Camco 26 dB, 32 dB User Manual

VORTEX USER MANUAL

P. 1

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

INFORMATION FOR USE FOR MODELS

VORTEX 6, VORTEX 4, VORTEX 2.6 and VORTEX 200V

VUM_GB_2005-2008-R4_11-2008

© Copyright 2008 by CAMCO Produktions- und Vertriebs-GmbH

für Beschallungs- und Beleuchtungsanlagen

Fischpicke 5, D-57482 Wenden, Germany

Telephone [phone]

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1) Read the information for use (user manual).

2) Please keep this user manual in a safe place during the lifetime of the am­plifi er. The user manual forms an integral part of the amplifi er. Reselling of the
amplifi er is only possible if the user manual is available. Any changes made to
the amplifi er have to be documented in writing and passed on to the buyer in
the event of resale.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5)Do not use this amplifi er near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a
swimming pool). Do not place any object fi lled with liquids, such a vase, on the
amplifi er.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the user

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

manual.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus that produce heat.

9) Protect the power cord from being walked on, pinched or damaged in any
other way. Pay particular attention to plugs and the point where they exit from
the amplifi er.

10) The amplifi er may only be used in accordance with the information provided
in the user manual. Before and during the usage of the amplifi er please ensure
that all recommendations, especially the safety recommendations as detailed in
the user manual, are adhered to.
The VORTEX-Amplifi er is designed for the amplifi cation of pulsed audio signals
and the amplifi er should only be connected to speakers with an average
impedance that is not lower than the impedances specifi ed in points 3.9.2, 3.9.3
and 3.9.4.

11) Do not place this amplifi er on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The device may fall, causing
serious injury, and serious damage to the device itself.

12) The amplifi er can only be disconnected from the power supply by removing
the plug, which must be freely accessible at all times. Unplug this amplifi er
during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

13) Refer all servicing to qualifi ed service personnel.
Servicing is required when

the power-supply cord or plug has been damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the amplifi er,
the amplifi er has been exposed to rain or moisture,
the amplifi er has been dropped or suffered damage in any other way,
the amplifi er exhibits a distinct change from its normal function or

performance.

P. 2

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION – HIGH VOLTAGE HAZARDS

EXIST WITHIN THIS PRODUCT.

REFER ALL SERVICING TO

AUTHORISED PERSONNEL.

1. Read the information for use (user manual)

When shipping the VORTEX amplifi er, always use the original shipping carton
and packing materials. For maximum protection, repack the unit as it was origi­nally packed at the factory.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS / SAFETY

P. 3

WARNING – TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROW HEAD SYMBOL, IS INTENDED TO

ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE OF UNINSULATED DANGEROUS

VOLTAGE WITHIN THE PRODUCT’S ENCLOSURE.

THE EXCLAMATION MARK IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER

TO IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ALSO FOR MAINTENANCE IN THE

LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE AMPLIFIER.

THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROW HEAD SYMBOL ALERTS

THE USER TO DANGEROUSLY HIGH VOLTAGE AT THE SPEAKON

CONNECTORS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE LIFE THREATENING.

CAUTION – RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK – DO NOT OPEN.

AMPLIFIER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

THE AMPLIFIER MAY ONLY BE CONNECTED

TO A SOCKET WITH A CONNECTION TO GROUND.

2. Environments

Use this amplifi er only in E1, E2, E3 or E4 environments according to EN55103-2
“Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family standard for audio, video and
audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use
– Part 2: Immunity”

3. Ventilation

Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation, to ensure reliable
operation of the amplifi er and to protect it from overheating. These openings
must not be blocked or covered. This amplifi er should not be installed unless
proper ventilation is provided or manufacturer’s instructions have been
adhered to.

4. Water And Moisture

Do not use this amplifi er near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a
swimming pool).

5. Cleaning

Unplug this amplifi er from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.

6. Power-cord Protection

Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed upon them or against them, paying particular atten­tion to cords and plugs, and the point where they exit from the amplifi er.

7. Lightning

For added protection of this amplifi er during lightning storms, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet. This will prevent damage to the amplifi er due to lightning and power-

SAFETY

line surges. Disconnection from the mains power supply can only be achieved
by removing the plug from the mains socket and by external disconnecting all
poles from the mains.

8. Interference of external objects and/or liquids with the appliance

Never push objects of any kind into this amplifi er through openings as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fi re or
electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the amplifi er.

9. Accessories

Do not place this amplifi er on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
The amplifi er may fall, causing serious injury, and serious damage to the product.
Any mounting of the amplifi er should follow the manufacturers instructions,
and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

10. Connecting

When you connect the amplifi er to other equipment, turn off the power and
unplug all of the equipment from the supply source. Failure to do so may cause
an electric shock and serious personal injury. Read the user manual of the other
equipment carefully and follow the instructions when making the connections.

11. Sound Volume

Reduce the volume to minimum before you turn on the amplifi er to prevent
sudden high levels of noise which may cause hearing or speaker damage.

(See also 4.1.1 Volume control)

12. Damages that require service

Unplug this amplifi er from the mains supply and refer to your dealer/distributor
or other authorised repair workshop if any of the following situations occur:

if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the amplifi er
if the amplifi er does not operate normally as described in the user manual.

Operate the controls only as described in the user manual.
if the amplifi er has been dropped or damaged in any other way.
when the amplifi er exhibits a distinct change from its normal function or

performance.

13. Servicing

Do not attempt to service this amplifi er yourself. As opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards, the amplifi er may only
be opened by qualifi ed personnel. Please refer to your dealer/distributor.

14. Servicing and Replacement Parts

All service and repair work must be carried out by a CAMCO authorised dealer.
When replacement parts are required, please ensure that the dealer/distributor
only uses replacement parts specifi ed by the manufacturer. The use of un­authorized replacement parts may result in injury and/or damage through fi re
or electric shock or other electricity-related hazards.

15. Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the dealer/
distributor to perform safety checks to determine that the amplifi er is in proper
operating condition.
Recommendations on how to carry out the safety test can be found in
DIN VDE 0701-1 “Maintenance, Modifi cation and Test of Electronic Appliances“.

P. 4

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

EC Declaration of Conformity in accordance to EC Directives:

electro-magnetic compatibility (Council Directive 89/336/EEC,
as amended by Directives 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC);
low-voltage electrical equipment (Council Directive 73/23/EEC )

Manufacturers Name:

CAMCO Produktions- und Vertriebs-GmbH
für Beschallungs- und Beleuchtungsanlagen

Manufacturers Address:

Fischpicke 5, D-57482 Wenden, Germany

Declares that the product with the model name:

CAMCO Power amplifi er VORTEX-6, VORTEX-4, VORTEX-2.6 and VORTEX-200V

Conforms to the following standards:

EN60065 Safety
EN55103-1 Emission
EN55103-2 Immunity

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

P. 5

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

The operating conditions and application environments presupposed in the
information for use (user manual) are to be kept accordingly.
Please Note: The following formulations have been chosen: VORTEX-6, VORTEX-4,
VORTEX-2.6 and VORTEX-200V for the type plate and for the EC de claration of
conformity. VORTEX 6, VORTEX 4,VORTEX 2.6 and VORTEX 200V for the front
face of the appliance and for the text in the user manual.

Wenden, 25.04.2005

Joachim Stöcker

CONTENTS

P. 6

P. 2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

P. 3

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS / SAFETY

P. 5

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

P. 6

CONTENTS

P. 7

1 WELCOME

1.1 Welcome to CAMCO

1.2 Unpacking

P. 8

1.3 The Amplifi er

P. 9

2 FACILITIES

2.1 VORTEX – The Front

2.2 VORTEX – The Rear

P. 1 0

2.3 Factory Settings

P. 1 1

3 INSTALLATION

3.1 Mains Supply

3.2 On/Off Switch

3.3 Mounting

P. 1 3

3.4 Cooling

3.5 Ground Lift

3.6 Optional Feature

3.7 Mode Indicators

P. 1 4

3.8 Mode Selector

3.9 Wiring

3.9.1 E.U.I. and XLR Connection

3.9.2 Stereo Operation

3.9.3 Parallel-Mono Operation

3.9.4 Mono-Bridge Operation

3.9.5 SPEAKON Connection

P. 1 6

4 OPERATION

4.1 Controls

4.1.1 Volume Control

P. 1 7

4.1.2 Gain Selector

4.1.3 Gain and Input Sensitivity

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

4.1.4 Limiter Switch

4.2 Indicators

4.2.1 On LEDs (multifunctional)

P. 1 8

4.2.2 Signal LEDs

4.2.3 Clip LEDs (multifunctional)

4.3 Power Amp Protection Systems

4.3.1 Clip Limiter

4.3.2 Under Impedance Limiter

4.3.3 SOA Protection

P. 1 9

4.3.4 Speaker Protect Limiter

4.3.5 DC Protection

4.3.6 DC Servo

4.3.7 Over Current Protection

4.3.8 Thermal Protection

4.4 Mains Protections

4.4.1 Inrush Current Limitation

4.4.2 Mains Over Voltage Detection

P. 2 0

4.4.3 Mains Failure Detection

4.4.4 Fuse Protection

4.5 Main SMPS Protections

4.5.1 Over Current Protection

4.5.2 Thermal Protection

4.6 Fans

P. 2 1

4.7 Filter Cleaning

5 OPTIONS

P. 2 2

5.1 E.U.I.2(Extended User Interface)

5.1.1 What Are The Possibilities
Using The E.U.I.2?

5.2 CAI (CAMCO Audio Interface)

5.2.1 Wiring

P. 2 3

5.2.2 CAI Address Settings

P. 2 4

5.2.3 CAI Status Indicator

P.25

6 TROUBLESHOOTING

6.1 On LED Flashing Sequences

P.26

6.2 Problem: No Sound

6.3 Problem: No Sound or Sound Is Too Low

6.4 Problem: No Channel Separation

6.5 Problem: Distorted Sound

P.27

6.6 Problem: Hiss

6.7 Problem: Squeals and Feedback

P.28

7 SPECIFICATION

P.30

8 MEASUREMENTS

P.34

9 WARRANTY INFORMATION

9.1 Summary Of Warranty

9.2 Items Excluded From This Warranty

9.3 What CAMCO Will Do

9.4 How To Obtain Warranty Service

9.5 CAMCO’s Product Improvement

P.35

10 SERVICE INFORMATION

P.36

11 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
12 DECOMISSIONING

P.37

COMPANY INFORMATION

1.1 Welcome to CAMCO

Established in 1983, CAMCO has gained worldwide experience with professional
sound reinforcement technology. Within the audio market, CAMCO specialises
in the production and marketing of high quality power amplifi ers and sound
systems for use both on tour and in static installations.

The success of the LA, DL and DX series power amps has made the CAMCO

1 WELCOME

name synonymous with professional quality, high performance and utterly
reliable power amps.

1.2 Unpacking

Please unpack and inspect your new amplifi er for any damage that may have
occurred during transit. If damage is found, notify the transportation company
immediately. Only you the consignee may initiate a claim for shipping damage.
CAMCO will be happy to cooperate fully as needed. Please save the shipping
carton as evidence of damage for the shipper’s inspection.

Even if the amplifi er has arrived in perfect condition, save all packing materials
so you will have them if you ever need to transport the unit.

P. 7

CAMCO’s commitment to research and development, seen not just in the area
of materials and technology but also most importantly in its highly skilled and
motivated workforce, is one of the keys to its ongoing success.

With its all-new VORTEX power amp series, CAMCO is pioneering a new dimen­sion in professional power amp construction. The seamless combination of
ground-breaking technology with proven safety elements is the hallmark of
the new series.

Welcome to the new world of professional power amplifi ers –

WELCOME TO CAMCO!

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

NEVER SHIP THE AMPLIFIER WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL
PACKING MATERIALS.

When shipping the VORTEX amplifi er, always use the original shipping carton
and packing materials. For maximum protection, repack the unit as it was origi­nally packed at the factory.

1.3 The Amplifi er

The VORTEX is a Class-H power amplifi er with a power output of:

VORTEX 200V 3,2 kW per channel @ 4 Ω

6,4 kW in Mono-Bridge @ 8 Ω
6,4 kW in Parallel-Mono @ 2 Ω

VORTEX 6 3 kW per channel @ 2 Ω

1 WELCOME

VORTEX 4 2 kW per channel @ 2 Ω

VORTEX 2.6 1,3 kW per channel @ 2 Ω

VORTEX power amplifi ers are fi tted with Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS),

which signifi cantly reduces the weight and size (only 2U) of the amplifi er. Using
SMPS, the 3 symmetrical supply voltages (2 symmetrical supply voltages for
VORTEX 2.6) of the power amplifi er are more stable than the power supplies
used in conventional amplifi ers.

6 kW in Mono-Bridge @ 4 Ω
6 kW in Parallel-Mono @ 1 Ω

4 kW in Mono-Bridge @ 4 Ω
4 kW in Parallel-Mono @ 1 Ω

2,6 kW in Mono-Bridge @ 4 Ω
2,6 kW in Parallel-Mono @ 1 Ω

The VORTEX also uses a microprocessor for controlling and monitoring the
power amp. This has four main advantages over more traditional power amp
systems:

Reduced Distortion
Improved Noise Characteristics
Integrated Remote Control
Indication of Protection or Failures by different LED sequences

The VORTEX has been designed as an intelligent and powerful amplifi er
for performing specialised tasks within a complex audio system. Users can
adapt the power amp to meet their specifi c audio requirements before use.
Controls mounted on the front and the rear of the VORTEX allow the different
functions to be accessed.
Since some of the externally mounted controls have multiple functions, it is
important that users should familiarise themselves thoroughly with the entire
range of controls and programmable features before using the power amp.

If you have any questions regarding features and/or functions of your VORTEX,
CAMCO will be pleased to offer you further information. Alternatively, contact
your dealer or distributor.

P. 8

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

2 FACILITIES

910 11

123456 78

2.1 VORTEX – The Front

1 On/Off Switch
2 Volume Control – Channel A
3 Volume Control – Channel B
4 On LEDs (multifunctional)
5 Signal LEDs
6 Clip LEDs (multifunctional)

MODEL:

OUTPUT PWR PER CH/IMP:

SER. NO.:

MADE IN GERMANY

7 Removable Air Filter System
8 Cooling Air Inlet Vents
9 Enter-Switch (behind Front Panel)
10 Operating Mode LEDs
11 CAI Status LED

2.2 VORTEX – The Rear

12 AC Power Cable
13 CAMCO Audio Interface (CAI)
14 SPEAKON Outlets
15 Cooling Air Outlet Vents
16 Input Ground Lift Switch
17 Optional Feature Selector

18 Mode Selector
19 Limiter Switch
20 Gain Selector
21 Extended User Interface (E.U.I.)
22 XLR – Line Links
23 XLR – Line Inputs
24 Rating Plate

1724

1316 18 19 20

P. 9

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

151412

23 21

22

2.3 Factory settings

VORTEX amplifi ers are delivered with the following factory settings

2 FACILITIES

P.10

Front panel:

On/Off Switch Off Amplifi er is switched off

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

Rear panel

Input Ground Lift Grounded
Optional Feature Circle
Mode Stereo
Limiter SpP

Gain 26 dB

P.11

3.1 Mains supply

When mounting or connecting the amp always disconnect it from mains.
Only connect the VORTEX amplifi er to an appropriate AC circuit and outlet,
according to the requirements indicated in the second line on the rating
plate.

3 INSTALLATION

MODEL:

OUTPUT PWR PER CH/IMP:

SER. NO.:

MODEL:

OUTPUT PWR PER CH/IMP:

SER. NO.:

VORTEX-200 V

230 V ~ 50/60 Hz 12 A 1700 W

230 V ~ 50/60 Hz 10 A 1450 W

3200 W/4Ohm

xxxxxxx

VORTEX-4

2000 W/2Ohm

xxxxxxx

MADE IN GERMANY

MADE IN GERMANY

MODEL:

230 V ~ 50/60 Hz 12 A 1800 W

OUTPUT PWR PER CH/IMP:

SER. NO.:

MODEL:

230 V ~ 50/60 Hz 7,2 A 1005 W

OUTPUT PWR PER CH/IMP:

SER. NO.:

VORTEX-6

3000 W/2Ohm

xxxxxxx

VORTEX-2.6

1500 W / 1,8 Ohm

xxxxxxx

MADE IN GERMANY

MADE IN GERMANY

Exemplary rating plates for a mains supply of 230 V AC 50/60 Hz.

Power Supply Data:

Voltage Mains Frequency Current Power Consumption
VORTEX-200V 120 V 50/60 Hz 24 A 1700 W
VORTEX-200V 220 V 60 Hz 12 A 1700 W
VORTEX-200V 230 V 50/60 Hz 12 A 1700 W
VORTEX-6 100 V 50/60 Hz 28 A 1800 W
VORTEX-6 120 V 50/60 Hz 24 A 1800 W
VORTEX-6 220 V 60 Hz 12 A 1800 W
VORTEX-6 230 V 50/60 Hz 12 A 1800 W
VORTEX-4 100 V 50/60 Hz 24 A 1450 W
VORTEX-4 120 V 50/60 Hz 20 A 1450 W
VORTEX-4 220 V 60 Hz 10 A 1450 W
VORTEX-4 230 V 50/60 Hz 10 A 1450 W
VORTEX-2.6 120 V 50/60 Hz 14,4 A 1005 W
VORTEX-2.6 220 V 60 Hz 7,2 A 1005 W
VORTEX-2.6 230 V 50/60 Hz 7,2 A 1005 W

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 6, 4, 2.6 and 200V

NOTE: Even under normal conditions the mains current can reach levels up
to 60 A (230 V), 120 A (120 V) and 140 A (100 V), respectively; this could
cause lamps to fl icker if connected to the same mains as the amp. The im­pedance of the AC circuit should be less than 0,157 Ohms to avoid fl icker
according to EN61000-3-11 “Electromagnetic compatibility – Part 3-11:
Limits – Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fl uctuations and fl icker in
the public low-voltage supply systems – Equipment with rated current
≤ 75 A and subject to conditional connection”.
If in any doubt, consult your local power provider. Never attempt to mea­sure this impedance level with your ohmmeter. This may damage your me­ter and expose you to the risk of electric shock!

3.2 On/Off Switch

NOTE: This switch does NOT disconnect the amplifi er from mains.

The switch initiates start-up by activating the current limiting function. As soon
as the power amplifi er is connected to the mains power supply, a voltage is
supplied to both the line-fi lter and the fused input of the controllable rectifi er.
Disconnecting the amplifi er from the main power supply can only be achieved
by physically separating the amplifi er from the mains by pulling the mains plug.
The mains plug therefore has to be freely accessible. Disconnect the mains plug
from the mains during a lightning storm or when the amplifi er remains unused
or un-supervised for a prolonged period of time. Alternatively, you can discon­nect the amplifi er via an external all-pole disconnection from the mains.

If a power cut occurs while the amplifi er is switched on, it will restart auto­matically once the power supply has been restored. All settings prior to the loss
of power will be maintained.