Parasound SCAMP Owners manual

O W N E R ' S M A N U A L

SC A MP/Sig na l Contr olled Amplif ie r Power

Congratulations on your purchase of this precision component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. The Parasound SCAMP is designed to automatically power on virtually all the electronic
equipment within your audio/video system. This makes it possible for single button operation to supply
AC power to your entire system. SCAMP is extremely flexible and can be configured in a variety of
ways, so please take time to review this manual to make full use of its capabilities.

P/Signal Controlled Amplifier Power

SCAM

2

utlet

O

AC Present

1

Product Overview

The Parasound SCAMP automatically triggers two internal 15 A relays whenever it senses an audio signal
from a signal source such as a preamplifier or surround processor. 15 A relays control AC outlets on the
SCAMP's rear panel. The audio signal level necessary to trigger the SCAMP is internally adjustable from
7 mV to 250 mV; the default level setting is 100 mV. (Refer to drawing #3)

The SCAMP can also be triggered on from a DC source ranging from +5 Vdc to +12 Vdc. Once the SCAMP
has been triggered on with an audio signal or DC voltage, it provides a constant +12 Vdc supply to trigger on
other DC controlled devices such as screen motors or additional SCAMPs. The DC output trigger voltage
ceases five minutes after the SCAMP stops receiving an audio signal or DC input trigger voltage.

The relays built into the SCAMP are triggered sequentially to prevent excessive in-rush current through your
home's AC circuit breakers. The turn-on delay time is internally adjustable from 0 to 8 seconds. The turn off
time for the AC outlets and DC output trigger is 5 minutes after the audio signal or DC input trigger voltage
is removed. The SCAMPs high current internal relays and heavy duty AC receptacles make it suitable for
use even with large power amplifiers such as the Parasound HCA-1206 or HCA-2200II. Two or more
SCAMPs may be linked together and the turn-on delay time of the additional SCAMPs can be internally
adjusted for up to eight seconds.

Unpacking the SCAMP

You should find the following items within the packing carton:

• The SCAMP

• This manual

• A 14 AWG audiophile-grade AC cord

If any of these items are missing, contact your Parasound Dealer or Parasound Technical Services. Save
your carton and inserts for safe transport in case you move or the unit ever requires repair. Before shipping
the unit, be sure to pack it into an additional outer carton for protection. The audiophile grade AC cord is
packed separately in the carton. This is the only cord we recommend for use with your SCAMP.

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Placement of the SCAMP

The SCAMP may be stacked along with your other audio/video components, or you can place it out of
sight within the equipment cabinet. However, take care to mount the SCAMP away from sensitive
low-level sources that might pick up hum radiated from the AC power cords connected to it.

Making Connections to the SCAMP

Audio Connections

Connect the left and right line output of your preamplifier or surround processor to the left and right
inputs of the SCAMP. (Due to the SCAMP's zero insertion loss, there is no signal degradation when
inserting the SCAMP into the signal path between a preamplifier and power amplifier.)

Connect the left and right outputs of the SCAMP to your power amplifier or other component. An
additional set of output jacks facilitates connecting additional amplifiers or other components. Both sets
of output jacks are paralleled directly to the input jacks.

Audio Signal Trigger Input

Line Input Jacks

Connect audio signal from

preamplifier, etc. to trigger

SCAMP on

R

L

Inputs

Audio Outputs

These looping jacks are

parallel to input jacks, connect

to amplifier, etc.

Alternate DC Trigger

+5 to +12 Vdc

Trigger Input

Connect DC Source

to trigger SCAMP on

Outputs

+5 to +12 Vdc

Trigger Output.

Connect to DC

controlled equipment

to trigger on from

SCAMP

12

GndIn Out

+5 to +12 Vdc Trigger

Outlet

120 Vac/60 Hz

AC Outlets

Connect AC cords from
equipment for SCAMP

to power on

Drawing # 1: Rear Panel Connections

15A 15A

AC Inlet Receptacle

with Built-In Fuse Block

AC Connections

Connect the supplied 14 AWG AC cord from the AC inlet of the SCAMP to the AC wall outlet.

Be sure that the wall outlet has enough current available to adequately power the equipment that the
SCAMP will control.

Connect the AC Cord from the electronic component that you want turned on first to OUTLET 1 of the
SCAMP. Next, connect the AC Cord from the electronic component that you want turned on second to
OUTLET 2 of the SCAMP.

Note: You may connect AC power strips to either or both outlets of the SCAMP providing the current
draw of the components connected to each power strip does not exceed 15 A.

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