Dusky Control - FAQs

Does it work on Windows? Does it work on linux?

It works on windows, linux and Mac OS X. (Obviously, you need a version of windows or linux that supports usb, but all relatively recent versions do.)

There's also no reason that it shouldn't work on other USB supporting platforms (eg. BSD). Example code is supplied that uses 'libusb', which has been ported to many operating systems.

Will it work with my sky box?

All our controllers work with all UK supplied Sky, Sky+ and Sky HD boxes. They also all support the FOXTEL iQ PVR (but not the iQ2) and the Foxtel Pace 420.

Can this control a italian/new zealand/etc sky box?

As far as I know (other than the Foxtel ones mentioned above), none of these boxes support the relevant protocol. If they do, the box would have a RF outlet on it labelled "9V DC 75mA" or similar.

The following Sky boxes from other countries definitely do not have the relevant port:

• Sky Italia HD box (Pace TDS850NS) : will not work, no RF2 port.

How does the controller connect to the sky box?

The controller connects to the port labelled 'RF 2' or 'RF out 2'. This port usually also has a label reading '9V DC 75mA'.

The controller injects the remote control commands directly into this port, meaning that no IR (infra-red) emitter is required.

Will it work with my NTL / Telewest / Blueyonder set top box

Unfortunately none of our controllers will work with any of these boxes. The UK cable companies supply boxes that can only be controlled by infra-red.

Can you tell me how to use the RS232 port on the Sky box to change channel?

Unfortunately I can't. The RS232 is only used to provide information to the Sky Gnome, and to take input from the Sky Gamepads. There is no way to control the sky box using it's serial port, but fortunately you can use our range of serial and USB controllers to control your Sky box.

Could Sky change something to stop your controller working?

Our controllers use the same protocol that 'tv links'/'magic eyes' and the sky gnome use - there's no way Sky could stop our controller working without also breaking all the 'tvlinks' they've installed in hundreds of thousands of homes across the country.

Can you ship to ...?

We can ship to anywhere in the world. Once you have added controllers to your cart and selected your location, the postage method and cost will automatically be calculated.

How easy is it to install?

The installation is very simple. No drivers are required.

What's the RF pass through version for?

The RF pass through version of the controller is required if you already have devices connected to the RF2 port on your sky/sky+ digibox. If the Sky controller is the only device you want to attach to the RF2 port, you do not need the passthrough version.

If you use tv links/'magic eyes' on your RF2 port, you will need a controller that has also been modified to support 'power passthrough', as the power output is blocked by default to avoid damage to TVs. The modification is free, just add a note to your order or email us to let us know.

What if I have an amplifier between my Sky+ box and where I want to use the Sky controller?

Providing the amplifier supports 'IR backchannel', 'IR passthrough' or 'magic eyes' you won't have a problem. The amplifiers made by tvlink are highly recommended.

How secure is the sky+ internet control?

The Sky controller internet control application can be password protected to prevent unauthorised use.

Does it work with MCE?

The Sky controller works great in combination with MCE. A plugin is available to add Sky controller support to MCE. You still need to have the MCE IR emitters connected to your PC (otherwise MCE will not call the Sky controller software), but you can bundle them away in a cupboard.

What PVR software will it work with?

Is it reliable?

When connected directly to a sky/sky+ the Sky controllers is 100% reliable. If it is connected via a longer cable run, the quality of the cabling will affect the reliably - always use good quality screened cable.

How much do they cost?

How do I order one?

Can I use the web control software whilst other software is recording / using the TV card?

Generally only one application can access a TV card at a time - if you are recording, the skycontrol web software won't be able to get access to the tv card. You could get around this by adding an extra TV card.

Note that Microsoft MCE (Media Center Edition) keeps the TV card 'in use' the entire time it is running, so it you want to use the web control software at the same time as MCE is running you will need a second TV card.

How does it all work?

I'd like to control 20 or more sky boxes from a single PC, can you help me?

We certainly can. Please drop us an email and we'll be happy to help you.

What warranty is there on the controllers?

The controllers come with a lifetime warranty. Just drop us an email if you have any problems and we'll get you going again, including repairing or replacing the controller if necessary.

I'm not happy with my controller, can I return it?

We always want our customers to be happy. Just drop us an email and we'll get you sorted out.