Soundstream RUBICON 1002 Programming manual

1
RUBICON
302
502
1002
Power Amplifiers
Owner’s Manual
and
InstallationGuide
2000

2
You now own the Soundstream RUBICON amplifier, the product of an un-
compromising design and engineering philosophy. Your Soundstream
RUBICONamplifierwilloutperformanyotheramplifierintheworld.
ToMaximizetheperformanceof your system, we recommend that youthor-
oughlyacquaintyourselfwithits capabilities and features. Please retain this
manualandyoursalesreceiptforfuturereference.
Soundstreamamplifiers are the resultof American innovation andthe high-
est quality control standards. When properly installed, they will provide you
with many years of listening pleasure. Should your amplifier ever need ser-
viceorreplacementduetotheft,pleaserecordthefollowinginformationwhich
willhelpprotect your investment.
ModelandSerial#_______________________________
Dealer’sName__________________________________
DateofPurchase________________________________
InstallationShop_________________________________
InstallationDate__________________________________
CAUTION!
Congratulations!
Prolongedlisteningathighlevelsmay result in hearing loss.
Even though your new Soundstream Rubicon amplifier
sounds better than anything you’ve ever heard, exercise
cautiontopreventhearingdamage.

3
DesignFeatures......................................................................p 4 - 5
Rubicon302 AmplifierDiagram.................................................p 6 - 7
Rubicon502 and1002 AmplifierDiagrams................................p 8 - 9
CrossoverAdjustments............................................................p 10
HawkinsBassControl™Theory and Use................................p 11- 13
Installation: SpeakerOutputModes........................................p 14
Installation: Balanced/ Unbalanced Inputs.............................p 15
Installation: WiringandDiagram.............................................p 16 - 17
Installation: Mounting.............................................................p18
Installation: LevelSettingandFront Spoiler............................p 19
ProtectionCircuitryandTroubleshooting.................................p 20
Specifications..........................................................................p21
Notes......................................................................................p 22 - 23
Table of Contents

4
♦♦♦♦♦RUBI™(
R apid- U se B ranched I mpulse)Thisnewproprietarypowersup-
plytopology eliminates“powersags”duringlowfrequencyreproduction
by rapidly increasing the duty cycle, stabilizing the power supply and
allowingittodeliver the power required when reproducing low frequen-
cies. Also, greater reserve gate power is stored for low voltage condi-
tions that occur during extreme conditions.
♦♦♦♦♦STACT™(
ST abilized A pex C urrent T opology)Reducespowersupply
stressby50%.Typical designs degrade the stereo image due to phase
reversalof even-order harmonic distortion that occurs betweenthe in-
verted channels. In the STACT design, inversion is done at the power
amplifier drive stage. Since the fully symmetrical power amplifier pro-
ducesnoeven-harmonicdistortionitself and all preamplifier circuitry is
run completely in-phase, no even harmonic distortion phase reversal
occurs.
♦♦♦♦♦Trident™ProtectionTopology providesthree typesof protection:
1. Output protection against short circuits or improper loads.
2. Groundfault detection: Shuts downthe amplifier when asignificant
voltage (> 5Volts) fluctuation occurs between electrical (turn-on lead)
andbatteryground.
3. ThermalProtection:Putstheamplifier into thermal rollback or shuts
theamplifierdown in extreme thermalconditions.
♦Hawkins Bass Control (302) Provides focused subwoofer boost and
routeswastedsubsonicpowertotheaudiblebandwidth.TheRUBICON302
has the variable version of Hawkins Bass Control which allows you to
boostbassfrom0 to 9dB at 45Hz. A built-in subsonic filter at45Hzhelps
protect the speakers.
♦♦♦♦♦Hawkins Bass Control (502 and 1002) Fully adjustable subwoofer
equalizationcircuitprovidingfrequency and boost (“Q”) adjustmentfor
optimumsubwoofer performance. A frequencytracking subsonic filter
protectswoofersfrompotentiallyharmfullowfrequencyinformation and
maximizes output in a usable range.
♦♦♦♦♦Harmonic Bass Alignment™The2ndand3rdorder harmonic peaks
arecritically aligned to fundamentalpeaksatlowfrequencies.This pro-
ducestighter,more accurate bass reproduction.
Design Features

5
♦♦♦♦♦Drive Delay II™ Amplifier section powers up 2 to 3 seconds after the
power supply eliminating turn-on and off pops. The turn off process is
reversed:Amplifiersectionturnsoff first, followed by the power supply.
♦♦♦♦♦Output Clipping Indicators (502 and 1002) indicate clipping on the
output stage of the amplifier. Monitoring the clipping indicators allows
the user to achieve maximum Sound Pressure Level without clipping
theamplifier.
♦Auto High Current™ automatically matches the amplifier to the load
being driven allowing greater system flexibility, greater output, higher
reliability,and high efficiency 1ohm (stereo) operation.
♦♦♦♦♦Chassisink™ All transistors are ideally located and sandwiched be-
tweenthecircuitboardand the heatsink to provide cool efficientampli-
fieroperation.
♦♦♦♦♦Fully Balanced 6-pin DIN Input (502 and 1002) for professional-qual-
ity performance and noise cancellation. The 6-pin DIN plug carries (±)
signalinformation for Left and Rightchannels, audio ground, and ±15
Vdcto operate the SoundstreamBLT / BLT4 BalancedLine Transmit-
ters.
♦♦♦♦♦ContinuouslyVariableCrossover Networks : 12dB/Octavehighpass
variablefrom70 to 160 Hz, and24dB/Octavelowpasscrossoversvari-
able from 55 to 220 Hz on (502 and 1002). 12 dB/Octave highpass
variablefrom 50 to 200Hz,and24dB/Octavelowpass crossovers vari-
able from 40 to 160 Hz on (302).
♦♦♦♦♦Flexible Dual Input Level Control (502 and 1002) allows 300 mV to
5Vinput sensitivity. Separate Left andRightlevelcontrolsallowuserto
optimize system level control.
♦♦♦♦♦Removable Front Spoiler allows for stealth installation of RCA, Bal-
ancedLine,SpeakerandPowerwiring.

RUBICON 2000 SOUNDSTREAM
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LEVEL INPUT OUTPUT
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7
1. Power LED - Indicates amplifier power, either in High Power or Auto
HighCurrent.
2. Subsonic/Hawkins Bass Control Switch -Selectablehighpassfilter
frequencyrange. Select “SUB SONIC”toengagetheSubSonic filter at
13Hzwithno boost. Select “HawkinsBassControl” to engage theSub
Sonic filter at 45 Hz with available boost.
3. ST/MONO Switch - “MONO” for bridged mono operation with both
input signals (right and left summed). “ST” for normal stereo or mixed
monooperation.
4. All Pass, High Pass, Low Pass XOVER Switch -Selectable low pass
filter for driving subwoofers at 89Hz. Note: Do not have the “L.P.
XOVER” and the “H.P. XOVER” engaged at the same time.
5. FUSE -Main power supply fuse. Warning:Replaceonlywiththesame
valuefuse!
6. +12V - Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s
positiveterminal
7. GND - Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the
vehicle.
8. REMOTE -Remote turn-on input from thehead unit. Accepts +12V.
9. Speaker ConnectionTerminal - Speaker connectionsfor Ch’s 1 & 2.
10.Hawkins Bass Control “Boost” Adjustment -Variesfrom0to+9dB
of boost when the Hawkins Bass Control circuit is engaged.
11.XOVERFilter Adjustment -Frequency adjustmentcontrolforthe High
Pass or Low Pass filter.
12.Input Level - Input level control.
13.RCA Inputs -Right and Left channel RCA inputs.
14.RCA Line Outputs - Full range line level outputs to drive an external
amplifier.
Key to Callouts

FUSE
jMAX_FUSE
+12V
GND REMOTE
LINE OUTPUT
r
HAWKINS
1
LEVEL
lp
INPUl
-l
-L + -R +
LEFT
RIGHT FREQ FREQ IWOST
LEFT RIGHT
BAlAlCED
LEFT RIGHT
-
BRIDGE
-
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LP
H
P XOVER
l
60- 170 Hz
XOMR
HAWKINS
n
30-
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13-3oHz
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9
1. Power LED - Indicates amplifier power, either in High Power or Auto High
Current.
2. Clip Indicators - Indicates the signal output level is too high and the output
stage of the amplifier is clipping.
3. Subsonic, Hawkins Bass Control, H.P. XOVER Switch - Selectable high
pass filter frequency range. Select “SUB SONIC” to engage the Sub Sonic
filterwith no boost. Usethe knob indicatedby callout #12 toset the frequency:
13-30Hz). Select “Hawkins Bass Control” to engage the Sub Sonic filter with
available boost. Use the knob indicated by callout #12 to set the frequency:
30 Hz to 70 Hz. Select “H.P. XOVER” to engage the amplifier’s high pass filter
for running satellite speakers. Use the knob indicated by callout #12 to set
the frequency: 70-160 Hz.)
4. Low Pass XOVER Switch - Selectable low pass filter for driving subwoofers.
Use the knob indicated by callout #13 to set the low pass frequency. Note:
Do not have the “L.P. XOVER” and the “H.P. XOVER” engaged at the same
time.
5. MONO/SUM/ST Switch - “MONO” for bridged mono operation with a single
input signal (right channel only). “SUM” for bridged mono operation sum-
ming two input signal (left and right). “ST” for normal stereo operation.
6. Left Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - Select “BALANCED”
to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use the
RCA signal inputs.
7. Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector -Select “BALANCED”
to use the 6 pin Balanced signal input. Select “UNBALANCED” to use the
RCA signal inputs.
8. RCA Inputs - Right and Left channel RCA (Unbalanced) inputs.
9. Balanced Signal Input Connector - 6-Pin Balanced input connector for use
with the Soundstream BLT/BLT4 Balanced Line Transmitter.
10.Input Levels - Independent Left and Right input level controls.
11. Hawkins Bass Control “Boost” Adjustment - Varies from 0 to +9 dB of
boost when the Hawkins Bass Control circuit is engaged.
12.High Pass Filter Control Adjustment -Frequency adjustment controlfor the
High Pass filter, the Hawkins Bass Control filter, or the Sub Sonic filter.
13.Low Pass Filter Control Adjustment - Frequency adjustment control for the
Low Pass filter.
14.Line Outputs - Line level RCA outputs to drive an external amplifier (Note:
The outputs are full-range.)
15.Speaker ConnectionTerminal - Speaker connections for Ch’s 1 & 2.
16.REMOTE- Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts +12V.
17. GND- Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the vehicle.
18.+12V - Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery’s positive
terminal.
19.FUSE - Main power supply fuse. Warning: Replace only with the same value
fuse!
KEY TO CALLOUTS

10
I MPORTANT: Do not have the Low Pass filter and the High Pass
filter both engaged at the same time. While this won’t damage the
amplifier, the frequency range of the amplified signal will be severely
limited.
In many car audio installations, there is a tendency for a “midbass boom.”
Becauseoftheirinteriordimensions, most cars will resonate or ringatthese
midbassfrequencies. If we design thesystem so there isreduced output in
thisregion, thefinalresponseis verysmoothandnaturalsounding. The high
passcrossoverisindependentlyvariablefrom70to160HzontheRubicon502
and 1002, and 50 to 200 Hz on the Rubicon302, at 12 dB/Octave. The low
passcrossoverontheRubicon502 and 1002 isindependentlyvariablefrom
55 to 220 Hz and 40 to 160 Hz on the Rubicon302 at 24 dB/Octave.
Forinitial crossover setup, trysetting the low passfilter to approximately 75
Hz,andthehigh pass filter to approximately120Hz. Change the crossover
points to accommodate a good mixture of frequency response, power han-
dling,and personal preference.
TheRUBICON302, 502 and1002 amplifiersincorporatean on-board
staggeredelectroniccrossover,withRCA outputs to drive an external
amplifier. No external electronic crossover is necessary. The high and low
passportions of the crossovercan be set independentlyof one another.
To engage the High Pass filter on the Rubicon502 and 1002, set the left
crossover switch on the top of the amplifier to “H.P. X-OVER”, and use the
frequencyadjustmentknobmarked“H.P.X-OVER”. ToengagetheLowPass
filter, set the left crossover switch to either “SUB SONIC” or “HAWKINS
BASSCONTROL”(seepages11-12formoredetails),andsettherightcross-
overswitch“L.P.X-OVER” to the “IN” position.
OntheRubicon302toengagefullrangeoperationsetthecrossoverswitchto
“AP.” To engage highpass or lowpass filtering set the crossover to “HP” or
“LP” and use the frequency adjustment dial labeled “X-OVER” to set the
frequency.
Crossover Adjustments
12dB/OctaveHighPass
24dB/OctaveLowPass

Hawkins Bass Control - Theory and Use (302)
Hawkins Bass Control (variable) is a unique subwoofer control circuit in-
cluded with the Soundstream RUBICON amplifiers. It is capable of re-
moving subsonic energy in program material below 45 Hz
at 12 dB/Octave, while boosting subwoofer frequencies. The
circuit consists of two controls. One engages a subsonic I
IllIll
High Pass filter at 45 Hz, and the other adjusts the amount
SUB HAWKINS
SONIC
l BASS
of boost from 0 to +9 dB.
CONTROL
The Boost control adjusts the amount of level applied at
the set frequency, and is adjustable from 0 to +9 dB (see
HAWKINS
BASS
CONTROL
.
figure 2). When the boost is set to 0, Hawkins Bass Control
acts as a sub sonic filter only. The simple act of removing
0
;I 9’
potentially harmful low frequencies can improve system out-
.dB
Q
put by as much as 3 dB.
Application
I
FIG. 1
Subwoofer drivers in general have excel-
10
lent power handling characteristics over
5
their operational bandwidth. This band-
_i
width is determined by many factors, in- dB_10
eluding driver design, and enclosure type.
-15
It is possible to overdrive any subwoofer
-20
driver by sending powerful signals outside
of its operational bandwidth. These po-
::z,, Frequency (Hz)
50 100 200
tentially damaging signals can be removed
FIG. 2 VARIABLE BOOST
by adding a subsonic filter. Figure 3 shows the effectiveness of the Hawkins
Bass Control on woofer excursion in a vented enclosure. The woofer travels
7.5 mm at 10 Hz. With Hawkins Bass Control properly adjusted, this excur-
sion can be reduced to less than 1 mm. This is of great benefit to lowering
woofer distortion and increasing output.
Adjustment
An easy method of optimizing your existing subwoofer enclosure with
Hawkin’s Bass Control is as follows:
1. Adjust the boost control to full
counter clock-wise (0) position.
2. Set the bass control switch to
“HAWKINS BASS CONTROL”.
3.
Play moderate to loud bass mate-
rial.
FIG. 3 Limited Excursion
4.
Adjust the boost (Q) control until
you reach the desired level.
11

MC - Tiieory and Use (502 & 1002)
‘“’ m %ER
SONIC
HAWKINS
BASS
CONTROL
r HAWKINS 1
FREQ FREQ BOOST
110
@;. .g. ,c3,
.L.p. H.P:
XOVER*70-160 Hz
XOVE R
1
HAWKINS*30-70Hz
SUBSONIC 9 13-30Hz
FIG. 1 BASS CONTROL
Hawkins Bass Control (parametric) is a unique
subwoofer control circuit included with the
Soundstream RUBICON and 1002 amplifiers.
It is capable of removing subsonic energy in pro-
gram material while boosting subwoofer frequen-
cies. The circuit consists of two controls. One
adjusts the frequency of operation and the other
adjusts the range of boost. With both controls
adjusted fully counter-clockwise, no boost is ap-
plied and the amplifier is flat in response down to
20 Hz.
10
The frequency control (Hz) adjusts
5
the starting point of the subsonic fil-
o
ter. On the RUBICON and 1002, dB -5
-10
the high pass filter has two frequency
-15
ranges. When the bass control -20
switch is set to “SUB SONIC”, the -25
high pass filter frequency can be ad-
-30
justed from 13 Hz up to a maximum
of 30 Hz. In this setting, no boost “Q”
,.
control is available. This control is
5
useful for setting the lowest frequency
0
that your subwoofer will see (see fig- dB -5
ure 1). When the bass control switch
-10
-15
FIG. 2 VARIABLE “Q”
is set to “HAWKINS BASS CON- -20
TROL”, the high pass filter frequency
-25
can be adjusted from 30 Hz to a maxi-
-30,
mum of 70 Hz. In this setting, there
FIG. 3 VARIABLE HIGH PASS
is an available boost control of 0 to
+9 dB.
-5
dB
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
FIG. 4 VARIABLE BOOST
The Boost control adjusts the amount
of level applied at the set frequency.
This is adjustable from flat (OdB) to +9
dB. (See figure 2)
When the Boost is set to 0, Hawkins
acts as a sub-sonic filter only. (See
figure 3) The simple act of removing
potentially harmful low frequencies
can improve system output by as
much as 3 dB. (see figure 4)
12

Application
Subwoofer drivers in general have
excellent power handling character-
istics over their operational band-
width. This bandwidth is determined
by many factors, including driver de-
8.0
7.0
6.0
--
sign, and enclosure type. It is pos-
sible to overdrive any subwoofer
driver by sending powerful signals
FIG. 5 LIMITED EXCURSION
outside of its operational bandwidth. These potentially damaging signals
can be removed by adding a subsonic filter. Figure 5 shows the effective-
ness of the Hawkins Bass Control on woofer excursion in a vented enclo-
sure. The woofer travels 7.5 mm at 10 Hz. With Hawkins Bass Control
properly adjusted, this excursion can be reduced to less than I mm. This is
of great benefit to lowering woofer distortion and increasing output.
Adjustment
An easy method of optimizing your existing subwoofer enclosure with
Hawkin’s “Hz” control is as follows.
1. Adjust frequency and boost control to full CCW position.
2. Set the bass control switch to “HAWKINS BASS CONTROL”.
3. While listening to music with strong bass content at a moderate level,
slowly adjust frequency control clockwise. Listen for a reduction of bass
response. Now, rotate frequency control slightly backwards. This serves
the purpose of removing the “subsonic” bass energy.
With Soundstream’s Hawkins Bass
Control, the boost and frequency con-
trol can provide virtually any combina-
tion of boost and cut to suit your de-
signs. So, Hawkins Bass Control can
provide the “tailoring” needed for any
type of “assisted” design and any
woofer in any type of installation.
-5
dB
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
FIG. 6 VARIOUS SETTINGS
13

INSTALLATION STEP 1
SELECTING THE SPEAKER OUTPUT MODE
The RUBICON amplifier has the ability to operate in stereo, mixed mono, or
mono mode. For stereo or mixed mono operation switch the amp to stereo.
For bridged or mono applications switch the amplifier to mono. In mono mode
the RCA inputs are automatically summed, so use both inputs.
The RUBICON and 1002 amplifiers have the ability to operate in any one of
the following modes:
Stereo (STACT/Mixed Mono): Use this mode for either stereo operation (left
and right channels) or for Mixed Mono operation (stereo left and right channels
plus bridged mono for a subwoofer).
Summed Mono: Use this mode to get a bridged mono output while using both
the left and right inputs and gain controls.
Bridged Mono: Use this mode to get a bridged mono output while using only
the right channel input and gain control (for use with a singular mono input).
Please follow the wiring schemes below for the correct operation:
BRIDGED MONO SUMMED MONO
-L+ -R+ - L+ -R+
@
ST
@
ST
MIXED MONO
STEREO
-L*
-R+
I -
- L+ -R+
+
_
+-+
14

INSTALLATION STEP 2
BALANCED / UNBALANCED INPUT
The RUBICON502 and 1002 amplifiers have the ability to accept either a stan-
dard Unbalanced RCA signal input, or a Balanced “Pro Audio” style input signals
with the use of the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter or some other
balanced line audio source. Before installing your system, you should decide
upon which signal type you wish to run. There are advantages to both:
ADVMAB
UNBALANCED INPUT
BALANCED INPUT
1. Most preamplifier / source
1. Improved Signal to Noise Ratio
units have Unbalanced RCA
(S/N Ratio).
outputs (Industry Standard).
2. Excellent noise cancellation
2. No Interface module is characteristics.
3. Immune to noise radiated in the
necessary. car audio environment.
The RUBICON amplifiers’ signal inputs accept a wide range of input level: from
300 mVrms to 5.0 Vrms for both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs. For the best
S/N Ratio, we recommend that the input level controls be set as far down as
possible (rotated counter-clockwise), while maintaining an acceptable level of
output.
Using the “Unbalanced” RCA Input
When using the Unbalanced RCA input, the
R/GM channel input signal switch
MUST be in the “UNBAL” position. Also, when first installing the amplifier using
this input configuration, we suggest that the left channel input signal switch be in
the “UNBAL” position as well. If you experience alternator wine or other instal-
lation noise with both switches in the “UNBAL” position, try moving the LEFT
channel input signal switch to the “BAL” position. This should remove any
system noise due to the installation.
Using the “Balanced” RCA Input
When using the Balanced 6-pin DIN audio input, both switches MUST be in the
“BAL” position. Also, we recommend that when using this input configuration, the
input level controls be set to the “minimum” position (rotated counter-clockwise).
The system gain should then be adjusted on the Balanced Line Transmitter,
other balanced line audio source. For the pin configuration, see the diagram
below:
“NOTE: The pin configura-
tion
shown in the diagram
is the view looking into the
Balanced input jack
on the
BALANCED
-15 Volts*-,. zr + 15 Volts
- left Signal P
b - Right Signal
+ left Signal
/Ii Iv1
+ Right Signal
- Shield
15

( INSTALLATION STEP 3 7
WIRING
POWER AND GROUND
To ensure maximum output from your RUBICON amplifier, use high quality, low-
loss power and ground cables and connections. The RUBICON amplifiers will
accept up to 4 gauge power and ground cables. Determine from the chart below
the minimum gauge power and ground wire for your application.
up to 10'up to 20’
I
RUBICON302
I
4 or 8 guage
I
4 gauge only
I
I
RUBICON502
I
4 or 8 guage
I
4 gauge only
~~~ I
1 RUBICON1002 1 4 gauge only 4 gauge only
CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND FUSES
EXTERNAL
Like all audio components, the RUBICON amplifiers must be fused near the
battery. A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18” of the battery. This will
prevent a fire in the event of a shorted cable. See the chart below to determine the
correct fuse value.
INTERNAL
The
RUBICON amplifiers are fused with an automotive-type or Maxi-fuse. In the
event of a blown power supply fuse(s), replace with the correct value fuse found in
the chart below. Never replace the fuse with a higher value than what is sup-
plied. This may result in amplifier damage and will void the warranty!
RUBICON Amplifier Fuse Values
Amplifier Fuse
1 Battery Fuse / Circuit Breaker 1
RUBICON302
I
(2) 2 0 amp automotive
I
50 amp
I
RUBICON502
I
(2) 30 amp automotive
I
80 amp
RUBICON1002 1
80 amp Maxi-fuse
I
100 amp
I
16

REMOTE TURN-ON
Connect the “Remote” line to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When +12
Volts is received, the amplifier will turn on.
SIGNALCABLE
Use a high quality cable that will be easy
guarantee optimum performance. to install and has minimal signal loss to
SPEAKER CABLE
The RUBICON amplifiers will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable. Use a high
quality, flexible, multi-strand cable for best performance and longevity.
SAMPLE WIRING DIAGRAM
I I
-
,I, To +12V
+ 1Battery
Terminal
17

4
INSTALLATION STEP 4
AMPLIFIER LOCATION
The RUBICON amplifiers employ highly efficient circuitry, a custom-engineered
heat sink, and a unique Chassisink construction to maintain lower operating
temperatures. Additional cooling may be required if the amplifier is located in a
tightly confined area or when driving especially low impedance loads at extremely
high levels.
When mounting the amplifier, it should be securely mounted to either a panel in
the vehicle or an amp board or rack that is securely mounted to the vehicle. The
mounting location should be either in the passenger compartment or in the trunk
of the vehicle, away from moisture, stray or moving objects, and major electrical
components. To provide adequate ventilation, mount the amplifier so that there
are at least two inches of freely circulating air above and to the sides of it.
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
a. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the holes on the mounting surface.
b. Remove the amplifier and drill the holes for the mounting screws.
c. Secure the amplifier to the mounting surface using the supplied hardware.
WIRING
a. Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the ampli-
fier from the source unit.
b. Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuit breaker
within 18” of the battery.
c. Connect the fuse or circuit breaker lead to the battery. Leave the circuit
breaker off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down.
d. Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle. It may be
necessary to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.
e. Double check each and every connection!
f. Re-connect the fuse or circuit breaker.
POWER UP
Power up the system, there may be a 2-3 second delay from the time the source
unit is turned on to the time that the amplifier turns on, which is normal. Once the
amplifier LED is on and the source unit is playing, you should have sound coming
from the speakers.
INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING

5
INSTALLATION STEP 5
The input levels are adjusted by means of the input level controls located on the
front of the amplifier. This is a unique dual-stage circuit that adjusts both level and
gain. This topology maintains better S/N Ratio even when using sources with
minimal output.
In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum
undistorted output at the same time. If you send a distorted signal to an amplifier,
it is simply going to amplify distorted information. The same holds true if an
outboard processor or crossover begins to distort before you have maximum
output from the amplifier. By setting all components to reach clipping at the same
time, you can maximize the output of your system. For the RUBICON amplifiers,
follow these steps for setting the input levels:
1. Turn the amplifiers’ input levels to minimum position (counter-clockwise)
2. Set the source unit volume to approximately 3/4 of full volume.
3. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifiers’ input
level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
The clipping indicators on the top of the amplifier let you know when the output of
the amplifier is reaching its maximum level, and has begun to clip (502 and 1002
only).
FRONT SPOILER
Once the amplifier is installed and the proper levels set, place the front spoiler in
position, and secure it on using the supplied hardware.
LEVEL SETTING

TRIDENT PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
Your Rubicon amplifier is protected against both overheating and short
circuits by means of main power fuses and the following circuits:
+ Auto High Current power supply
+
Speaker Output Protection
+ Ground Fault Differential
+
Smart Power Supply Thermal Rollback &Thermal Protection Circuit
NOTE: If you experience blown main power supply fuses, it is likely’
that the amplifier is seeing a dead short, either in the speaker wire or in
the speaker itselfRectify the problem before blowing multiple fuses!
DO NOT increase values beyond the original fuse value! Doing so will
void your warrant and may damage your amplifer.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM CAUSE
1. No power or ground at the amp.
No Sound and power LED is not lit 2. No remote turn-on signal
3. Blown fuse near the battery
1. No signal input
No sound, power LED is lit.
2. The AIRBASS/Accessory switch
is in the “IN” position. Move it to the
“OUT’ position.
Repeatedly blow amp fuse;
frequent activation of Smart Power
1. Speaker or leads may be shorted
Supply Circuit
2. Verify adequate amp ventilation
Not enough input sensitivity while
Be sure both Left and Right input
using
the Balanced Input signal switches are set to the
"BAL"
position.
Very little output, or output is
muffled.
Make sure that both the L.P. and
the H.P. crossovers aren't
engaged
Left and Right “Clip” indicators
ighting
Output signal level is too high and
the amplifier output is clipping.
Reduce the level either at the source
or at the input level controls.
Alternator whine while using
Unbalanced RCA inputs
1. Make sure the Right Input Signal
Switch is in the "UNBAL" position.
2. Try the Left Input Signal switch
in the "BAL" and "UNBAL" position:
leave the switch in the quietest
setting. This will not effect the
performance of the amplifier.
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