XPA-1 Trigger Issue

[papabear]

Good evening all!

I’m been using 2 Emotiva XPA-1 amps connected to an Emo XSP1 for almost three years.  Very happy with the results.  However, recently I decided add a trigger connection running from the preamp to the amps to enable simultaneous start and close.   The problem is that the amps shut off randomly for a few seconds and restart during playback.  It is as if the amps fall into protection mode .  Removing the trigger connections solves the problem.  As anyone encountered the same problem ?

[vcautokid]

Are you using mono 3.5mm male to male connection cables? The thing next is to isolate whether it is the XSP or the XPA as the cause. Also try Different cables.

[leonski]

These kinds of kconnections are 'always' on? So if you unplug the trigger cabble the devices downstream will turn off?

To bad they are not On / Off so they send a pulse......like some remotes do with TV or other controlled devices.

Forgive me, but I've NEVER used 'em so don't know.



I'll go with VC until I know more. Those kinds of cables can be flakey. Disconnect it once or twice without grabbng the connector itself, and end up with an intermittent connection.

One check MIGHT be to use a meter. Connect with clips, than 'wiggle' th wire and see if the meter flickers....

check center to center than ring to ring.   Tip to ring SHOULD be 'infinite' and if THAT's a problem you have a short.    

It might be possible,  with minimal soldering skills to RETERMINATE this kind of cable or start fresh....make 'em custom lengths.   

[papabear]

Thanks to both of you. I will try a different set of 3.5 male mono jacks and will let you know.

[leonski]

Jul 27, 2020 17:31:32 GMT -5 papabear said:

Thanks to both of you. I will try a different set of 3.5 male mono jacks and will let you know.

If you have a meter, try THAT first.    Save a few $$, maybe?

[donh50]

Make sure the trigger cables are seated firmly in all components.

[leonski]

Jul 27, 2020 20:01:44 GMT -5 donh50 said:

Make sure the trigger cables are seated firmly in all components.

Them Pesky Details!

[papabear]

Thanks everyone! I replaced the original trigger cables that came with the amps with shorter 1m lengths and added electric tape to cover the junction of the speaker cables and the banana plus. So far so good. It was likely a short.

[papabear]

Thanks everyone! I replaced the original trigger cables that came with the amps with shorter 1m lengths and added electric tape to cover the junction of the speaker cables and the banana plus. So far so good. It was likely a short.

[leonski]

Just an OPINION, but I'd delete the tape....which will end up a STICKY MESS at some point.

Replace with HEAT SHRINK and use the wifes hair dryer to shrink. If YOU own aa hair dryer? A seperate problem.

[SteveH]

Aug 3, 2020 17:05:40 GMT -5 leonski said:

Replace with HEAT SHRINK and use the wifes hair dryer to shrink. If YOU own aa hair dryer? A seperate problem.

I have a hair dryer, the ex-wife forgot to take that with her when she left!  Imagine that, she definitely got the better deal with that trade-off 🤣🤣🤣 

[papabear]

Update : Unfortunately, back to square one. Both XPA-1’s went in protection mode (shut down and resume) twice this evening. Pulled the trigger cables out. Never ran into this issue before inserting the trigger cables (new 3.5 mono) in the set up. Will continue for a while without triggers. The investigation continues...

[ttocs]

Aug 23, 2020 20:33:49 GMT -5 papabear said:

Update : Unfortunately, back to square one. Both XPA-1’s went in protection mode (shut down and resume) twice this evening. Pulled the trigger cables out. Never ran into this issue before inserting the trigger cables (new 3.5 mono) in the set up. Will continue for a while without triggers. The investigation continues...

Check the Triggers Menu to see if anything is unchecked, specifically in Speakers. If the audio mode changes from a Surround mode to Stereo, then the Surround speakers' amps will shut off if the Trigger is setup  with Surrounds Unchecked. And, if there is a transition where the audio mode swings from Surround to 2.0 then back to Surround then the amps will turn off then turn on.

I guess I should've asked first if the amps turn off/on during commercials or other program transitions? But it's still worth checking the Triggers menu.

[papabear]

Thanks for the reply. However, to clarify, the XPA-1’s are connected to a XPS-1 preamp. I have a Sony Receiver connected to the XSP-1s HT connection. The issue occurs when listening to 2ch music. It’s my impression that this occurs when sound level, but not 100% sure. However, it only occurs with trigger cables connected.

[ttocs]

Aug 23, 2020 21:49:29 GMT -5 papabear said:

Thanks for the reply. However, to clarify, the XPA-1’s are connected to a XPS-1 preamp. I have a Sony Receiver connected to the XSP-1s HT connection. The issue occurs when listening to 2ch music. It’s my impression that this occurs when sound level, but not 100% sure. However, it only occurs with trigger cables connected.

I see. 
If it never occurs at low volume, but always occurs at high volume, then I'd be suspect of the system not getting enough power at peak moments.

How many electrical circuits are being used?
Are the XPA-1's and XSP-1 on the same circuit? If so, what else is on this circuit?

If there is a momentary voltage drop at high volume then it may be possible that the XSP-1 might be starved for power by enough to cause a glitch. It would help to know more about what is plugged into same circuits and what those circuits are rated at - 15 Amps, or 20 Amps?

[papabear]

The odd thing is that there are no issues outside of when I am using trigger cables. The circuit is 20 amps (double gang wall outlet). The preamp and the amps are connected to the same Furman PST- bar. I will post a more complete description of my system later after work.

Best!