Daytonaudio Hdn-8 User manual

SOUND EXCITER

TRANSDUCER

Model: HDN-8 User Manual

Congratulations on the purchase of your Dayton Audio®HDN-8 Sound Exciter Transducer.

This rugged, all-purpose audio exciter is designed to deliver reliable, high-quality audio in a

variety of structural and architectural audio applications while withstanding harsh environ-

ments. It features weather-resistant construction, high-quality components, and exclusive

design by Dayton Audio for outstanding performance and value.

GRugged plastic housing with rubberized coating

GCoarse-threaded mounting stud for single-point mounting into a variety of materials

GHermetically-sealed for installation in wet or humid environments

Please read these instructions completely before you begin your installation.

1. Installation Tools

The Dayton Audio speakers can be installed with the following simple tools:

GPencil

GWire cutters & wire stripper/crimp tool

GDrill & drill bits

GStud ﬁnder**

** Optional tools to make the installation easier.

2. Choosing the Location

The HDN-8 transducer is designed to produce optimum results when installed

into a wooden structure or panel, but it may also be installed into ﬁberglass or

plastic objects where a pilot hole is provided. When installing the HDN-8 into a

wooden structure, choose a structural member that is ﬁrmly coupled to the entire

structure. If installing the HDN-8 into a wall, make sure to install its threaded point

directly into a stud, or into a suitable panel bonded to the drywall; do not install its

threaded point directly into drywall. The HDN-8 should not be mounted where it will

be continuously exposed to moisture. Do not immerse in liquid or install where the

transducer may fall into water; an electric shock may be received.

The location you choose will be guided by your application. For additional applica-

tion notes, please see the HDN-8 Application Guide.

3. Installation of the HDN-8

CAUTION: Be certain that there are no electrical wires, water pipes, or

heating ducts in the planned installation area before you begin drilling or

cutting. If there is an electrical outlet nearby, turn off the circuit breaker to

avoid possible injury.

Your Dayton Audio HDN transducer is compact, but substantial in weight. It should

be mounted into solid material, not drywall. If drywall mounting is required, use

high-strength anchors designed for heavy loads such as light ﬁxtures. To avoid

personal injury, please make sure the location you choose for mounting your HDN

transducer can safely support its weight.

To mount the HDN transducer without splitting the wood or other material, a pilot

hole for the threaded point should be marked and drilled. The pilot hole should be

no larger than 1/8” diameter when installing into wood; the ideal diameter of the

pilot hole may be different in different materials.

After drilling the pilot hole, install the HDN-8’s threaded point into the hole by rotat-

ing the entire transducer, and ensure a snug ﬁt prior to connecting the wires. To

avoid damage to the HDN-8 housing, do not overtighten the threaded point.

4. Speaker Cable

Your HDN-8 transducer is a high-power device. We recommend using a high qual-

ity oxygen free copper two-conductor speaker cable. For runs less than 50 feet

we recommend 16 gauge cable minimum, and for longer runs we recommend 14

gauge or larger cable. Note that most municipalities require the use of CL2 rated

speaker cable for cable runs through walls and ceilings. If drilling holes for rout-

ing the cable through studs in your wall, your local code may require you to ﬁll the

hole that the wire passes through with a ﬁre-resistant caulking material to slow the

spread of ﬁre.

5. Connections

Remove about 4” of the outer cable jacket to expose the inner wires (for CL2 or “in-

wall” speaker cable only). Strip 1/8” of insulation from each wire and install “Fast-

on” spade connectors by crimping or soldering onto the bare conductors. After

installing the connectors onto each wire, connect the wires to the terminals of the

HDN-8. When connecting the wires to the HDN-8 transducer, be sure to observe

proper polarity for the best sound. Most CL2 rated speaker cable has red and black

conductors within the jacket, so connect the red wire to the red terminal on the

HDN-8, and the black wire to the unmarked terminal on the HDN-8. The red (+) ter-

minal on the HDN-8 should correspond to the red (+) terminal on the ampliﬁer, and

the unmarked terminal should correspond to the (-) terminal. Verify that the spade

connectors engage ﬁrmly with the tabs.

6. Troubleshooting

Should your HDN-8 not work properly, check the following:

No sound or quiet/strange sound:

Make certain you observed proper polarity when multiple transducers are

used. Check the connections at each end of the cable for proper polarity.

GAmpliﬁer mute feature or protection mode is activated. Check for short

circuits in speaker wiring.

GLoose connection at either the ampliﬁer or the transducer. Double

check connections.

GBad speaker cable. Replace suspect speaker cable.

Ampliﬁer cuts on and off:

GThis could be caused by a short circuit between the positive and

negative leads. Check the connections at the ampliﬁer, and then at the

transducer; make sure that no strands of wire from one connector are

touching the other connector.

The impedance load for the ampliﬁer is too low. This may be caused

by connecting too many HDN-8 drivers to one channel of the ampliﬁer.

Some ampliﬁers provide automatic protection against damage from low-

impedance loads by disconnecting the ampliﬁer. Use series-parallel wir-

ing if necessary to maintain the necessary minimum impedance load.

7. Caring For Your HDN-8 Transducer

Use appropriate ampliﬁcation for the HDN-8’s power rating and your application. If

the sound becomes distorted, reduce the volume.

HDN-8 transducers are designed to withstand outdoor environments, including

incidental exposure to water. They are not designed to be washed using a pressure

washer or hose nozzle. If debris accumulates on the housing of the transducer, use

a damp sponge or cloth to remove it.

Dayton Audio®Last Revised: 3/14/2017

daytonaudio.com

tel + 937.743.8248

info@daytonaudio.com

705 Pleasant Valley Dr.

Springboro, OH 45066

USA

Speciﬁcations

Model number HDN-8

Description Sealed Audio Transducer

Frequency Response 40-15,000 Hz (typical)

Impedance 8 Ohms

Power Handling (RMS/Peak) 50W / 100W

SPL 1W/1m Varies by application

Dimensions HxWxD 4" x 1.75"

Color Black (rubberized)

Weight 2.2 lb / 1.0 kg

New Construction

When installing the HDN-8 into new construction, use a 10"square piece of hardwood 1/4" to 1/2" thick and suspend it from the adjacent studs as shown using

woven Nylon or ﬂexible plastic straps attached using drywall screws. Install the HDN-8 into the rear of the hardwood panel. When drywall is installed, install four

drywall screws thru the drywall into the hardwood panel. This creates a high quality “hidden speaker” within the wall itself. A low frequency panel may be creat-

ed by using a larger or thicker piece of hardwood and multiple HDN-8 transducers with electrical low-pass ﬁltering. Hardwood provides the best audio quality,

but plywood may also be used; be sure to use consistent thicknesses and sizes of wooden material for all “hidden speakers” to ensure matched output.

Existing Construction

The HDN-8 is also easy to retroﬁt into an existing space. Install the HDN-8 into a 5"by 10"rectangular piece of hardwood or plywood. Cut a 5" x 5" hole in the

drywall below the location where the “hidden speaker” will be installed, and pull the speaker cable through the hole to attach to the transducer as prescribed.

Apply a construction adhesive to the side of the panel opposite where the HDN-8 transducer is installed, and insert it into the wall void. Hold the panel in a

vertical orientation at the desired height and install two drywall screws through the drywall and into the panel, in order to hold the panel in place while the

adhesive cures.

Other Applications

The HDN-8 is extremely versatile, and can be used in any application where sound is required, but exposed or visible speakers are undesirable. This

includes multimedia exhibits, electronic casino gaming equipment, and arcade games. Additionally, the HDN-8 can add sound to furnishings, bathroom

ﬁxtures, cabinets, and under ﬂooring. When using the HDN-8 in these applications, observe all precautions outlined in the User Manual. It is recommended