Hot Link Pro! — Remote Control Booster System Instructions

Complete instructions for the Hot Link Pro! Remote Control Booster System — a hidden infrared (IR) remote control repeater that lets you operate closed-cabinet equipment with a standard remote and extends remote range up to 65 feet.

Overview

Hot Link Pro! is a supersensitive, hidden IR remote control repeater. It lets IR remotes operate equipment tucked away in closed cabinets and extends the effective range of a remote control up to 65 feet. The system consists of a Receiver Eye (captures the remote's IR signal from anywhere in the room), a Repeater Box (relays the signal), IR Emitters (attached to each piece of equipment's IR window), and a green Confirmation LED (visual feedback that the system is working).

Caution: Do not enclose equipment not meant to be fully enclosed. Most equipment won't overheat in a moderately-sized cabinet, but high-powered amplifiers and receivers may overheat and cause damage — allow for ventilation through the back of the cabinet.

Quick Setup Guide

1. Mount the Receiver Eye in a visible location using the screw tab or Velcro tabs.
2. Apply Emitters to the original equipment's IR eyes, removing the red backing on the adhesive tabs.
3. Mount the confirmation LED using its adhesive tab.
4. Mount the Repeater Box with Velcro tabs.
5. Plug the power supply into the Hot Link Pro! and into a standard 120VAC outlet.

Receiver Eye Placement

The Receiver Eye is sensitive enough to be located in a slot behind a cabinet door, mounted on an exposed cabinet top or shelf, behind a speaker grill, behind a cabinet facing into the room, or in a toe-kick facing the floor. It can often work from the back of the room. Avoid facing the Eye Window toward direct sunlight, high-powered flood lamps, 12-volt halogen lamps on switching power supplies, or high-efficiency screw-in fluorescent lamps — these can emit excess low-frequency RF, pulsed IR, or ambient light that interferes with operation. If using other IR repeaters nearby, verify they aren't emitting spurious IR. Mount the Eye at least one foot from the television if possible; it can be shielded from direct view of Plasma TV screens (which emit pulsed IR) if needed. A green LED glowing with no remote activity indicates noise — relocate the Receiver Eye away from the noise source until the LED goes off.

Installing IR Emitters

Locate the IR eye/window on your equipment (use a flashlight through the faceplate, or check the owner's manual). With the equipment on and its front blocked from the handheld remote, hold the remote a few feet from the Receiver Eye and press a known function button while slowly moving the Emitter across the front panel (about 1/4 inch away) until the equipment responds. Apply the Emitter to that spot with its sticky side.

Route emitter wires to avoid covering tape/disc slots and doors that could pull the wires when opening/closing. A non-contact mounting option is available: peel the double-stick tape off the Emitter, tape the wire to a shelf or clamp it under equipment, then bend the wire so the Emitter faces the equipment's IR eye from up to 3 inches away. Custom emitter wire lengths are available to 25 feet; mark polarity before cutting to lengthen wires.

Green Confirmation LED

Mount in a discrete slot. When working properly it is off with no remote activity, blinks when activated by a remote command, and blinks once when the Receiving Eye's RCA connector is unplugged from the Repeater Box. If it lights inadvertently, it's detecting spurious IR or low-frequency RF — see Receiver Eye placement tips above.

Repeater Box & Power

The Repeater Box is internally shielded and resistant to RF noise, but avoid bundling emitter wires near a TV's fly-back transformer (located in the lower part of rear-projection sets). Plug the power supply's connector into the power input on the back of the Repeater Box, then plug the supply into a standard 110-120V wall outlet.

System Check

Turn the system on with the remote to verify operation, then test various commands with the equipment hidden. Try aiming the remote at furniture, walls, floor, and ceiling to find reflective surfaces that bounce IR commands to the receiver.

Operating Notes

• Sensitivity increases automatically as ambient light decreases — performance may vary between day and night
• Receives commands even if equipment is behind or overhead the user, such as with projection TVs
• High-efficiency screw-in fluorescent lights and some radio-type IR repeaters can cause interference
• Some receivers use high-frequency remote signals above 60kHz that Hot Link Pro cannot repeat

Accessories

• Additional Receiver Eye for connecting to other IR emitters (supplied with "Y" RCA adapter)
• Coax Extender Cable, custom lengths to 25 feet (extra length may reduce IR distance)
• 12-volt fused adapter for use in motor homes
• 120VAC power supply
• Replacement adhesive tape (free)

Safety & Notes

• Indoor use only
• Liability limited to cost of product replacement
• Do not open the Power Supply or Repeater Box — no user-serviceable parts inside
• Do not expose to water, moisture, or rain
• Connect only to 110-120 VAC, or 12VDC using the fused power adapter
• Refer servicing to qualified personnel

Support

For service and accessories, call 800-999-8846 · www.hot-link.com · P.O. Box 7829, Jackson, WY 83002