Marmitek Infrared extender: IR Control 8

Posted by Keith Pilborough on 12th Jun 2009

Firstly I would like to cover the delivery. The box did arrive within two days and the only thing I would say is the information I wrote on the order form regarding delivery instructions did'nt appear anywhere on the packaging or invoice. It was luck that someone from work was outside when the package arrived and took it in as we have no reception and the instructions were to deliver at 'Goods In'. It could have been a one off.

The unit is very easy to assemble and small enough to be unobtrusive. I had three devices to link up the infrared sensors to, Yamaha AV amp, Panasonic DVD and a SKY Plus box (Latest Amstrad build). If your instructions detail where the sensors are on the equipment you've cracked it, otherwise you have to use a bit of trial and error. The Yamaha and Panasonic were easy and work fine with sensor stuck on the unit.

The SKY box was a nightmare despite searching the web for info which was readily available. I ended up dismantling the SKY box to locate the sensor. It seems the set top boxes can be very sensitive and do not always work if the sensor is directly applied to the unit. For the SKY box mine is now stuck 5cm in front of the unit on the furniture drawer directly in line with the sensor which is behind the silver strip, 58mm from the centre button. Everything is working fine so apart from the few hours spent on the SKY box I am impressed with the service from UK Automation and the unit.