Aanalog and digital systems P850, P650, P450 User Manual

P4 5 0 /P6 5 0 /P8 5 0

300 wildwood avenue, woburn, massachusetts 01801

781.729.1140 www.adst.com

owners manual

analog and digital systems

table of contents

introduction 1 about this manual 2 features of your PowerPlateTM 2 warning and tips 3 system planning 4 signal sources 4 system configurations 6 mounting locations 11 installation 12 controls and connections 13 multi-crossTM crossover and configurations 16 tuning 17 troubleshooting 19 specifications 21 warranty information 22

introduction

Although it may be hard to remember, back in the 1970’s, car audio as we now know it didn’t really exist. Sure, music lovers could buy a cassette or 8-track tape deck and some 6" x 9" three-way speakers. Advanced stereo buffs might even add a "power-booster" to increase output to as much as 12 watts RMS! But none of this really delivered the power to cut through road noise with sound quality that compared with the best home audio. Not until 1979 that is, when a/d/s/ introduced the revolutionary PowerPlate

P100 amplifier and 300i 2-way plate loudspeakers. Aesthetically, the P100 introduced the low profile design which has been an a/d/s/ trademark to this day. Technologically, the P100 combined a high efficiency switching power supply with a state-of-the-art, discrete high-current stereo power amplifier. For the first time, a car audio system existed with the musical integrity and dynamic range that made you want to take long drives to nowhere, just to listen to the music. High quality car audio was born, and the original a/d/s/ PowerPlateTMP100 made it happen.

The latest improvements to the PowerPlateTMline-up include increased heatsink area to facilitate higher power output, and fully balanced high-level inputs compatible with any source. The amplifier you have purchased is an enhancement of the respected P-series multichannel amplifiers. In this version, we have improved upon the already acclaimed sound quality by addressing internal details, and upgrading selected components to incorporate the latest technology which may not have been available when the P-series was originally designed. Selected low-noise, high-speed Burr-Brown op amps are used in critical circuits. Class-A biasing is used throughout the voltage-gain and active crossover stages. Numerous modifications and "tweaks" were also performed which improve the power supply dynamics and reduce noise. These changes improve transparency and dynamic linearity, resulting in a smoother and more detailed top-end, tighter bass, more explosive dynamic contrasts, and virtually holographic imaging. Left intact are the P-series unequalled flexibility, high efficiency and superb reliability. These, along with multi-channel design, are fundamental in the a/d/s/ approach to systems engineering, which makes achieving true high fidelity reproduction simple and predictable in any installation.

warranty

There are two things you must do to ensure trouble free service in the event you need warranty repairs.

1. Keep your original sales receipt in a safe place. A copy of the receipt will be required to obtain warranty service.

2. Be sure your retail dealer has written the date, model number and serial number (if applicable) of the product on the receipt. To give yourself an extra measure of protection, make a separate record of the information about your purchase and keep it in a safe place. In the event you misplace the sales receipt, your dealer may be able to give you a copy.

Take a moment now to read the terms of your warranty. Check to be sure your sales receipt is dated and has the product model number and serial number (if applicable) on it. Then put it away in a safe place.

When shipping a Product in for service:

• Enclose a copy of your original sales receipt that has the date, product model number and serial

number (if applicable) written on it.

• Always ship Products in the complete original packing material.

• Avoid shipping Products via the postal service. If you must use the postal service, be sure to register

and insure the package.

a/d/s/ Limited Warranty

Analog and Digital System, Inc. (a/d/s/) warrants to the original consumer purchaser of the a/d/s/ Products described in this manual, that the Product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year after the date of purchase, if the Product is installed by an authorized a/d/s/ retail dealer, the warranty is extended to three (3) years. a/d/s/’ sole obligation under the warranty shall be to provide, without charge, parts and labor necessary to remedy the defects, if any, that appear during the warranty period. This warranty is the sole and exclusive express warranty given with respect to the Product. All other express warranties are hereby excluded. Neither a/d/s/ nor the authorized dealer who sells the Product is responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. IMPORTANT – Keep your original sales receipt. Be sure the retail dealer has written on it the date, model number and serial number (if applicable) of the Product. This information is required for warranty service.

This warranty is limited to:

• Products purchased from authorized a/d/s/ retail dealers in the United States. a/d/s/ will supply a list of

authorized dealers on request.

In order to obtain warranty service you must:

• Return the Product, freight prepaid, to the a/d/s/ dealer from which it was purchased, an authorized

a/d/s/ independent service agency, or to a/d/s/. If necessary you may call the a/d/s/ Customer Service Department for the names and addresses of authorized independent service agencies in your area.

• Provide proof of purchase in the form of a copy of your original sales receipt. The date, model num

ber and serial number (if applicable) of the Product must be written on the sales receipt.

This warranty does not cover:

• Damage that is the result of misuse, abuse, accident (including but not limited to damage by water),

faulty hookup, defective or maladjusted associated equipment, or the use of the Product with equip ment of which it was not intended.

• Cosmetic defects that appear more than thirty (30) days after the date of purchase. Cosmetic damage

caused by improper handling is also excluded.

• Products that are used for commercial purposes.

• The cost of removing or reinstalling the Product.

• Damage that occurs while the Product is being shipped to whoever will service it. See the information

above regarding shipping procedures.

This warranty is void if:

• The Product identification or serial number is removed or defaced in any way.

• The Product is serviced or repaired by anyone other than a/d/s/ or an authorized a/d/s/ dealer or

service agency.

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specifications

amplifier section

power output 4W (watts)

50/channel 150/bridged channel pair

power output 2

W (watts)

75/channel distortion all channels driven 0.1% 20Hz to 20,000Hz frequency response ±1dB 10Hz to 30,000Hz signal-to-noise ratio full bandwidth @ rated output power >90dB damping factor @ output connector full bandwidth >150 input sensitivity 100mV to 8Vrms for full output input impedance 47 k

recommended fuse type P850 2 X 40 ATC P650 2 X 30 ATC P450 1 X 40 ATC

crossover section

ch 1 & 2 high-pass ch 3 & 4 high-pass & low-pass ch 5 & 6 high-pass & low-pass (P850), low-pass (P650) ch 7 & 8 low-pass

dimensions

P850 13" X 2" X 16 1/8" (330mm X 50mm X 410mm) P650 13" X 2" X 141/8" (330mm X 50mm X 359mm) P450 13" X 2" X 11 1/8" (330mm X 50mm X 283mm)

1 All channels driven, continuous FTC rated 4

W load, 20Hz to 20,000Hz, <0.1% THD,

power input voltage at 13.8DVC.

2 All channels driven, continuous FTC rated 2

W load, 20Hz to 20,000Hz, <0.1% THD,

power input voltage at 13.8DVC.

3 All channels are selectable with infinitely variable adjustments from 45Hz to 5,000Hz

with a slope rate of 12dB/octave and a "Q" of .707.

about this manual

To get the most from your a/d/s/ PowerPlateTM, we recommend that you have the installation performed by your qualified authorized a/d/s/ dealer. If this unit is installed by your dealer, we will extend the warranty to three years instead of the standard one year. However, if you feel that you have the necessary skills and prefer to perform the installation yourself, this manual will guide you through the process of installation and set-up. Please read through it completely before beginning the installation so that you may familiarize yourself with the total procedure before you begin. If there is anything that you do not fully understand, please consult with your a/d/s/ dealer before attempting the installation.

keep listening, but be safe!

Sustained listening to loud music over 100dB has been shown to cause permanent hearing damage. Systems using a/d/s/ components are capable of achieving volume levels which substantially exceed this level. When operating your system for sustained periods at high volume, be sure to use hearing protection to prevent long-term exposure. We want you to be able to enjoy the music for many more years.

features of your PowerPlate™

Transient PerfectTMMOSFET Power Supply – The heart of the P-series, this supply frees the PowerPlateTMfrom the constraints of common pwm (pulse width modulated) supplies. The advantages are: extremely fast overload recovery time, low output mpedance for superior damping, and stability during voltage fluctuations for reliable performance in the harsh automotive environment.

Remote Subwoofer Control Capability – Can be used with accessory control AC502 to provide a dashboard mounted subwoofer or rear channel level control

Detachable Plug in Connectors – High current speaker and power connectors simplify installation.

Multi-crossTMVariable Built-in Crossovers – High-pass, Low-pass and Bandpass functions are built-in, virtually eliminating the need for external crossover networks in even the most elaborate systems.

PowerPlateTMDesign – a/d/s/ original low profile, high efficiency heatsink design keeps size minimum and allows mounting where space is limited.

Wide Input Sensitivity Range – Allows connection to virtually any source unit from factory OEM radios through low output preamps.

Simultaneous Stereo and Mono – Each channel pair may be used Stereo, Mono, Bridged or both Stereo and Mono simultaneously. This allows an additional Mono speaker to be used with a stereo pair for center-channel or subwoofer applications from each channel pair.

Same Side Adjustments – The P-series PowerPlateTMmakes system adjustment easy by organizing all signal processing controls on one side of the amplifier. This layout allows convenient system adjustment and facilitates a variety of installation possibilities when access to the controls is desired.

25 2

Warnings and tips

Always disconnect the battery ground wire before doing any work on your vehicle. Reconnect the cable only after the installation is complete and the wiring has been checked to make sure that there are no problems. If your radio features a code type security system, be sure you know the code before disconnecting the battery! Your a/d/s/ PowerPlateTMshould be installed in 12V negative ground vehicles only. Connection to other types of electrical systems may cause damage to the vehicle or the amplifier. Wear Eye and Ear protection when using power tools. Before cutting or drilling carefully inspect the area to make sure there is no electrical wiring, fuel lines or brake lines which could be damaged. Sometimes these components may be hidden between double-walled panels, so be very careful. Do not bypass or modify the fuses, or replace with one of a higher rating. The fuse should not fail under normal operation. Repeated blowing indicates a problem with the amplifier or improper installation. An additional power supply line fuse (not supplied) must be installed on the 12V supply line and located as close as possible to the battery in order to protect the wire in the event of a short circuit. Make sure the system is turned off when making or breaking any connections. Do not use your PowerPlateTMwith speakers which have either terminal connected to the speaker frame or to the vehicle chassis.

symptom possible cause action to take

distorted output (cont’d) speakers are blown check system with known

working speakers and repair or replace as needed

poor bass response Speakers wired with wrong check speaker polarity and

polarity causing cancellation repair as needed at low frequencies

crossover set incorrectly reset crossovers referring to the

multi-crossTMcrossover configuration section of this manual for detailed instructions

battery fuse blowing impedance load to amplifier check speaker impedance load,

too low if below 2

W stereo or 4W mono

rewire speakers to achieve a higher impedance

short in power wire or incorrect check power and ground power connections connections and repair as

needed

fuse used is smaller than replace with proper fuse size

recommended

too much current being drawn check speaker impedance load,

if below 2

W stereo or 4W mono

rewire speakers to achieve a higher impedance check power and ground connections and repair as needed

amplifier fuse blowing too much current being drawn Check speaker impedance load,

if below 2

W stereo or 4W mono

rewire speakers to achieve a higher impedance and replace with recommended fuse size check power and ground connections and repair as needed

fuse used is smaller than replace with proper fuse size recommended

Mounting locations

PowerPlateTMin a place that protects it from the elements. In addition, mount the PowerPlate

on a stable, flat mounting surface. Whenever possible, pre-drill the mounting holes. Remember to check behind the panel for hidden dangers in the form of hoses, fuel or brake lines or electrical wiring. Use a marking pen or awl to mark the hole locations and pre-drill using a 1/8" bit.

Passenger compartment mounting

All PowerPlatesTMhave been designed with a low profile to make under seat mounting possible. Regardless of where you choose to mount your PowerPlateTMbe sure to keep a minimum of 1" of clearance around the amplifier for adequate airflow to prevent overheating.

Trunk compartment mounting

The most common mounting location is in the trunk or cargo compartment. For optimum cooling, mount the PowerPlateTMchassis vertically with the fins running vertically, or mount the PowerPlateTMhorizontally with the fins pointing upward. Avoid horizontal mounting locations with the fins pointing downward. Also, locate the PowerPlateTMwhere it, and connections to it, will not be damaged by cargo or tools which may shift during vehicle operation.

Engine compartment mounting

Don’t even think about it! The PowerPlateTMwas not designed to endure the harsh chemical and heat environment of the engine compartment. Failure to obey this warning will void your warranty.

3 24

Troubleshooting

symptom possible cause action to take

no output low or no remote turn-on input check remote turn-on voltage

output at amplifier and correct as needed

fuse blown check power wire integrity

and reversed polarity, repair as needed and replace fuse

power wires not connected check power wire and ground

connections and repair or replace as needed

audio input not connected or check input connections and no output from source signal integrity, repair or

replace as needed

speaker wires not connected check speaker wires and repair

or replace as needed

audio cycles on and off speakers are blown check system with known

working speaker and repair or replace speakers as needed

thermal protection engages make sure there is proper when amplifier heatsink ventilation for amplifier and temperature exceeds 90° C improve ventilation as needed

loose or poor audio input check input connections and

repair or replace as needed

distorted output amplifier level sensitivity set too reset gain referring to the

high; exceeding maximum tuning section of the manual output capability of amplifier for detailed instructions

impedance load to amplifier too check speaker impedance load low if below 2

W stereo or 4W

mono rewire speakers to achieve a higher impedance

shorted speaker wires check speaker wire

connections and repair or replace as needed

speaker not connected to check speaker wiring and amplifier properly repair or replace as needed

refer to the installation section of this manual for detailed instructions

internal crossover not set reset crossovers referring to the properly for speaker multi-crossTMcrossover

configuration section of this manual

system planning

Proper system planning is the best way to maximize your PowerPlateTM’s performance. By planning your installation carefully you can avoid situations where the performance or the reliability of your system is compromised. Your authorized a/d/s/ dealer has been trained to maximize your system’s sonic potential. Your a/d/s/ dealer is a valuable resource in helping you with your system design and installation.

speaker requirements

Each channel of your PowerPlateTMcan easily drive 2W speaker loads when used in the stereo mode. When a channel-pair is bridged, the recommended minimum load impedance is

W for subwoofer use, and 4W for full range operation.

Although operation with lower impedances is not likely to cause immediate damage to the internal circuitry, the unit will most likely overheat, causing the thermal protection circuitry to shut down the amplifier. When the chassis cools down, normal operation will resume. Continuing to operate the amplifier under these conditions is not recommended and will reduce its life expectancy.

Most speakers designed for car audio operation are 4W impedance. Connecting two such speakers in parallel will

result in a 2W impedance load as seen by the amplifier. Some a/d/s/ sub-

woofer models feature a dual 4W voice coil design. Connecting these voice coils in parallel will result in a 2W nominal

impedance which is not recommended for use with bridged channels of your PowerPlateTM.

system configurations

All a/d/s/ PowerPlatesTMprovide extensive features which make a variety of system configurations possible. It is not feasible to cover all of the possibilities within the few pages of this manual. There are a few system configurations, however, which are extremely popular when used alone or as a "building block" of a larger more elaborate system. Please review systems 1 through 4 described below for suggestions on how to configure the most popular combinations. Larger systems may be built from a combination of the simpler building blocks as shown in systems

5 and 6.

23 4

button is disengaged control is non-operational

control is operationalbutton is engaged

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