WiFi enabled 12V trigger in relay/switch? (Without having to wire one up myself)


In a 2d (or maybe 3d) system, I have an NAD C399 integrated amp, with the BlueSound module. I use it only for streaming. It is hardwired to a Eero mesh unit.  It does not have an “auto-sense” turn on feature but it does have a 12V trigger in port (standard, 3.5mm female) that can be used to turn the unit on. Unfortunately, I have no other audio devices near it so using the trigger in port in the typical manner is not an option.  (The amp is in an out of the way location where the IR remote will not work unless i am standing in front of the amp. )

I would like to figure out a way to plug a 12V relay switch into the  trigger in port and control that switch via WiFi or Bluetooth. After searching on-line for a while, I see there are devices that work to detect an audio signal and then provide a 12V signal or even a 110V charge (for mains power connection), but nothing that does what I’m after.  So, two questions:

1.    As DIY wiring is not realistic for me, ⁠is anyone aware of a plug-and-play unit that would do what I want, either on its own or if plugged into a WiFi compatible smart plug (like this https://us.govee.com/products/govee-smart-plug-pro-with-energy-monitoring); and
2.    If the answer to 1 is no, will I harm the C399 if i just plug a 12V switching power supply (like this one: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/iPower12VMk2--ifi-ipower2-power-supply-12v ) using a barrel to 3.5mm male adapter into the C399 12V trigger in port and then connecting the wall-wart PSU to a smart plug, like the Govee one?

Many thanks for any suggestions or advice.

kirkwallace

Just in case anybody stumbles onto this thread in the future, two points to close the loop:

1) The solution discussed above will work fine and not harm the amp;

2) I am embarrassed to say, that the solution is unnecessary. In checking with the NAD dealer who sold me the unit, he pointed out to me that buried deep in the C399’s controls is a feature called “Network Standby”; if it is turned to “On”, then the amp remains available on BlueSound and Roon and when selected for streaming, the power will turn on and all is good.  It will also turn the unit off after 15 min (or 20?) of inactivity, but then it will turn back on once you stream to it again. (This control can only be accessed via “Settings” using the controls on the unit itself; it does not appear in Settings via BlueSound, Roon or the unit’s IP address. )

Love it, @jeffbij.   (But no Echo or Alexa will be in my home smiley.)

 I’m going to climb up to the remote shelf where that amp sits and try this tomorrow!

@kirkwallace - At that price, I'm betting the iFi power is regulated. And if you all ready have it, then it won't cost you anything to try it.  

I have setup several "second" systems around the house using similar setups with the Amazon Echo devices to control the plugs.  It is nice to be able to walk into a room and say "Alexa, Garage Stereo on" and presto, the equipment turns on (or "Alexa, Garage Stereo off").  And you can find used Echo Dots on eBay for <$20 with shipping. 

Thanks @allanblissett, but I have doubts about that transmitter’s ability to reach the outlet where this equipment sits. In any event, I don’t think that it would work any better than the WiFi smart plug. The real bit I was concerned about was plugging in the 12V PSU into the amp. But i think, based on answers here and comments elsewhere, as long as it is a good PSU with regulated voltage, it should be fine. 

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Thank you @jeffbij . And you guessed right, i don’t have Echo or Alexa, but something the the Kasa/TP-Link plug (or the Groove) that works with any WiFi in 2.4 GHz and doesn’t need a proprietary hub was what I was thinking about .

 

and thanks for the warning about the regulated switching PS. I have that iFi one lying around unused and i think it is regulated, but i will double check.

@kirkwallace 

Easiest way is going to be #2.  It is even easier if you are using Amazon Echo/Alexa devices in the house. You can get an Alexa compatible plug for as little as $8 to $10 dollars each. (The Kasa/TP-Link units work well.) If you don't want to use the Echo/Alexa enviroment for voice control, you can still control the plug using the app on your cell phone.  And if you have more than one device to "trigger", you can build routines to control multiple plugs/wall warts with one command.

One thing on the wall-wart.  Make sure it is a "regulated" switching adapter.  Non-regulated ones can cause problems with some triggers because the voltage will drift.  And you don't need to spend $80 for one.  You can get one on Amazon for less than $20.  All you are doing is triggering the relay.