Rockford Fosgate punch 120 Guide

® ®
car audio
fanatics
for
punch
®
2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
INSTALLATION & OPERATION
2 - c h a n n e l
2 - c h a n n e l
2 - c h a n n e l
2 - c h a n n e l
2 - c h a n n e l
2 - c h a n n e l

PUNCH 120 PUNCH 160 PUNCH 250 PUNCH 360 PUNCH 500 PUNCH 800
Dynamic Power Rating
(IHF-202 Standard) - Measured at 14.4 Volts
Mono into a 4ΩLoad
200 Watts x 1 236 Watts x 1 320 Watts x 1 450 Watts x 1 710 Watts x 1 960 Watts x
1
Per channel into a 2ΩLoad
94 Watts x 2 113 Watts x 2 160 Watts x 2 210 Watts x 2 330 Watts x 2 480 Watts x 2
Per channel into a 4ΩLoad
64 Watts x 2 77 Watts x 2 100 Watts x 2 140 Watts x 2 210 Watts x 2 240 Watts x 2
Continuous Power Rating
(Competition Standard) - Measured at 13.8 Battery Volts
RMS continuous power per channel,
30 Watts x 2 40 Watts x 2 62.5 Watts x 2 90 Watts x 2 125 Watts x 2 200 Watts x 2
both channels driven into a 4Ωload
from 20 to 20,000 Hz with less than
0.05% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
RMS continuous power per channel,
60 Watts x 2 80 Watts x 2 125 Watts x 2 180 Watts x 2 250 Watts x 2 400 Watts x 2
both channels driven into a 2Ωload
from 20 to 20,000 Hz, with less than
0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
RMS continuous power mono into a
120 Watts x 1 160 Watts x 1 250 Watts x 1 360 Watts x 1 500 Watts x 1 800 Watts x 1
4Ωload from 20 to 20,000 Hz, with
less than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted) > 100dB > 100dB > 100dB > 100dB > 100dB > 100dB
Crossover Slope (Butterworth) 12dB/octave 12dB/octave 12dB/octave 12dB/octave 12dB/octave 12dB/octave
Crossover Frequency
80Hz 80Hz 50Hz – 210Hz 50Hz – 210Hz 50Hz – 210Hz 50Hz – 210Hz
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
– i –
S
PECIFICATIONS

PUNCH 120 PUNCH 160 PUNCH 250 PUNCH 360 PUNCH 500 PUNCH 800
Dimensions (end caps installed)
2.62" (6.65cm) H 2.62" (6.65cm) H 2.62" (6.65cm) H 2.62" (6.65cm) H 2.62" (6.65cm) H 2.62" (6.65cm) H
9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W
10.27" (26.08cm) L 10.27" (26.08cm) L 11.27" (28.62cm) L 12.27" (31.16cm) L 13.27" (33.70cm) L 18.27" (46.40cm) L
Heatsink Tpye (internal use only) #1 #1 #2 #3 #4 #6
Frequency Response (±0.5dB) 20Hz - 20kHz 20Hz - 20kHz 20Hz - 20kHz 20Hz - 20kHz 20Hz - 20kHz 20Hz - 20kHz
Bandwidth (±3dB) 10Hz - 200kHz 10Hz - 200kHz 10Hz - 200kHz 10Hz - 200kHz 10Hz - 200kHz 10Hz - 200kHz
Damping Factor @ 4Ω(at output connector) >200 >200 >200 >200 >200 >200
Slew Rate 30 Volts µs 30 Volts µs 30 Volts µs 30 Volts µs 30 Volts µs 30 Volts µs
IM Distortion (IHF) <0.05% <0.05% <0.05% <0.05% <0.05% <0.05%
Source Unit Compatibility (+15dB gain overlap)
17V max. (RCA) 17V max. (RCA) 17V max. (RCA) 17V max. (RCA) 17V max. (RCA) 17V max. (RCA)
Input Sensitivity (+0dB gain overlap) 250mV~4V (RCA) 250mV~4V (RCA) 250mV~4V (RCA) 250mV~4V (RCA) 250mV~4V (RCA) 250mV~4V (RCA)
650mV~11V (hi-level) 650mV~11V (hi-level) 650mV~11V (hi-level) 650mV~11V (hi-level) 650mV~11V (hi-level) 650mV~11V (hi-level)
Protection NOMAD - Internal analog-computer output protection circuitry limits power in case of
overload. Thermal switch shuts down the amplifier in case of overheating.
Battery Fuse Rating (External to Amplifier) 20A 20A 30A 40A 50A 60A*
Fuse Type ATC ATC ATC ATC AGU AGU
Equalization (45Hz Punch Bass) Adjustable Variable Variable Variable Variable Variable
(0,+6,+12dB) (0 to +18dB) (0 to +18dB) (0 to +18dB) (0 to +18dB) (0 to +18dB)
Input Impedance 20k ohms 20k ohms 20k ohms 20k ohms 20k ohms 20k ohms
*recommended fuse not supplied
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
S
PECIFICATIONS
– ii –

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio amplifiers.
At Rockford Fosgate we are fanatics about musical reproduction at its best, and we are
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.
Great product and competent installations are only a piece of the puzzle when it comes
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 to hats and sunglasses.
To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accessories, in the
U.S. call 480-967-3565 or FAX [phone]. For all other countries, call +001-480-
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 1-800-669-9899. 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 100dB
MAY 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
verification of your factory warranty and may become useful in recovering your
amplifier if it is ever stolen.
Serial Number: ________________________________
Model Number: ________________________________

T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
Specifications .............................................................................................. i
Introduction................................................................................................ 1
Punch Amplifier Accessory Pack ................................................................... 1
2-Channel Feature Chart .............................................................................. 2
Design Features .......................................................................................... 3
Installation Considerations ........................................................................... 6
Mounting Location ...................................................................................... 7
Battery and Charging .................................................................................. 8
Wiring the System ....................................................................................... 8
Using Passive Crossovers ........................................................................... 10
Table of Component Values........................................................................ 11
Installation ............................................................................................... 12
Operation................................................................................................. 19
System Diagrams...................................................................................... 20
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 23
Dynamic Power Measurements................................................................... 25
Warranty Information ................................................................................ 27
International Information ............................................................................ 28
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
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. Other information can
be located by using the Table of Contents. 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 new ways to improve our product, this information
is subject to change without notice.
GETTING STARTED
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I NTRODUCTION
Rockford engineers designed the Punch 2-channel amplifiers to withstand
the rugged automotive environment while delivering superior sound quality
in a flexible, reliable, and efficient package. TRANS•ANA is a low voltage
circuit in the preamp stage of all Punch amplifiers that lets the music sound
crystal clear and very real, even when played at high volume levels. This is
matched with TOPAZ, a unique grounding circuit used to eliminate noise
problems associated with car audio systems and their installation. Flexibility
is accomplished with the use of a built-in crossover. The use of a protection
circuit called NOMAD, along with MOSFET and DSM (Discrete Surface
Mount) technologies improve amplifier efficiency. The result of these
components give the Punch amplifier awesome sound quality in a “Bullet
Proof” package. An explanation of these technologies, most of which are
exclusively designed and patented by Rockford, are described in the
Technical Design Features.
– 1 –
P UNCH A MPLIFIER A CCESSORY P ACK
The accessory pack shipped with the Punch 2-channel amplifiers includes
the mounting hardware necessary to secure the amp to the vehicle and to
attach the end caps to the amplifier.
Installation & Operation Manual
Punch Verification Certificate
(4) Amplifier mounting screws (#8 x 3/4" Phillips)
(1) ATC Inline Fuseholder (Punch 120, 160, 250, 360)
(1) AGU Inline Fuseholder (Punch 500)
(1) ATC 15 Amp Fuse (Punch 120)
(1) ATC 20 Amp Fuse (Punch 160)
(1) ATC 30 Amp Fuse (Punch 250)
(1) ATC 40 Amp Fuse (Punch 360)
(1) AGU 50 Amp Fuse (Punch 500)
Note: Refer to the Specification section of this manual for recommended
Punch 800 fuse size.

– 2 –
P UNCH 2-C HANNEL A MPLIFIER F EATURE C HART
PUNCH AMPLIFIER MODEL 120 160 250 360 500 800
# of CHANNELS 22 2 222
Stable into: (stereo/bridged) 2Ω/4Ω2Ω/4Ω2Ω/4Ω2Ω/4Ω2Ω/4Ω2Ω/4Ω
CIRCUITRY
1
TRANS• ana – circuit topology xx x xxx
TRANS•
nova – patented circuit topology
2
–– – –––
Class-G – high efficiency topology –– – –––
MEHSA – heat dissipating technology xx x xxx
TOPAZ
– patented noise eliminating circuitry
3
xx x xxx
DSM – discrete surface mount xx x xxx
MOSFETs – power supply & output devices xx x xxx
NOMAD – protection circuit xx x xxx
FEATURES
Die Cast Heatsink
4
xx x xxx
Hi-Level Inputs – for factory radios xx x xxx
RCA Inputs – for aftermarket radios xx x xxx
Balanced Inputs – – – – – –
Input Switches – eliminates “Y” adaptors –– – –––
Pass-Thru – feeds signal to aux. amp –– – –––
Pwr/Spk Screw Terminals x x – – – –
Pwr/Spk Block Terminals – – x x x x
4 Gauge Pwr/Gnd – – – – – –
Adjustable Punch Bass
(0dB/+6dB/+12dB @ 45Hz) x– – –––
Variable Punch Bass (0dB ~+18dB @ 45Hz) –x x xxx
Adjustable Xover (120Hz HP / 80Hz LP)
HP/FULL/LP
5
HP/FULL/LP
5
––––
Variable Xover (50Hz ~ 210Hz) ––HP/FULL/LP
5
HP/FULL/LP
5
HP/FULL/LP
5
HP/FULL/LP
5
Crossover Slope (Butterworth) 12dB 12dB 12dB 12dB 12dB 12dB
Phase Warp (0
0
~ 180
0
)-- - ---
1Additional information on features, specifications and system designs can be found at: www.rockfordfosgate.com
2Trans•nova is patented under "U.S. Patent No. 4,467,288"
3TOPAZ is patented under "U.S. Patent No. 5,751,823"
4Diecast Heatsink is patented under "U.S. Patent No. D401,225"
5HP = 12dB/octave High-Pass / LP = 12dB/octave Low-Pass / FULL = Full Range
6Recommended fuse not supplied with amplifier

– 3 –
D ESIGN F EATURES
L+
L–
R+
R–
+ – B+ GND
Left Right
+ –
120HP-Full-80LP
Crossover
REM
High
Level
Input
LED
Left Input Right Input Gain
+12dB
+6dB
0dB
Punch
Bass
42
7 5 3
6
8
91
42
3
6
7
8
REM
+ –
B+ GND
High
Level
Input
LED
Left Input Right Input Gain
Left Right
Punch
Bass
+ –
120HP-Full-80LP
Crossover
L+
L–
R+
R–
L+
L–
R+
R–
5
91
Punch 120
2-channel
Punch 160
2-channel

– 4 –
65
80
55
50
110
210 Hz
145
190
Speaker
+ L –
L+
L–
R+
R–
2
8
21
932
7 8 646 5
REM B+ GND
LED
HP–Full–LP
Crossover
Right
Gain
Right
Input
Left
Input
Left
Gain
Crossover
Frequency
Punch
Bass
High
Level
Input Speaker
+ R –
HP–Full–LP
Crossover
High
Level
Input
Right
Gain
Right
Input
Left
Input
Left
Gain
Crossover
Frequency
Punch
Bass
Speaker
+ L –Speaker
+ R –
L+
L–
R+
R–
65
80
55
50
110
210 Hz
145
190
REM
B+ GND
LED
92
274521
3
8
66
8
Punch 800
2-channel
Punch 250
2-channel
Punch 360
2-channel
Punch 500
2-channel

– 5 –
1. Cast Aluminum Heatsink – The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch
amplifier dissipates heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. The
inherent advantage of casting provides a 30% improvement of cooling
over conventional extrusion heatsink designs.
2. Speaker/Power Terminals –These gold-plated connectors are used for
the connection of speaker and power wire and are immune to corrosion
that can cause signal degradation. The Punch 120 and Punch 160
utilize a barrier strip that will accept #10 spade lugs or bare speaker and
power wires sized from 10-18 AWG. The Punch 250, Punch 360,
Punch 500, and Punch 800 utilize heavy duty terminal block connec-
tors that will accept bare wires size from 8-18AWG.
3. REM Terminal – This spade terminal is used to remotely turn-on and
turn-off the amplifier when +12V DC is applied.
4. RCA Input Jacks – The industry standard RCA jack provides an easy
connection for signal level input. They are gold-plated to resist the signal
degradation caused by corrosion.
5. High Level Inputs – The high level inputs use a detachable connector
terminated with 20 AWG leads. These inputs should be used if the source
unit has only speaker line (high level) outputs and not RCA outputs.
6. Gain Control – The input gain control is preset to match the output of
most source units. They can be adjusted to match output levels from a
variety of source units.
7. Punch Bass – The Punch Bass helps correct for acoustical deficiencies
in the listening environment. The Punch Bass allows a narrow band
adjustmentat45Hzto help reproducefullrangesound without excessive
boost. The Punch 120 utilizes a switch that is adjustable at 0dB/+6dB/
+12dB increments. The Punch 160,Punch 250, Punch 360, Punch
500, and Punch 800 utilize a control that is variable from 0dB to
+18dB.
8. InternalCrossover– Theinternal crossover isused to delegatea specific
range of frequencies to the speaker system for optimum performance.
The crossover can perform three functions: High-Pass (HP), Low-Pass
(LP), or Full Range (FULL). The Punch 120 and Punch 160 utilize a
12dB/octave Butterworth crossover fixed at 120Hz HP and 80Hz LP.
The Punch 250, Punch 360, Punch 500, and Punch 800 utilize a
12dB/octave Butterworth crossover variable from 50Hz to 210Hz.
9. LED Power Indicator – The LED illuminates when the unit is turned on.