Broken IR receiver, Magic Eye workaround?

galwayguy85

Hey Guys

The IR receiver on my Pace Sky Box has stopped working. I know that the remote is still good though.

Thinking of my options now, my local electronics shop is quoting me €50 to repair it, a bit much I think!

The other option I was thinking of would be the Sky Magic Eye. I admit I don't know a whole a lot about it other than it lets you watch Sky in another room on a second TV whilst changing channels remotely. In my case there would be no second room, second TV etc.

Would this be a viable workaround?

zg3409

Assuming that it is just the eye on the box that is faulty, a Sky eye should work. The connector on the back of the box is called RF2, so to get a unit to plug straight into it make sure to get one that has the right connector.

Also you need to enable the option in a menu, to allow power, to power up the eye.

This unit should do:
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Magic-Eye-Infra-Red-Remote-Controller-for-Sky-Digital-/280746686714?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item415dce78fa

however you can often get a whole Sky box relatively cheap, and that is sure to fix the problem.

Once you get the unit, connect it to RF2 and then enable the option in the hidden menu. Then the light on the unit should come on, then it should work, however it may be another fault on the box causing it to not work for another reason.

galwayguy85

Thanks for that. One thing that has occurred to me is if I need to access a secret menu I would likely need a functioning remote/IR pair in the first place? Could I already be locked out?

Eric Cartman

what model pace box is it, and are you handy enough with taking things apart. The IR receiver is on a little daughterboard on the front of the box with the lights, does'nt even require soldering to replace, just taking apart the box and replacing the board.

galwayguy85

It is model number TDS470NB. Taking the thing apart is not something yet attempted.

Liameter

If the 9v power isn't already on, you would need to power the "eye" via DC inserter or via a SkyLink compatible amplified splitter - at least while you turn the power on in the menu.

zg3409

galwayguy85 wrote: »

Thanks for that. One thing that has occurred to me is if I need to access a secret menu I would likely need a functioning remote/IR pair in the first place? Could I already be locked out?

As Liameter said, you are correct, in that you would not be able to access the menu option. The alternative is, as said is a power inserter like:

http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/DC1.htm

however as I already said I would opt for a secondhand box, as there is a chance it still may not work.