TEC GLADIATOR User manual

1
AMPLIFIERS
Thank you and Congratulations
Thank you for your decision to purchase a Gladiator mobile amplifier! Our Amplifiers are
the result of extensive engineering, testing, and bullet proof construction. Their versatility
enables compatibility with optional signal and audio processors. These high quality
MOSFET amplifiers may be configured to allow maximum flexibility in designing different
types of speaker systems.
A/B CLASS FULL RANGE AMPLIFIERS
The Gladiator Series are high quality MOSFET amplifiers that are capable of running a
system full range, or they may be selected only to power subwoofers. It is important that
you closely follow the wiring instructions contained in this Owners Manual so that you get
the most from your Gladiator mobile amplifier.
∆CAUTION ∆
High powered audio systems in a vehicle are capable of generating higher then “Live Concert” levels of sound
pressure. Continued exposure to excessively high volume sound levels will cause hearing loss or damage.
Also, operation of a motor vehicle while listening to audio equipment at high volume levels may impair your
ability to hear external sounds such as horns, warning signals, or emergency vehicles—thus creating a
potential traffic hazard. In the interest of safety, Gladiator highly recommends listening at lower volume
levels when driving.

2
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Low Profile Finned High Density Aluminum Heatsink
4-Layer Double Sided Circuit Board Construction
PWM MOSFET Power Supply for high power output and best stability into low
impedance loads
Variable High Pass and Low Pass Electronic Crossover
Soft Delay Remote Turn On/Off System for eliminating pop noises
Adjustable Bass EQ at 45Hz (18dB)
Self Diagnostic Multi Protection Circuit with LED Indicator for; Impedance Over-
load, Speaker Short Circuit, Thermal Overheating, and DC Output.
2-ohm Stereo (4-ohm Mono Bridgeable)
Custom Tooled Speaker and Power Terminal Blocks
Variable Gain Control
Low Level Line Inputs and Outputs
INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE
Installation of Gladiator mobile amplifiers requires detailed knowledge of electronics
wiring and proper speaker impedance. We strongly recommend installation by an
authorized Gladiator dealer. This Owners Manual only provides general installation and
operation instructions. If you have any reservations about your installation skills, please
contact your local Gladiator dealer for assistance.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
NOTE: The tools listed below may be required for basic installation
An electric drill with bits
Philips head and standard screwdrivers
Wire strippers
Crimping tool
VOM (electronic volt ohm meter)
Heat shrink tubing and gun
Soldering iron

3
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Proceed only if you are qualified installer otherwise, let your dealer do it. Always
wear protective eyewear when using tools.
Turn off all stereo and other electrical devices before you begin.
Disconnect the negative (-) lead from your vehicles battery.
Locate all fuel lines, brake lines, oil lines, and electrical cables when planning the
install.
Make sure there is at least 2-inches (5 cm) around the air vents on the amplifier.
When connecting ground points, make sure all paint is carefully scrapped away
from the auto body and contact is make with bare metal.
Use a utility knife to trim away fabric from hole locations before drilling or cutting.
When running power cables through sheet metal, be sure to use grommets to
properly insulate the metal edges from the wire insulation.
If possible, use tubing through grommets.
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
To keep your Gladiator amplifier running at top performance, choosing the proper location
it of utmost importance. For this reason the amplifier should be mounted in a location
which will allow air to circulate freely. A clearance of at least 2-inches (5 cm) to all sides
of the amplifier is necessary not only for proper cooling, but also for gaining access to the
inputs and other variable controls. Be sure that the power and signal cable connections can
enter and leave the amplifier in a straight line to avoid the risk of kinked wires causing a
malfunction.

4
MOUNTING LOCATION
Your Gladiator amplifier comes with mounting feet that need to be attached to the amplifier
prior to installation. Once the feet are in place, use the amplifier as a template and mark the
four screw locations. Use caution to make sure there are no objects behind the installation
surface that may become damaged during drilling.
The amplifier should be protected from exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. The best
places to mount your amplifier are: The floor of the trunk, under the driver’s seat, or on the
back of the rear seat. For alternate installation locations, please consult your dealer.
*** WARNING ***
zUpside down mounting will compromise heat dissipation through the heatsink and could
engage the thermal protection circuit.
zTry to avoid mounting the amplifier on a subwoofer enclosure, as extended exposure to
vibration may cause malfunction of the amplifier.
zDon’t mount the amplifier so that the wire connections are unprotected or are subject to
pinching or damage from nearby objects.
zThe DC power wire must be fused at the battery positive (+) terminal connection. Before
making or breaking power connections at the amplifier power terminals, disconnect the
DC power wire at the battery end.
zThe power supply of the car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring
and installation is completed.

5
CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT
1. LINE IN (RCA) Jacks
The RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level
outputs. A source unit with a minimum of 250mV is required for proper operation.
However, this input will accept levels up to 6Vrms.
2. LINE OUT (RCA) Jacks
RCA style output jacks allow for a signal to be sent to other amplifiers.
3. GAIN Control
This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular
source unit that you are using.
4. BASS EQ Control
This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicle’s
interior. With up to 18dB of boost centered at 45Hz, the BASS EQ can be adjusted to
meet your own personal taste.

6
5. LPF (Low Pass Filter Control)
This control is continuously adjustable from 50Hz through 250Hz at 24dB per octave.
6. X-OVER Switch for HI/FULL/LOW
Activates the built in electronic crossover network. Works in conjunction with the HPF
and LPF adjustable controls.
7. HPF (High Pass Filter) Control
This control is continuously adjustable from 50Hz through 250Hz at 24dB per octave.
8. PROTECTION Indicator
This RED L.E.D. turns on when the built-in protection circuitry is activated. This
indicates a problem with the system in relation to the amplifier (see Troubleshooting
Tips).
9. POWER Indicator
The GREEN when the power is on.
10. SPEAKER Terminals
As shown in the wiring diagrams, be sure to observe speaker polarity through the
system and speaker impedance. This specially tooled terminal is designed to
accommodate up to 10 gauge speaker wire.
11. GND (Ground Input Connection)
A good quality ground is required for your Gladiator amplifier to operate at peak
performance. A short length of cable the same gauge as your power cable should be
used to attaché the ground terminal directly to the chassis of the vehicle.
12. REMOTE (Remote Input Connection)
All Gladiator amplifiers can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal. This can
be found on the rear of the source unit in the form of an electric antenna output, or a
remote output. If this is not available you can wire to the ACC position on the key. An
18 gauge wire is sufficient to run the REMOTE.

7
13. +BATT (Power Input Connection)
This terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly
to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery. (see Power Cable Selection Chart on
Page 15 for recommended wire gauge for each model).
14. FUSE
For convenience all Gladiator amplifiers utilize common automotive ATC type fuses.
For continued protection in the event that a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the
same value (see specifications page).
WIRING AND CONNECTIONS
*** WARNING ***
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before you start any wiring
work! The power supply of your car audio system must be disconnected
until the entire wiring installation is completed.
Your Gladiator amplifier requires unrestricted current to deliver peak performance, so don’t
“starve” your amplifier by using small power cable. Using too small of power cable can
result in unnecessary over-heating of the amplifier, distortion at high volume levels and
might even cause the thermal protection circuitry to shut-off the amplifier.
Use rubber grommets when running cables through any metal or sharp plastic, to
prevent accidental shorting or shearing. Make sure the cables do not interfere with
normal operation of the vehicle.
The audio signal cables (RCA interconnects) should be kept far away from any
potential sources of electrical interference such as electronic vehicle management
systems (relays, engine computers etc.) wiring harnesses, fuel pumps etc.

8
Power Input Connections
These amplifiers are designed to work within a 10 to 16.8 volt DC range. Before any wires
are connected, the vehicles electrical system should be checked for correct voltage supply
with the help of a voltmeter.
First, check the voltage at the battery with the ignition in the OFF position. The voltmeter
should read no less than 12V. If your vehicles electrical system is not up to these
specifications, we recommend having it checked by an auto electrician before any further
installation. Once the vehicle is checked, make certain the correct cable size is used. We
recommend using as large a gauge cable as possible, use the Power Cable Selection Chart
to calculate the correct power wire size for your application.
Power
This amplifier should be wired directly to the vehicle battery using the appropriate size
cable. Start at the vehicle battery and run the power cable through to the amplifier. Avoid
running the power cable over engine components and near heater cores. The use of an inline
fuse or circuit breaker is a must; this will prevent the risk of a potential fire caused by a
short in your power cable. Connect the fuse holder or circuit breaker as close to the battery
positive (+) terminal as possible (no farther then 18” from the battery). This fuse or circuit
breaker should be no greater then the sum of the fuses found on the chassis of your
amplifier (also see specifications chart). You may now connect the cable to the battery, but
remember to leave the fuse out or circuit breaker “off” until all other cable connections are
made.

9
Ground
When grounding your amplifier, locate a metal area close to the amplifier that is good
source of ground (preferably the floor pan). Once again, investigate the area you wish to
use for electrical wires, vacuum lines, and brake or fuel lines. Use either a wire brush or
sandpaper to eliminate unwanted paint for better contact of the ground. Secure the ground
cable to the body using a bolt, star washer and nut. Spread silicon over the screw and bare
metal to prevent rust and possible water leaks.
Now it’s time to connect the power and ground cables to the amplifier. Cut both cables
to length. Strip off 1/2 –inch (12mm) of the insulation so that the bare wire fits all the way
in the terminal block on the side panel of the amplifier, seating it firmly so no bare wire is
exposed. Use a Philips (cross) type screwdriver to loosen the +BATT and the GND
connections on the amplifier. Insert the ground first, and then the +12V and please make
sure that you place them into the correctly marked terminals. Then tighten the screws down
securely.
Remote
This terminal must be connected to a switched +12V source. Typically, remote turn-on
leads are provided at the source unit that will turn on and off the amplifier in
correspondence with the source. If the source unit does not have a remote turn-on lead, then
a power antenna wire can be used. If neither of these leads is available at the source unit,
then a switched +12V supply must be used, like the ACC, +12V.
Run a minimum of 18 gauge wire from the amplifier location to the source of the switched
+12V lead. If possible, route this wire on the same side of the vehicle as your power cable.
Connect the source remote output to the wire. Go back to the amplifier and cut the wire to
length. Loosen the screw terminal marked REMOTE on the amplifier using a Philips
(cross) type screwdriver. Insert the stripped (bare) portion of the wire into the terminal and
tighten the screw securely.