Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

HamerPlyr

Toolman of Tone
Explain this to me, please. My satellite receiver runs hot to the touch, but only when I have on the stereo system that it feeds into. If I have the satellite receiver on and the stereo system off, the satellite receiver generates virtually no heat at all. Can you explain this to me?
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

When electrons flow through an alternating current circuit, they give off an electromagnetic field (which often leads to heat). The stereo might be giving off heat and it's causing the receiver to get hot to the touch. Somehow I'm thinking the receiver may be amplifying the electromagnetic field that's being given off from the stereo as well.

I have no idea if this is truly correct, but if I were to take a logical guess, this is the best I can come up with at 2:25am :D
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

Thanks for the shot, Chris, but I'm thinking that it's not the answer. For the record, the stereo receiver and the satellite receiver are about four feet away from each other and seperated by about ten feet of cable.
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

How is the wiring and outlets? Have you tried one of those 3-light-output testers in the outlets?
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

The stereo system must simply draw a lot of current.

A number of things could cause this, including a short somewhere in the input stage of the stereo or an open somewhere in the output stage of the receiver, or the impedences just not matching up; it could be many other circuit features-- though none necessarily bad.

Any time current flows-- through the receiver, for instance-- power is dissipated as heat. Since this power is proportional to the square of the current, a small increase in current can produce considerable heat dissipation.

:burnout:
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

Do both units seem to function properly during this condition? Is this a simple Sat-audio out --> stereo-audio in connection, through RCA cables? There's no amount of impedance mismatch that would cause this. For one thing, the input impedance isn't affected by the power switch. It almost sounds to me like you have either an extraordinary ground loop, or an actual component failure requireing proffessional service.

If the AC plug of either unit isn't polarized, try reversing it. Also, make sure both units are powered from the same receptacle. One may be reversed. Slide the tips of your fingers gently across bare metal on both units, (like a Quiji board), and see if you feel a subtle vibration. (One unit at a time.) Thats an indication that the chassis is "hot".

Artie
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

use that excess heat to cook some hot dogs?

germ
 
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Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

ArtieToo said:
Do both units seem to function properly during this condition? Is this a simple Sat-audio out --> stereo-audio in connection, through RCA cables? There's no amount of impedance mismatch that would cause this. For one thing, the input impedance isn't affected by the power switch. It almost sounds to me like you have either an extraordinary ground loop, or an actual component failure requireing proffessional service.

If the AC plug of either unit isn't polarized, try reversing it. Also, make sure both units are powered from the same receptacle. One may be reversed. Slide the tips of your fingers gently across bare metal on both units, (like a Quiji board), and see if you feel a subtle vibration. (One unit at a time.) Thats an indication that the chassis is "hot".

Artie

Both function fine, just the satellite receiver gets hot. Yes, simple audio out via RCA to audio in of the stereo receiver. Both plugs are grounded. See why I'm curious? I can't figure out why this thing would run so hot, but the fact that it runs cool until the stereo is turned on would seem to indicate something. I don't know what that "something" is.
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

This is odd. I could list a bunch of "maybe's" that would be grasping at straws. Could you list the brand and model # of both units?

If you don't want to post that publicly, perhaps PM them to me. I'm just curious of a couple things.

Artie
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

Sirius receiver is Kenwood KTC-H2A1 (V.2.29.2b)

Stereo receiver is Sony CMT-NE3

Thanks, Artie.
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

Well, I looked over the specs, and there's no good reason for this to be happening. The input impedance of the Sony input jack is 47k. The Kenwood should be able to handle that with ease. I don't know what to suggest except that the possibility that one of the units has a problem. Then again, if it works ok, maybe not. I wouldn't think that a unit like that should get hot, however.
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

Is that an early generation Sirius reciever? My old XM recievers get stupid hot because of the chipsets in the older ones. Could it possibly just be coincidence? If you turn the Kenwood on and leave it on for 4 hours with no reciever on does it stay cool?
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

probably because it isnt driving into a load. that would be my guess. sitting there not doin anything, it isnt working too hard. but when it has something to push againnst, such as the input on that receiver, it starts creating heat.

germ
 
Re: Ok, You Electronic Geniuses

PFDarkside said:
Is that an early generation Sirius reciever? My old XM recievers get stupid hot because of the chipsets in the older ones. Could it possibly just be coincidence? If you turn the Kenwood on and leave it on for 4 hours with no reciever on does it stay cool?

It's a second generation, and yes, it'll stay cool as long as the stereo system isn't turned on.
 
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