Sky TV Link Eye Wiring Question?

[Unwell Cat]

I've had Sky+ recently installed and wanted to use my old TV Link Eye thingy to watch the same channels in two rooms.

Sky+ is installed in the lounge and I want to setup the TV Link in the back room. Can someone tell me in simple terms what I need to buy to connect the two up please. I'm assuming just a long stretch of Co-ax cable?

[gunrock]

That's exactly it. You'll need to turn on the RF2 link, with some fancy hidden Sky service menu (look it up, I think it's 4 0 2 or similar). Make sure that you plug the Eye thing in, because the RF2 puts 9v through the coax and if you plug it directly into the aerial socket on your second TV, you'll fry it the socket or TV (if you're unlucky).

[Unwell Cat]

Ok thanks. Do I need to tool to make up the connectors or do they just plug onto the Co-ax?

[gunrock]

Ok thanks. Do I need to tool to make up the connectors or do they just plug onto the Co-ax?

You'll need to buy the correct male/female RF connecto ends. They pretty much screw over the ends (but for a bit of crimping with a pair or pliers first). You have to make sure you're careful with the cable shielding so that you don't pick up noise in your picture but really, it's a piece of cake.

[Hidekazu Kushima]

To access the rf link settings, press 'services' then 0, 1, select. In that menu you'll find 'rf output' iirc. In this menu switch the second option to 'on' and you'll now have 12v going through the coax from rf2 out meaning you can control it from another room.

If you ever want to take things further (more rooms) you'll need an amp which doesn't interfere with the signal (the vast majority do). I've had great success with the SLX range of amps.

eg: http://www.maplin.co.uk/free_uk_deli...pass_33969.htm

As for cabling, don't scrimp on the coax, get some high quality stuff. Like the audio industry, the cable doesn't IMPROVE a signal, it merely makes sure you don't lose any quality. Plugs and sockets can vary in quality but for the most part they're fine. You'll want a female end (socket) for the sky box and a male for the tv/sky eye end.

Also don't crimp the end, just bend the inner core of the coax over so it brushes the inside of the plug. I've seen plug centres break INSIDE sets due to people crimping them too hard, this way you'll have no problems and if you find you've trapped some shiedling or whatever you can actually get the plug off.

[Unwell Cat]

Thanks for the info mate. Any detailed instructions for how to make the actual ends up?

To access the rf link settings, press 'services' then 0, 1, select. In that menu you'll find 'rf output' iirc. In this menu switch the second option to 'on' and you'll now have 12v going through the coax from rf2 out meaning you can control it from another room.

If you ever want to take things further (more rooms) you'll need an amp which doesn't interfere with the signal (the vast majority do). I've had great success with the SLX range of amps.

eg: http://www.maplin.co.uk/free_uk_deli...pass_33969.htm

As for cabling, don't scrimp on the coax, get some high quality stuff. Like the audio industry, the cable doesn't IMPROVE a signal, it merely makes sure you don't lose any quality. Plugs and sockets can vary in quality but for the most part they're fine. You'll want a female end (socket) for the sky box and a male for the tv/sky eye end.

Also don't crimp the end, just bend the inner core of the coax over so it brushes the inside of the plug. I've seen plug centres break INSIDE sets due to people crimping them too hard, this way you'll have no problems and if you find you've trapped some shiedling or whatever you can actually get the plug off.

[Hidekazu Kushima]

making the cable? cut back some of the outer jacket (about 3/4") with a stanley blade, making sure to cut shallow so you don't cut the shielding (outer conducter on the following pic). Pull back the shielding and twist it together for ease. Cut back the insulation to 4/5mm off the shielding.



Gently bend the inner conductor so it'll nicely press against the inside of the plug making a decent connection, if you want to go hardcore then solder it in but there's really no need. Disassemble the plug, put the collar over the cable, place the clamp next, plug inner and then outer. Tighten it all up and boom! You're done.

[Unwell Cat]

Thanks mate, I'll have a go this coming weekend.

making the cable? cut back some of the outer jacket (about 3/4") with a stanley blade, making sure to cut shallow so you don't cut the shielding (outer conducter on the following pic). Pull back the shielding and twist it together for ease. Cut back the insulation to 4/5mm off the shielding.



Gently bend the inner conductor so it'll nicely press against the inside of the plug making a decent connection, if you want to go hardcore then solder it in but there's really no need. Disassemble the plug, put the collar over the cable, place the clamp next, plug inner and then outer. Tighten it all up and boom! You're done.