Rockford Fosgate Punch P200.2 Operating instructions

INTRODUCTION
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 pleased you chose our product. Through years of engi-
neering expertise, hand craftsmanship 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 produa 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 produa 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 conneaors. 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 accessories. which include
everything from T-shirts to jackets and hats.
To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accessories.
visit our web site at www.rockfordfosgate.com
or. in the U.S. call 1-800-669-9899 or FAX [phone].
For all other countries, call +001-480-967-3565 or FAX [phone].
PRACTICE SAFE SOUNDTM
Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over IOOdB may cause permanent
hearing loss. High powered auto sound systems may produce sound pressure levels well
over 130dB. Use common sense and practice safe sound.
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.
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 unit if it is ever stolen.
Serial Number:
Model Number:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2
Safety Instructions 3
Design Features 4-5
Installation 5-8
Installation Considerations 5
Mounting Locations 6
Battery and Charging 6
Wiring
the System 6
Operation 8-9
Remote Punch Bass 8
Adjusting Gain 9
Adjusting Crossover Frequency 9
Troubleshooting 10
Accessories ...................I I
Specifications I1-12
LimitedWarranty Information 13
NOTE:Review each section for more detailed information.
2

GErr'NGSTARTED
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
tum to the Instollation Section of this manual. 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.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
LhWARNING
LhCAUTION
This symbol with "WARNING" is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the instructions
will result in severe injury or death.
This symbol with
"CAUTION" is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the instructions
can result
in injury or unit damage.
4' CAUTION:To prevent injury and damage to the unit, please read and follow the
Ll.1 instructions in this manual. We want you to enjoy this system, not get a
headache.
4' CAUTION If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it installed by a
Ll.1 qualified Rockford Fosgate technician.
4' CAUTION Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent
Ll.1 damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.
CONTENTS OF CARTON
Either aModel P200.2, P250.2, P325.2, P450.2,
P550.2, P650.2, P850.2,
or P1200.2 Punch
2-Channel Amplifier
Installation &Operation
Manual
Mounting Hardware Kit
Remote Punch
Bass Kit with Cord
The hardware kit included with each amplifier contains the mounting hardware necessary to secure the
amplifier
to the vehicle.
Visit
our web site for the latest information on all Rockford products.
www.rockfordfosgate.com
3

DESIGN FEATURES
Connections
10
P2CJCJ.2 P25CJ.2 P:325.2 P45CJ.2
8 9
3
I
2
6 75
4
I. Power LED (Top of unit) -This Blue LED illuminates when the unit is turned on.
2. Thermal LED (Top of unit) -This Red LED illuminates if the amplifier reaches the third stage of
thermal protection. The amplifier will shut down to cool if this occurs.
3. Protect LED (Top of unit) -ThisYellow LED illuminates if a short circuit or too low of an impedance
is detected at the speaker connections.The amplifier will automatically shut down if this occurs.
4.
Cast Aluminum Heatsink - The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch amplifier dissipates heat
generated
by the amplifier's circuitry.
5. Speaker Terminals - The heavy duty, nickel-plated clamp wire connectors (+ and -) will accept wire
sizes from 8AWG to 18 AWG.
6. Remote Bass (All models except P200.2) -Boosts low frequency information to overcome road
noise and put
the bass in your face. The Remote Bass control is anarrow band adjustment at 45Hz
variable from OdB to + 18dB with a Gyrator based Punch EQ that eliminates frequency shift with boost.
Connection
is made with a RJ-45 cable and can be installed in avariety of ways for easy control access. An
optional Para-Punch Remote Bass is available which adds an adjustable center frequency control with the
adjustable boost control.
7. Gain Control -The input gain control is preset to match the output of most source units. It can be
adjusted to match output levels from avariety of source units.
8. Variable Crossover - Is abuilt-in 12dB/octave Butterworth filter selectable for High-Pass (HP),AII Pass
(AP), or Low-Pass (LP) operation variable from 40Hz to 400Hz.
9. RCA Input Jacks - The industry standard RCA jacks provide an easy connection for signal level input.
They are nickel-plated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.
10. RCA Pass- Thru Jacks -The Pass-Thru provides aconvenient source for daisy-chaining an additional
amplifier without running an
extra set of RCA cables from the front of the vehicle to the rear amplifier
location.
4

DESIGN FEATURES
I I. REM Terminal -The heavy duty, nickel-plated captive c-c1amp wire connector will accept wire sizes
from
12 AWG to 24 AWG.This terminal is used to remotely turn-on and tum-off the amplifier when
+ 12V DC is applied.
12. PowerTerminals -The power and ground are nickel-plated captive c-c1amp wire connectors and will
accommodate up to 4AWG wire.
13. Fuses -These ATC fuses are easily accessible in case offailure. Always replace fuses with same type and
rating. See Specifications for fuse ratings.
NOTE: Model P450.2 has an additional fuse (not shown) located
on
the top panel above the fuse on the front panel.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
The following is alist of tools needed for installation:
Volt/Ohm Meter
Wire strippers
Wire crimpers
Wire cutters
#2 Phillips screwdriver
Battery
post wrench
Hand held drill
wlassorted bits
1/8" diameter heatshrink tubing
Assorted
connectors
Adequate Length-Red Power Wire
Adequate Length-Remote Tum-on Wire
Adequate Length-Black Grounding Wire
This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for installing your new amplifier.
Pre-planning your system layout and
best wiring routes will save installation time. When deciding on the
layout of your new system, be sure that each component will be easily accessible for making adjustments.
Lh CAUTION: If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it installed by a
•qualified technician.
Lh CAUTION: Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent
damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.
Before beginning any installation, follow these simple rules:
I. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install the unit.
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 unit in place.
4. Route
all of the RCA cables close together and away from any high current wires.
5. Use
high quality connectors for areliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.
6. Think before you drill!
Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake or hydraulic lines,
vacuum lines
or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle.
7.
Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires inside 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 the
appropriate fuse holder and fuse on the + 12V power wire within 18" (45.7 cm) of the battery
terminal.
10. When grounding to the chassis of the vehicle, scrape all paint from the metal to ensure agood, clean
ground connection. Grounding connections should be as
short as possible and always be connected to
metal that is welded to the main body, or chassis, of the vehicle.
5

INSTALLATION
MOUNTING LOCATIONS
Engine Compartment
Never mount this unit in the engine compartment. Mounting the unit in the engine compartment will void
your warranty.
Trunk Mounting
Mounting the amplifier vertically will provide adequate cooling of the amplifier.
Mounting
the amplifier on the floor of the trunk will provide the best cooling of the amplifier.
Mounting
the amplifier upside down to the rear deck of the trunk will not provide proper cooling and will
severely affect the performance of the amplifier and is strongly not recommended.
Passenger Compartment Mounting
Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as long as you provide asufficient amount
of air for the amplifier to cool itself. If you are going to mount the amplifier under the seat of the vehicle,
you must have
at least I" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink.
Mounting
the amplifier with less than I" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink in the
passenger compartment will not provide proper cooling and will severely affect the performance of the
amplifier and is strongly not recommended.
BATTERY AND CHARGING
Amplifiers will put an increased load on the vehicle's battery and charging system. We recommend
checking
your alternator and battery condition to ensure that the electrical system has enough capacity to
handle the increased load of your stereo system. Stock electrical systems which are in good condition
should be able
to handle the extra load of any Punch Series amplifier without problems. although battery
and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To maximize the performance of your amplifier, we suggest the
use of aheavy duty battery and an energy storage capacitor.
WIRING THE SYSTEM
1- CAUTION: If you do not feel comfortable with wiring your new unit, please see your
~ local Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer for installation.
it. CAUTION: Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent
•damage
to the unit. fire and/or possible injury.
1- CAUTION:Avoid running power wires near the low level input cables. antenna, power
~ leads, sensitive equipment or harnesses.The power wires carry substantial
current and could induce noise into the audio system.
I. Plan the wire routing. Keep RCA cables close together but isolated from the amplifier's power cables
and any high
power auto accessories, especially electric motors.This is done to prevent coupling the
noise from radiated electrical fields into
the audio signal. When feeding the wires through the firewall
or any metal barrier, protect them with plastic or rubber grommets to prevent short circuits. Leave
the wires long at this point to adjust for aprecise fit at a
later time.
2. Prepare the RED wire (power cable) for attachment to the
amplifier by stripping 5/8" of insulation from the end of the
wire. Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal and tighten
the set screw to secure the cable in place.
NOTE: The B+ cable MUST be fused 18" or less from the
vehicle's battery. Install the fuseholder under the hood
and ensure connections are water tight.
6

INSTALLATION
3. Trim the RED wire (power cable) within 18" of the battery and splice in ainline fuse holder. See
Specifications for
the rating of the fuse to be used. DO NOT install the fuse at this time.
4. Strip 1/2" from the battery end of the power cable and crimp alarge ring terminal to the cable. Use
the ring terminal to connect to the battery positive terminal.
5. Prepare the BLACK wire (Ground cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 5/8" of
insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bare wire into the GND terminal and tighten the set
screw to secure the cable in place. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint from the metal
surface and thoroughly clean
the area of all dirt and grease. Strip the other end of the wire and attach
aring connector. Fasten the cable
to the chassis using anon-anodized screw and astar washer.
NOTE: Keep the length of the BLACK wire (Ground) as short as possible.Always less than 30"(76.2cm).
6. Prepare the REM turn-on wire for for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 5/8" of insulation from
the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the REM terminal and tighten the set screw to secure
the wire in place. Connect the other end of the REM wire to aswitched 12 volt positive source.The
switched voltage
is usually taken from the source unit's remote amp on lead. If the source unit does
not have this output available, the recommended solution is to wire amechanical switch in line with a
12 volt source to activate the amplifier.
7. Securely mount the amplifier to the vehicle or amp rack. Be careful not to mount the amplifier on
cardboard
or plastic panels. Doing so may enable the screws to pull out from the panel due to road
vibration
or sudden vehicle stops.
8.
Connect from source signal by plugging the RCA cables into the input jacks at the amplifier.
9.
Connect the speakers. Strip the speaker wires 1/2" and insert into the speaker terminal and tighten
the set screw to secure into place. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity. DO NOT chassis
ground
any of the speaker leads as unstable operation may result.
10. Perform a final check of the completed system wiring to ensure that all connections are accurate.
Check
all power and ground connections for frayed wires and loose connections which could cause
problems. Install inline fuse near battery connection.
NOTE: Follow the diagrams for proper signal polarity.
.ti' CAUTION:These amplifiers are not recommended for impedance loads below 2n
~ stereo and 4nbridged.
REM GND s+
Power
Connection
Connect to Source unit's
accessory lead
or
switched 12v source
Connect
to
chassis ground
ofvehicle*
40A 40A
I
,
,. FUSES
:6 W
t.==~~J.=FJ'
Fuse
I Less than 18"
NEG
+
pos
*Keep Grounds as short as possible Vehicle Battery
7

INSTALLATION
2-Channel Wiring
PASS-THRU
Amplifier
Right
Left
2.0 min.
RCA Inputs
'60
10·' ·220
55· Hz ·no
REMOTE ......,
1'---'BR/XtJD----I1 ~ ;. '~" '
IliiiilI .. [J]
Hz LP.AP-HP '--- ---J
CROSSOYERi"------'
min.
Source Unit
PASS-THRU
Left
'60
10·' ·220
ss· Hz -320
REMOTE ......,
BASS GAIN FREQ.
~&.'~'. '
IliiiilI .. [J]
Hz Lp.Ap.HP '-------'
CROSSOVER
RCA Inputs
-- ...
-
!! Right
;; L-.. __ ........... c:l:(JCmm------..;;......,
----- ~-m---"M c:[(IJDDII-----,
Source Unit
Bridged/Mono Wiring
4.0 min.
Amplifier
OPERATION
REMOTE PUNCH BASS (All models except P200.2)
Mounting and installation
I. Find alocation that gives easy access to the remote.
NOTE: You can mount this unit in avariety of ways. Remove the back housing by using asmall flat
screwdriver in the slotted hole at the back.The housing can be installed with the mounting tab up
or down. or left off for in panel installation.
2. Route the cable for the remote and connect to the amplifier.
8

Outside Panel Install
3. Using the screws supplied, install the
mounting clip.
4. Slip the remote onto the mounting
clip until it snaps into place.
5.
Connect the cable to the remote.
Panel Install
6. Cut out a2"x 7/S" hole in the panel,
with amaximum panel thickness
of
3/S". Ensure there is enough room
within
the panel area for connection.
7. Route the cable through the hole and connect to
the remote.
S. Press the remote into the panel cutout until it clicks
in place.
Operation
9. Turn clockwise to add Punch to amplifier bass
frequencies.
Ji'. CAUTION: Overexcursion and subsequent
~ damage may occur at high levels
of boost
NOTE:An optional Para-Punch Remote Bass is available
which adds an adjustable
center frequency
control with
the adjustable boost control.
ADJUSTING GAIN
OPERATION
~ ~ounting Clip
& & Mi,;';;;. L
• ... j ~Fla~18lli~5HZ
.... (~~, +12 ~
~
+6:
o Maximum +3 ~
Boost OdB :
~""': 45Hz
~
+ -+ - ~ ::":.
"'TE ....
.... ..... """
L....... ~~~ .. ~ ..
SPEAKERS .... .J!l
"" ......
To adjust the gain setting, turn the amplifier gains all the way down (counter-ciockwise).Turn the source unit
volume up until distortion is audible and then turn it down abit until the distortion is inaudible.This will be
about
all the way up on most source units. Next, increase the amplifier gain setting until adequate volume is
achieved. Rockford Fosgate source units do not distort, so the volume can be used at maximum setting.
NOTE: Best signal to noise and dynamic range are realized with the gain at minimum. Most users find
adequate gain and volume is achieved at about halfway in the adjustment range.
1'- CAUTION:Avoid setting the amplifier gain very high as noise and distortion will
~ increase significantly.
NOTE: For a more in depth setting procedure, contact Rockford Technical Support.
ADJUSTING CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
Crossover
Placing the switch in the HP position sets the amplifier to
the High Pass mode, enabling frequencies above the cut-off
point
to pass, adjustable between 40-400Hz.
Placing
the switch in the AP position sets the amplifier to the
All Pass mode, preventing any crossover adjustment, allowing
all frequencies to pass.
Placing
the switch in the LP position sets the amplifier to the
Low Pass mode, enabling frequencies below the cut-off point
to pass, adjustable between 40-400Hz.
Turn
the crossover adjustment knob all the way down. With
the system playing, turn the crossover adjustment knob up
slowly until the desired crossover point is achieved.
REMOTE
BASS
~
Gain
I
/
80. 1~ .220
55· Hz ·320
40' '400
GAIN FREQ.
.
~"~'.
.[(J
/ Hz Lp.AP.HP \. -
~ ~ROSSOVER
9

TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: If you are having problems after installation follow the Troubleshooting procedures below.
Procedure I: Check Amplifier for proper connections.
Verify that POWER light is on. If POWER light is on skip to Step 3, if not continue.
I. Check in-line fuse on battery positive cable. Replace if necessary.
2. Check fuse(s) on amplifier. Replace if necessary.
3. Verify that Ground connection is connected to clean metal on the vehicle's chassis. Repair/replace if
necessary.
4. Verify there is 10.5 -15.5 Volts present at the positive battery and remote turn-on cable.Verify quality
connections for both cables
at amplifier. stereo, and battery/fuseholder. Repair/replace if necessary.
Procedure 2: Protect or Thermal light is on.
I. If the Protect light is on, this is asign of apossible short in the speaker connections. Check for
proper speaker connections and use an ohm meter to check for possible shorts in the speaker wiring.
Too low
of aspeaker impedance may also cause Protect to light.
2. If the Thermal light is on, this is usually asign of driving the amplifier at very high power levels without
adequate airflow around
the amplifier. Shut off the system and allow to cool. Check for proper
speaker impedance, rewire if needed. Low battery voltage may also cause Thermal to light. Check that
the vehicle charging system is maintaining proper voltage. If the previous items do not solve the
problem, afault may be in the amplifier, call customer service for support.
Procedure 3: Check Amplifier for audio output.
I. Verify good RCA input connections at stereo and amplifier. Check entire length of cables for kinks,
splices, etc.Test RCA inputs for AC volts with
stereo on. Repair/replace if necessary.
2. Disconnect RCA input from amplifier. Connect RCA input from test stereo directly to amplifier input.
Procedure 4: Check Amplifier if you experience Turn-on Pop.
I. Disconnect input signal to amplifier and turn amplifier on and off.
2. If the noise is eliminated, connect the REM lead of amplifier to source unit with adelay turn-on
module.
OR
I. Use adifferent 12 Volt source for REM lead of amplifier (i.e. battery direct).
2. If the noise is eliminated. use arelay to isolate the amplifier from noisy turn-on output.
Procedure 5: Check Amplifier if you experience excess Engine Noise.
I. Route all signal carrying wires (RCA, Speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.
OR
2. Bypass any and all electrical components between the stereo and the amplifier(s). Connect stereo
directly to input of amplifier. If noise goes away the unit being bypassed is the cause of the noise.
OR
3. Remove existing ground wires for all electrical components. Reground wires to different locations.
Verify that grounding location is clean. shiny metal free of paint, rust etc.
OR
4. Add secondary ground cable from negative battery terminal to the chassis metal or engine block of
vehicle.
OR
5. Have alternator and battery load tested by your mechanic.Verify good working order of vehicle
electrical system including distributor, spark plugs, spark plug wires. voltage regulator etc.
10