12v trigger power strip

[garak]

I have some cooling fans that I'd like to turn on when I turn on my pre/pro.

Do any of you know of a power strip that can turn power to its outlets on by using a 12v trigger?

Thanks in advance.

[Stoopalini]

Interesting idea ..... I've never seen a powerstrip with a 12v trigger though.

For cooling, I used a computer case fan (12v fan) and hooked it directly to my receiver's 12v trigger. It works great!

Thomas.

[Kevin D]

Niles has one, plus several other multi-room system companies. Of course they're not cheap as they are designed to switch amps and such.

If you just want to switch fans, a 110v relay behind a regular outlet in a surface mount box will work fine and cost you under $15.

Kevin D.

[Geoff Gunnell]

For reference purposes I'll post a 'more than you need' answer

Starting at the top, Clear Blue Audio Video's configurable pro switchers:

http://www.cbav.com/ac-powerswitch.htm

Niles Audio makes all kinds of automated switching products, like the AC-3:

http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=AC-3&recordID=120Volt%20AC%20Power%20Switching%20Systems&categoryID=Automated%20Switching%20Systems&catcdID=10&prdcdID=FG00242

On a more affordable level are the "Smart Strips" (Google "smart strip"), under $50 power strips that sense current in one of the outlets to turn on the others.
The problem with this approach is that you'd have to plug your pre-pro into this power strip -- depends on the level of equipment you have if that might bother you.

One similar AC triggered power strip used to be sold by Sears -- don't try it. It's intended use is to turn on a shop vac when you turn on a table saw, etc. -- it expects a high current surge and may not trigger with low-draw AV equipment.

Finally, if your 12V trigger source provides a constant current when the unit is on, all you really need is a SPST relay with 120V rated contacts and a 12V coil. Note that the coil will draw current constantly so check the coil rating against your available trigger current. Google +"120V relay" +"12V coil" -- here's one that draws 33mA and costs 99 cents:

http://www.opamp-electronics.com/catalog/omron-g5le14-spdt-pcb-power-relay-coil-12v-contacts-amp-120vac-p-1242.html

[Chris D]

Huh... yeah, all the 12v trigger sort of equipment like that, that I know of, costs big $$$. I have a Universal Remote MSC-400 that can do that, (actually two of them) and it's decent $$$.