User Guide

-7-
Remote DC Trigger Connection
The Remote DC Trigger allows you to turn on your amplifier with an external DC voltage source that
ranges between + 9 Vdc to +12 Vdc. To properly terminate the DC trigger cable for the HCA-1201A, first
determine the + DC voltage and ground conductor from the external DC source. For example, the
Parasound AVC-2500 has a DC trigger that incorporates a two-conductor 1/8" mini connector. The tip
of this connector is positive and the ring is negative (ground). In this case, you would terminate one end
with an 1/8" mini plug and the other end with an RCA jack. The tip of the RCA jack of the HCA-1201A
is also positive and the sleeve is negative. Once you have terminated the DC trigger cable, connect the
RCA connector to the jack labeled Remote In on the HCA-1201A and the other end to the external DC
trigger source.
Remote DC Trigger On-Off switch
When you are using the DC trigger circuitry, set the Remote switch to the On position. If you are not using
the DC trigger circuit, set the switch to the Off position.
Daisy Chaining DC trigger Connections
You can "daisy chain" the DC trigger output to activate additional HCA-1201A amplifiers. Connect the
Remote Out on the first HCA-1201A to the Remote In on the second HCA-1201A, and so on.
AC Power Connections and AC Grounding
Before you connect the AC cords, make sure the HCA-1201A's power switch is in the off or down
position. If possible, plug your amplifier directly into an AC wall outlet. Do not connect the AC cord to
the accessory AC outlet on your preamplifier because the amplifier's current draw exceeds the ratings of
most preamplifier’s power switches and power cords. If you use an external AC line conditioner, make
sure it can withstand the HCA-1201A's power requirements listed in the specification section of this
manual.
Operating the HCA-1201A
Refer to Figure #1
Power Switch
Manual Turn On
Press the upper side to turn the unit on manually; press the lower side to turn the unit off.
Automatic Turn On
When the power switch is in the off position, the power amplifier can be turned on with an external DC
voltage applied at the DC trigger connector on the rear panel.
Standby/Normal Operation LEDs
The red Standby LED will light when the amplifier is turned on either with the power switch or an external
DC trigger. It will stay lit about four to five seconds while the amplifier circuits stabilize. After that, the
red LED will turn off and the green normal LED will signal that the protection relays have switched off
and that the amplifier is ready to operate.