Blaupunkt ProComponent PCA460 User manual

www.midwestelectronics.com

All power ratings conform to CEA-2006 standards.
PARAMETER/FEATURE PCA460
Channels 4/3/2
Size ( W x H x D) 10x1.9x12 inches (254x49x305mm)
Weight 6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
Spade screw speaker terminals? YES
Maximum terminal wire size 14 ga.
Subsonic filter YES (10 Hz)
Separate front/rear or left/right gains? F/R-YES L/R-NO
Fuse Type ATC spade -Two 30A
Speaker short, short to +12V, and short to ground protection? YES
High, low, and reverse voltage protection? YES
Power output transistors BTL
Power supply transistors MOSFET
Minimum speaker impedance (non-bridged) 2 ohms
(bridged) 4 ohms
PERFORMANCE DATA
Rated power output @ 0.1% THD, 14.4V (CEA-2006)
4 channels into 4 ohms / 2 ohms (watts rms) 4 x 60 W / 4 x 80 W
2 channels into 4 ohms (watts rms) 2 x 120 W
Max Dynamic Power (watts rms) 300W
Total Harmonic Distortion @ full power 0.1% THD
Signal/Noise ratio (gain controls in center)
Measured @ 1 watt / 1 kHz dBA >80
Measured @ full rated power (0.1% THD) dBA >97
Damping factor >100
Frequency response (full-range mode) 20 - 30,000 Hz
High-pass crossover frequency limits 50 H z - 250 Hz (variable), 12dB/oct
Low-pass crossover frequency limits 50 H z - 250 Hz (variable), 12dB/oct
Bass Boost Variable (0-12dB)
Input impedance 10 kohms
Input signal voltage control range 0.3 - 6.0 vrms
Current Draw @ 13.8 VDC (typical values @ X watts / Efficiency %)
@ full rated power, unbridged (@ 4 ohms) 34 A (50%)
@ 33% rated power, unbridged (@ 4 ohms) 17 A (35%)
@ idle (@ 4 ohms) 2.5 A
Minimum battery voltage to maintain rated power 13.8 VDC
Usable battery voltage 10 - 16 VDC
Trigger line voltage range 10 - 16 VDC
Trigger line current draw < 10 mA
Turn on delay time @ 2.0 seconds
Thermal shutoff temperature (average heat-sink temp) @ 85˚ C (185˚ F)
NOTE: DUE TO ONGOING PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS, DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT ADVANCED NOTICE TO THE CONSUMER OR RETAILER.
BLAUPUNKT SPECIFICATIONS - PCA460, 4/3/2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
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Key features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Safety Concerns & installation warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
System planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Installation tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Vehicle wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Connections & controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
System configurations 1 & 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
System configurations 3 & 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Troubleshooting chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Warranty information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Blaupunkt technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Assembly & Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
TABLE OFCONTENTS
Caractéristiques principales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Consignes de sécurité et avertissements relatifs à l’ installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Planification du système . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Outils d’installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Câblage du véhicule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Connexions & Commandes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17
Configuration des systèmes 1 et 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Configuration des systèmes 3 et 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Tableau de dépannage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Garantie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Assistance technique de Blaupunkt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Assemblage & Montage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Couverture de dos
TABLE DES MATIÈRES
Características principales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Consideraciones de seguridad y precauciones en la instalación . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Planificación del sistema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Herramientas de instalación . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Alambrado del vehículo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Conexiones y Controles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-27
Configuración de los sistemas 1 y 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Configuración de los sistemas 3 y 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Cuadro de solución de problemas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Información de garantía . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Apoyo técnico de Blaupunkt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Armadura y Montaje . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Portada Trasera
INDICE
Características-chave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Medidas de Segurança e advertências para a instalação . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Planejamento do sistema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Ferramentas para a instalação . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Fiação do veículo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Conexões e controles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36-37
Configurações 1 e 2 do sistema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Configurações 3 e 4 do sistema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Quadro para solução de problemas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Informações sobre a garantia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Assistência técnica da Blaupunkt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Montagem e instalarão . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tampa preta
ÍNDICE DAS MATÉRIAS
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Congratulations! You are the now the owner of an exceptional car audio amplifier from the audio enthusiasts at
Blaupunkt. Our engineering staff has spent considerable time refining our PCA series amplifiers in order to introduce great
sound to the consumer at an affordable price. With these products we focus on sonic performance but balanced with
rugged design and flexible installation.
Not only do we offer you a great product but also a supportive owners manual. This manual can be used as a teaching
guide due to its brief, but informative, explanations of amplifier and system design. We are also very concerned about the
end consumer using proper installation techniques for the highest performance possible from their new audio products.
MOST important to us are the concerns with safety and the installation process. Since our Blaupunkt retail dealers have
the tools and experience for an optimized and safe installation, we always recommend they do the final vehicle integration.
But, should you choose to install these products yourself, please take the time to read this manual completely and abide
by all precautions.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING BLAUPUNKT!
PCA AMPLIFIER BENEFITS & FEATURES
There is a constant push for entry level amps to “play with the big dogs” yet for a low
price point. Rarely are they able to do so…. until now.
Rock solid Class AB designs ensure “in your face” sound with little fear for reliability or
performance. The rugged designs of the PCA amp line, and their remarkable input
frequency and gain setting flexibility, enable nearly any system configuration. Fat power
and speaker leads make sure all that power going in comes out the best sound possible.
Should something go wrong in the installation, have no fear. Protection for
output short circuits and short to grounds or 12 volts are all covered
and a safety “Protect” light lets you know. Peace of mind, and
big power, at low price points…look no further.
•Real, RMS watts. No need for “bogus”
watts. This is the real stuff in a great
amp so there is no need to
exaggerate - it does what it says.
•Reinforced Class AB designs with
reinforced output stages ensure solid
performance and reliability.
•Big heat sinks to ensure adequate heat
dissipation regardless of the load (they look
cool too).
•Monster size, gold plated power and speaker
terminals for reliable, low resistance connections.
•Protection LED for notification should the unit shut
down due to installation problems.
•Wide range input voltages of 0.3-6.0Vrms.
•Continuously variable crossover frequency settings.
•2ohm output stable (unbridged mode)
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We always recommend you have your Blaupunkt amplifiers professionally installed but the
installation process is often so easy that the average consumer can achieve success with little
trouble. Regardless of the person installing, you should be sure to review the following points
before proceeding with the installation:
■READ THE MANUAL! Understanding the product and installation limitations before
lifting a screwdriver.
■WEAR SAFETY GLASSES AT ALL TIMES - Flying debris are always dangerous.
■PROTECT THE VEHICLE - Always disconnect the negative battery cable before
starting any kind of installation work. This prevents a possible high current electrical
short (potential fires).
■HEAT - Keep all audio components away from nearby hot vehicle components that heat up over time such as hoses,
high current wires, and braking system components.
■GIVE YOURSELF LOTS OF TIME - Rushing to complete an installation nearly always ends up with problems.
■DO NOT LISTEN AT HIGH SOUND LEVELS FOR A PROLONGED TIME - these amplifiers, used with high
efficiency speakers from ANY manufacturer, have the potential to cause permanent hearing loss after listening at
maximum volume levels for several hours.
SAFETY CONCERNS
Before disassembling your beautiful new car you need some basic installation knowledge and skill with common hand and
power tools. Following such basic installation tips and warnings will prevent possible damage to the vehicle and also
prevent possible fires.
■AGAIN...READ THE MANUAL! There is a lot of helpful information in this manual that
will save time and prevent problems later.
■COVER THE VEHICLE WORK AREAS - Use fender covers or blankets to protect the
work areas from scratches or dings.
■DISCONNECT THE (-) LEAD ON THE BATTERY - No sparks or fires please!
■“REVIEW” THE INSTALLATION - Before using any tools or moving vehicle
components, take five minutes to review the installation intentions (e.g., verify that an
amplifier will fit in an area of a car before tearing out all the interior).
■“REVIEW” THE VEHICLE - Before drilling any holes or cutting into any surfaces, make
sure there are no fuel or hydraulic lines behind the surfaces. Also make sure there are no
wires routed directly behind or near the desired mounting area (remember...screws can
often extend 1-2 inches behind the mounting surface).
■ENSURE PROPER FIT - Before cutting or drilling, make sure the amplifier will
physically fit in its desired location. Check for clearance around rear deck torsion bars or
other structural elements.
■EVERY CAR IS ASSEMBLED DIFFERENT - Every auto manufacturer uses different
assembly techniques. Take care in removing/modifying all trim panels and mounting surfaces since they often use
unique screws or snap fasteners that are difficult to replace if they are lost or broken.
■BE CAREFUL WITH CABLE ROUTING - When routing audio cables, make sure RCA and speaker wires are
routed away from high current power lines for audio amplifiers and vehicle systems lines when possible. This will
help prevent noises from creeping into the audio system, plus prevent potential damage to the vehicle wiring itself.
■BE CAREFUL WITH ALL CONNECTIONS - When making connections, make sure each connection is clean
and properly secured. Observe all polarity markings carefully to ensure proper end performance.
■CAUTION - FUEL TANKS AND FUEL LINES ARE NOW LOCATED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE REAR
DECK IN MANY CARS - CHECK FOR ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BEFORE EVEN CONSIDERING
SUCH A MOUNTING LOCATION!
INSTALLATION WARNINGS!
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Before wiring up an audio system that may not achieve the
sound quality you want, be sure to choose a system concept
that fits your listening requirements. Basic systems, a
receiver with internal 4x20 watts and 4 coax speakers, are
adequate for many listeners. But, when you want to really
“feel” the music, you will need some kind of subwoofer
amplifier/speaker combination. Although many people might
jump into an “add-on” amplifier to power to rear coaxial
speakers, a better choice is usually a subwoofer
amp/speaker system that supplements the existing 4
speaker system as shown in the adjacent drawing. Such a
system provides a surprising improvement in sound quality
due to the usually dramatic increase in bass response.
The next dramatic step up in performance is with a “multi-
channel” system that offers more dynamic range in the mids
and highs due to higher power plus more bass response due
to multiple woofers and/or more power. But, with such a
system, the stereo image and overall listening experience
usually becomes much more life-like due to better tonal
quality midrange/tweeter speakers and usually better
placement.
To build such a system though, complexity goes up due to
the addition of passive or active crossovers which take time
to install and may inject noise into the system due to
potential noise signal pick up. The results though of such a
system can be dramatically pleasing.
SYSTEM PLANNING
For most installations, simple hand tools are adequate to install an aftermarket amplifier. Depending upon the
mounting locations used, you will need power tools for drilling and cutting plastics and metal. A good starting list
is summarized below:
■Tape measure and ruler
■Marking pen and starting punch
■Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers (small and medium sizes)
■Nylon wire bundle ties
■Pliers: standard vice-grip and needle nose styles
■Light-duty trim pry-bar for removing door trim
■Cutting shears or nibbling tool for cutting thin and medium gauger metal
■Wire cutters, wire strippers, electrical tape, crimping pliers and appropriate crimp-on
terminals
■Power drill with appropriate sized drill bits
INSTALLATION TOOLS
Full-Range
Full-Range
Full-Range
Full-Range
Subwoofer
Receiver
Passive X-over
Sat Amplifier
(4x60 W)
Sub Amplifier (2x120 W) Subwoofers
Supplementary subwoofer system
High performance multi-channel system
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VEHICLE WIRING
LOUDSPEAKER WIRE CHART
(Wire gauge per loudspeaker/speaker power in “rms” watts)
WIRE LENGTH 20 W 50 W 100 W 200 W
5 ft. / 1.5 m 18 16 16 16
10 ft. / 3.0 m 18 16 16 16
15 ft. / 4.5 m 16 16 16 14
20 ft. / 6.0 m 16 16 16 14
25 ft. / 7.5 m 16 16 14 12
SYSTEM POWER AND GROUND WIRE CHART
(Wire gauge for total system in 'rms' watts)
WIRE LENGTH 100 W 200 W 500 W 1000 W
5 ft. / 1.5 m 12 10 8 4
10 ft. / 3.0 m 12 10 8 4
15 ft. / 4.5 m 10 8 6 2
20 ft. / 6.0 m 10 8 6 2
25 ft. / 7.5 m 10 8 4 0 or 00
SYSTEM FUSE CHART
(Fuse size for total amplifier system power in “rms” watts)
100 W 200 W 500 W 1000 W
Fuse Size 20 A 30 A 50 A 100 A
(in amps)
Speaker Wires
or
RCA Cables
Speakers
Amplifier
Ground Screw
Drill 1/8” hole in
chassis sheet metal
Use the same ground if
using multiple amplifiers
Power Antenna
Turn-On Wire
(18-20 gauge wire)
Power Wire
(10 gauge
wire or
larger)
Grommet
To prevent
damage to
power wire
Radio
Battery
Battery
Connector
Fuse or
Circuit
Breaker
VEHICLE FUSING
For safety purposes, a high current fuse (or circuit breaker)
MUST be installed in line with the amplifiers(s) immediately at
the battery to prevent vehicle damage should the battery line
in advertently shorted to the vehicle chassis. The chart at the
right shows the recommended master fuse sizes for an
average audio system with noted “rms” output power levels.
POWER WIRING
Most vehicles built since 1990 have adequate current
capability for your amplifier. Except for systems above
about 500 W rms, the factory charging system and battery
should easily support it if properly installed. Proper wire
size must be chosen to ensure adequate current delivery to
the amp. Wire size (gauge) of the cables need to increase
in size for higher power systems. (Wire sizes larger than
those noted are usually a waste of time and money since
they offer Little or no performance improvements.)
Wire diameter must increase (decreased wire gauge
number) for higher power systems. For long wire runs the
wire diameter must also increase. The wire sizes noted
allow for a maximum 0.5 volts DC drop over the give wire
run which results in Sound Pressure Level drops inaudible
to the average listener.
SPEAKER WIRING
As with power wire, speaker wire size (gauge) changes with
the power required and the length of the wire run. The
speaker wire chart shows the minimum recommended wire
size for a single audio output channel driving a loudspeaker
at a given distance with a maximum power loss of 0.5 dB,
the threshold of audibility. (Wire sizes larger than those
noted are usually a waste of time and money since they
offer little or no performance improvements.)
FINAL VEHICLE WIRING
Current requirements for an upgraded audio system dictate a
dedicated power line be run from the amplifier directly to the
battery of the vehicle. This line should NOT be run to the
fuse panel of the vehicle but directly to the battery. DO NOT
run to the alternator either. There MUST be a fuse installed
at the battery with adequate amperage as shown in the chart
above.
As for the final signal wiring, be sure to route the audio
cables down the side of the car opposite the power lines to
avoid noise pick up from the lines. Also, try to route all audio
cables away from noise sources such as engine computers
and ABS brake computers.
Proper power grounding is important to insure adequate
current flow. Be sure to grind the surface clean of all paint to
ensure a solid electrical connection.
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POWER CONNECTIONS & TRIGGER LINE:
SPEAKER OUTPUTS - The amplifier is connected to appropriate impedance
speakers via these leads. It is IMPERATIVE that these leads NOT be
connected or touch the vehicle chassis in any way or the amplifier will be
damaged. The (+) and (-) leads of the amp are in no way inter-connected to
one another. Also, NONE of the leads can touch each other, touch ground, or
touch +12V or damage may occur to the amp or vehicle.
GROUND - This is the high current ground connection to the chassis of the
car. It should be fastened to a clean ground connection in the vehicle,
capable of handling high current loads. This wire should be no longer than 3
feet (1 meter)
+12v - A high current line run direct from the batter is highly recommended to
insure adequate current and voltage. This line MUST be run through a
dedicated fuse of some kind and this fuse should be located immediately
next to the power source. This in-line fuse is used to protect the vehicle
should a short to chassis occur.
TRIGGER - This line tells the amp to turn on and is remotely switched from
the radio which normally provides an amp “trigger” output. This line is
required to go “high” (+12V) to turn on the amp. If this line is not available,
use the power antenna line trigger which is normally available in most radios.
FUSE - These fuses are only for catastrophic situations should the amplifier begin
to self-destruct or incur installation situations where gross amounts of current
are being required from the amp beyond its design limits. Although another
fuse should be installed inline with the high power line at the battery, these
amplifier mounted fuses MUST remain in the circuit to protect the amplifier.
CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS
Power Terminal (+12V)
10 Gage
Wire
To Battery
Terminal
NOT SUPPLIED
Fuse or
Circuit Breaker
Battery
Terminal
Adapter
10 Gage
Wire
Ring
Connector
Sheet
Metal
Screw
Drill 1/8” hole
in chassis
sheet metal
18-20 Gage
Wire
To Receiver
Power
Antenna Lead
Butt
Connector
(not supplied)
Ground Terminal
Remote Terminal
Connect directly to the vehicle battery (+)
terminal with 10 gage wire (minimum)
Connect to a good chassis ground. The
ground connection should be clean,
unpainted metal to provide a good
electrical connection.
Connect the radio power antenna lead
from the receiver to the amplifier
terminal. This turns the amplifier on
whenever the receiver is turned on.
Speaker Outputs Ground +12
(Battery)
Trigger Fuses
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– 7 –
LINE LEVEL INPUTS & OUTPUTS - The most commonly used inputs & outputs in the aftermarket are RCA type line level
inputs. These can handle up to about 6 Volts rms without overdriving the amplifier. Such high voltages are rarely found
from car audio head units so this is a very comfortable value. But, should the use need to drive the amp directly from
speaker level leads, use the supplied “High Level Adapter” to connect to the amp.
GAIN CONTROL - The gain control allows for a range of 0.3-6Volts input. This means that if the setting is a 0.3V, it only takes
0.3Volts to drive the amp to full output. (Such a low setting allows for the amp to be easily overdriven and more
susceptible to noise so a mid-position is highly recommended for most radios.)
CROSSOVER MODE SELECTOR - Depending upon the system design chosen, you need to set the amplifier in the proper
“mode” be it LP, Flat, or HP. The low-pass and high-pass frequency settings are explained below. The “Flat” setting
simply allows for the amp to pass all audio frequencies without any kind of crossover filter application. (This is common
with 6x9” fullrange coaxial speakers for example.)
HIGH-PASS CROSSOVER CONTROL - If the control is in the “HP” position the amplifier passes only mid and high frequency
sound. The lower limit for such sound is set via this control. A common setting is just above 100Hz.
LOW-PASS CROSSOVER CONTROL - If the control is in the “LP” position the amplifier passes only low frequency sound. The
upper limit for such sound is set via this control. For bass, a value just below 100Hz is usually best.
BASS BOOST - This control provides additional bass in the 45Hz area to give a stronger low end “feel” to the bass. Once
switched on, this will also allow the amp to be driven into distortion sooner so the user must be aware.
PROTECTION LED - This light turns on if the amplifier senses a severe problem, such as a speaker short circuit.
POWER ON LED - This light will turn on when the amplifier receives a +12V turn on signal from the radio. If the amp is
properly wired, but the light does not turn on, there may be a short circuit condition that the amp is protecting itself from.
CONNECTIONS & CONTROLS
Line Level Input
Gain Control
Crossover
Mode
High-Pass
Frequency
Bass Boost Protection
LED
Low-Pass
Frequency
Power On
LED
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– 8 –
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION #1
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION #2
5 Channel Combo (2ch HP + 3ch passive Multi-Mode)
The multi-mode system is a “poor-man’s” satellite/subwoofer
system. This amplifier is able to drive speakers in stereo
mode and at the same time drive low frequencies to a
dedicated subwoofer speaker. By inserting inductors (coils) and capacitors, the result is an inexpensive solution to
generating a ‘5' channel system with a 4 channel amplifier.
Using passive components (coils and capacitors) the installation is simple and performs adequately for most listeners.
Such a system will not perform as well as an “active” system because the slow attenuation (roll-off) of the frequency
response resulting in a moderate amount of over-lapping of the sound spectrum between the satellites and subwoofers.
It is important to remember that although surprisingly pleasant performance is achieved, this is a compromise system
and will NOT perform as well as a dedicated 5 channel system with electronic crossovers.
Full-Range High-Pass
Full-Range High-Pass Subwoofer
4 Channel (Full-Range,HP)
For many listeners, they need only slightly higher system loudness and/or music dynamic range without the amplifier
going into distortion. By simply adding additional power to the speakers this can be achieved in many installations.
BUT, the speakers must be able to handle this additional power without damage.
Such installations are most common with listeners who only need systems that can play moderately loud. Also, this
consumer is often a person who simply cannot, or will not, accept additional amplifiers or speakers in the vehicle. Such
systems will not be able to perform as well as audio systems with additional speakers and amps, but this is often an
accepted trade-off for this consumers.
Full-Range
Full-Range
Full-Range
Full-Range
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