Tech Support page information
Hot Link Pro Instructions
(PDF)Eye Mounting Instructions (PDF)
Quick Set Up Guide (PDF)
Hot Link Pro XL Instructions (PDF)
Emitter Extension Kit Instructions (PDF)
Expansion Kit Instructions
Bezel Install Instructions (PDF)
Most Installation difficulties regarding Hot Link Pro fall in
to two categories. Noise injection from another source or Incorrect emitter
placement. A third and rare category is super high carrier frequency on
some receivers. Toughies may be directed to Marcus at 800-999-8846.
Noise/interference solutions for Hot Link Pro:
Note first that the Hot Link Pro is very noise impervious. The RF shielding and input electronics are very robust.
Noise is present if Confirmation LED is glowing, even just a little, when remotes are not in use.
Try first: Check system; With Hot Link Eye already plugged in, insert power plug and observe blue LED blink once on power-up. Then unplug eye cable and only re-insert the tip of the RCA Connector. blue LED should be on full. Finish insertion and LED should turn off. Try the following...
Re-insert the RCA eye connector a few times. This breaks up any oxides on the connector.
Questions to find noise injecting sources:
Is the Eye to close to an RF noise source such as the TV? Is blue LED turn on and off with TV? Solution; Move away from TV/noise source until blue LED goes COMPLETELY off.
Is there any IR to RF to IR repeaters in use such as the Powered? They leak IR. Check by turning off the other repeater. Solution: Get good quality, IR repeater 800mhz type.
If the TV is plasma discharge is the eye looking directly at it or any reflections from furniture? Solution; shadow eye from Plasma screen. Do this by mounting the Eye to the side or directly behind the Plasma screen, then rotating the eye away from the screen until LED stops glowing completely. The super sensitivity of the eye will still allow it to see remote control commands even if facing the wall. Note: The Sharp Aquos LCD 37 inch is extremely IR noisy. It will require hiding the eye almost completely or covering most of it with Black tape and using a high powered remote like URC-2 Or Theater master or Harmony 880.
Are there any High efficiency screw-in type fluorescent lamps within 25 feet? These devices emit LF IR. Solution; shadow eye from view or change bulb to incandescent.
Power supplies for 12-volt halogen lamps are often excellent LF RF transmitters. Are there any present? Solution; buy garden lamp power supplies to replace the noisy ones.
Are there any "unqualified" RCA extension cables being used to extend the IR Eye? Use only woven shielded caox,(RG6, RG59, RG58 etc.)and metal shelled connectors. Standard A/V cables are mostly "twisted shield" which is insufficient for blocking LFRF.
Noise leaks with Hot Link Pro, if damaged: How to test; Wrap the un-insulated end of a three foot wire around the outside of the RCA connector and re-install in Hot Link Black box, wrap other un-insulated end around brass barrel of eye. If this works, we send you a new eye.
Normal fluorescent lights do not effect Hot Link Pro unless they are very close. Note that some long tube fluorescent lamps are pulsed type ballasts and may cause interference. Normal HF RF equipment does not effect the Hot Link Pro such as Radio phones cell phones etc.
Emitter Pad placement:
Some equipment marks the location of the IR receiving Eye in the wrong place. Use flashlight to confirm location for the Hot Link Pro Emitter pad. Sony STR, Motorola Set top HDTV models often have the Eye on the exact opposite side as marked. Harmon Kardon AVR series Eye is not as marked but to the right and online with the five black buttons within the plastic black panel. For HR20 and Scientific Atlanta 8300 boxes, the Emitter may need to be placed adjacent to the receiver Eye or on top of 3 to five layers of beige masking tape.
Super high frequency carriers:
Hot Link Pro repeats 18Khz to 120 Khz. Some units use super high frequency remote carriers. Some Kenwood high-end receivers and a few older Sony ES line receivers as well as Sony CDX in-dash CD players for cars, use 455Khz. Pioneer Elite receivers only use 1Mghz and they offer their own repeater for it.