Opinions on Parasound Scamp...

[Pat]

Well the title says it all.
I need a way to remotely power up my amps and the scamp seems like a easy and inexpensive way to do it.
I don't want to leave them on all the time for only 3-5 hours of use a day...to me that is a waste. Somedays I don't even turn them on at all.

I am open to other suggestions besides the scamp.

Thanks




Pat's Page

[ThomasW]

Hi Pat,

I use a really cheap and dirty solution. All the HT equipment is powered from a dedicated line. So I put a wall switch on that line. Cost $10 plus labor




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[Lexman]

Personally, I use a combination of triggers and a Panamax MAX 1000+ to accomplish everything except my sub amp and TV. I will try to hook the sub amp in eventually. The TV stays as is.

You could just flip the main breaker. But that might make for a chilly shower! :E

Lex





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[ThomasW]

One thing to consider is the issue of "current limiting". Some, but not all, of these devices do limit the amount of current being passed. This is fine for everything except power amps. So be sure to know what the device is capable of before plugging in your amps.




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[Lexman]

That's a good point Thomas. I personally would feel better if I had another line to draw off of. But as best I can, I utilize dedicated wall plugs for amps. That's why I trigger 2 amps, and turn the other one on manually. It's generally a very bad idea to run high powered amps through surge protectors with other gear. The surge protectors just aren't designed to handle enough current for the most part.

Lex





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[Pat]

Here is what is listed at the parasound website:

Features:
Two AC outlets can be activated with audio signal or DC voltage
Two internal 15 ampere relays
Eight minute turn-off delay
Programmable sequential turn-on delay
May be daisy-chained for multiple outlets in sequence
Sophisticated protection circuitry safeguards your audio equipment from power surges on the AC line
9 1/2" width front panel
1 rack space height front panel
Two unit fastening hardware available for side-by-side rack mounting

Specifications:
Current Capability: 30 amperes; 15 amperes per outlet
DC Input Trigger: + 5 Vdc to +12 Vdc, 100 mA
DC Output Trigger: +12 Vdc, 400 mA maximum available
Signal Insertion Loss: 0 dB
Circuit Power Requirement: 120 V/60 Hz, 1 A
Dimensions: w 9 1/2" x h 1 3/4" x d 7", h 2 3/8" with feet
Net Weight: 4 lb.

Doesn't look current limited...but what do I know




Pat's Page

[ThomasW]

Pat

From the specs it looks ok. Understand that even though it's rated to 30 amps, 15/socket, it can't possibly draw that even being on a dedicated line.

Electrical codes limit 110V to 20 amp/run except in very specific circumstances. Those being using one 25 amp line, with one special type of plug for one dedicated device. I have one of these for my portable MIG welding unit.

Otherwise normal outlets are 10/15/20 amps




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[Pat]

Right...I know if I plug it in I won't magically be able to get 30A of current out of a 15A line.
If I could do that I would be rich :B




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