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Powering Remote PGXL, TGXL

Lawrence Libsch
Lawrence Libsch Member ✭✭
in Power Genius XL Amplifier

I would like to use a Digital Loggers multi-outlet power switch to remotely turn power on and off to PGXL and TGXL. Can PGXL be left on and safely turned on and off by turning the 240V supply on and off? The TGXL is powered by a 14V linear supply that has a separate switch to turn current on to the TGXL after its power supply is turned on. Can I safely leave the TGXL power switch on?

Larry, K4KGG

Best Answers

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
    Answer ✓

    The way the PGXL was designed is very similar to the way your TV was designed. When you put the TGXL into standby, it powers everything down other than 1 little device to monitor the network. It is the power controller and it listens for an ON command on the LAN. That is the same as moving it from Standby to Operate.

    In Standby, the power consumption is about the same as a normal TV.

    But, yes, you can also turn off the 240V but make sure that you turn off 'both sides' of the 240 volt AC supply. This is the 2 HOT leads. You do not have to turn off the Neutral.

    When you turn on the 240VAC, the PGXL will come up in StandBy mode.

    Yes, you can leave the power switch on 100% of the time. I have been operating mine remotely for years in this way.


    73

  • Lawrence Libsch
    Lawrence Libsch Member ✭✭
    Answer ✓

    Hi Mike,

    Thanks for the advice on remoting the PGXL.

    What about the TGXL? My setup powers up a linear 13 volt power supply and then separately and secondly switches the power from the linear power supply on to the TGXL. If I do this can I leave switch on the back of the TGXL on?

    Larry, K4KGG

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
    Answer ✓

    Remotely, I always suggest you are able to run off and on things for remote debugging/rebooting.

    The TGXL actually wants a voltage higher than 15V (it says 15V on it). When supplied with less and a slow startup, the fans can get stuck on.

Answers

  • WA5YOM
    WA5YOM Member ✭✭
    edited January 2024

    I have noticed that the tgxl fans get stuck on when I cycle the supply and I am supplying with slightly more than 15 volts.

    The only way I know to prevent that is to delay the tgxl power on input to allow the power supply to reach full voltage.

    It would have been nice if it had a remote power on-off connection like the 6000 series radios…

    I have noticed the 8x2 seems to be touchy when trying power it up remotely….also…

    I use a 2 pole contactor to disconnect power to the pgxl remotely..

  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    I leave the Astron SS30 switching supply on but use a West Mountain Radio RigRunner 4005i to switch DC to TG XL and AG.

  • WA5YOM
    WA5YOM Member ✭✭

    That is a neat solution........I see the tgxl requires 15 volts but the astron ss30 and my supply are technically 13.8 volts...

  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    There is a voltage adjustment on the side. I ran it up to 14.8 volts. The RigRunner 4005i shows voltage and current per port.

  • Phillip Hare
    Phillip Hare Member ✭✭

    Mike, what device do you use to remotely power your PGXL on with (240v)?

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    I built my own. I use a 12V B&P DPST relay rated at 25 amps I think. However, it might not be legal for your electrical code.

    However, look for Pool remote heater controls on Amazon as you can make them work I've heard.

  • AA1SS
    AA1SS Member ✭✭✭

    Here is one

    DEWENWILS Pool Timer, WiFi Timer Switch, Heavy Duty 40A 120-277 VAC 2HP, Compatible with Smart Phone, Alexa, Google Assistant, ETL Listed - Amazon.com

    You can also use a wifi enabled water heater switch for about $30

  • KI5RLR
    KI5RLR Member ✭✭

    I placed a relay on a dedicated branch circuit feeding the receptacle for the amp. The contactor on hand was a Schneider LC1D25G7. I use a WebRelay from https://www.controlbyweb.com/relays/ to turn the contactor on and off. It was not the cheapest route, but it works very well. The WebRelay has a fair amount of integration options that I have yet to really explore. I mostly leave the amp powered on in Standby mode, but it is nice to be able to turn it off/on and, of course, power cycle it.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/185291761260?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=OqWZLZWgT1u&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=0WwYOPEzRBa&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY


  • Glenn Depp
    Glenn Depp Member ✭✭

    I would like to see a switch in the front of the amp. I shut everything all the way down and shut off power supplies. Shutting something down implies ZERO electrical power pull not just a little bit, there is a difference to me. Just like the radio and tuner. Once the radio is off I let it sit for a bit then power supply gets shut off. No power draw is off, a little is still on.

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    @Glenn Depp You may wish to email 4O3A directly and express your concerns. They build the amplifier and they would welcome your feedback.

  • marklow
    marklow Member ✭
    So by being able to remotely switch off and back on both PGXL and TGXL for reset, how can we also make it helpful for disconnects say during lightening events? Since the plug still is in contact with receptacle, it wouldn’t be necessarily protected from surge voltage spikes. But what if the receptacle plugs into tie surge protected portion of an APS battery backup device would that provide at least some protection against induced high voltage spikes coming in on the a/c house wiring.

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