Rockford Fosgate 360.6 User manual

® ®
car audio
fanatics
for
punch
6-Channel Amplifier
Operation & Installation
trans• ana
®
360. 6

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio amplifiers.
AtRockfordFosgatewearefanaticsaboutmusicalreproductionatitsbest,andweare
pleasedyouchoseourproduct.Throughyearsofengineeringexpertise,handcraftsman-
ship and critical testing procedures, we have created a wide range of products that
reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.
For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Rockford Fosgate
product installed by an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer, as we provide specialized
training through Rockford Technical Training Institute (RTTI). Please read your
warranty and retain your receipt and original carton for possible future use.
Greatproductandcompetent installationsareonly apieceofthepuzzle whenitcomes
to your system. Make sure that your installer is using 100% authentic installation
accessories from Connecting Punch in your installation. Connecting Punch has
everything from RCA cables and speaker wire to Power line and battery connectors.
Insist on it! After all, your new system deserves nothing but the best.
To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your Rockford
wearables,which include everything from T-shirts and jackets tohats and sunglasses.
To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accessories, in the
U.S.call602-967-3565orFAX602-967-8132.Forallothercountries,call+001-602-
967-3565 or FAX [phone].
If, after reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this product,
we recommend that you see your Rockford Fosgate dealer. If you need further
assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-795-2385. Be sure to have your serial
number, model number and date of purchase available when you call.
PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™
CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS OVER
100dBMAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. HIGH
POWERED AUTOSOUND SYSTEMS MAY PRODUCE SOUND
PRESSURE LEVELS WELL OVER 130dB. USE COMMON SENSE
AND PRACTICE SAFE SOUND.
The serial number can be found on the outside of the box. Please record it in
the space provided below as your permanent record. This will serve as
verificationofyourfactorywarrantyandmaybecomeusefulinrecoveringyour
amplifier if it is ever stolen.
Serial Number: ________________________________
Model Number:________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................. 1
Punch Amplifier Accessory Pack .............................................................. 1
Technical Design Features ....................................................................... 2
360.6 Design Features.............................................................................. 5
Installation Considerations ....................................................................... 7
Mounting Location................................................................................... 8
Battery and Charging................................................................................ 9
Wiring the System .................................................................................... 9
Using the XCard..................................................................................... 12
Customizing the XCard ..........................................................................12
Resistor Chart.........................................................................................13
XCard Configurations ............................................................................. 14
Using the Phase Switch.......................................................................... 16
Using the Signal Switching Network ...................................................... 17
360.6 Installation ...................................................................................25
System Diagrams.................................................................................... 31
Troubleshooting .....................................................................................35
Dynamic Power Measurements.............................................................. 38
Specifications.........................................................................................40
Warranty Information.............................................................................41
International Information........................................................................ 42
Sections marked
ADVANCED OPERATION
include in-depth
technical information
Sections marked
TROUBLESHOOTING
include recommendations
for curing
installation problems
Sections marked
INSTALLATION
include “slam dunk”
wiring connections
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Welcome to Rockford Fosgate! This manual is designed to provide
information for the owner, salesperson and installer. For those of you
who want quick information on how to install this product, please turn
to the Installation Section of this manual or refer to the icons listed
below.OtherinformationcanbelocatedbyusingtheTableofContents.
We, at Rockford Fosgate, have worked very hard to make sure all the
information in this manual is current. But, as we are constantly finding
newways to improve ourproduct,thisinformation is subject tochange
without notice.
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INTRODUCTION
The Punch 360.6, is a 360 watt, 6 channel amplifier with integrated
features for accommodating “single amplifier” system designs. Built
into the amplifier are four internal XCards and a Signal Switching
Network. These features simplify signal processing and enable
customsignaldistributionforeachsetofchannels. Alsointegratedis
a Phase Switch and Bass EQ circuit designed to improve system
tuning. The engineering effort applied to the Punch 360.6amplifier
represents how an impressive 3-way system can be easily installed
while keeping the components used to a minimum.
– 1 –
ACCESSORY PACK
Installation & Operation Manual
Punch Verification Certificate
(4) Amplifier mounting screws (#8 x 3/4" Phillips)
(16) Speaker & power connector screws (3/32" Allen)
(4) End cap mounting screws (9/64" Allen)
(1) Allen Wrench 9/64"
(1) Allen Wrench 3/32"
(1) AGU Fuseholder
(1) AGU 50 Amp Fuse

TECHNICAL DESIGN FEATURES
– 2 –
◆TRANS•ANA
(TRANSconductance Active Nodal Amplifier)
The TRANS•ANA (TRANSconductance Active Nodal Amplifier) is a
circuitthatallowstheaudiosignaltopassthroughtheamplifierat low
voltage . The signal is directly level-shifted to the fixed high voltage
rails via a pair of driver transistors. Signal linearity is assured by an
active node formed by the drive transistors at ultrasonic frequencies.
This allows amplifier performance similar to trans• nova which is
highly stable and linear while utilizing the advantages of a non-
floating power supply.
THERESULT:Anextendedfrequencybandwidthaccuratelysupplied
to the output stages of the amplifier.
◆TOPAZ (Tracking Operation Pre-Amplifier Zone)
The TOPAZ (TrackingOperationPre-AmplifierZone)circuitry solves
groundloopnoiseproblemscommontoautomotiveamplifierdesign.
Thisinnovativenewdevelopmentallowsvastlyimprovedisolationof
the input signal grounds from the power supply ground of the
amplifier.Thisisaccomplishedbyallowingthe sourceunitto control
the potential “environment” of the entire input structure or “zone” of
the amplifier. This process improves the noise rejection of the ampli-
fier by 30-40dB – an astounding 30-100 times better than amplifiers
without TOPAZ.
THERESULT:Eliminationoftroublesomegroundloopnoisebetween
source and amplifier.
◆Bass EQ
TheBassEQhelps correct for acoustical deficiencies in the listening
environment. A unique potentiometer that controls bass compen-
sates for the lack of low frequencies present in most car environ-
ments. Unlike a conventional tone control, the Bass EQ corrects the
specific problem of poor low bass response.
THE RESULT: Provides better low bass response.

◆DSM (Discrete Surface Mount) Technology
The DSM (Discrete Surface Mount) manufacturingprocesscombines
the advantages of both discrete components and integrated circuitry.
RockfordFosgateistheonlyAmericanamplifiermanufacturertohave
invested millions into this process. DSM components differ from
conventional discrete components in different ways. They are more
compact, more rugged, and they efficiently dissipate generated heat.
Using them wherever appropriate allows the advantages associated
with discrete circuitry to be retained while also providing room for
both highly advanced processing features and generous PC board
copper paths where needed. Their short lead-out structures allow
maximumaudioperformanceandhighestsignal-to-noiseratios tobe
obtained in amplifiers of desirable package size without resorting to
“amplifier-on-a-chip” shortcuts. These advantages are shown below
in Figure 1.
Figure 1
THE RESULT: Fewer connections, improved reliability, shorter signal
paths,superiorsignal-to-noiseratioandawesomesonicperformance.
◆XCard (Internal Crossover)
The Punch amplifiers utilize internal active crossovers. These cross-
overs have many performance advantages such as using discrete
componentsforexactfrequencyadjustmentswhicharefarsuperiorto
potentiometers. Additionally, the XCard can be configured for high-
pass, low-pass and full range operation. With slight modifications,
manycrossoverfrequenciesandslopeconfigurationscanbeachieved.
THE RESULT: Increased system design flexibility with a precise
electronic crossover without the limitations of conventional potenti-
ometer designs.
– 3 –
Solder Solder
Component
Thru-Hole Surface Mount
PC
Board PC
Board

◆MOSFET Devices
Rockford Fosgate is one of the few manufacturers in the sound
community to utilize MOSFET devices in both the power supply and
the output stages . MOSFET (MetalOxideSemiconductorFieldEffect
Transistor) devices offer several important inherent advantages over
the 30 year old technology of bi-polar design. These advantages
include: thermal stability, switching speed, ultra low output imped-
ance and wider bandwidth linearity. In addition, MOSFETs operate
verysimilarly tovacuumtubes inwhichthey are morelinear than bi-
polartransistors.However,MOSFETscandeliverthemidrangeclarity
without the limitations of transient response and high frequency
phase shifting normally associated with tube operation.
THE RESULT: Operational characteristics similar to vacuum tubes
without the performance limitations of tube design.
◆NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision)
The Punch amplifiers use an analog computer process to maximize
safe output power under all operating conditions. The innovative
NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision) system is the most
sophisticatedversionofthistechniqueeverused,bringingpreviously
unavailable levels of accuracy, stability, temperature immunity and
reliability to this critical process. NOMAD makes advanced deci-
sions based on device voltages to precisely control the awesome
levelsofcurrentavailableintheoutputMOSFETstosafevalues–but
only when absolutely needed.
THE RESULT: Extremely fast protection system that always protects
the amplifier and never degrades the sound.
– 4 –
◆Signal Switching Network
The Signal Switching Network allows the RCA input signals to be
distributed to the amplifier channels in multiple configurations.
Amongthemanypossibleconfigurations,asetting called E-Zbridge
uses a single RCA (L mono) and gain (L) control to feed a pair of
channels, thus simplifying the bridging process.
THE RESULT: Allows input signals to be distributed to amplifier
channels in many different configurations.

360.6DESIGN FEATURES
1. Cast Aluminum Heatsink – The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch
amplifier dissipates heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. The
inherentadvantageofcastingprovidesa30%improvementofcooling
over conventional extrusion heatsink designs.
2. End Caps – The unique end caps conceal the wiring and input
cables, giving the amplifier a clean “stealth” look.
3. SpeakerTerminals–Theheavyduty,gold-platedterminalblock
connectors (+ and –) will accept wire sizes from 8 AWG to 18
AWG. These gold-plated connectors are immune to corrosion
that can cause signal deterioration.
4. Power Terminals – The power and ground connectors on the
Punchamplifieraregold-platedandwillaccommodateupto8AWG
wire maximizing the input current capability of the amplifier.
5. REM Terminal – This gold-plated spade terminal is used for the
auto power/remote turn on of the Punch amplifier.
6. RCAInputJacks–TheindustrystandardRCAjacksprovide easy
connections for signal level input. They are gold-plated to resist
the signal degradation caused by corrosion.
7. SignalInputSwitches–Theseswitchesallowtheinputsignalsto
be distributed to the outputs in many different configurations.
– 5 –
Ch. A + R –+ L –
Ch. A
LED
Ch. C
Bass EQ Ch. C Gain
Ch. C Ch. B Ch. A
Ch. B
Gain Ch. A Gain
L
R
L
R
L
R
+ L –
Ch. C
+ R –
Ch. C
Ch. B REM Dual GNDDual B+– R +– L +
Ch. B
312 98 6 8 3
335 4

8. Input Sensitivity Controls – The input level controls are preset
tomatchtheoutputofmostsourceunits.Theycanbeadjusted
to match output levels from a variety of source units.
9. BassEQControl–TheBassEQallowsanarrowbandadjustment
of up to +18dB centered at 45Hz. The bass boost can be
bypassedbyturningthecontroltoitsminimumorcounterclock-
wise position. The Bass EQ is dedicated for “Channel C” only.
10. Internal Crossovers – These built-in crossover cards are
configurable for a multitude of operating frequencies. The
orientation of the card in its socket determines the function of
high-pass, low-pass, or full range operation.
11. Channel C Phase Switch – This switch enables you to easily
invert the phase of “Channel C” (0°/180°) without having to
disconnect the speaker wires.
12. LED Power Indicator – The LED illuminates when the unit is
turned on.
– 6 –
*Please refer to Owner's
Manual for signal input
switch configurations.
Phase
Switch
*Signal
Input
Switches
–180°0°
Ch. C
XCard Ch. A XCards
XCard C
XCard B
XCard B
XCard A
Ch. B
Dual Filter
XCards
XCard C
XCard B
XCard B
XCard A
–180°0°
10 11 7

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the Punch
amplifier:
Allen wrenches 9/64" & 3/32" (included) Voltmeter
Wire strippers Battery post wrench
Electric hand drill w/assorted bits Wire cutters
Wire crimpers Assorted connectors
– 7 –
This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for
installing your new Punch amplifier. Checking your battery and
presentsoundsystem,aswellaspre-planningyoursystemlayoutand
best wiring routes will save installation time. When deciding how to
lay out your new system, be sure that each component will be easily
accessible for making adjustments.
Beforebeginninganyinstallation,besuretofollowthesesimplerules:
1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before
attempting to install the amplifier.
2. For safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to
beginning the installation.
3. For easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to
mounting your amplifier in place.
4. RoutealloftheRCAcablesclosetogetherandawayfromanyhigh
current wires.
5. Use high quality connectors for a reliable installation and to
minimize signal or power loss.
6. Thinkbeforeyoudrill! Becarefulnottocutordrillintogastanks,
fuel lines, brake or hydraulic lines, vacuum lines or electrical
wiring when working on any vehicle.
7. Neverrunwiresunderneaththevehicle. Runningthewiresinside
the vehicle provides the best protection.
8. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or
plastic grommets to protect any wires routed through metal,
especially the firewall.
9. ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage
with proper fusing. Install a fuseholder and appropriate fuse on
the+12Vpowerwirewithin18”(45.7cm)ofthebatteryterminal.
10. When grounding to the chassis of the vehicle, scrape all paint
from the metal to ensure a good, clean ground connection.
Groundingconnectionsshouldbeasshortaspossibleandalways
beconnectedtometalthatisweldedtothemainbody,orchassis,
of the vehicle.