Aanalog and digital systems PQ40.2 User Manual
P Q 4 0 . 2
owner's manual
8900-3110 REV A
©2001 analog and digital systems, inc.
www.adst.com
analog and digital systems
table of contents
about this manual................................................................................................... 2
features of your PowerPlateTM.................................................................................. 2
warning and tips..................................................................................................... 3
mounting locations................................................................................................. 3
system planning...................................................................................................... 4
signal sources.......................................................................................................... 5
system configurations.............................................................................................. 6
amplifier controls..................................................................................................... 11-12
installation............................................................................................................... 13
controls and connections......................................................................................... 13-14
multi-crossTMcrossover and configurations............................................................. 15-16
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 PowerPlateTM 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 highcurrent 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/ PowerPlate
The latest improvements to the PowerPlateTMline-up include increased heatsink area to facilitate
higher power output, Constant Bass circuit for subwoofer signal that can be mixed into all channels,
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 was not available when the P-series was
originally designed. Selected low-noise, high-speed op amps are used in critical circuits. Class A-B
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 topend, 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
multichannel 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.
TM
P100 made it happen.
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/ not 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 – 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 equipment of which it was not intended.
• Cosmetic defects that appear more than thirty (3) 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 infor
mation 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.
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 a/d/s/ Customer
Service Department for the names and address 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
number and serial number (if applicable) of the Product must be written on the sales receipt.
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specifications
amplifier section PQ 40.2
power output 4 (watts)
power output 2 (watts)
fuse type 60 A maxi
dimensions 13” x 16 1/8” x 2”
distortion all channels driven <0.1% 20Hz to 20,000Hz
frequency response ±1dB 10Hz to 30,000Hz
signal-to-noise ratio full >90dB
bandwidth @ rated output power
damping factor @ output >150
connector full bandwidth
1
2
4 channel 4 x 100
2 channel 2 x 300
4 x 150
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.
input sensitivity 100mV to 8Vrms for full output
input impedance 47 k
crossover section3
ch 1 & 2 high-pass 12dB/octave variable 45Hz- 5kHz
ch 3 & 4 high-pass & low-pass 12 octave variable 45Hz- 5kHz
constant bass low-pass 12dB/octave 30Hz- 300Hz
1
All channels driven, continuous FTC rated 4
voltage at 13.8DVC.
2
All channels driven, continuous FTC rated 2
voltage at 13.8DVC.
3
All channels are selectable with infinitely variable adjustments from 45Hz to 5,000Hz with a slope
of 12dB/octave and a “Q” of .707.
load, 20Hz to 20,000Hz, <0.1% THD, power input
load, 20Hz to 20,000Hz, <0.1% THD, power input
features of your PowerPlate™
Remote Level Control Capability – Can be used with accessory control AC502 to provide a
dashboard mounted rear channel subwoofer or Constant Bass level control
Digital Crossover Frequency Display – The crossover frequency for each channel pair is displayed
on the top of the amplifier for quicker, more precise system tuning
Detachable Plug in Connectors – High current speaker and power connectors simplify installation.
Multi-cross™ Variable 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.
Constant Bass circuit – Signal from all input channels is summed, low-pass filtered and then made
available.
PowerPlate™ Design – a/d/s/ original low profile, high efficiency heatsink design keeps size to a
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 using passive crossovers.
Same Side Adjustments – The P-series PowerPlate™ makes 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.
221
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/ PowerPlateTM should 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.
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 PowerPlateTM with speakers which have either terminal connected to the speaker
frame or to the vehicle chassis.
Never operate the vehicle without the PowerPlateTMfirmly mounted. An unmounted amplifier can be
a dangerous missile in an accident or abrupt stop.
mounting locations
Due to its low profile, there are many possible choices of mounting locations. Always mount the
PowerPlateTMin a place that protects it from the elements. In addition, mount the PowerPlateTMon 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 PowerPlateTM be 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 PowerPlateTM chassis vertically with the fins running
vertically, or mount the PowerPlateTM horizontally with the fins pointing upward. Avoid horizontal
mounting locations with the fins pointing downward.
Also, locate the PowerPlateTM where 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 PowerPlateTM was not designed to
endure the harsh chemical and heat environment of the engine compartment. Failure to obey this
warning will void your warranty.
symptom possible cause action to take
poor bass response Speakers wired with wrong check speaker polarity and
battery fuse blowing impedance load to amplifier check speaker impedance
amplifier fuse blowing impedance load to amplifier check speaker impedance
polarity causing cancellation repair as needed
at low frequencies
crossover set incorrectly reset crossovers referring to
too low load, if below 2
short in power wire check power and ground
or incorrect power connections and repair as
connections needed
fuse used is smaller than replace with proper fuse
recommended size
too much current being check speaker impedance
drawn load, if below 2
too low or wired 2
mono speakers to achieve a
or 4
short in power wire or check power and ground
incorrect power connections
fuse used is smaller than replace with proper fuse
too much current being check speaker impedance
drawn load, if below 2
stereo load, or 4 mono, rewire
the multi-cross
configuration section of this
manual for detailed
instructions
mono rewire speakers
4
to achieve a higher
impedance
mono rewire speakers
4
to achieve a higher
impedance
check power and ground
connections and repair as
needed
higher impedance
connections and repair as
needed
size recommended
mono rewire speaker to
4
achieve a higher impedance
check power and ground
connections and repair as
needed
TM crossover
stereo or
stereo or
stereo or
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