Arcam MZ12, MZ8 Front panel indicators, RS232 remote control, 12V Trigger Input, Troubleshooting

Front panel indicators

The front panel Zone Status LEDs indicate the status of each of the amplifier zones:

•Red - standby

•Amber - zone muted

•Green - zone on

•Flashing Red - over temperature

RS232 remote control

The Arcam MZ amplifiers may be remote controlled using an RS232 data connection. The communication protocol is described from page 13 onwards. The following functions are available:

•Zone mute on/off

•Power/Standby

•Query zone status (mute, temperature)

12V Trigger Input

If a 12V trigger output is provided by any of the pre-amps connected to the MZ amplifier, it can be connected to the 12V trigger in socket using a 3.5mm jack (shown below).

This enables the MZ amplifier to be powered on or off remotely from a pre-amp.

Note that the main power switch on the front panel must be depressed to allow the MZ amplifier to be switched in and out of standby using this method.

Screen = Ground

Tip = +12V trigger signal

3.5mm jack - trigger connections

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble with your amplifier, check the following items:

No sound

Check the following:

•Both the source component (pre-amp) and MZ amplifier are switched on, indicated by the front panel LED being lit green on the MZ amplifier.

•The MZ amplifier is not in standby, indicated by the front panel LED being lit red.

•The source component (pre-amp) is not muted.

•The MZ amplifier is not muted, indicated by the front panel LED being lit amber.

Sound cuts-out unexpectedly

or suddenly becomes poor or distorted:

If the temperature of the internal heatsink rises above a safe level, then a thermal cut-out inside the amplifier will operate. During this time the front panel LED will flash red and the amplifier protection system temporarily removes the power to the speakers. The system will reset itself as the heatsink cools down.

•With low-impedance speakers connected (6Ω or less), overloads are more likely.

•Overloading the amplifier may cause it to shut down because of overheating.

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