AV20 triggers stopped working

[Bernie Williams]

Had some thunderstorms last night, all equipment is connected to surge protectors. I went to bed early, wife had problems turning everything off. Now I can turn on preamp, but none of the triggers will activate the two amps and processor that I have connected. I have plugged/unplugged, checked trigger settings in menu and reset the preamp. No luck getting them to work. Doubt it is cables as all three triggers went down at the same time. Any suggestions for trouble shooting this issue?

 

[Bernie Williams]

One other point: when I plug in the cables to the av20, the external processor and one of the amps comes on. The other amp does not.

 

[TLS Guy]

One other point: when I plug in the cables to the av20, the external processor and one of the amps comes on. The other amp does not.

I doubt that is a software problem. I would bet big money this is a hardware problem due to the electrical surge and the unit will need service.

It is worth repeating that local surge protectors are useless and a waste of money and space.

There is NO fool proof method of protection, but you can engineer a very large measure of protection.

The first thing to do it to bring your home cup to current National Electrical code specs, otherwise known as NEC.

This requires SPD-1 surge protection at electrical entry to the dwelling, and an SPD-2 surge protector at each electrical panel in the home. If you have one panel then one SPD-2 and one at each above that. I have 2 panels so have two SPD-2 surge protectors.

Make sure you purchase a reliable brand. Your electrician can install this and advise you on how to get your home to current NEC.

If you want to go further then you can also install an uninterruptible power supply at your equipment location, but do not connect power amps to these, but everything else. These switch to battery if power is unstable and give a soft shutdown for longer power outages.

I am at current NEC and also have uninterruptible power supplies to delicate equipment.

That is the best you can do, and it gives a very large measure of protection.

 

[Bernie Williams]

Thank you for your response. I had a whole house surge protection installed, perhaps 20+years ago. Probably worthwhile having an electrician come out to check out the system and update. Does an uninterruptible power supply have better protection then surge protectors (I have panamax for my system). I am fortunate in that San Antonio TX has a good repair shop at Bjorn's audio video. Have already called them.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thank you for your response. I had a whole house surge protection installed, perhaps 20+years ago. Probably worthwhile having an electrician come out to check out the system and update. Does an uninterruptible power supply have better protection then surge protectors (I have panamax for my system). I am fortunate in that San Antonio TX has a good repair shop at Bjorn's audio video. Have already called them.

Their function is different but complimentary. If surge protectors were installed 20 years ago, then I highly doubt they meet current NEC. I built this house seven years ago, but had to update surge protection about a year ago, to keep current with NEC. Despite what Trump says, the climate is getting worse and more violent and electrical storms are more fierce and prevalent.

If you have good whole house surge protection, then in line surge protection is harmful actually and should NOT be used.

Uninterruptible power supplies are very different from surge protection but complimentary. Surge protection is the most important. UPS units monitor the source and if the power is out of spec, then they switch to battery quickly. In the event of power loss they will power the equipment and provide soft shut down. I do use them for all audio equipment except the power amps. I regard it as insurance, as I have a lot of good gear, and quite a bit is vintage and rare, like my turntable equipment and reel to reel tape gear.

I have the AV 10 and those units are not cheap and so I provide max protection. When you get your AV 20 fixed, I suggest you take the same approach. But, but no protection is absolute, but done properly very significantly lowers risk.

 

[Bernie Williams]

Update: Bjorn's confirmed that one of the 12v triggers is not working. However he is unable to obtain a replacement board from Marantz. Says all the boards are sandwiched in so tight that can't repair. Called/sent emails to Marantz waiting to hear back regarding warranty replacement.

 

[highfigh]

Update: Bjorn's confirmed that one of the 12v triggers is not working. However he is unable to obtain a replacement board from Marantz. Says all the boards are sandwiched in so tight that can't repair. Called/sent emails to Marantz waiting to hear back regarding warranty replacement.

How are you controlling the system? If it's a universal remote, Infrared-controlled trigger modules are available in this can't be repaired economically. OTOH, your insurance may cover it (hopefully, your deductible isn't too high). I have seen 8 output modules and if you're using more than one trigger, a Y cord can be used- these come with an infrared remote control and its codes can usually be taught to a universal remote system.

 

[highfigh]

If you have good whole house surge protection, then in line surge protection is harmful actually and should NOT be used.

Depends on the design- how would you protect against surges that come from motors in pumps, HVAC, refrigerators, etc that are inside the house and after the whole-house protection?

 

[Bernie Williams]

I am using a universal remote. If Marantz denies my warranty claim then I might look for an external trigger module. Of course I could always get my lazy butt off the couch and turn everything on manually. Wife may have some problems with that.