12V Trigger question

pmckeealaska

I have a NAD T763 reciever that I use as my pre-amp for 2-channel music. I use a Rotel RB1080 amp for 2 channel also. I know both have 12V trigger input/outputs. My question is very basic. What exactly are these used for? I think they are used so that you can remotely turn off one or both components (like for the Rotel which has no remote and must be turned off by hand?). Is this correct, and if so, what do I need to utilize these features on the NAD and Rotel? Thanks

AsSiMiLaTeD

yep, the 12v trigger allows you to 'remotely' turn on an amp or whatever...

so you plug a cord from your receiver 12v out into an amps 12v in, and when you turn on the receiver, the amps turns on as well...

pmckeealaska

where do I get a 12V trigger cable or whatever it is I need? Is it something I can pick up at a Radio Shack?

pjdami

Yes, you can get it at Radio shack. 1/8 inch miniplug non-stereo (mono) version.

It's like $2.99.

Frank Z

Don't rush out to Radio Shack just yet. You need to make sure that the signal from the preamp is compatible with the signal that the amp needs in order to turn on. My old Pioneer Elite amp would not work with anything but another piece of Pioneer equipment, and the signal from my old PE receiver would not turn on my Outlaw amp.

Compare the manuals and/or the markings at the 3.5mm jack for both units before connecting them.

bknauss

Stereo miniplugs can also be used.

Toxis

Originally posted by Frank Z
Don't rush out to Radio Shack just yet. You need to make sure that the signal from the preamp is compatible with the signal that the amp needs in order to turn on. My old Pioneer Elite amp would not work with anything but another piece of Pioneer equipment, and the signal from my old PE receiver would not turn on my Outlaw amp.

Compare the manuals and/or the markings at the 3.5mm jack for both units before connecting them.

so what exactly should we be looking for?

disneyjoe7

I think Frank Z. problem with Pioneer Elite is that this trigger output isn't 12v output that 98% of amps are looking for. I think it's a serial output word sending to another Pioneer Amp down line (Hello I'm PE AVR Turn on Please) not the 12v on 0v off thing.

My suggestion is this using a wallwart (Power Pack) for the 12vdc small 100ma or so, with a power end fitting the amp you need to control. Note some amp(s) I found out use 2.5mm other use 3.5mm plugs so check first. This is what I'm been during for 2 yrs now on an Onkyo AVR. On the switched outlet on back of AVR I have an extension cord plugged, and then have the wallwart on floor.

TheReaper

Originally posted by Toxis
so what exactly should we be looking for?

When the receiver turns the trigger on. For example, my Onkyo 702 only turns the trigger on for Zone 2.

Taking a quick glance at the NAD T763 manual, the trigger can be set per input. There is also an Auto-Trigger that can be set in the Advanced Options to Main or Zone, but no explanation is given in the pdf copy of the manual I have

Frank Z

so what exactly should we be looking for?

I was able to find the milliamp (mA) rating for the input jack and then used a 120vac to 12vdc transformer with the same mA output. The transformer has plugged into the switched outlet on my receiver and then into the input back on the amp. When the receiver was turned on the switch was energized and that sent power through the transformer into the amp.

unc2701

What to look for:
1)In your manual it should tell what you what size miniplug to use... It'll be mono.
2)Check to see the mA provided by the NAD
3)Make sure the mA needed on the tigger for the Rotel is less than the mA available from the NAD

Hook it up, enjoy.

If the mA drawn by the trigger is more than that your NAD supplies, go with Frank Z /disneyjoe's reccomendation- find any 12 vdc wallwart transformer with a mA rating more than that for your the trigger on your amp (It doesn't have to match, it just has to be more... but the higher the mA the bigger & more expensive), plug it into the switched outlet on the back of your AVR and splice the other end onto the miniplug and hook it to your Rotel. Oh, and make sure you get the polarity right...

DJoe is right- the pioneer signal was a serial thing, you could also use it to, say, stop/start/skip your CDP through the AVR's remote control... kinda went out of style with universal remotes & people mixing brands.

[Deleted User]

Is JVC's "Compulink" 12V? It doesn't say anywhere in the manual. I have a powerstrip that has a 12V out that switches components on and off with 12V inputs. I also have an older Pioneer 25-disc changer that has the same type of input but no documentation.

unc2701

nope, those are different - they're both serial controls.

[Deleted User]

Crap! Thanks for the info.

nadams

Yeah, the JVC compulink actually allows you to control CDP, VCRs, etc (changing channels/tracks and inputs, for example) from your single JVC receiver remote control. Pretty cool, but I've never seen another component that uses compulink. My receiver/remote supports it, tho !