AMPLIFIER MODELS DCX 300.2 DCX 500.2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Congratulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 QBASS PLUS Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Amplifier Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Tools/Parts for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Ground Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Current Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Power Wire Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 PowerLock Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 DCX 300.2, DCX 500.2 Front Plate Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 DCX 300.2, DCX 500.2 End Plate Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Advanced Instrumentation Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 QBASS PLUS/QBASS Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 TC-X Crossover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Crossover Detent Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Adjusting Input Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 High Mass Internal Heatsink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 AP-IV Protection Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 1 CONGRATULATIONS Thank you for choosing PrecisionPowerTM audio equipment. Designed and engineered in the USA, this product combines innovative technology with the finest materials to consistently deliver Absolutely State of the ArtTM performance, sound quality, reliability, and value. This PrecisionPowerTM product reflects our commitment to offer you unparalleled performance and quality for years of dependable service and listening enjoyment. SERVICE Do not attempt to service PrecisionPowerTM products yourself. Performing maintenance on your audio equipment will void the warranty. Many parts of the PrecisionPowerTM product are custom built to our specifications. Our factory parts are not made available to anyone else nor are they for sale. Our goal is to make sure that your PrecisionPowerTM product will always sound as good as the day it was purchased. Contact your Authorized PrecisionPowerTM Dealer about obtaining any warranty service through PrecisionPowerTM. (See the Warranty on the outside of the back cover). CAUTION Extended use of a high powered audio system may result in hearing loss or damage. While PrecisionPowerTM systems are capable of "Concert Level" volumes with incredible accuracy, they are also designed for you to enjoy at more reasonable levels all of the sonic subtleties created by musicians. Please observe all local sound ordinances. 2 FEATURES New! Advanced Instrumentation Input Stage. New! 24dB/Octave; HP/LP/FULL; 30-4kHz Crossover. New! Independent Line Output Crossover 30-4kHz PWM Power Supply Triple Darlington Output Stage. AP-IV Protection Circuity QBASSTM Bass Boost High Voltage Input Capability with -12dB Attention Switch. Gold Plated RCA Input and Output Connectors. PowerLockTM Speaker and Power Wire Connectors. 2 Yr Warranty; if installed by an Authorized PrecisionPower Dealer. QBASS PLUS SPECIFICATIONS QBASS PLUSTM Up to 18dB of boost with selectable center frequency at 30Hz, 36Hz, 44Hz or 60Hz, with a Q-factor of 2. Optional QBASS REMOTETM This boost control can be mounted in the dash and will supersede the boost control on the amplifier endplate. 3 SPECIFICATIONS Power Ratings MODEL DCX 300.2 DCX 500.2 4 ohm 2 X 75 2 X 125 2 ohm 2 X 150 2 X 250 4 ohm MONO 1 X 300 1 X 500 All power ratings given above are tested at 12.5V; 4 ohms; 20Hz - 200Hz. General Specifications Load Impedance (Stereo) Load Impedance (Bridged) Input Topology Conversion Efficiency Frequency Response Linear Bandwidth S/N Ratio Input Sensitivity RCA Output Jacks Input Impedance Supply Voltage Damping Factor Slew Rate Crossovers Type/Range Crossover Slope QBass Protection Functions 2­8 ohms 4­8 ohms Balanced differential >50% @2 ohms max power 20Hz­20kHz ±0.25dB 10­50kHz ±3dB (300.2) >110dB 150mv - 12 Volts RMS HP/LP/Full; 30Hz to 4kHz 20,000 Ohms 9­16 Volts >250 (300.2) 300 (500.2) >20V/µs HP--off/12dB switch 30Hz to 4kHz LP--off/12dB switch 30Hz to 4kHz 12dB/octave Variable 0 to +12dB boost @ 40Hz Short and thermal 4 Fuse Requirements You will need to install an in-line fuse or circuit breaker in the power wire within 18" of the battery. This fuse or circuit breaker is to protect your vehicle from fire in case the power wire shorts to the vehicle body. If you are only using one amplifier, use the fuse rating indicated in this chart. If you are using more than one amplifier, add up the fuse ratings for all the amplifiers. This sum is the rating for your fuse or circuit breaker. You may also want to add a power distribution block near your amplifiers to distribute large gauge power cable to multiple amplifiers. Amp DCX 300.2 DCX 500.2 Fuse 35 A 50 A Dimensions Length DCX 300.2 DCX 500.2 24-¾" 27-3/8" Width 10-½" 10-½" Height 2-¾" 2-¾" 5 AMPLIFIER STATUS LEDS 3 4 SHORT PROTECT THERMAL PROTECT POWER CLIP OUT 1 2 The LEDs provide the following indications: 1. Power - This LED illuminates RED when the amplifier power is turned on with the remote input (output muted). After a short time delay this LED will turn GREEN (amplifier ready). 2. Clip Output - This LED illuminates RED on the peaks of the output signal when the peaks are too high. This clipping causes audible distortion in the speakers. 3. Short - This LED illuminates RED on a short condition. The amplifier will turn off and try to turn back on. 4. Thermal - This LED illuminates RED on a thermal condition. The amplifier will turn off and turn back on in a minute or so. Note: Read the AP-IV Protection Circuit section for additional information regarding Short and Thermal protection. 6 TOOLS/PARTS FOR INSTALLATION NOTE: TOOLS ARE NOT SUPPLIED. Small flat blade screwdriver Phillips screwdriver (#2 or medium sized) Wire cutters Wire strippers 4 - #6 round head screws, and 1 - #8 sheet metal screw. (or nut, bolt, flat washer, star washer) (see details) 2 - Ring connectors (large enough to accommodate your method of grounding) In-line fuse or circuit breaker Power and ground wire Speaker wire - 12-16 gauge Grommets (sized to work with the power wire you plan to use in your installation) Tube of silicone sealant WIRING Before beginning, disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery prior to connecting the amplifier to the positive (+) 12V terminal to prevent a short to ground and potential damage to wiring and equipment. Some vehicle radios have an anti-theft feature where when the radio is removed from 12V the radio will no longer function and must be code reset. 7 Note: The cables running from the battery to the rear of the car should be installed on the side of the car opposite to the antenna. When using 16 gauge wire or larger, run the speaker wires from the amplifier location through the vehicle to the speakers. Observe the same precautions for routing these wires that you followed for running the power and remote turn on wires. Cut off excess and, using wire strippers, strip 1/4-inch of insulation. Locate the speaker/remote turn-on PowerLockTM connector. Loosen the outer screws on the underside of the connector. Insert the speaker leads into the end. Check to be sure you've maintained proper polarity before securing each wire, and plug the PowerLockTM into the amplifier. 8 Note: The power connector is inserted into the amplifier with the wire clamping screws in the up position as shown below. GROUND WIRING Locate an area near the amplifier(s) that is metal and clean an area about the size of a quarter down to bare metal. Inspect the area around and underneath to be sure you will not drill into wires, brake or fuel lines, etc. Drill a pilot hole in the middle of this area. Terminate the ground wire with a ring connector and attach it to the bare metal using a #8 sheet metal screw and washer or preferable, a bolt, nut and a star washer. (not supplied). We suggest crimping and soldering this connection. After the connection is complete, coat the area (on both sides) with silicone or some similar material to prevent rust from developing on the bare metal. If your total current draw is over 80 amps (or total power is over 500 watts). Keep the ground and power wires as close together as possible, and use the same gauge wire for both. This will ensure that you have a good ground path, and may eliminate such potential problems as engine noise and overheated amplifiers. CHARGING SYSTEM If your total current draw is over 100 amps (or total output power is over 600 watts), you are probably exceeding the capability of your charging system. Dimming lights and fluctuating voltage are solid indicators that you need to upgrade your alternator, battery, or both. 9 You should also check the condition and current capacity of the stock battery negative cable and connections, and replace or upgrade as necessary. Keep in mind that your amplifiers simply convert electrical energy to acoustical energy, and any electrical deficiency will compromise the performance of your sound system. For more information about charging system upgrades, see you local authorized PrecisionPowerTM Dealer or call PrecisionPowerTM Technical Support at 1-800-62POWER x2033. CURRENT DRAW The following is a basic formula to be used as a guide to determine current draw. Your new DCX amplifier is more efficient than most other amplifiers. This formula is to be used as a guideline. Using wire of a larger gauge can only improve the current transfer of your system. Do NOT use smaller wire gauge. Total RMS output X 1.5 = Total Input Wattage Total Input Wattage = Current Draw (in Amps) Supply Voltage Example: A DCX amplifier has two channels at 125 watts per channel RMS rating into 4 ohms (125X2 = 250 watts). You would use the formula in the following way: 500 W X 1.5 = 750 watts 750W = 62.5 Amps total current draw 12V 10 If the same amplifier is driven into a 2 ohm stereo or 4 ohm mono load, double it's 4 ohm RMS rating. All DCX amplifiers will effectively double their power at this load. 500W X 1.5 X2 = 1500 watts 1500W = 125 Amps total current draw 12V If you are using more than one amplifier, add up the total current draw for all of them and choose the appropriate gauge based on the grand total. POWER WIRE SIZE A minimum of 8 gauge or a maximum of 4 gauge wire is recommended dependent on the application. The ground wire must be the same gauge as the power wire. 11 POWERLOCK CONNECTORS Once you have run both the power and ground wires, then connect the cables to the amplifier. Cut off excess wire, and using wire strippers, strip the ends of the power and ground cables approximately 1/4 inch. Locate the PowerLockTM power and ground connector (supplied). With a small flat blade screwdriver, loosen the screws before attempting to insert the cable wires. Insert the wires into the appropriate hole, and tighten the screws. Once the wires are secure, the PowerLockTM may be plugged into the amplifier. The Power/Ground PowerLockTM will accommodate 4 gauge wire for the DCX 300.2, and DCX 500.2. 12 DCX 300.2, DCX 500.2 FRONT PLATE DIAGRAM 12 11 DC X 300. DC X 500. 2 2 Fr Panel ont R BR I G E D + O U TPU T XO VER FR EQ Q BASS ATT G AI N R XO VER LP LP L R - R + R EM L+ L30 40k 2 1 12dB MI N M AX O U TPU T FR EQ FU LL H P 30 40k L I TPU T FR EQ FU LL H P N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1. Cooling Plenums: Maintain a minimum 2" clearance around cooling plenums for proper amplifier cooling. 2. Speaker/Remote Connector: Plug in the PowerLockTM connector here. 3. Output Xover Freq. Control: Use this control to adjust the sub bass output signal crossover frequency from 30Hz to 4kHz. (See the Crossover Frequency chart in this manual). 4. Output Xover FULL/LP/HP Switch: Select the desired crossover setting HP/LP/F ...