Wavtech LinkDQ User manual

WIDTH
PARAMETRIC EQ
BOOST FREQ
NAR WIDE
350
(dB)12 (Hz)
30 80
Owner’s Manual
www.wavtech-usa.com
Parametric EQ ŸRLC ReadyAuto Turn-On
Ÿ
2-Channel LOC / Line Driver

• DO NOT DRIVE WHILE DISTRACTED. Any function that requires your
prolonged attention should not be performed while driving. Always stop the
vehicle in a safe location before performing any such function. Failure to do so
may result in an accident.
• KEEP THE VOLUME AT MODERATE LEVELS WHILE DRIVING. Excess
volume levels can obscure sounds such as emergency vehicle sirens or road
warning signals and may result in an accident. Continuous exposure to high
sound pressure levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Use common sense
and practice safe sound.
• FOR USE WITH 12V NEGATIVE GROUND VEHICLE APPLICATIONS ONLY.
Using this product other than in its designed application may result in fire,
injury or product damage.
•MAKE THE CORRECT WIRING CONNECTIONS AND USE PROPER FUSE
PROTECTION. Failure to connect wiring correctly or use appropriate fuse
protection may result in fire, injury or product damage . Ensure proper fusing
of all system power wiring and install a 1-ampere in-line fuse (not included)
with the +12V lead to the unit’s power supply connector.
• DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL BEFORE
INSTALLATION. Failure to do so may result in fire, injury or damage to the
unit.
• D O NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME ENTANGLED IN SURROUNDING
OBJECTS. Arrange wiring and cables to prevent obstructions when driving.
Cables or wiring that obstruct or hang up on places such as steering wheel,
brake pedals, etc. can be extremely hazardous.
• DO NOT DAMAGE VEHICLE SYSTEMS OR WIRING WHEN DRILLING HOLES.
When drilling holes in the chassis for installation, take precautions so as not to
contact, puncture or obstruct brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tanks, electrical
wiring, etc. Failure to take such precautions may result in fire or an accident.
• DO NOT UTILIZE OR CONNECT TO ANY PART OF VEHICLE SAFETY
SYSTEMS. Bolts, nuts or wires used in the brake, airbag, steering or any other
safety-related systems or fuel tanks should NEVER be used for mounting,
power or ground connections. Using such parts may disable control of the
vehicle or result in fire.
WARNING
WARNING This symbol means important instructions.
Failure to heed them can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION This symbol means important instructions.
Failure to heed them can result in injury or property damages.
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• STOP USE IMMEDIATELY IF A PROBLEM OCCURS. Failure to do so may
result in personal injury or damage to the product. Return it to your
authorized Wāvtech dealer.
• HAVE AN EXPERT DO THE WIRING AND INSTALLATION. This unit requires
special technical skill and experience for wiring and installation. To insure
safety and proper function, always contact the authorized dealer where you
purchased the product to have it done professionally.
• INSTALL THE UNIT SECURELY WITH SPECIFIED PARTS. Be sure to use only
the included parts and specified installation accessories (not included). Use of
other than designated parts may damage this unit. Install the unit securely so
that it will not come loose during a collision or sudden jolt.
• ROUTE WIRING AWAY FROM SHARP EDGES AND MOVING PARTS. Arrange
cables and wiring away from sharp or pointed edges and avoid moving parts
such as seat hinges or rails to prevent pinching or wear. Use loom protection
where appropriate and always use a grommet for any wiring routed through
metal.
• NEVER RUN SYSTEM WIRING OUTSIDE OR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.
All wiring must be routed, secured and protected inside the vehicle. Failure to
do so may result in fire, injury or property damage.
• INSTALL THE UNIT IN A DRY AND VENTILATED LOCATION. Avoid
mounting locations where the unit will likely be exposed to high moisture or
heat without adequate ventilation. Moisture penetration or heat buildup may
result in product failure.
• REDUCE GAIN AND SOURCE VOLUME TO MINIMUM LEVELS FOR INITIAL
SYSTEM TUNING AND BEFORE CONNECTION TO AN AMPLIFIER. Ensure
amplifier power is off before connecting RCA cables and follow proper system
gain setting procedures. Failure to do so may result in damage to the amplifier
and/or connected components.
CAUTION
Package Contents:
Main Unit Terminals
Accessories Required for
Installation (not included):
Mounting Tabs
(detachable)
ŸRCA Interconnects
Ÿ18AWG Wire
ŸIn-line Fuse Holder w/1A fuse
ŸBattery Ring Terminal
ŸWire Crimp Connectors
ŸGrommets and Loom
ŸCable Ties
ŸMounting Screws
PWR/SPK GND
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50

Introduction
Welcome to Wāvtech, exceptional mobile audio integration products
for audiophiles. Our products are engineered to provide a truly
remarkable listening experience. Built for the professional installer,
our OEM integration and signal processor models are simply the best
solution available for unlimited sound system upgrades while
retaining the factory receiver.
Features
Ÿ2-Channel Line Output Converter or Line Driver
ŸParametric Bass EQ
ŸRemote Level Control Ready
ŸDifferential Balanced Inputs
ŸLow Impedance Outputs
ŸVariable Gain Adjustment w/Clip LED
ŸSelectable DC-Offset and/or Audio Detect Auto Turn-On
ŸGenerated +12V Remote Output
ŸOEM Load Detect Compatible
ŸLocking Detachable Power/Speaker Terminals
ŸPanel Mount RCA Jacks
ŸCompact Aluminum Chassis w/Detachable Mounting Tabs
ΠPower Indicator: This red LED indicates when the linkDQ is
powered on. Once illuminated, there will be a short delay before
audio signal output is enabled. During initial power connections,
the LED may illuminate for a brief period.
Auto Turn-On Detect Jumpers: By default, the linkDQ is set to
detect both DC-offset and audio signal for turning itself on/off
automatically. These jumpers allow either mode to be
independently defeated for cases where only one turn-on mode is
preferred or to bypass both modes when a switched +12V trigger is
available and connected to the REM IN terminal.
Ž Power Supply Terminal: For +12V battery, chassis ground, remote
in and remote output wire connections. A minimum of 18AWG wire
is recommended for power and ground connections. Always protect
the +12V power wire with a 1-amp fuse.
Connections & Functions
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Œ

Ž 

‘ ’
“

Speaker Level Input Terminal: For left and right channel speaker
level (a.k.a. high level) connections to the source. Input signals
ranging from 2Vrms to 20Vrms will produce up to 10Vrms RCA
output from maximum to minimum gain. For factory amplifiers
with more than 20Vrms signal or if the linkDQ’s output is too high
for the connected aftermarket amplifier(s) with all gains at
minimum, internal jumpers are available to reduce the input
sensitivity range by half (-6dB) for 4Vrms up to 40Vrms.
Remote Level Control Jack: This RJ45 jack is for connecting the
linkRC remote level controller (sold separately) to the main unit via
its supplied cable or any standard ethernet cable.
‘RCA Input Jacks: For left and right channel low level (a.k.a. line
level) signal connections to the source unit. Input signals ranging
from 0.5Vrms to 5Vrms will produce up to 10Vrms RCA output at
maximum to minimum gain. These inputs are differential, but may
be set to unbalanced via internal jumpers if necessary.
’RCA Output Jacks: For left and right channel line level signal
connections to your amplifier(s). Use quality interconnects to ensure
stable connection and minimize the possibility for induced noise.
“Mounting Tabs: These mounting tabs are pre-attached and should
be used to properly secure the linkDQ during installation with
screws or cable ties. They are removable if the unit can be safely
secured by another method.
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Installation & System Wiring
It is important to read this manual thoroughly before starting your
installation and always plan accordingly. Before installing any Wāvtech
product, disconnect the negative (ground) wire from the vehicle’s
battery to avoid damage to the vehicle or yourself. Following all
guidelines will help provide years of enjoyment with your Wāvtech
linkDQ audio interface.
Ground Connection (GND): The GND terminal must be connected to a
metal part of the vehicle that is welded to the vehicle body with
ground plane back to the main battery ground attachment point
(a.k.a. chassis ground). This wire should be a minimum of 18AWG and
as short as possible to minimize potential for noise to enter the
system. The chassis ground connection point should have all of the
paint removed and be scuffed to the bare metal. The ground wire
should be terminated by a ground specific interlocking terminal such
as the included EARL terminal or a ring terminal securely bolted to the
vehicle with star or lock washer and nut to prevent from coming loose.
Avoid using factory ground points to reduce the chance of induced
noise from other components.

Power Connection (+12V): The constant power connection should be
made at the vehicle battery when possible. For direct battery
connection, a 1-amp fuse must be installed in-line with the power wire
within 18”of the battery and securely connected to the positive battery
terminal bolt with a ring terminal. If connecting to another available
constant +12V power source, a 1-amp in-line fuse must be added at the
connection point. The power wire should be a minimum of 18AWG. Do
not install the fuse until all other system connections have been made.
Speaker Level Input (SPK): Connect the speaker wires from the source
unit to corresponding terminals on the interface. Use the SPK input if
your source unit is not equipped with RCA outputs. Always ensure the
correct polarity of each channel when making these connections, as
failure to do so can severely effect sound performance.
Remote Input (REM IN): If a switched +12V or remote trigger wire is
available, it is recommended to connect it to the REM IN terminal. If
unavailable, the linkDQ also has an auto turn-on circuit that
simultaneously detects audio signal from SPK and RCA inputs as well as
DC-offset from SPK inputs. While auto turn-on will work well in most
applications, a +12V trigger may be required for satisfactory results
under certain vehicle or system conditions. Additionally, DC-offset
and/or audio signal detect functions can be independently defeated via
the external jumpers if necessary.
Remote Output (REM OUT): Use the remote output to provide a +12V
trigger to turn on amplifiers or other aftermarket devices. This +12V
output is generated internally by the interface when turned on either by
REM IN or automatic sensing, and will provide over 500mA of continuous
current for external devices.
System Examples
Example-1: Speaker Level Input from OEM Radio
Note: When using the factory radio to drive speakers directly and provide the
linkDQ with signal, the speakers will likely distort before reaching the radio’s
maximum volume setting. Adjust gain accordingly for optimum volume range.
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RCA OUT
+12V
GND REM OUT
SPK IN
linkRC
(optional)
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Example-2: Speaker Level Input from OEM Amplifier
Note: In factory amplified systems where output from the radio is a fixed level
or digital, input signal for the linkDQ should be connected after the OEM
amplifier at its outputs. High voltage factory amplifiers may require changing
the linkDQ’s internal input sensitivity range jumpers to the 40V position.
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SPK IN RCA OUT
+12V
GND REM OUT
linkRC
(optional)
Example-3: RCA Input from Aftermarket Radio
Note: Driving speakers from an aftermarket receiver while also using its RCA
preouts for an external amplifier will often result in a large gain imbalance due to
the speaker outputs reaching clipping well before the radio’s maximum volume
setting where the RCA preout level is very low. For such systems, use the linkDQ
as a line driver to match the unclipped volume range of the deck powered
speakers with the external amplifier set at minimum gain to maximize power
output, dynamic range and signal-to-noise.
REM
IN
RCA IN
RCA OUT
+12V
GND REM OUT
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Example-4: RCA Input from Portable Audio Player
RCA OUT
RCA IN
+12V
GND REM OUT
linkRC
(optional)
Top Panel Adjustments
ŒClipping Indicator: This yellow
LED indicates when the linkDQ’s
output reaches maximum signal
level before clipping (distortion)
occurs. It will be dimly lit just
before the onset of clipping, and
full bright at clipping. Since the linkDQ can produce up to 10Vrms,
its gain will usually be set well below this point while still
maximizing your amplifier(s) input capability at minimum gain.
Gain Adjustment: This adjustment is for matching the output of
the linkDQ with the maximum unclipped signal provided by your
source and the maximum input capability of your amplifier(s).
Follow proper gain setting procedures to ensure optimum source
volume range without clipping at any point within the signal chain
while minimizing the ability to overdrive the system. Readjustment
may be necessary after any changes to other level or EQ settings.
ŽParametric EQ: This section provides adjustments for a single
parametric EQ band with the tuning flexibility required for
differences between vehicles, subwoofers and enclosures.
Boost: Sets the amount of boost applied at the center
frequency (Fc), adjustable up to +12dB.
Frequency: Sets the center frequency (Fc) of the EQ band,
adjustable from 30Hz to 80Hz.
‘Width: This switch selects the width (Q) of the EQ band
between narrow and wide.
Note: Portable devices such as smartphones typically have an output voltage of
1Vrms or less. If using the device as the system’s volume control, it may be
necessary to adjust gain vs. volume range for consistent auto turn-on behavior.
For optimal signal range and convenient master volume control, the linkRC
remote level controller is recommended (sold separately).
Ž
 
‘
Œ

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Specifications
<10Hz to >70kHz
<10Hz to >100kHz
180Ω / 20kΩ
20kΩ
2-20Vrms / 4-40Vrms
0.5-5Vrms
Spk Input 40Vrms
Output Impedance <50Ω
Max Output Voltage >10Vrms
<0.04%
<0.04%
at 1V output >96dBA
at 4V output >107dBA
at 10V output >115dBA
Boost 0dB to +12dB
Frequency (Fc) 30Hz - 80Hz
Width (Q), avg. wide to narrow 2 to 5
Remote via REM IN >10.5V
DC-offset via Spk Input >1.3V
via Spk Input <100mV
via RCA Input <10mV
Turn-off Delay up to 60sec
>500mA
Within 3% of B+
<270mA
<1.8mA
10.5V-18V
<8.5V
1.14”x2.95”x3.52”
28.9x74.9x89.5mm
Product Dimensions Chassis (not incl. terminals/jacks)
Power Off (B+)
Max Draw (w/o REM OUT)
Sleep Current
Power On (B+)
Max Flat (+0/-1dB)
Extended (+0/-3dB)
Spk Input
RCA Input
Spk Input (max-min gain)
RCA Input (max-min gain)
Current Draw
Operating Voltage
Turn-On Trigger
Spk Input
S/N
Remote Output
at 1% THD+N
Spk Input at 10V output
RCA Input at 10V output
Current Capacity
Voltage
Input Impedance
Input Sensitivity
Max Input Voltage
THD+N
Frequency Response
peak, <5sec cont.
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Parametric EQ
Remote Level Control Volume Range 0dB to -30dB
Notes:
ŸSpk input sensitivity range is selectable per channel via internal jumpers (20V/40V)
ŸSpk input loading is defeatable per channel via internal jumpers (LOAD)
ŸDC-offset and/or audio detect are defeatable via external jumpers (DC, AUD)
ŸRemote level controller (linkRC) is sold separately
ŸAll specifications are subject to change without notice
at 1V output >97dBA
at 4V output >108dBA
at 10V output >116dBA
RCA Input
Audio
Signal

Internal Jumper Locations and Settings
While all Wāvtech models provide external controls for main
adjustments, there are also a few internal configuration jumpers
available to resolve certain special vehicle or system conditions. The
linkDQ’s internal jumper locations and default settings are shown in
the illustration below. To access these jumpers, simply remove the two
top screws from each end panel and loosen two bottom screws on one
side in order to easily remove the chassis top cover. It is recommended
to detach the power supply connector first to ensure that the unit is
completely powered off while making any jumper changes.
Notes:
ŸInput sensitivity range jumpers (20V/40V) are independent for each
SPK input channel, so may be set differently between channels as
system conditions require.
ŸLoad bypass jumpers (LOAD) are independent for each SPK input
channel and must be removed or moved to a single pin in order to
disconnect the internal loading from that channel.
ŸBoth RCA balanced-unbalanced input jumpers (BAL/UNBAL) should
be moved together if changed.
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Warranty & Service Care
Wāvtech warrants this product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year when purchased from an authorized
Wāvtech retailer within the United States. This warranty will be extended to a
period of two (2) years when the installation is performed by an authorized
Wāvtech retailer. A valid sales receipt is required to verify eligibility of purchase
and installation.
This warranty is valid only to the original purchaser and is not transferrable to
subsequent parties. This warranty is void if the product serial number has been
altered or removed. Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to
a period of express warranty as provided herein beginning with the date of the
original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether expressed or implied,
shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on
implied warranties, therefore these exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
If your product needs service, you should contact Wāvtech Customer Service to
receive a Return Authorization (RA) Number. Any product received without an
RA number will be returned to sender. Once your product is received and
inspected by customer service, Wāvtech at its sole discretion, will be repair or
replace it with a new or remanufactured product at no charge. Damage caused
by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, abuse, failure to follow
instructions, misuse, modification, neglect, unauthorized repair or water
damage. This warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damages. This
warranty does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling the product.
Cosmetic damage and normal wear are not covered under warranty.
For Service within the United States:
Wāvtech Customer Service: [phone]
Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm MST
Important Notice for International Customers:
For products purchased outside the United States of America or its Territories,
please contact your local distributor concerning specific procedures for your
country's warranty policy. International purchases are not covered by Wāvtech, LLC.
Serial Number:
Installation Date:
Place of Purchase:
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®
Wāvtech
©Copyright 2020 Wāvtech, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
1350 W. Melody Ave.
Suite 101
Gilbert, AZ 85233
[phone]
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