XMC-1 Trigger outs' inconsistent milliampere capabilities

[rajdude]

I just want to report this finding here:

If you are having trouble with trigger outs not working or are unable to trigger on/off a device, it may be your particular XMC-1 unit's issue.

I have two XMC-1 units here, one is unable to trigger a "Niles AC-3 voltage triggered outlet" but the other XMC1 works perfectly fine. I found out the problem when I did some troubleshooting using a multi-meter. I measured the current draw. One of the XMC-1 is unable to supply enough power (in milliamps) to trip the internal relay inside the Niles AC-3. The AC-3's specifications say it needs at least 100 mA. The troublesome XMC-1 supplies only 33 mA, as measured. My old Anthem AVM-20 worked fine with the same 2 Niles units I have for 15 years (I know, I am a dinosaur, but have just upgraded!)

See photos below:

Here is current being measured when XMC-1 unit #1 is being used

Here is current being measured when XMC-1 unit #2 is being used

Niles AC-3's specs:

I have not seen anything mentioned in the XMC-1's specification sheet about how much power (in mA) can its trigger outs supply. Does anyone know?

PS: interestingly, my Anthem AVM-20 specs say this and I have been using trigger out 1 and 2 for the two Niles units. Rated for just 50 mA? Funny, but they have worked fine.

Needless to say, the non-functioning XMC-1 unit is going back to Emotiva today.

Oh one last thing...I also measured my three Bryston PP120 SST monoblock amplifiers  (identical in parts to their 3B-ST stereo amp and their 9B THX, which was a Stereophile Class A product )...they pull around 10mA to power on. Mentioning this here because I see threads about Bryston amps' trigger problems.

[Soup]

As a fellow Anthem fan, what model did you upgrade your AVM20 to?
Also excellent post with proof.

[405x5]

Oct 31, 2020 10:24:23 GMT -5 rajdude said:

I just want to report this finding here:

If you are having trouble with trigger outs not working or are unable to trigger on/off a device, it may be your particular XMC-1 unit's issue.

I have two XMC-1 units here, one is unable to trigger a "Niles AC-3 voltage triggered outlet" but the other XMC1 works perfectly fine. I found out the problem when I did some troubleshooting using a multi-meter. I measured the current draw. One of the XMC-1 is unable to supply enough power (in milliamps) to trip the internal relay inside the Niles AC-3. The AC-3's specifications say it needs at least 100 mA. The troublesome XMC-1 supplies only 33 mA, as measured. My old Anthem AVM-20 worked fine with the same 2 Niles units I have for 15 years (I know, I am a dinosaur, but have just upgraded!)

See photos below:

Here is current being measured when XMC-1 unit #1 is being used

Here is current being measured when XMC-1 unit #2 is being used

Niles AC-3's specs:

I have not seen anything mentioned in the XMC-1's specification sheet about how much power (in mA) can its trigger outs supply. Does anyone know?

PS: interestingly, my Anthem AVM-20 specs say this and I have been using trigger out 1 and 2 for the two Niles units. Rated for just 50 mA? Funny, but they have worked fine.

Needless to say, the non-functioning XMC-1 unit is going back to Emotiva today.

Oh one last thing...I also measured my three Bryston PP120 SST monoblock amplifiers  (identical in parts to their 3B-ST stereo amp and their 9B THX, which was a Stereophile Class A product )...they pull around 10mA to power on. Mentioning this here because I see threads about Bryston amps' trigger problems.

Late to this party however interesting…..what was the end of this story?

[Deleted]

Replace the relay with a lower amperage one or ya could use an external relay w/ 12v power supply to trip all your units....

[KeithL]

For anyone looking for a trigger controlled AC outlet I would suggest something like this:

www.amazon.com/Iot-Relay-Enclosed-High-Power-Raspberry/dp/B00WV7GMA2

(There are several other similar products available.)

Note that, while there aren't very many products listed as "trigger controlled outlets"...

There are lots of products that are considered to be accessories for hobbyist computers like the Raspberry Pi...

Most of these are rated to operate over a wide variety of control voltages (where the standard 12V output by most trigger circuits falls right in the middle).

Most modern units also use an "opto-relay", an optically isolated electronically controlled relay, which requires very little current to operate.

(Opto-relays are also totally electrically isolated - so they avoid any potential issues with ground noise or ground loops.)