Rockford Fosgate Punch RFA-414 Guide

®®
PUNCH
AUDIOPHILE
SYSTEM
RFA-414
RFA-514
RFA-614
INSTALLATION & OPERATION

Dear Customer,
Congratulationsonyourpurchaseoftheworld'sfinestbrandofcaraudiospeakers. 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.
Greatproductandcompetentinstallationsareonlya pieceofthepuzzlewhenit 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-shirtsand jackets to hats andsunglasses.
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
product if it is ever stolen.
Serial Number: ________________________________
Model Number:________________________________

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 ourproduct, thisinformation issubject tochange
without notice.
GETTING STARTED
Sections marked
TROUBLESHOOTING
include recommendations
for curing
installation problems
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ...............................................................................................
Amplifier Accessory Pack.........................................................................1
Technical Design Features ....................................................................... 2
Design Features........................................................................................5
Installation Considerations ....................................................................... 7
Mounting Location...................................................................................8
Battery and Charging................................................................................9
Wiring the System .................................................................................... 9
Using the XCard.....................................................................................12
Resistor Chart......................................................................................... 13
Installation .............................................................................................14
System Diagrams.................................................................................... 18
Rockford Fosgate Accessories................................................................. 22
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... 26
Dynamic Power Measurements..............................................................29
Specifications......................................................................................... 31
Warranty Information............................................................................. 33
International Information........................................................................ 34
Sections marked
INSTALLATION
include “slam dunk”
wiring connections

INTRODUCTION
This manual provides information on the features and installation of
the Punch AUDIO phile Systems. We suggest you save this manual
for future reference.
WestronglyrecommendyouhaveyourAuthorizedRockfordFosgate
Dealer install the Punch AUDIO phile System. If you do choose to
install the system yourself, please be sure to read the entire manual
before beginning.
RFA-414 RFA-514
(1) Installation & Operation Manual (1) Installation & Operation Manual
(2) 4" Midrange Speakers (2) 5.25" Midrange Speakers
(2) 4" Speaker Grilles (2) 5.25" Speaker Grilles
(2) Speaker Grille Rings (2) Speaker Grille Rings
(2) Speaker Grille Gaskets (2) Speaker Grille Gaskets
(8 Tinnerman Clips (8) Tinnerman Clips
(2) RFA-142x Crossovers (2) RFA-142x Crossovers
(2) 20mm Tweeters (2) 20mm Tweeters
(2) Surface Mount Cups (2) Surface Mount Cups
(2) Surface Mount Baseplates (2) Surface Mount Baseplates
(2) Flush Mount Cups (2) Flush Mount Cups
(2) Flush Mount Baseplates (2) Flush Mount Baseplates
(2) Mounting Brackets (2) Mounting Brackets
(2) 6' 24 gauge speaker wire (2) 6' 24 gauge speaker wire
(16) #8 x .75 Phillips Mounting Screws (16) #8 x .75 Phillips Mounting Screws
(4) 8-32 x .50 Hex Head Bolts (4) 8-32 x .50 Hex Head Bolts
(4) 8-32 Nuts (4) 8-32 Nuts
(2) Surface Mount Baseplates
(2) Flush Mount Cups
(2) Flush Mount Baseplates
(2) Mounting Brackets
(2) 6' 24 gauge speaker wire
(16) #8 x .75 Phillips Mounting Screws
(4) 8-32 x .50 Hex Head Bolts
(4) 8-32 Nuts
(1) Installation & Operation Manual
(2) 6.5" Midrange Speakers
(2) 6.5" Speaker Grilles
(2) Speaker Grille Rings
(2) Speaker Grille Gaskets
(8 Tinnerman Clips
(2) RFA-142x Crossovers
(2) 20mm Tweeters
(2) Surface Mount Cups
RFA-614
PACKAGE CONTENTS
–1 –

TECHNICAL DESIGN FEATURES
◆Silk Dome
The silk dome used in the AUDIO phile tweeter allows linear move-
mentofthediaphragmandvoicecoilassembly.Thelinearmovement
or “symmetrical control”of the assembly provides smooth and well
extended high frequency response.
THE RESULT: Smooth response for “audiophile”sound quality.
◆Neodymium Magnets
The high ionic compound of neodymium enables a smaller tweeter
magnet assembly to be used as opposed to the much larger ferrite
magnets that are commonly used in speaker manufacturing.
THE RESULT: An efficient magnet which allows smaller tweeter
construction.
◆Magnetic Fluid Cooling
Magnetic fluid is a synthetic liquid consisting of microscopic mag-
neticparticles.Thefluidhasfourtimesthethermalconductivityasair
whichmakes it an ideal cooling agent. Magnetic fluid is injected into
the voice coil gap which helps dissipate heat generated by the voice
coil.
THE RESULT: A thermal conductor which allows increased power
handling.
◆Swivel Mount Design
The tweeter is encapsulated in a variable swivel housing. This design
allows direct dispersion of the tweeter in order to accommodate
various mounting positions. The swivel mount design allows the
tweeter to maximize its sonic potential.
THERESULT:Precisetweeterimagingregardlessofmountingposition.
–2 –

◆Nitrile Rubber Surround
Thenitrilematerial is resilienttotemperature variationsandprovides
a consistent support necessary of the linear motion of the speaker
cone, In addition, the inherent damping capabilities eliminates the
transmissionofsonicdisturbancesbetweentheconeandtheframeof
thespeaker.Thisgreatlyimprovestheclarityofthespeaker'smidrange
frequency response.
THE RESULT: Improves speaker's frequency response.
◆Flat Spider
The speaker's linear compliance is balanced through the use of a
“proprietary”flat spider design. A flat spider provides symmetrical
control of the voice coil through its cone excursion. Linear cone
excursion reduces harmonic distortion for improved sound quality.
THE RESULT: Reduces mechanical distortion for better sound quality
.
◆High Temperature Voice Coil
Thevoicecoilis ofahightemperature copper wireconstruction.The
wire is wound in two layers on a black, anodized, aluminum voice
coilformer.Thevoicecoilformerdissipatesheatawayfromthevoice
coil improving the speaker's thermal stability and improving the
reliability of the speaker.
THE RESULT: Improves reliability by dissipating generated heat.
◆Vented Pole Piece
The vented pole piece by design, ensures proper ventilation to cool
the voice coil and maintain lower operating temperatures. The vent
on the rear of the magnet reduces back pressure and allows cool air
to circulate in the voice coil gap. The air circulation increases the
thermal power handling of the speaker.
THE RESULT: Improves power handling by cooling the voice coil.
Midrange Features
–3 –

◆Powder Coat Finish
Powder coating has long been the industry standard for durability in
protective metal finishes. A dry powder (non-aerosol) is electrostati-
cally applied to the metal and “baked”on to provide a hard “shell-
like”finish. As an additional benefit, powder coating is the only
finishing process that releases no toxic chemicals into our ozone.
THE RESULT: A durable and “earth friendly”metal finish.
Crossover Features
◆Optical Compression Circuit
The speaker's linear compliance is balanced through the use of a
“proprietary”flat spider design. A flat spider provides symmetrical
control of the voice coil through its cone excursion. Linear cone
excursion reduces harmonic distortion for improved sound quality.
THE RESULT: Reduces mechanical distortion for better sound quality
.
◆Series Notch Filter
TheSeries NotchFilter compensatesfor the inductive load presented
bythedriver(speaker). Thefilter'sprimaryfunction istodampenand
eliminate the effect that driver resonance has on the crossover. The
Series Notch Filter flattens out the inductive load which greatly
improvesdriverperformancebyprovidinga“stable”crossoverpoint.
THE RESULT: Improves driver performance by reducing resonant
peak.
–4 –

◆Zobel Network
The Zobel network compensate for the impedance rise presented by
the driver (speaker). The network flattens out the gradual impedance
rise produced by the voice coil which typically results in high
frequency rolloff. The Zobel Network compensates for this natural
rolloff which allows the driver to produce a more linear response up
to the tweeter crossover point.
THE RESULT: Compensates for natural high frequency rolloff of
midrange.
◆Adjustable Tweeter Level Matching
The RFA-142x utilizes a series power resistor for tweeter level
matching. The factory set tweeter output level is –0dB, however, can
bereduced–3dBtocreateasmoothertransitionbetweenthemidrange
andtweeter.Theabilitytolevelmatchallowsthesystemtobecustom
“tuned”for a particular listener or setup.
THE RESULT: Allows custom setup of tweeter output level.
–5 –

DESIGN FEATURES
1. Wire Mesh Grille –The Wire Mesh Grille protects the tweeter
diaphragm from foreign objects and curious fingers.
2. Input Terminals –The “+”Terminal indicates the positive/plus
terminal of the speaker. The “–” Terminal indicates the negative/
minus terminal of the speaker. These terminals connect to the
corresponding output of the supplied crossover.
3. VariableMountLogo –TheDiamond“R”logocanbeorientated
in its housing to accommodate vertical or horizontal crossover
mounting.
4. Input Screw Terminals –The Input Screw Terminals connect to
the outputs of the amplifier. These terminals accept bare wire or
1/4" spade lugs and are gold-plated to resist corrosion.
5. OutputScrewTerminals –TheOutputScrewTerminalsconnect
to the input of the tweeter and midrange. These terminals accept
bare wire or 1/4" spade lugs and are gold-plated to resist corro-
sion.
6. Surface Mount Cup –This cup is used to “surface mount”the
tweeter on a panel.
7. FlushMountCup–Thiscupisusedtorecessor“flushmount”the
tweeter into a panel.
1
2
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3
2
45
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ACTIVE TWEETER PROTECTION
RFA-142x
–6 –

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Tools Needed
The following is a list of some of the tools necessary for the installation
of your speakers.
Power Drill with assorted bits #2 Phillips Screwdriver
Tape Measure Hole Saw (2")
Voltmeter
General
1. For safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to
beginning the installation.
2. Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires inside
the vehicle provides the best protection.
3. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber of
plastic grommets to protect any wires routed through metal.
4. Mount the speakers/crossovers away from electrical sources (other
than the amplifier) i.e.., power cables, electronic fuel pumps,
vehicle computers, and other potential noise sources.
5. Mount the speakers/crossovers away from areas of extreme heat or
moisture.
Speakers
1. Make sure there is an area large enough of the speaker to mount.
Warning! Failure to do this can cause damage to the speaker if the
speaker frame is bent during installation.
2. Checkto see thatthe location isdeep enough for the speaker(s) and
the location does not interfere with the normal operation of the
vehicle.
3. When mounting the speaker(s) in the door of a vehicle, make sure
the speaker(s) do not interfere with either the door or window
operation.
4. Whenmountingthespeaker(s)onthereardeckofthevehicle,check
theoperationoftherearhatchortrunklid.Makesurethetorsionbars
and other moving parts are not obstructed by the speaker(s) instal-
lation.
•Please refer to the Specifications section of this manual for proper
mounting diameter and depth of the speaker(s).
Crossovers
1. Make sure there is a flat area large enough for the crossover to mount.
2. For best results, mount the crossover(s) next to the amplifier for a
decorativefinishtotheinstallationandprovideaneasyupgrade(no
newwirestorun)forabi-ampRockfordFosgatesysteminthefuture.
–7 –

MOUNTING LOCATION
A solid front stage with a good image is one of the most difficult tasks
toachieveinavehicle.Nocarhastheoptimumlisteningenvironment.
This makes proper sound staging very difficult to accomplish. Most
speakers tend to be placed where they will fit easily, as opposed to
where they can perform the best. The mounting location of your
speakers will have a great effect on the sound quality of your stereo
system. The special care taken to place the speakers will yield many
hoursoflisteningenjoymentinreturn.Severalimportantrecommenda-
tions should be followed.
•Place the speakers where they have a
direct path to the listening area.
•For the best integration between the
midrangeandtweeter,thetweetershould
beplacedlessthan2"fromthemidrange.
(Figure 1)
•Ifyoucannotplacethetweeterlessthan
2" from the midrange, then place the
tweetermorethan7"fromthemidrange.
Placing the tweeter 2"-7" from the
midrange can cause destructive inter-
ference (frequencyresponseproblems)whichwillaffectthespeaker's
ability to reproduce the frequency range around the crossover
frequency of the system.
•Whenever possible, place the tweeter directly above or below the
midrangeasthismaximizestheimaging(pointsource)capabilityof
the espeakrs. (Figure 2)
Figure 1
2" or less
Figure 2-A Figure 2-B
–8 –

•Sound radiated from a “point source”has the most optimum stereo
imaging because the separation of the acoustical centers between
themidrangeandtweeterforeachchannelisattheoptimum.Figure
2-A describes a horizontal speaker alignment. In a closed environ-
ment such as an automobile, horizontal speaker alignment can
cause severe amplitude and phase differences which will degrade
notonlytheimaging,butalsothefrequencyresponse.Thisisdueto
the path length differences between the midrange and tweeter.
Figure 2-B displays a vertical alignment between the midrange and
tweeter. With a vertical alignment, the path length difference
between the midrange and tweeter are reduced to a minimum. The
resultisanegligibledifferenceinpathlengthsbetweenthemidrange
and tweeter regardless of the proximity of the listener to the
speakers. Mounting the speaker with minimum path length differ-
ence will ensure the best staging an imaging possible from your
audio system.
INSTALLATION
Mounting the Midrange
–9 –
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1. Cut the proper size hole for the midrange/woofer.
•For the RFA-44, cut a 4" (101.6mm) diameter hole
•For the RFA-54, cut a 415⁄16"
•For the RFA-64, cut a 527⁄32"" (148.4mm) diameter hole
2. Place the mounting ring over the mounting hole and mark the
location of the screw mounting holes.
3. Removethering.Drilltheholesforthescrewsusinga1/8"drillbit.
4. Route the wire through the hole.
5. Installthescrewclips(Tinnermanclips)overthescrewholes.Place
the mounting ring over the hole.
6. Attachthewiresandbesuretoobservetheproperspeakerpolarity.
7. Place the speaker into the hole and screw the speaker into place.
Be careful not to bend the speaker frame during this step.
8. Press the speaker grille into the mounting ring.

–10 –
Surface Mount Tweeter (Method #1)
•Use when mounting tweeter to a solid surface (metal, wood, etc.)
Mounting
Baffle
Mounting
Screw
Surface
Mount
Baseplate
Surface
Mount
Cup
Exploded View Front View
(twist clockwise to lock)
Mounting
Baffle
Mounting
Bolt
Surface
Mount
Baseplate
Surface
Mount
Cup
Nut
Exploded View Front View
(twist clockwise to lock)
•Use when mounting tweeter to a surface needing reinforcement
Surface Mount Tweeter (Method #2)
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Crossover Connections
–
+
OUTPUT
FROM
AMPLIFIER
TWEETER
(Rear View)
“+”
Input Tweeter
Output
“+”
HP CROSSOVER
TWEETER
PROTECTION
LP CROSSOVER
–+
Mid
Output
–+ –+
Dot
®
•Striped Wire indicates “+” terminal of tweeter
•Be Sure to Maintain Speaker Polarity
Flush Mount Tweeter
Mounting
Baffle
Mounting
Bolt
Flush
Mount
Baseplate
Flush
Mount
Cup
Nut
2" Cutout
Bracket
Exploded View
Rear View
(twist clockwise to lock)
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Bandpassing the Midrange
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Midrange
Output
RFA-142x
400µf capacitor
+
–
+
–
•To bandpass the midrange, it is necessary to add a 400µf
capacitor in series with the speaker
Tweeter Level Matching
Cut jumper
wire for –3dB
•Factory set tweeter level is –0dB
•Cut jumper wire on bottom of crossover to reduce
tweeter level by –3dB

–13 –
Horizontal Logo Mounting
Vertical Logo Mounting
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®®
ACTIVE TWEETER PROTECTION
RFA-142x
®®
ACTIVE TWEETER PROTECTION
RFA-142x
®
•Configure logo into desired position and snap into place
•Configure logo into desired position and snap into place
®®
ACTIVE TWEETER PROTECTION RFA-142x
®
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®®
ACTIVE TWEETER PROTECTION RFA-142x
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TROUBLESHOOTING
No sound from
speakers
Symptom Diagnosis Remedy
Check and repair or replace
wiring as needed.
Check system with known
working amplifier and re-
pair or replace as needed.
Check for shorts in the wir-
ing with a volt/ohm meter
and repair or replace wires
as needed
Check system with known
working speaker and repair
or replace as needed.
Wiresbetweenamplifier,
crossover and speakers
not connected properly.
Amplifier has no output.
Speakerwiresareshorted
to each other or to the
chassis of the vehicle.
Speakers are blown.
Incorrect wiring be-
tween crossover and
speakers
Excessive clipping from
amplifier
Equalizer in system (if
available) has excessive
boost in the high fre-
quency range
Check wiring and repair or
replace as needed.
Check gain settings on am-
plifierandreadjustasneces-
sary
Check settings on equalizer
and readjust as necessary
Distorted sound
from speakers
Tweeters “burn
up”easily
–14 –

Engi ne Noise
from One or
More Speakers
Symptom Diagnosis Remedy
Check for shorts in the wir-
ing with a volt/ohm meter
and repair or replace wires
as needed.
Re-route speaker wiring
away from noise sources.
(Refer to the Installation
Considerations section of
this manual.)
Movecrossoversawayfrom
noise sources. (Refer to the
Installation Considerations
section of this manual.)
Speaker wires shorted to
chassis of vehicle.
Speakerwiresarerouted
near radiated noise
source. (Power cables,
vehicle computers, etc.)
Crossover is mounted
near radiated noise
source. (Power cables,
vehicle computers, etc.)
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SPECIFICATIONS
Model RFA-14 RFA-44 RFA-54 RFA-64
Freq. Response 3kHz-20kHz 3kHz-20kHz 44Hz-6kHz 39Hz-6kHz
Power Handling 50 Watts* 30 Watts 50 Watts 80 Watts
(RMS)
Nom. Impedance 4Ω4Ω4Ω4Ω
Sensitivity 92dB 86dB 86dB 89dB
1W/1M)
Fs (Hz) 2000Hz 94Hz 44Hz 39Hz
Mounting Diameter Refer to 4" 47⁄8"5
5⁄8"
drawing (101.6mm) (122.8mm) (142.9mm)
Mounting Depth Refer to 1 25⁄8"3
3⁄32"
drawing (45.2mm) 66.7mm) (78.6mm)
*Power ratings (PE) is established with recommended filter network.
Model RFA-142x
Crossover Frequency 6kHz @ 4Ω
Crossover Slope 18dB/octave High-Pass
12dB/octave Low-Pass
Protection Circuitry Optical Compression
Crossover Alignment Butterworth
Zobel Network Effective @ 6.5kHz
Series Notch Filter Effective @ 2kHz
Tweeter Level Matching Factory set –0dB
User selectable –3dB
Flush MountSurface Mount 7⁄16" (11.1mm)
3⁄4" (19mm)
2" (54mm)
21⁄8" (50.8mm)
11⁄16"
(27mm)
25⁄16"
(58.4cm)
(Specifications are subject to change without notice)
(End View)
13⁄32"
(28.3mm)
–16 –
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ACTIVE TWEETER PROTECTION
RFA-142x

–17 –
LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION
Rockford Corporation offers a limited warranty on Rockford Fosgate products on the
following terms:
•Length of Warranty
1 year on speakers 30 days on speaker B-stock (receipt required)
3 years on electronics 90daysonelectronicB-stock(receiptrequired)
2 years on source units
•What is Covered
This warranty applies only to Rockford Fosgate products sold to consumers by
Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealers in the United States of America or its
possessions. Product purchased by consumers from an Authorized Rockford
Fosgate Dealer in another country are covered only by that country’s Distributor
and not by Rockford Corporation.
•Who is Covered
This warranty covers only the original purchaser of Rockford product purchased
from an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer in the United States. In order to
receive service, the purchaser must provide Rockford with a copy of the receipt
statingthecustomername,dealername,productpurchasedanddateofpurchase.
•Products found to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or
replaced (with a product deemed to be equivalent) at Rockford's discretion.
•What is Not Covered
1. Damage caused by accident, abuse, improper operations, water, theft
2. Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product
3. Service performed by anyone other than Rockford or an Authorized Rockford
Fosgate Service Center
4. Any product which has had the serial number defaced, altered, or removed
5. Subsequent damage to other components
6. Any product purchased outside the U.S.
7. Any product not purchased from an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer
•Limit on Implied Warranties
Anyimpliedwarrantiesincludingwarrantiesoffitnessforuseandmerchantability
are limited in duration to the period of the express warranty set forth above. Some
states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty, so this
limitationmay not apply. No personis authorized to assume forRockford Fosgate
any other liability in connection with the sale of the product.
•How to Obtain Service
Please call 1-800-669-9899 for Rockford Customer Service. You must obtain an
RA#(ReturnAuthorizationnumber)toreturnanyproducttoRockfordFosgate.You
are responsible for shipment of product to Rockford.
Ship to: Electronics
Rockford Corporation
Warranty Repair Department
2055 E. 5th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
RA#:_________________
Ship to: Speakers
Rockford Acoustic Design
(Receiving-speakers)
609 Myrtle N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
RA#:_________________