Camco Vortex Series User manual

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.2
© Copyright 2001 by CAMCO Produktions-und Vertriebs-GmbH
Fischpicke 5, D-57482 Wenden Gerlingen, Germany
Telephone [phone]
VORTEX OWNER’S MANUAL

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.3
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
!!
THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROW HEAD SYMBOL, IS INTENDED TO
ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE OF UNINSULATED “DANGEROUS
VOLTAGE” WITHIN THE PRODUCT’S ENCLOSURE THAT MAY BE OF
SUFFICIENT OPERATING
THE EXCLAMATION MARK IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE PRES-
ENCE OF IMPORTANT AND MAINTENANCE (SERVICING) INSTRUCTIONS IN
THE LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE APPLIANCE
CAUTION - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
WARNING - TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION - HIGH VOLTAGE HAZARDS
EXIST WITHIN THIS PRODUCT.
PLEASE REFER ALL SERVICING TO
AUTHORISED PERSONNEL
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
!!

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.4
1.0 Read Owner’s Manual
When shipping the VORTEX amplier, always use the original shipping carton
and packing materials. For maximum protection, repack the unit as it was
originally packed at the factory.
2.0 Environments
Use this amplier only in E2 or E3 environment according EN55103-2.
3.0 Ventilation
Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation, to ensure
reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These
openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should not be installed
unless proper ventilation is provided or manufacturer’s instructions have been
adhered to.
4.0 Water & Moisture
Do not use this product near water (for example, in a wet basement or near a
swimming pool)
5.0 Cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.
6.0 Power-cord Protection
Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed upon them or against them, paying particular
attention to cords and plugs, and the point where they exit from the product.
7.0 Lightning
For added protection of this product during storms, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will
prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
8.0 Object And Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a re or
electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
9.0 Accessories
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious injury, and serious damage to the
product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturers
instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.
10.0 Connecting
When you connect the amplier to other equipment, turn off the power and
unplug all of the equipment from the supply source. Failure to do so may
cause an electric shock and serious personal injury. Read the owner’s manual
of the other equipment carefully and follow the instructions when making the
connections.
11.0 Sound Volume
Reduce the volume to minimum before you turn on the product to prevent
sudden high levels which may cause hearing or speaker damage.
12.0 Damage Requiring Service
Unplug this product from the mains supply and refer to your dealer/distributor
under the following conditions:
When the power-supply cord is damaged
If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product
If the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualied technician to
SAFETY

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.5
restore the product to its normal operation.
If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance this indicates
a need for a service.
13.0 Servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Please refer to your
dealer/distributor.
14.0 Replacement Parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the dealer/distributor uses
replacement parts specied by the manufacturer. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in re, electric shock, or hazards.
15.0 Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the dealer
distributor to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.
SAFETY

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.6
EC Declaration of Conformity in accordance to EC Directives:
electro-magnetic compatibility (Council Directive 89/336/EEC,
as amended by Directives 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC);
low-voltage electrical equipment (Council Directive 73/23/EEC )
Manufacturers Name:
CAMCO Produktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH
Manufacturers Address:
Fischpicke 5
57482 Wenden
Germany
Declares that the product with the model name:
CAMCO Power amplier Vortex 6
Conforms to the following standards:
EN60065 Security
EN55103-1 Emission
EN55103-2 Immunity
The operating conditions and application environments presupposed in the
operating instruction are to be kept accordingly.
Wenden, 26.10.2000
Joachim Stöcker
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.7
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
SAFETY
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY CE
CONTENTS
1.0 WELCOME
1.1 Welcome to CAMCO
1.2 Unpacking
1.3 Features (Introduction)
2.0 FACILITIES
2.1 Front Panel
2.2 Rear Panel
3.0 INSTALLATION
3.1 ON/OFF Switch
3.2 Precautions
3.3 Mounting
3.4 Cooling
3.5 Ground Lift
3.6 Wiring
3.6.1 SPEAKON Connection
3.6.2 E.U.I. and XLR Connection
3.6.3 Stereo Operation
3.6.4 Bridge-Mono Operation
3.6.5 Parallel-Mono Operation
3.7 Input Signal Parallel Switch on E.U.I.
4.0 OPERATION
4.1 Precautions
4.2 Controls
4.2.1 Volume Control
4.2.2 Gain Selector
4.2.3 Limiter Switch
4.3 Indicators
4.3.1 On/Failure Indicators
4.3.2 Signal Indicators
4.3.3 Clip/Output Current Indicators
4.4 Power Amp Protection Systems
4.4.1 Clip Limiter
4.4.2 Under Impedance Limiter
4.4.3 Speaker Protect Limiter
4.4.4 SOA Protection
4.4.5 DC Protection
4.4.6 DC Servo
4.4.7 Power Amp Over Current Protection
4.4.8 Power Amp Thermal Protection
4.5 Mains Protection
4.5.1 Inrush Current Limitation
4.5.2 Mains Over Voltage Detection
4.5.3 Mains Failure detection
4.5.4 Fuse Protection
4.6 Main SMPS Protection
4.6.1 Main SMPS Over Current Protection
4.6.2 Main SMPS Transformer Thermal
Protection
4.7 Fans
4.8 Filter Cleaning
5.0 OPTIONS
5.1 E.U.I
5.1.1 Input Signal Parallel Switch
5.1.2 Filter On/Off Switch
5.1.3 Accessories
5.1.4 Using E.U.I.
5.2 C.A.I.
5.2.1 CAMCO Audio Interface
5.2.2 Wiring
5.2.3 CAI - Address Settings
5.2.4 To Activate CAI Address Selection
Procedure
5.2.5 CAI - Status Indicator
5.2.6 Overview or Remote Controls with CAI
6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
6.1 On LED Flashing Sequences
6.2 Examples of LED Sequences
6.3 Problem: No Sound
6.4 Problem: No Sound or Sound is too Low
6.5 Problem: No Channel Separation
6.6 Problem: Distorted Sound
6.7 Problem: Music Sounds Frequency Filtered
6.8 Problem: Hiss
6.9 Problem: Squeals and Feedback
7.0 SPECIFICATION
8.0 WARRANTY INFORMATION
8.1 Summary of Warranty
8.2 Items Excluded from this Warranty
8.3 What CAMCO will do
8.4 How to obtain Warranty Service
8.5 CAMCO’s Product Improvement
9.0 SERVICE INFORMATION
9.1 Owner’s Information
9.2 Nature of Problem
9.3 Expired Warranty
9.4 Shipping Address
10.0 COMPANY INFORMATION
CONTENTS
03
04
06
07
08
10
11
16
21
23
26
29
30
31

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.8
1.1 Welcome to CAMCO
CAMCO has more than 17 years of worldwide experience with professional
sound reinforcement technology. Within the audio market, CAMCO specialises
in the production and marketing of high quality power ampliers and sound
systems for use both on tour and in static installations.
The success of the LA, DL and DX series power amps has made the CAMCO
name synonymous with professional quality, high performance and utterly
reliable power amps.
CAMCO’s commitment to research and development, seen not just in the area
of materials and technology but also most importantly in its highly skilled and
motivated workforce, is one of the keys to its ongoing success.
With its all-new VORTEX power amp series, CAMCO is pioneering a new
dimension in professional power amp construction. The seamless combination
of groundbreaking technology with secure and proven elements is the
hallmark of the new series.
Welcome to the new world of professional power ampliers -
WELCOME TO CAMCO!
1.2 Unpacking
Please unpack and inspect your new amplier for any damage that may have
occurred during transit. If damage is found, notify the transportation company
immediately. Only you the consignee may initiate a claim for shipping damage.
CAMCO will be happy to cooperate fully as needed. Please save the shipping
carton as evidence of damage for the shipper’s inspection.
Even if the amplier has arrived in perfect condition, save all packing materials
so you will have them if you ever need to transport the unit.
NEVER SHIP THE AMPLIFIER WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL
PACKING MATERIALS.
When shipping the VORTEX amplier, always use the original shipping carton
and packing materials. For maximum protection, repack the unit as it was
originally packed at the factory.
1.0 WELCOME

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.9
1.3 The amplier
The VORTEX is a Class-H power amplier with a power output of 3kW per chan-
nel / 2 Ohm load (6kW in mono / 4 Ohm load). It is supplied by Switched Mode
Power Supplies (SMPS). These SMPS’s radically reduce the weight and size (only
2U) of the amplier. Using SMPS, the 3 - symmetrical supply voltages of the
power amplier are more stable than the power supplies used in conventional
ampliers.
The VORTEX also uses a microprocessor for controlling and monitoring the
power amp. Controlling a power amp designed for use in modern sound
systems, has four main advantages over more traditional power amp systems:
Reduced Distortion
Improved Noise Characteristics
Integrated Remote Control
Indication of protection or failures by different LED sequences
The VORTEX has been designed as an intelligent and powerful product for
performing specialised tasks within a complex audio system. Users can adapt
the power amp to meet their specic audio requirements before use. Controls
mounted on the front and the rear of the VORTEX allow access to the
functionality.
Since some of the externally mounted controls have multiple functions, it is
important that users should familiarise themselves with the entire range of
controls and programmable features before using the power amp.
If you have questions about features of the VORTEX power amp that are not
covered by the basic descriptions in this manual, CAMCO would be pleased to
offer you further information. Alternatively, contact your dealer/distributor.
1.0 WELCOME

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.10
V O R T E X 6
VORTEX 6
VORTEX - The Front
1 ON / OFF Switch
2 Volume Control - Channel A
3 Volume Control - Channel B
4 On / Failure Indicators
5 Signal Indicators
6 Clip / Output Current Indicators
7 Removable Air Filter System
8 Cooling Air Inlet Vents
9 Enter-Switch (behind Front Panel)
10 Operating Mode Indicators
11 CAI Status Indicator
VORTEX - The Rear
12 AC Power Cable
13 CAMCO Audio Interface (CAI)
14 Speakon Connectors
15 Cooling Vents
16 Input Ground Lift Switch
17 Operating Mode Selector
18 Limiter Switch
19 Gain - Selector
20 Extended User Interface (E.U.I.)
21 XLR - Line Inputs
22 XLR - Line Outputs
2.0 FACILITIES

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.11
3.1 On/off Switch
The On/Off Switch does not isolate the appliance from mains.
It initiates start-up by activating the phase-angle control (the inrush current
limiter). When the amp is connected to mains, only the line-lter (un-fused) and
the input of the phase-angle control (fused) are energised.
3.2 Precautions
When mounting or connecting the amp always disconnect it from mains.
3.3 Mounting
Use four screws and washers when mounting the amplier to the front rack
rails. Rear support is also recommended, especially in mobile and touring use.
Rear rack mounting ear kits are available from CAMCO’s technical services
department or by special order from your dealer or distributor.
3.0 INSTALLATION

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.12
CH. A
3.4 Cooling
Under normal operation of the power amp, overheating should never be a
problem. The temperature of the cooling air will depend on the immediate
environment (e.g. an enclosed rack, direct sunlight) and on whether the front
lter is clogged. It is of course essential that while the power amp is running air
is able to circulate around it freely.
3.5 Ground Lift
The input signal ground (pin 1 of both XLR’s) is tied to the ground potential
in the mains supply. Opening the ground lift switch causes this connection
to be broken. This allows ground loops that sometimes occur in practice to
be eliminated. The ground potential of the power amp and therefore of the
loudspeaker outputs is independent of the switch setting and remains at the
ground potential of the mains supply.
Removing the mains connector ground - as often practiced - is not only illegal
but pointless too, since in practice it never produces any
improvement!
DO NOT REMOVE MAIN CONNECTOR GROUND
IT IS ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS
3.6 Wiring
3.6.1 SPEAKON Connection
Always use symmetrical (balanced) shielded cable to connect the amplier
wherever possible
3.0 INSTALLATION
BOTTOM SPEAKON
UPPER SPEAKON
VORTEX
INPUT
CHANNEL B
INPUT
CHANNEL A
CHANNEL A
CHANNEL B
CHANNEL A
CHANNEL B
CH. B

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.13
3.6.2 E.U.I. and XLR Connection
Pin 1 Ground (or lifted via 15 Ohm resistor)
Pin 2 Hot
Pin 3 Cold
3.6.3 Mode Indicators
On the front panel there are two yellow LED’s to indicate the mode that is set.
In stereo mode none of them will be lit. In Parallel Mono the (PM) LED will be lit
and in Mono Bridge, the (MB) LED will be lit.
3.6.4 Mode Switch
The switch on the rear panel changes the operating mode. Note that the posi-
tion of this switch is read by the microprocessor on start-up ONLY. When the
amp is on, moving this switch has no effect. To change modes, you must restart
the amplier to enable the processor to re-read the position of the switch.
3.0 INSTALLATION
POWER
ON SIGNAL CLIP
ON SIGNAL CLIP
MB
PM
CAI
A
B
INPUT
CHANNEL B
INPUT
CHANNEL A
3
122
3
1 2
3
11
3
2
To Gnd
Lift Switch
To Ch. B
input stage
To Ch. A
input stage
S1 Stereo = Open
Mono = Close
XLR:

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.14
3.6.5 Stereo Operation
Two fully independent amplier channels (normal operating mode).
3.6.6 Bridge-Mono Operation
One-channel mono bridged operation.
The second channel processes the same input signal, but with reversed phase.
The (single) load is connected between the two positive channel outputs using
a suitable SPEAKON connector. While the total output of the amplier remains
the same, both the available output voltage and the minimum impedance
that can be connected are doubled, as compared with stereo operation. Only
Channel A-Input is active. A signal feeding Channel B will have no effect on
the output.
WARNING!
Output voltages as high as 230Vrms are available at the output. Wiring to
the speaker loads must conform to NEC Class 3 safety standards.
3.6.7 Parallel-Mono Operation
Parallel operation of the two channels together.
The output terminals of the two channels are congured in parallel using an
internal relay. The (single) load is connected either to the output of channel 1
or to that of channel 2 (as if in stereo). While the total output of the amplier
remains the same and the output voltage level is also the same as in stereo
operation, the minimum impedance that can be connected is reduced by half
due to the fact that current capability is doubled. Only Channel A-Input is
active.
NOTE: For parallel mono operation, to reduce loss of power because of
contact or cable resistance, it is recommended to wire speaker loads using
both SPEAKON connectors.
3.0 INSTALLATION
MODE
BRIDGE PARALLEL
MONO
STEREO
MODE
BRIDGE PARALLEL
MONO
STEREO
L
R
MODE
BRIDGE PARALLEL
MONO
STEREO

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.15
3.7 Input Signal Chaining
The input signals to the XLR connectors can be hard-wired in parallel using a
switch on the E.U.I. (See 5.1, Extended User Interface and 5.1.1, Input Signal Parallel
Switch). This serves as a replacement for an external short XLR female - XLR
male cable for parallel linking the signal inputs.
CAUTION:
Linking channels together can cause damage to system components if
for example two inputs are used with separate ‘LF’ and ‘HF’ feeds. If the
amplier is to be used for ‘LF’ and ‘HF’, ensure this switch is set to STEREO
Mode before switching on.
MODE
BRIDGE STEREO HF
LF
PARALLEL
MONO
3.0 INSTALLATION

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.16
4.1 Precautions
Only connect this amp to the mains indicated on back panel sticker.
Note: Even under normal conditions the mains current can reach levels
(up to 80A / 230V); this could cause lamps to icker if connected to the
same mains as the amp.
4.2 Controls
4.2.1 Volume Control
A microprocessor-controlled DCA (Digital Controlled Attenuator) with a control
resolution of 12 bits per channel is integrated into the signal path. This means
that the signal is not subject to an A/D followed by a D/A conversion with
associated losses. Each channel is governed by a linear potentiometer with 41
notched settings. These settings have been selected to correspond to human
hearing characteristics (logarithmically) and therefore guarantee an optimal
range of settings for practical applications. Each channel can be set individually
except when operating in mono mode whereby only ChA is active.
Using an intelligent DCA control (Digital Controlled Attenuator) instead of the
“conventional” VCA results in considerably reduced distortion (by as much as 20
dB) as well as improved noise characteristics (up to 3 dB). The implementation
is comparatively simple: the volume potentiometers pass the relevant control
information (quieter or louder depending on the adjustment made to the
potentiometers) to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then adjusts the
power amp output using various strategies implemented in software. In
addition to improved technical parameters, this approach allows a signicant
reduction in the number of components and circuits required.
The volume pots are also used to set the CAI-address.
(See 5.2.3, CAI Address Settings)
4.2.2 Gain Selector
A switch on the rear of the VORTEX allows the maximum amplication
attainable to be set directly in the input stage.
The VORTEX amplier has a 26dB and 32dB
voltage gain setting along with a 1.4V
sensitivity setting.
4.2.3 Limiter Switch
This switch is located at the rear of VORTEX. It allows you to set the mode of
the limiter. There are three modes:
Right position:
Clip Limiter: ON & Speaker Protect: ON
Middle position:
Clip Limiter: OFF & Speaker Protect: ON
Left position:
Clip Limiter: OFF & Speaker Protect: OFF
(See 4.4.1,Clip Limiter and 4.4.3, Speaker Protect Limiter)
4.0 OPERATION
GAIN
26dB 1.4V
32dB
LIMITER
OFF SpP Clip
SpP
LIMITER
OFF SpP
LIMITER
OFF SpP
SpP Clip
SpP Clip

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.17
4.3 Indicators
4.3.1 On / Failure Indicators
Under normal operation, after the amp has booted, the green power LEDs are
permanently lit. A variety of different sequences of ashing LEDs are used to
indicate other operating states and errors in one of the sides of the power amp.
(See 7.0, Trouble Shooting)
4.3.2 Signal Indicators
The green signal LED is illuminated when the voltage level at the output
reaches 3.8 V; this corresponds to a power of 3.6 W at an impedance of 4 Ohms.
4.3.3 Clip / Output Current Indicators
The clip LED’s are bi-coloured: green / red. Each colour indicates a different
status.
The green section is subject to analogue control. The brightness is proportional
to the output current in the channel. The LED is visibly lit above around 1 Amp,
while full brightness corresponds to the maximum rated current of around
60 Amps. If the LED is lit red only, no load is applied to the outputs or Clip lasts
longer than 5ms.
When under load, there is also a certain current that ows when controlling
the power level; the green section will be lit appropriately. If the power level is
taken to the limit, the green and red sections will appear mixed, resulting in a
shade of yellow that depends on the current. If the microprocessor detects a
clip signal that lasts for longer than 5 ms within a time interval of 50 ms (i.e.
>10%), then it suppresses the green section so that the clip LED appears only
red. Careful analysis of the various dependencies when comparing channels
that are subject to identical control (possibly in several different power amps)
will allow conclusions to be drawn about the inherent impedances. This can
aid the detection of incorrectly wired components and faults in loudspeakers
at an early stage.
4.0 OPERATION
ON SIGNAL CLIP
ON SIGNAL CLIP
MB
PM
CAI
A
B
ON SIGNAL CLIP
ON SIGNAL CLIP
MB
PM
CAI
A
B
ON SIGNAL CLIP
ON SIGNAL CLIP
MB
PM
CAI
A
B

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.18
4.4 Power Amp Protection Systems
4.4.1 Clip Limiter
If the power amp is overdriven, the clip detection circuit triggers the micro-
processor. The processor reduces input signal level by controlling the DAC. The
strategy is implemented in software. For sinusoidal signals the microprocessor
limits the input signal level with the result that the non-linear distortion factor
never exceeds 1%.
The clip limiter can work on each channel independently (except in mono-
operation).
To disable the Clip Limiter, see 4.2.3, Limiter Switch.
4.4.2 Under Impedance Limiter
As a result of incorrectly connected or defective loads, under impedance or
even short circuits may be presented to one or both power amp channels. In
order to detect an under impedance, the microprocessor calculates the result-
ant impedance. If an impedance of less than 1.33 ohms/channel is detected, the
microprocessor limits the signal to the power amp until a subsequent
measurement indicates that impedance has risen to a safe level. Whenever the
under impedance limiter is active, the corresponding channel’s power LED is
turned off. (See 7.0, Trouble Shooting)
4.4.3 Speaker Protect Limiter
Whenever the Safe Operation Mode (SOA) protection of the power amp
switches back the current rail there could be a small clipping at the output;
but the microprocessor is also triggered by this protection and will reduce the
signal level immediately to minimise the effect.
User can decide either to use speaker protect or not. When you use this amp
for low frequencies (SUB bass / bass) and you want to squeeze the absolute
maximum out of it, switch Speaker Protect off. For all other applications (e.g.
Full Range) it’s recommended to switch Speaker Protect on.
4.4.4 SOA Protection
Whenever the power transistors leave their Safe Operation Area (SOA), the
SOA-protection in stereo mode switches back the current rail of the respective
power stage. In mono modes the rails of both channels are switched back.
4.4.5 DC Protection
Each output of the power amp is constantly monitored for persistent DC
voltage levels. If the 3 V thresholds are exceeded at any of the outputs, the
channel at that output will be automatically disconnected. The microprocessor
performs a sophisticated strategy to locate the cause of DC. If short-term DC is
detected, the amplier will recover and continue to operate. DC can be located
in the: Output stage, Driver stage or Input stage:
Output stage
When DC is located in either output stage, the amp stops the main SMPS
and mutes the amp where DC was detected. The On-LEDs will show a
different ash sequence. (See 7.0, Trouble Shooting)
Driver stage
When DC is located in the driver stage only the defective channel’s output
stage and DCA are muted. The other channel still works. The On-LED of the
defective channel will start the ash sequence. (See 7.0, Trouble Shooting)
Input stage
When DC is located in the input stage only the DCA of the defective channel
is muted. (The other channel continues to operate normally).
4.0 OPERATION

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES P.19
4.4.6 DC Servo
To Prevent DC-Offset at the Speaker output the VORTEX is tted with two
DC-Servos.
4.4.7 Power Amp Over Current Protection
Over current is permanently controlled in the output stage. There are two
limits of over current depending on output voltage. These limits will be set
automatically.
4.4.8 Power Amp Thermal Protection
The microprocessor uses several sensors in the amp in order to ascertain
temperature data. If the microprocessor detects a temperature of more than
85 °C at the heat sinks, the input signal on that channel is reduced. A linear
reduction of 6 dB is applied up to a temperature of 95 °C. If the temperature
continues to rise, the microprocessor mutes the affected channel as soon as the
temperature exceeds 95 °C.
The power LED of the overheated channel will start a blinking-sequence
(See 7.0, Trouble Shooting)
4.5 Mains Protection
4.5.1 Inrush Current Limitation
Within 2 seconds of the amplier being switched on, the inrush current limiter
will increase mains current from nearly zero to nominal value. This value
depends on program material, output level and speaker loads.
4.5.2 Mains Over Voltage Detection
Mains over voltage detection is always operative. When the mains voltage
exceeds approx. 267V (230V operation) or 134V (110V operation), the amplier
will be switched off. When the mains voltage returns to nominal value, a soft
start occurs.
4.5.3 Mains Failure Detection
Mains failure detection is always operative. When the mains supply is
interrupted for about 2 mains cycles, the amplier will be switched off. When
the mains voltage returns to a normal value, a soft start occurs.
4.5.4 Fuse Protection
Depending on the load impedance and type of signal levels, the effective
mains current can, even during normal operation, reach a level several times
higher than its nominal value for short periods. Repeated peaks of this nature
will also cause the average value to increase. In such cases, the internal mains
fuse acts as a “bottleneck”, and would blow if the average current remained too
high for an extended period. In order to avoid this unsatisfactory operation, the
mains fuse is simulated inside the amplier and provides the microprocessor
with information. Prior to the point when the fuse would blow, a signal is sent
to the microprocessor, which then instantaneously reduces the signal level.
After the known recovery time for the fuse has elapsed, the signal is again
adjusted to its normal level. This offers reliable operation of a 6kW VORTEX
on 16A Mains.
4.6 Main SMPS Protections
4.6.1 Main SMPS Over Current Protection
Main SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) Transformer current is continuously
monitored. If over current occurs, the main SMPS immediately stops working.
Should there be an internal failure, this feature prevents other parts being
damaged.
4.6.2 Main SMPS Transformer Thermal Protection
If the microprocessor detects a temperature of more than 85 °C at the
transformer, the input signal will be reduced. If this also proves ineffective and
the transformer temperature exceeds 110 °C, the power supply is automatically
switched off independently of the microprocessor. A complete reboot will then
4.0 OPERATION

CAMCO USER MANUAL
VORTEX POWER AMP SERIES
P.20
4.0 OPERATION
be necessary in order to restart the device again. The power LED’s will start ashing in the sequence detailed in 7.0, Trouble Shooting.
4.7 Fans
The fans mounted in the VORTEX operate permanently, but as long as the temperature remains below 40 °C they run at their slowest speed and can hardly be
heard. The highest detected temperature from either channel controls the speed of the fans: above 40 °C the speed is increased linearly until it reaches its maximum
value at 60 °C.
4.8 Filter Cleaning
A removable lter system is provided on the air intakes to the cooling system. If the lter becomes clogged, the unit will not cool as efciently as it should and may
produce output levels that are lower than normal due to high heat sink temperatures.
To clean, gently slide the whole plastic lter assembly to the left and release from the front panel. Carefully unclip the outer moulding to reveal the lter. Clean the lter
with a mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. Once dry, insert the lter back into the cradle and cover with the surround moulding. Slide the whole assembly to
the right to secure onto the front panel.
Spare lter assembly’s may be ordered from your dealer.
3
4
5
1
2
VORTEX Filter Assembly
1 Clip Apertures
2 Injection Moulded Cradle
3 Foam Filter
4 Injection Moulded Surround
5 Injection Moulded CAMCO Badge