Aquatic AQ-AD300.2-MICRO Operating manual

USER / INSTALLATION MANUAL
PLEASE READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
AQ-AD300.2-MICRO
2 CHANNEL WATERPROOF AMPLIFIER
for Harley-Davidson®Motorcycles

1 Getting Started..........................................................................................................
1.1 Important Information.........................................................................................
1.2 Contents..............................................................................................................
2 Installation................................................................................................................
2.1 Installation Precautions.......................................................................................
2.1.1 Positioning the Amplifier.................................................................................
2.1.2 Cutting Cables................................................................................................
2.2 Connecting the Amplifier.....................................................................................
2.2.1 Connecting Inputs with Low-Level (RCA) Cables............................................
2.2.2 Connecting Inputs with High-Level (Speaker) Cables.....................................
2.2.3 Connecting Speakers......................................................................................
2.2.4 Connecting Speaker/Subwoofer in Bridged Mode..........................................
2.2.5 Connecting the Remote (Ignition) Wire...........................................................
2.2.6 Connecting the Battery...................................................................................
2.3 Testing the System...............................................................................................
3 Setting Amplifier Controls.........................................................................................
3.1 Setting the Gain Control......................................................................................
3.2 Cross-Over Mode Switch (Filter)..........................................................................
3.3 Cross-Over Frequency Control (Freq)...................................................................
3.3.1 High Pass Filter Mode.....................................................................................
3.3.2 Low Pass Filter Mode.......................................................................................
3.3.3 Full Range Mode.............................................................................................
3.4 Boost....................................................................................................................
4 Troubleshooting........................................................................................................
5 Specifications & Dimensions.....................................................................................
5.1 Specifications......................................................................................................
5.2 Dimensions..........................................................................................................
6 Warranty Information................................................................................................
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Table of Contents 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO
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Congratulations on your purchase of an Aquatic AV AQ-AD300.2-MICRO amplifier. It has been
designed, engineered and manufactured to bring you the highest level of performance and quality,
and will afford you years of listening pleasure.
Check your battery and electrical system
Low battery conditions and/or poor electrical systems need to be diagnosed and corrected prior to
installation of your amplifier. Old batteries may be good enough to start your engine, but may NOT be
adequate to power a high output audio system. Running your amplifier in a low-voltage situation may
cause premature distortion, fuse blowout, and system shutdown.
Working safely with your battery
Disconnect the negative battery terminal before doing any electrical work. Always disconnect the
negative (–) battery terminal first, followed by the positive (+) terminal. When reconnecting terminals,
connect the positive (+) terminal first followed by the negative (–) terminal. This can minimize the
chance of sparks and voltage spikes, and is a good general practice when dealing with any DC electri-
cal system.
Ensure proper power and ground connections
Never connect or disconnect the control cables while the amplifier(s) is powered on.
Always disconnect your battery before working with your electrical system, and keep it disconnected
until you are ready to test the audio system.
Cover all exposed wires to avoid short circuits.
Make your power and ground connections properly, failure to do so can cause damaged to the ampli-
fier.
Grounding
Inadequate grounds are number one cause of problem installations.
The ground wire and power wire are equally important; if either one of them become damage it could
result in damaged to the amplifier.
1.1 Important Information
When first unpacking your new amplifier please check first that the package contains all of the
items below. If something is missing, contact the store where you purchased the product.
• AQ-AD300.2-MICRO Amplifier
• User/Installation Manual
• RCA male-to-male Adaptor (x2)
• Wiring Harness
• High-Level Input Adaptor
1.2 Contents
Getting Started 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO
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2.1 Installation Precautions
Use only cables and the supplied accessories discussed in this manual. Failure do so may cause
damage to the amplifier. The cable for speakers can ONLY be used for connecting the amplifier to
the speakers. The cable for power can ONLY be used for connecting the amplifier to the battery.
2.2 Connecting the Amplifier
1. Connect your source unit’s RCA outputs (left and right) to the amplifier’s left and right RCA
input cables.
2.2.1 Connecting Inputs with Low-Level (RCA) Cables (recommended)
Always route wires and cables safely, avoid sharp edges and burns along the way. Always check
the length of a wire before cutting.
2.1.2 Cutting Cables
The AQ-AD300.2-MICRO amplifier dissipates high levels of heat. As a result we suggest keeping
the amplifier in a well-ventilated area. We don’t suggest keeping the amplifier in enclosed areas.
2.1.1 Positioning the Amplifier
Do not install the amplifier on top of, or above, the stereo installed in your Harley-Davidson Motorcycle faring as this
could result in over heating of either the amplifier, the stereo, or both.
Left & Right
RCA
We recommend using Low-Level (RCA) input connections, as detailed in 3.2.1 above, however,
should RCA outputs not be available from your stereo the AQ-AD300.2-MICRO allows for signal
input using your stereo’s speaker output cables.
1. Open the control panel cover by removing the four screws securing the cover and connect the
supplied High-Level Input Adaptor.
2.2.2 Connecting Inputs with High-Level (Speaker) Cables
Using High-Level signal inputs requires the removal of the control panel cover and will significantly reduce the
amplifiers ingress performance for both water and dust. This will also void warranty cover.
Installation 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO
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1. Verify the impedance of the speakers is 2 Ohms or above.
2. Install the desired speakers if not already installed.
3. Route and connect the speaker wires from each speaker of your system to the corresponding
speaker output terminal on the amplifiers wiring harness. Failure to connect properly may damage
your speakers.
2.2.3 Connecting Speakers
2. Connect your stereo’s speaker output cables (front left +/- and front right +/-) to the
corresponding High-Level Input Adaptor cables (FL+, FL-, FR+ and FR-) using either a connection
block or by securely crimping the cables together.
Spkr Left +/-
Spkr Right +/-
Connection
Block or
crimping
required
High-Level
Input Adaptor
Bridged mode allows for the two output channels to be combined into a single channel with the
maximum power output of 300W RMS. This is typically used to drive a subwoofer but can be
used to drive a single full-range speaker (in mono).
1. Verify the impedance of the speaker/subwoofer is 4 Ohms or above.
2. Install the desired speaker/subwoofer if not already installed.
3. Route and connect the Left(+) and Right(-) cables from the amplifier wiring harness to the
input terminals on the speaker/subwoofer as follows:
Amplifier Left(+) output (grey cable): connect to Speaker/Subwoofer (+) input terminal
Amplifier Right(-) output (white/black): connect to Speaker/Subwoofer (-) input terminal
4. The Left(-) and Right(+) cables (grey/black and white respectively) from the amplifier should
then be individually covered up or sealed off to avoid shorting the circuit and damaging the
amplifier.
Failure to connect properly may damage your speaker/subwoofer.
2.2.4 Connecting Speakers in Bridged Mode
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Installation 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO

1. Begin by setting the Gain to the minimum value (counter-clockwise).
2. Set gain to 1/3 of the way (approx. 10pm position).
3. Turn on the stereo and verify the amplifier is also turned on. The LED on the amplifier will il-
luminate green.
4. Set all tones (bass, treble) and equalization controls (balance, fade) on the source unit to
“flat” or “0,” and turn off any “loud” or “loudness” setting.
5. Slowly increase the gain control until you hear a slight distortion of the audio playback. This
will be your usable range.
3.1 Setting the Gain Level
This Filter switch allows a specific range of frequencies to be filtered out. Typically, tweeters
require filtering of low range frequencies while subwoofers require a filtering of mid to high range
frequencies.
3.2 Cross-Over Mode Switch (Filter)
You have completed the connection, now it’s time to check that the power supply is correct with
everything working as one system.
1. Install the fuse into the in-line fuse holder on the power side.
2. Verify the amplifier powers up and the speakers function properly. If they do not, proceed
directly to Troubleshooting section.
2.3 Testing the System
1. Route and connect the power wire from the positive (+) battery terminal to the main amplifier
terminal.
2. Route and connect the ground wire from chassis ground to the amplifier terminal.
3. Verify power cables and audio cables are not making contact as they can cause interference.
2.2.6 Connecting the Battery
1. Connect the blue Remote cable from the amplifier wiring harness to the blue Remote or
Ignition terminal on the stereo. Alternatively, you can also connect the blue remote wire to the
vehicles ignition switch.
2.2.5 Connecting the Remote (Ignition) Wire
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Installation 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO
Setting Amplifier Controls

When the Cross-Over Filter switch is set to LPF (Low Pass Filter) the adjustable frequency range
is 40Hz-400Hz.
When in the minimum position (turned fully counter-clockwise) all frequencies less than 40Hz
will be filtered from the output signal and all frequencies above 40Hz will be heard from the
speakers.
When in the maximum position (turned fully clockwise) all frequencies less than 400Hz will be
filtered from the output signal and all frequencies above 400Hz will be heard from the speakers.
The volume will be lower when the frequency is getting close to the minimum position.
3.3.2 Low Pass Filter Mode
When the Cross-Over Filter switch is set to FULL no frequencies will be filtered and the speakers
will output all frequencies.
3.3.3 Full Range Mode
The Boost setting allows for additional Bass Boost to be added to the output signal. The boost is
applied to 85Hz frequency and allows for 0-12dB of boost.
3.4 Boost
3.3 Cross-Over Frequency Control (Freq)
The Frequency control knob is used to set the frequency at which the electronic cross-over oper-
ates.
When the Cross-Over Filter switch is set to HPF (High Pass Filter) the adjustable frequency range
is 40Hz-400Hz.
When in the minimum position (turned fully counter-clockwise) all frequencies less than 40Hz
will be filtered from the output signal and all frequencies above 40Hz will be heard from the
speakers.
When in the maximum position (turned fully clockwise) all frequencies less than 400Hz will be
filtered from the output signal and all frequencies above 400Hz will be heard from the speakers.
The volume will be lower when the frequency is getting close to the minimum position.
3.3.1 High Pass Filter Mode
1. HPF (High Pass Filter) is best for driving mid and high range speakers or tweeters.
2. LPF (Low Pass Filter) is best for driving subwoofers or low range speakers only.
3. FULL is best suited for driving full range speakers.
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Setting Amplifier Controls 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO

Problem Probable Cause Solution
Amplifier doesn’t power up (LED
is off).
Power (+) wire is not providing +12V
to the amplifier
Check the wire is connected or that it’s not
making a proper connection. Verify fuses
aren’t blown. Check continuity on the cables
to verify all cables are still making contact.
Remote wire is not providing +12 V
to the amplifier
Check the wiring for remote turn-on wire.
Make sure the turn-on source is providing
12V.
Ground/Power (-) wire is not providing
-12V ground to amplifier
Check the wire connected to ground is
making proper connection. Verify there is
no additional residue. Check continuity on
the cables to verify cables are still making
contact.
Amplifier powers up, but makes no
sound (LED is illuminated red).
Speaker wires are not connected or
shorted
Check wiring from the amplifier to each
speaker in the system. Make sure the wire
terminals are not shorting.
Input from source unit is not con-
nected properly
Check High or Low Level input wiring from
the source unit to the main amplifier
Source unit has no output
Check source unit is functioning properly
all by itself. Refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions if necessary.
Speaker output sounds low or
distorted.
Input gain level is set incorrectly
Set the gain levels using the ‘Test and Tune’
section of this manual. If already completed
this step, lower the gain slightly until the
distortion stops
Low battery condition Check your battery for proper charge and
replace if necessary.
Overheating
Turn off the system and let it cool. Resume
the system and verify all is well. Make sure
the amp is not in direct contact with the
stereo use mounting bracket.
Warning do not use Velcro and do not place
the amp on top of the Harley-Davidson
stereo.
4 Troubleshooting
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Troubleshooting 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO

Type......................................................................
Waterproof.............................................................
Input Channels.......................................................
Output Channels.....................................................
Output Impedance (per channel)..............................
Power Output (RMS) @ 4 Ohms...............................
Power Output (RMS) @ 2 Ohms...............................
Power Output (RMS) - bridged @ 4 Ohms.................
THD......................................................................
THD (Bridged mode)...............................................
Frequency Response...............................................
High-Pass/Low-Pass Cross-Over Frequency................
Bass Boost (@ 85Hz)..............................................
Overload Protection................................................
2 Channel Digital (Class D) Bridgeable Amplifier
Yes - IP65
Stereo Low-Level (RCA) Input
Stereo High-Level (Speaker) Input with Auto-Detect
2
2 Ohm & 4 Ohm stable
100W per channel
150W per channel
300W
<1%
1%
10 - 45kHz
Configurable from 40Hz - 400Hz
Configurable from 0 - 12dB
Yes
5.1 Specifications
5.2 Dimensions
46mm
113mm
166mm
Specifications & Dimensions 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO
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Aquatic AV offers a limited warranty of our products on the following terms:
Length of warranty
2 years on audio systems, electronics, speakers, and accessories (receipt required).
Coverage
This warranty covers only the original purchaser of a Aquatic AV product purchased from an
authorized Aquatic AV dealer in the United States. In order to receive service, the purchaser must
provide Aquatic AV with a copy of the receipt stating the customer name, dealer name, product
purchased and date of purchase.
Defective products
Products found to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or replaced (with a
product deemed to be equivalent) at Aquatic AV’s discretion.
What is not covered
Damage caused by accident, abuse, improper operations, theft. Any cost or expense related to
the removal or reinstallation of product. Service performed by anyone other than an authorized
Aquatic AV service center. Any product with the serial number or tamper labels defaced, altered,
or removed. Subsequent damage to other components. Any product not purchased from an au-
thorized Aquatic AV dealer.
Limit on implied warranties
Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are limited in
duration to the period of the express warranty set forth above. Some states do not allow limita-
tions on the length of an implied warranty, so this limitation may not apply. No person is author-
ized to assume for Aquatic AV any other liability in connection with the sale of the product.
How to obtain service
You must obtain a return material authorization number (RMA) to return any product to Aquatic
AV. You are responsible for shipping charges of returned products to Aquatic AV.
Please record the model and serial number[s] of your equipment in the space provided below as
your permanent record and will assist us with your factory warranty coverage. These numbers can
be found on the underside of the amplifier.
Model number[s]: Serial number[s]:
Product design and specification subject to change without notice. E&OE.
Doc V1.2
Warranty Information 2 Channel Waterproof Amplifier AQ-AD300.2-MICRO
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E-mail: [e-mail]
US & Canada: 1 877 579 2782
International: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.aquaticav.com
Aquatic AV
282 Kinney Drive
San Jose, CA 95112, USA