My mono block amps have 12v trigger inputs to connect to another device to receive a signal to automatically power themselves on upon another device being powered on. Unfortunately none of my other audio gear has 12v trigger outputs. So my question is where can I find a gadget with 3.5mm outputs that will send out a 12v signal to my amps upon itself receiving a signal from a remote?
Currently I own this device but it too requires being sent a signal to be able to send out a 12v trigger signal: Amazon.com: Emotiva Audio ET-3 Wire Management: Home Audio & Theater
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Currently I own this device but it too requires being sent a signal to be able to send out a 12v trigger signal: Amazon.com: Emotiva Audio ET-3 Wire Management: Home Audio & Theater
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
If you want a unit that will go between a previously amplified signal and your mono blocks you could consider a very high gain amplifier coupled with a time delayed circuit to detect the presence of audio.
The other approach is to use the power rails of the pre-amplifier to provide the 12V trigger.
If you Google "audio activated trigger" you'll see the general approach to this.
The other approach is to use the power rails of the pre-amplifier to provide the 12V trigger.
If you Google "audio activated trigger" you'll see the general approach to this.
Last edited:
Searching "audio activated trigger" brings up devices activated by sound not devices for audio gear.
You can use a remote controlled AC socket and a 12V DC wall wart with 3.5mm jack:
AC Power Energy Saving IR Infrared Wireless Remote Control Outlet Switch Socket 664297257792 | eBay
ACU120100Z9121: Jameco Reliapro : AC to AC Wall Adapter Transformer 12 Volt AC @ 1000mA Black Straight 3.5mm Male Plug : Power Supplies & Wall Adapters
AC Power Energy Saving IR Infrared Wireless Remote Control Outlet Switch Socket 664297257792 | eBay
ACU120100Z9121: Jameco Reliapro : AC to AC Wall Adapter Transformer 12 Volt AC @ 1000mA Black Straight 3.5mm Male Plug : Power Supplies & Wall Adapters
using a step down transformer and rectifier as to get 12v, and an output of incredibly low current should enable you to run the trigger from the main power of the other audio gear 🙂
fred luther, a 15 year old audiofool
fred luther, a 15 year old audiofool
Andolink.
First You must find out if the mono-blocks need a constant 12V or just a 12V pulse to switch and stay on. This is simply to test as long as You know how to connect there a presumably 12V DC source.
If it needs a constant 12V source, it's easy. Just activate a relay powered by the pre-amp power rails, or on / off circuit, connect this to a 12v source and voilá.
You just need it to work as a switch.
If it needs just a pulse, You can do the same, but You will need a timed delay circuit which cuts the 12V after a few ms. There are multi-function relays at electrics stores for this. Carlo Gavazzi brand comes me into mind, Alarm stores also carry similar things.
The Adapter Chrisng suggests is AC. Check with the Amp manual, if it needs AC or DC and just add a bridge and a filtering cap.
First You must find out if the mono-blocks need a constant 12V or just a 12V pulse to switch and stay on. This is simply to test as long as You know how to connect there a presumably 12V DC source.
If it needs a constant 12V source, it's easy. Just activate a relay powered by the pre-amp power rails, or on / off circuit, connect this to a 12v source and voilá.
You just need it to work as a switch.
If it needs just a pulse, You can do the same, but You will need a timed delay circuit which cuts the 12V after a few ms. There are multi-function relays at electrics stores for this. Carlo Gavazzi brand comes me into mind, Alarm stores also carry similar things.
The Adapter Chrisng suggests is AC. Check with the Amp manual, if it needs AC or DC and just add a bridge and a filtering cap.
Oops! Should use 12V DC adapter, if one with 3.5mm output jack hard to find, a 5.5x2.1mm female to 3.5mm converter jack should get the job done.
3.5mm Male to 5.5x2.1mm Female DC Adapter Converter-Jack Power Plug CCTV DVR 5055538136672 | eBay
Pass DIY Addict
Joined 2000
Paid Member
Or, you can just create you own switch box with a relay and a few outlets and skip the guess work about what kind of signal your amps prefer in order to be triggered by your preamp.
This box contains a 1/8" mono female jack as the input signal. This comes from a 12v wall wart that plugs into a switched outlet on my preamp and has a 1/8" male jack at the end of the cord. The 12v power drives a heavy duty 240v 30A relay with a 12v DC trigger that controls AC mains power to three outlets. The small resistor on the 12v line makes sure that the relay coil stays cool when powered up for hours at a time. The whole thing is powered by it's own AC input through the EIC inlet. The mains earth line is always connected. The Line and Neutral mains wires are both switched by the relay, so absolutely no power flows when things are switched off. The AC mains is carried inside the box by 14g solid core wire, the same wire the my house is wired with.
When the preamp is on, the outlets are active. When the preamp is off, the outlets are dead. Total cost was $30: a 12v wall wart, 1/8" male and female jacks, and a 14ga EIC cord, each from my parts box, $12 for the project box, $7.50 for three outlets, and $10 for the relay.
This box contains a 1/8" mono female jack as the input signal. This comes from a 12v wall wart that plugs into a switched outlet on my preamp and has a 1/8" male jack at the end of the cord. The 12v power drives a heavy duty 240v 30A relay with a 12v DC trigger that controls AC mains power to three outlets. The small resistor on the 12v line makes sure that the relay coil stays cool when powered up for hours at a time. The whole thing is powered by it's own AC input through the EIC inlet. The mains earth line is always connected. The Line and Neutral mains wires are both switched by the relay, so absolutely no power flows when things are switched off. The AC mains is carried inside the box by 14g solid core wire, the same wire the my house is wired with.
When the preamp is on, the outlets are active. When the preamp is off, the outlets are dead. Total cost was $30: a 12v wall wart, 1/8" male and female jacks, and a 14ga EIC cord, each from my parts box, $12 for the project box, $7.50 for three outlets, and $10 for the relay.
Attachments
Last edited:
I currently use Insteon outdoor outlets for remote turn on, but I would like a 12v remote turn on with ip control...does anyone know of one?
IP remote hardware relay switch, based on Arduino (DIY and start learning Arduino)
1-Outlet Remote Power Reboot Switch control power on off IP CAT5
Or You could go the DMX lighting route. Not IP based, but address based.
1-Outlet Remote Power Reboot Switch control power on off IP CAT5
Or You could go the DMX lighting route. Not IP based, but address based.
Has anyone come up with a quick and easy fix for the o/p question? My new pre-amp does not have 12v trigger and I need to power up 4 power amps with trigger inputs. Is there a commercial product that generates remote 12v outputs?
Pass DIY Addict
Joined 2000
Paid Member
Yep - see 5 posts up. Cost is $10 for a relay, $12 for 3 outlets and $15 for a project box. An hour or two of work and you're done.