connected.
2. TV is not displaying a picture from Sky™ box and LED on PROSAT1EYE mk3 IS lit.
   The TV is not yet tuned to the channel on the Sky box. Please re-tune your TV and ensure you are in analogue mode, not DTT mode.
3. TV is displaying a picture from the Sky™ box, but the remote does not work, and PROSAT1EYE mk3 LED is not lit.
   a. Ensure that if you have wall plates fitted, they are power pass type (all Blake outlets are power pass)
   b. You may need to switch on the Sky™ mode RF2. This is done using the service menu on the Sky™  Box and in different ways depending on the model.
   Either Press services, 001 select (ignore the menu on the screen until the end), go into the RF options and switch to power on, remember to save the settings.
   or Press Services, then 001, press Select and then 4. Scroll down to RF Outlet Power Supply, press the right arrow to select ON, then the green button to Save.
   c. Check for shorts or breaks on all plugs and cables. (Bear in mind a break will stop voltage passing, but RF will jump the break and allow for a picture!)
   
   Troubleshooting an installation usually involves taking things back to stage one.
   Take the  PROSAT1EYEMK3 eye and push directly into the RF2 output of the  proLINK22 , in the back of the Sky™ box. If the eye LED lights and the remote work, then the problem is further up in the installation.
   If the eye does not work, then the Sky™ RF2 needs switching on (see #3 above).
   Sometimes, after a short, the Sky™  the box will switch off the RF2 voltage (even though it says it's on!). Simply switch off, save, and switch back on and save.
   Next, take the PROSAT1EYEMK3 and connect to the cable BEFORE it enters the distribution amplifier. If that lights, then the cable is OK at that point.
   Now check the distribution amplifier is Sky™ RF2 compatible; in our PROAMP range,. This is confirmed by the R at the end of our part number (e.g. proamp28R).
   The amplifier must have return path  for this to work.
   Plug the eye into the output of the distribution amplifier. If the lights and the remote work, then this proves the amplifier is on the return path and working as expected.
   If all that has worked, the problem may be in the down-lead from the amplifier to the TV set. Check plugs and if you have a multimeter, check the continuity of the cable.
   Check that the wall plate (if used) are power pass, as this will stop the eye from getting power.
   It is also worth noting at this point, ensure that the TV is NOT outputting 5v as if powering a masthead amplifier, check manufacturers instructions as this can stop the eye from working.

Using :-  PROAMP310X  PROSAT1EYE PROLINK22  local power by proPSA125	Using:-  PROAMP310X  PROSAT1EYE  PROLINK22  remote power by PROPSU11F	Using:-  PROSPL204  PROSAT1EYE  PROINK22  powered via Sky™ box