HomeTech CA308 Instruction Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using your HomeTech CA308, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury to
persons, including the following:

1. Read and retain instructions: All the safety and operating instructions

should be read before the amplifier is operated, and retained for
future reference.

2. Heed warnings: Adhere to all warnings and precautions listed on the

amplifier and in the operating instructions.

3. Follow instructions: Follow all operating instructions.

4. Water and moisture: The appliance should never be used next to water.

5. Carts and stands: The appliance should be used only with a cart or

stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance and
cart combination should be moved with care.

6. Caution: To prevent electric shock, do not use the CA308 (polarized)
plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlets unless the
blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

7. Ventilation: The appliance should be situated so that its location

does not interfere with its proper ventilation.

8. Heat: The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

9. Power sources: The appliance should be connected to a power

supply only of the type described in the instructions or as marked on
the appliance.

10. Grounding or polarization: Grounding or polarization are precautions
that should be taken so that these attributes are not defeated.

11. Power cord protection: Power supply cords should be routed so that
they will not be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against
them.

12. Cleaning: To clean your HomeTech CA308, use a soft brush, “canned
air,” or wipe the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Never use any
cleaners or solvents.

13. Non-use periods: The power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

14. Object entry: Care should be taken so that objects do not fall through

the opening of the enclosure.

15. Warning: The appliance shall not be exposed to dripping or

splashing. Objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall not
be placed on the appliance.

16. Damage requiring service: The appliance should be serviced by a
qualified service personnel when:

A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged.

B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance.

C. The appliance has been exposed to rain.

D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a

marked change in performance.

E. The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

17. Servicing: Any service or repair required must be performed by

qualified, factory-authorized personnel. The user should not attempt
to service the amplifier themselves.

18.

Power requirement: Do not connect the HomeTech CA308 to the

accessory outlet of another component. A minimum 15 amp (20
amp preferred) grounded wall outlet is required.

Warning: The power (mains) plug serves as the amplifier’s
disconnect device:

• The disconnect device shall remain readily operable during
operation.

• To ensure that the disconnect device (power plug) is easily
accessible, the user shall not place the amplifier in a confined
area during operation.

19. Storms: To prevent damage to components, unplug all electronic

equipment during thunderstorms.

20. Power Interruptions: If the electrical service is subject to frequent

sags, spikes, and brownouts, a power conditioner designed for use
with high-fidelity equipment should be employed to protect the
HomeTech CA308.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CA308 SINGLE SOURCE/4-ZONE
POWER AMPLIFIER

1

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the HomeTech CA308 Single Source/4-Zone
amplifier. The CA308 is a versatile amplifier that takes a single audio source
(such as a receiver’s tape outputs, a CD player, a satellite radio tuner or a
multi-zone receiver’s ‘Zone 2 ‘ outputs) and distributes an amplified stereo
signal to up to 4 separate zones. (Each zone receives the same signal.)

The amplifier’s front panel has ON/OFF and volume controls for each
zone as well as a series of LEDs that indicate the zone’s current volume
level. In addition to being controlled from its front panel, the CA308’s
rear-panel keypad connections allow individual zones to be controlled by
optional CA308 keypads wall-mounted in each zone. Keypad IR inputs
allow the CA308 to be controlled by an optional CA308 remote control.

Source Components

The CA308 can be used with just about any audio component that supplies
a line-level stereo audio signal. Typical sources can include:

• Surround-sound receivers and processors (via tape record outputs)

• Stereo receivers (via tape record outputs)

• Multi-zone receivers (via 2nd-zone stereo line outputs)

• Stereo source components such as CD players, satellite and terrestrial
radio tuners, MP3 players, cassette decks, etc. (via stereo line outputs)

• DVD players (via analog stereo outputs)

• Stereo preamplifiers (via stereo line outputs)

Using Additional Amplifiers

The CA308’s buffered Line Output connections make it easy to connect
multiple amplifiers. Within the limits of available mains power, any
number of additional HomeTech CA308 amplifiers may be daisy-chained
for larger installations.

INSTALLATION

Box Contents

Your HomeTech CA308 box should contain the following items:
(1) HomeTech CA308 amplifier
(4) Removable 4-pin screw speaker connectors (connected to amplifier)
(4) Removable 5-pin screw keypad connectors (connected to amplifier)
(1) IEC Power cable
(1) RCA Audio cable
(1) Speaker zone label sheet
(1) Small screwdriver (for use with removable screw connectors)

Unpacking

Save the carton and polystyrene inserts for future safe transport in case
the amplifier is moved or requires shipping for repair.

Before proceeding with installation, locate the serial number on the rear
panel of the unit and note it here for future reference:

S/N:_________________________________________

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CA308 SINGLE SOURCE/4-ZONE
POWER AMPLIFIER

LRLR

Input Output

47kΩ

Caution: For continued protection against fire hazard use only
same type and rating fuses. Disconnect power supply before
changing fuse. Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
No user servicable parts inside. See operating manual before using.

F5A~250V

120~60Hz

600VA

Model: HT CA308 Amp

S/N:

Common
IR Out

Control Link

IR Link

A.C. ON

CA308

USB

Zone 4 Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1

+ L – – R + + L – – R + + L – – R + + L – – R +

Zone 4

STATUSGND GNDIR

DATA

12V STATUSGND GNDIR

DATA

12V STATUSGND GNDIR

DATA

12V STATUSGND GNDIR

DATA

12V

Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1

12 34

5

76 1110

1. Zone 1 Volume LEDs

2. Zone 1 Volume Control Buttons

3. Indentation for Zone 1 Label

4. Zone 1 Status LED

5. Zone 1 On/Off Button

6. Zone 2 Controls & Indicators

7. AC On LED

8. Zone 3 Controls & Indicators

9. Zone 4 Controls & Indicators

12

14

13 15 18

16 17 19

20

12. Left & Right Line-Level Audio Inputs

13. Left & Right Buffered Audio Outputs

14. IR Link Connections (2)

15. Common IR Outputs (4)

16. Control Link Connections (2)

17. Zone Keypad Connections (4)

(shown with removeable connectors in place)

18. Zone Speaker Connectors (4)

(shown with removeable connectors in place)

19. IEC Power Cord Connection

20. AC Fuse

FRONT PANEL

REAR PANEL

8 9

10. Pin-Hole Switch

11. USB Port

2