Rockford Fosgate RFX-8115 User manual

rfx
am/fm CD Players
RFX-8115/8120/8130/8140
operation & installation
rfx

Dear Customer,
Congratulationsonyourpurchaseoftheworld'sfinestbrandofcaraudiosourceunits.
At Rockford Fosgate we are committed to 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.
To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your Rockford
accessories,whichincludeeverythingfromT-shirtsandjacketstohatsandsunglasses.
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].
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
source unit if it is ever stolen.
Serial Number: ________________________________
Model Number:________________________________
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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................. 1
Accessory Pack ........................................................................................ 1
Precautions ..............................................................................................2
Features Matrix ........................................................................................4
Technical Design Features .......................................................................5
Source Unit Design Features ....................................................................9
IR Remote Design Features.....................................................................12
Installation Considerations ..................................................................... 13
Source Unit Mounting Locations ............................................................ 14
Wiring the System .................................................................................. 15
Installation ............................................................................................. 19
Basic Operation ..................................................................................... 22
Tuner Operation .................................................................................... 30
CD Player Operation.............................................................................. 37
External Audio Operation....................................................................... 49
IR Remote Operation ............................................................................. 51
Rockford Fosgate Accessories................................................................. 58
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... 60
Specifications......................................................................................... 68
Warranty Information............................................................................. 70
G ETTING S TARTED
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 toimprove our product, this information is subjectto change
without notice.
Sections marked
INSTALLATION
include “slam dunk”
wiring connections
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Sections marked
TROUBLESHOOTING
include recommendations for curing
installation problems

INTRODUCTION
Rockford Fosgate optimized usable features in the RFX source units for
use in high performance car audio systems. The “world's best tuner,” a
high performance CD player, and controls pioneered by Rockford
Fosgate offer unmatched performance in the aftermarket world.
Thefollowingsections contain informationonthe features,installation,
andoperationforthe8115,8120,8130,and“competition”8140source
units. The Technical Design Features section explains the features
common to all four source units, as well as a chart listing features
dependent on each model.
– 1 –
ACCESSORY PACK
RFX-8115
Installation & Operation Manual
(1) Mounting Sleeve
(1) Backstrap
(1) Left Chassis Release Key
(1) Right Chassis Release Key
(5) Mounting Screws
(m5 x 0.88mm x 4mm)
(1) Faceplate Case
(1) 8115 Power Harness (22-pin)
(1) 2-Channel RCA Harness (10-pin)
RFX-8120
Installation & Operation Manual
(1) Mounting Sleeve
(1) Backstrap
(1) Left Chassis Release Key
(1) Right Chassis Release Key
(5) Mounting Screws
(m5 x 0.88mm x 4mm)
(1) Faceplate Case
(1) Power Harness (22-pin)
(1) 4-Channel RCA Harness (10-pin)
RFX-8130
Installation & Operation Manual
(1) Mounting Sleeve
(1) Backstrap
(1) Left Chassis Release Key
(1) Right Chassis Release Key
(5) Mounting Screws
(m5 x 0.88mm x 4mm)
(1) Faceplate Case
(1) Power Harness (22-pin)
(1) 5-Channel RCA Harness (10-pin)
(1) IR Remote Control
RFX-8140
Installation & Operation Manual
(1) Mounting Sleeve
(1) Backstrap
(1) Left Chassis Release Key
(1) Right Chassis Release Key
(5) Mounting Screws
(m5 x 0.88mm x 4mm)
(1) Faceplate Case
(1) 8140 Power Harness (22-pin)
(1) 2-Channel RCA Harness (10-pin)
(1) 2-Channel BAL Harness (10-pin)
(1) IR Remote Control

PRECAUTIONS
Operating Temperature
Be sure the temperature inside the vehicle is
between–10°Cand+60°C(+14°Fand+140°F).
DO NOT playa discif thetemperature ishigher
or lower than the operating range.
Moisture Condensation
The CD playback may waver due to condensa-
tion. If this occurs, remove the disc from the
source unit and wait for approximately an hour
for the moisture to evaporate.
Environment Exposure
DONOTexposetheSourceUnitoroptionalCD
Changer to any of the following: direct sun and
heat, high humidity, excessive dust, excessive
vibration and rain or water.
Handling the Detachable Faceplate
DONOTdroporcauseshocktothefaceplateas
seriousdamagemayoccur.Protectthefaceplate
by storing it in the supplied carrying case.
Avoid Mechanical Malfunction
DO NOT grab a disc while it is being automati-
callyloadedintothesourceunit.Doingthismay
cause serious damage to the source unit.
SOURCE UNIT & OPTIONAL
CD CHANGER
– 2 –
RFX-8103
®®
AUD SEL
6
RDMRPTSCAN PAUSED.SCN DIM
51
P.SC
NLOUDDSPL
CLOCK ILLUM
PWR
AUTO
VOL TUNE
23
COMPACT
DIGITALAUDIO
4
RFX-8103
®®
AUD SEL
6
RDMRPTSCAN PAUSED.SCN DIM
5
1
P.SC
NLOUDDSPL
CLOCK ILLUM
PWR
AUTO
VOL TUNE
23
COMPACT
DIGITALAUDIO
4
✯
✯
✯
RFX-8103
®®
AUD SEL
6
RDMRPTSCAN PAUSED.SCN DIM
51
P.SC
NLOUDDSPL
CLOCK ILLUM
PWR
AUTO
VOL TUNE
23
COMPACT
DIGITALAUDIO
4
+60°C
–10°C
RFX-8103
®®
AUD SEL
6
RDMRPTSCAN PAUSED.SCN DIM
51
P.SC
NLOUDDSPL
CLOCK ILLUM
PWR
AUTO
VOL TUNE
23
COMPACT
DIGITALAUDIO
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COMPACT DISCS
Disc Handling and Care
DO NOT touchthe playing side(opposite of label
side)of the disc.When handling thedisc, only the
outer edges or center hole of the disc should be
touched.DO NOT affix anysticker or labelon the
disc.DONOTapplyvinylrecordspray,anti-static
agent, acetone, or any other volatile chemicals to
the disc.
Damaged Disc
DONOTplayacracked,warpedordamageddisc.
Doing this may cause serious damage to the play-
back mechanism.
New Discs
TheCDplayerwillejectdiscsthathaveeitherbeen
inserted incorrectly or have irregular surfaces. If a
new disc is ejected after loading, feel around the
outeredgeoftheCDanditscenterhole.Anysmall
burrs or irregularities could inhibit proper loading
of the disc. To remove the burrs, rub the inside
edge of the hole and outside edge of the disc with
an object such as a ball point pen.
– 3 –
IR REMOTE (8115/8120 OPTION)
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LIQUID SWORD INC.
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®
Environment Exposure
DO NOT expose the IR Remote to any of the
following: direct sun and heat, high humidity and
rain or water.
Handling the IR Remote
DO NOT drop or cause shock to the IR Remote as
serious damage may occur.

FEATURE RFX-8115 RFX-8120 RFX-8130 RFX-8140
General
Detachable Faceplate XXXX
Any Button Wake-Up XXXX
SMART-On XXXX
Green/Amber Illumination X X X
Green Illumination X
Illumination Dimmer X X X
Clock XXXX
Display Recall XXXX
Default Display XXXX
Tuner
AM/FM Stereo (6AM/18FM Presets XXXX
Preset Scan XXXX
Auto Store XXXX
AM/FM Tune/Seek XXXX
AM/FM Scan X X
Mute* XXXX
World Wide Tuner XXXX
Power Antenna X X
CD Player
Next/Prevous Track XXXX
Fast Forward/Reverse XXXX
Repeat XXXX
Random XXXX
Pause XXXX
Scan XXXX
Insert CD & Power Up XXXX
CD Changer Controller
Next/Previous Track X X X
Fast Forward/Reverse X X X
Repeat X X X
Random Track X X X
Pause X X X
Track Scan X X X
Disc Scan X X X
Audio
Source Tone Memory X X X
Switchable Loudness XXXX
Cell Phone Mute XXXX
Internal Amp X X X
Preamp Output 2-Ch RCA 4-Ch RCA 5-Ch RCA 2-Ch RCA
or BAL
Adjustable Sub Level X
Preamp Output Voltage 2.4 Vrms 2.4 Vrms 2.4 Vrms 8.5 Vrms RCA
17 Vrms BAL
External Audio Input(s) 1 2
Signal Processor Loop X
IR Remote Compatible X X Supplied Supplied
Tuner Mode XXXX
CD Player Mode XXXX
CD Changer Mode XXXX
Volume Up/Dn XXXX
Track Seek Up/Dn XXXX
Tuner Preset Select XXXX
Any Button Wake-Up XXXX
Pulse XXXX
* Accessible through IR Remote
– 4 –
®

TUNER
◆ Patented Tuner
TheSourceUnitsutilize arefinedhighperformance tuner forprovid-
ing unmatched tuning range. The tuner uses a patented Digital
Automatic Alignment (a mini pre-programmed computer) to pre-
ciselytargetand“tunein”FMradiostations.Theaftermarketstandard
is done by mechanical alignment which relies on not-so-precise
tunable inductors to “get within the ballpark” of a radio station. The
tuner is also refined with Dual FM Conversion and Dual AM Up-
Convert schemes to create a tuner that is capable of receiving radio
signals better.
THE RESULT: Absolutely the “world's best tuner”
◆MIR Circuit
The MIR (Multipath Interference Rejection) Circuit improves audio
performance under difficult reception conditions. The tuner slowly
tapersfromstereotomonauralwhenexcessivestaticisproduceddue
to poor radio reception in fringe areas. This feature is virtually
undetectablebythelistenerduetoitssmoothtransitionfrommonau-
ralbacktostereo.TheMIRcircuitimprovesaudioqualitybyreducing
multipath effects in both weak and strong signal conditions.
THERESULT:Improvesaudioperformancewhenradioreceptionispoor
TECHNICAL DESIGN FEATURES
– 5 –
◆High Output Voltage/
Low Source Impedance
A high preamp output voltage allows a cleaner signal to be driven to
the amplifier. A low source impedance (50Ω) enables the preamp to
drive multiple amplifiers without signal loss. It is not enough to have
onlyahighvoltageoutput;totake fulladvantageoftheextravoltage,
a low source impedance is essential. These two features are an
important combination for a preamp that truly delivers a Punch!
THE RESULT: Resists noise and enables multiple amplifiers to be
driven without signal loss
PREAMP/AMPLIFIER

– 6 –
CD PLAYER
◆Dual 1 Bit D/A Converters with
8x Oversampling
The Digital to Analog (D/A) converter determines the sound quality
of the source unit. 8x oversampling ensures the D/A conversion
occurs at a frequency high enough so information from the digital
conversionis notaffected bynoise. Thisenables thesound qualityto
remain the same as it was in the recording studio.
THE RESULT: Maintains sound quality of CDs
◆Digital Servo Control w/Auto Focus
The Source Unit incorporates a Digital Servo Control to ensure
accurate disc tracking for optimum CD playback. The Auto Focus
feature actually adjusts the laser optics to manufacturing tolerances
of CDs. Imagine a CD player that thinks for itself? That's why the
faceplate says Rockford Fosgate!
THE RESULT: Adjusts to CD manufacturing tolerances for accurate
tracking
◆Hologram Laser w/multi-damping
The Rockford Fosgate CD Players feature high reliability and accu-
racy with the use of a Hologram Laser. The Hologram laser uses a
sophisticated one-piece assembly versus conventional discrete type
lasers that use several mechanical parts. In addition, the multi-
damping system for the CD mechanism acts like rubber shock
absorbers to prevent skipping under rough conditions.
DISCRETE LASER HOLOGRAM LASER
THE RESULT: High reliability and tracking
Concave Lens
LD
Half Mirror
Grating
Plate Mirror
Disc
Objective Lens
Collimator
Lens
Plate Mirror
Disc
Objective Lens
Holoram
Unit

◆Any Button Wake Up
TheAnyButtonWakeUpfeatureallowsthereceivertopower-upby
pressing any button on the faceplate or IR remote. If the receiver is
manuallypowereddownwhileignitionpowerison,thereceiverwill
“wakeup”whenanybuttononthefaceplateisdepressed.Thisallows
the user to easily turn on the source unit while simultaneously
demonstrating his/her street racing skills.
THE RESULT: Power-up the receiver without fumbling for the PWR
button
– 7 –
◆SMART On (Outputs A & B)
TheSMART On(SequentiallyManagedAccessoryRemoteTurn-On)
outputs supply sequential on/off auto power for external compo-
nents. After the radio is powered on, output “A” will immediately
supply turn-on voltage to its output. A half second later, output “B”
supplies turn-on voltage to its output. After the radio is powered
down, output “B” will immediately turn off, then a half second later,
output “A” will turn off. The SMART On circuitry eliminates turn on/
off transients for components with various power on/off cycles.
THE RESULT: Protects speakers and electronics from damaging
transients
CONTROLS/SECURITY
◆Detachable Faceplate
No need to haul around a five pound source unit wherever you go.
A Detachable Faceplate is a lot easier to remove and carry around
with you. Just press the faceplate release button, drop the faceplate
initscarryingcase,andputitinyourshirtpocket.Now, you'reready
toroll.TheDetachableFaceplateisagreatdeterrenttotheftandhelps
to ensure your CD player is safe …just make sure to remove it.
THE RESULT: Deters source unit theft