I don't think this was mentioned yet: all the Xantech switchers etc. can be used with one of their IR pickups, but the cheaper way, if you have a signal like a powermid output, is to connect that output to the IR in on the Xantech stuff. You need a power supply, either way.
Also be sure that the MEASURED voltage coming out of the power supply is 12 volts DC. A 12 vdc unregulated power supply usually puts out about 16 to 17 volts until a substantial percentage of its full current capability is drawn, when it drops nearer to 12 volts. The higher voltage can make Xantech stuff lock up. If you MUST use an unregulated supply, use a 9 volt supply. They used to!
On 09/17/04 16:17 ET, JOHNDR said...
1. You say connect the tip of the mini plug to
the signal
Q. What is the signal terminal on the 686-10,
is it the IR "in" terminal?
Yup. I think he assumed the Xantech goodie has a mini jack. As you note, it does not.
2. You also say connect the ring to the ground,
Q. which ground? does it matter? there are two
shown in the installation manual picture for
the 686-10, is it the ground nearest to the IR
"in" terminal?
Last question first: yes. The instructions answer your question about the two grounds.
3. Do you know of any dealers in the U.K. that
deal in xantech products?
Sorry, but no.
4. Do you know of any learning remote controls
that have a small number of buttons? I am thinking
that in the Dinning Room situtation that Imay
only want to turn the speakers on/off. The main
functions of the amp could still be carried out
using the original Kenwood remote control which
sits in the Dinning Room all the time.
Sorry, no anser for that one either.
5. Have you any idea what the 686-10 and the the
R68 programmer retail for the states. (Just to
compare price in the U.K.)
Suggested retail on the 680-10 is $420.00 US. There is no RC-68; it was replaced by the RC-68+, and its SRP is $168.00.
I have a mini emitter connected to the poweramid
that controls the amp, I was thinking of putting
a mini 2 way plug and connecting the emitter plug
to one connection and the wire to controle the
the speaker switcher to the other. This should
work o.k.
Yes, it should. If the powermid does not put out enough current to switch the 680-10, you will have to get a Xantech IR receiver to pick up the IR coming from the powermid's internal IR emitter or from an external emitter.
