Phoenix Gold ZX400ti Installation and operation manual

ZX400Ti /ZX600Ti Web Manual PGTECH-AMP001A

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ZXTi amp manual
Features 02
Specifications 03
Operational Details 04-06
System Design, PowerFlowtm System 07-08
System Design, Examples 09-14
Installation, Mounting 15
Installation, Power & Speaker Connections 16
Installation, Input Sensitivity & Bass Adjustment 17
Trouble-Shooting 18-19
Warranty Information 20
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ZXTi amp manual
• TCCHtm Thermal Convection Cooled Heatsink. This proprietary design uses a variable speed
fan to ensure that the ZXTi keeps its cool when the music gets hot!
•High-current Triple Darlington output stage. This tried and true topology is the standard for
outstanding dynamic peak output performance
• TAIMtm Timed Acoustically Integrated Muting. Ensures dead silent turn on & off. No clicks, pops
or buzzes
• Tri-lineartm capability allows simultaneous stereo and bridged operation
•Output current sensing allows the ZXTi to automatically optimize the power supply and output
stage to reliably operate at impedances as low as 2 ohms bridged or 1 ohm stereo
• Intuitive crossover configuration switch assures easy initial setup
•24dB per octave, high pass or low pass crossover. Continuously variable from 40 Hz to 800 Hz
• Auxiliary outputs route high pass, low pass or full range signals to another amplifier
• Twin-Ttm Bass Boost circuit provides up to 18dB of boost at 45 Hz
• Superbritetm Tri-LED power-on indicator
• Independent Thermal and Overload protection LED indicators
• Custom formed chassis with unique Titanium finish
• 24kt gold plated power and speaker terminals
• 2-ounce copper, double-sided G10 glass-epoxy printed circuit boards
• Replaceable insulated mounting feet
•Audiophile grade capacitors and 1% tolerance metal film resistors throughout the audio path
• Optional LPL44tm Low Pass Level controller allows the driver to adjust bass volume from the
driver’s seat
• Optional RDDPtm Remote Diagnostic Display Panel uses two tri-color LED’s allowing the driver to
monitor the amplifier’s battery voltage, power-on, thermal and overload status
• Optional SDTtm Superior Digital Technology allows the driver to monitor the amplifier’s battery
voltage with a vacuum florescent display along with a tri-color LED indicating power-on, thermal
and overload status
FEATURES

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ZXTi amp manual
Continuous Output Power at 1% THD (Wrms):
ZX600Ti
Into 4 ohms Stereo @ 12.5 Vdc (IASCA/USAC) 75 x 2
Into 4 ohms Stereo @ 14.4 Vdc 150 x 2
Into 2 ohms Stereo @ 14.4 Vdc 300 x 2
Into 4 ohms Bridged @ 14.4 Vdc 600 x 1
Minimum Speaker Load, Bridged 2 ohms
Minimum Speaker Load, Stereo 1 ohm
Recommended Fuse Size, Stereo 4 ohms / Stereo 2 ohms / Bridged 60 / 80 / 80 amp
Continuous Current Draw @ Full Power * 60 amps
Peak Current Draw @ Full Power ** 85 amps
Dimensions, Chassis (inches) 15.00 L x 9.00 W x 2.25 H
Dimensions, Overall (inches) 16.00 L x 10.00 W x 2.25 H
ZX400Ti
Into 4 ohms Stereo @ 12.5 Vdc (IASCA/USAC) 37 x 2
Into 4 ohms Stereo @ 14.4 Vdc 100 x 2
Into 2 ohms Stereo @ 14.4 Vdc 200 x 2
Into 4 ohms Bridged @ 14.4 Vdc 400 x 1
Minimum Speaker Load, Bridged 2 ohms
Minimum Speaker Load, Stereo 1 ohm
Recommended Fuse Size, Stereo 4 ohms / Stereo 2 ohms / Bridged 50 / 60 / 60 amp
Continuous Current Draw @ Full Power * 45 amps
Peak Current Draw @ Full Power ** 65 amps
Dimensions, Chassis (inches) 11.25 L x 9.00 W x 2.25 H
Dimensions, Overall (inches) 12.25 L x 10.00 W x 2.25 H
Common Specifications
Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.02 %
Signal to Noise Ratio (A-weighted) > 100 dB
Frequency Response +/- 1 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Bass Boost 0 to +18 dB @ 45 Hz
Crossover Frequency Range 40 Hz to 800 Hz
Crossover Slope 24 dB per octave
Input Sensitivity 200 millivolts to 6 volts
Input Impedance > 30 kohms
Input Voltage Range 0.2 volts to 6 volts
Power Supply Operating Range 10.5 Vdc to 15.5 Vdc
Typical current draw at idle < 3 amps
*Average continuous current draw when playing typical music material.
**Average peak current needed for musical peaks (<20ms) when playing typical music material.
Due to ongoing research and development, features, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
SPECIFICATIONS

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ZXTi amp manual
OPERATIONAL DETAILS

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ZXTi amp manual
OPERATIONAL DETAILS

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ZXTi amp manual
OPERATIONAL DETAILS

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ZXTi amp manual
SYSTEM DESIGN

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ZXTi amp manual
SYSTEM DESIGN

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ZXTi amp manual
SYSTEM DESIGN examples

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ZXTi amp manual
SYSTEM DESIGN examples

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ZXTi amp manual
SYSTEM DESIGN examples

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ZXTi amp manual
SYSTEM DESIGN examples

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ZXTi amp manual
SYSTEM DESIGN examples

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ZXTi amp manual
SYSTEM DESIGN examples

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ZXTi amp manual
INSTALLATION

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ZXTi amp manual
INSTALLATION

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ZXTi amp manual
INSTALLATION

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ZXTi amp manual
TROUBLE-SHOOTING
SYMPTOM
No output and Power-on
LEDs are off
No output and power-on
LEDs are on
Distorted sound
Amplifier cuts off when
driven to high output
levels. Thermal protection
circuit activated (yellow
LED on).
POSSIBLE CAUSE
No battery, ground, or remote
connection
Blown or melted power fuse
No signal from the head unit or
previous signal processor
Faulty input signal cables
Faulty speaker or speaker cables
Clipped input signal feeding the
amplifier or signal processor
Amplifier or signal processor's input
sensitivity too high
Poor ventilation
Total speaker impedance is too low
causing excessive heat.
SOLUTION
Verify that the B+, B-, and remote turn-on
terminals are properly connected and that the
headunit is turned on. Use a DC voltmeter to
check for 12 volts between the ground terminal
and the B+ terminal. Also, check between the
ground terminal and the remote turn-on terminal.
Use an ohmmeter to verify that the fuse has
continuity between its ends. Disconnect the main
B+ cable from the battery and the inputs of all
devices in the system (including capacitors). Use
an ohmmeter to check for a short between the
power cable system and the vehicle's chassis.
Correct any short and install a new fuse. Replace
only with the same rating and type of fuse.
Use an AC voltmeter to check for voltage at the
headunit or processor's preamp outputs. The
level should fluctuate with peaks in the music.
An analog gauge works well for this test.
Use an AC voltmeter to check for voltage at the
signal cables' outputs. Try substituting different
signal cables.
Try substituting another speaker or cables.
Make sure the headunit and all other components
are not producing a clipped signal. Most head-
units clip their own output above 7/8 volume.
Distorted signals coming into the amp will sound
distorted at any input sensitivity setting.
Lower input sensitivity (counterclockwise).
Setting the sensitivity too high causes distortion.
Distortion causes speakers to rapidly overheat
and can result in speaker failure.
Check for a poor mounting location that allows
hot air to be re-circulated within the heatsink.
Check for blocked input or exhaust openings.
Re-wire speakers to raise the total impedance
seen by the amp. Minimum impedance is 2 ohms
bridged or 1 ohm stereo.

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ZXTi amp manual
Authorized Phoenix Gold Service Centers
USA
Phoenix Gold Factory 877.745.3782
Canada
Trends Electronics 604.988.2966
TROUBLE-SHOOTING
SYMPTOM
Amplifier cuts off when
driven to high output
levels. Overload circuit
activated (red LED on).
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Excessive output current is the only
thing that can cause the Overload
LED to light. There are only a few
possible causes:
A damaged speaker cable touching
the vehicle chassis, speaker cables or
speaker tinsel leads touching each
other, or damaged speaker voice coil.
Damaged passive crossover
components.
Total speaker impedance is too low
causing excessive output current.
Defective output transistor inside the
amplifier
SOLUTION
With the speaker wires disconnected from the
amp, use an ohmmeter to check for a short from
any speaker cable to chassis ground. Check the
DC resistance of the speaker's voice coil. It
should be close to the speaker's nominal imped-
ance specification and should fluctuate when the
cone is touched. Visually check each speaker for
damaged tinsel leads, or other broken parts.
Smell the speaker's magnet area for a burned
scent indicating a damaged voice coil.
Visually examine inductors, capacitors and
resistors for signs of heat stress, water, or
physical damage. Use a soldering iron to touch
up connections to the crossover circuit board.
Try substituting a different crossover network.
Re-wire speakers to raise the total impedance
seen by the amp.
This condition will cause the overload LED to
stay lit without speaker wires connected to the
amplifier. The amplifier must be returned to an
authorized service center for repair.