DLS Performance CAT31 User Manual
How to install and
operate the
DLS CAT31
24 V amplifier
Welcome!
This owners manual is written in easy english and
uses a lot of drawings to simply the installation and
use of the above amplifier.
Your DLS amplifier must be installed correctly in order to work well. This manual will show you how to
install the amplifier like a pro. Please read the entire
manual before beginning the installation.
Install the amplifier yourself if you feel confident with
our instructions and if you have the proper tools.
However if you feel unsure, turn over the installation
job to someone better suited to it.
Warranty Service
This amplifier is covered by warranty, depending on
the conditions in the country where it is sold. If the
amplifier is returned for service, please include the
original dated receipt with the product.
Technical Assistance
Contents
Specifications.............................. 1
Features…………………………….. 2
Installation…………………….……. 2
Trouble shooting…………………… 2
Tools and materials needed………. 3
Amplifier installation kit………….... 3
Routing Wires…………………….... 3
Wiring
Power and Outputs……………..…. 4
Inputs and controls………………... 5
Input level control.......................... 5
Crossovers…………...................... 5-6
Phase control.....………………...… 5
Speaker wiring:
Front stereo speakers................... 6
Subwoofers.................................. 6
Test............................................. 6
Connecting a center channel speaker 7-8
Professional tips…………...…….... 9
For technical assistance ask the shop where the product
was sold or the distributor in your very country.
You can always phone the DLS Helpdesk in Sweden
+ 46 31 84 00 60 or send an e-mail to info@dls.se.
Information can also be found on our WEB-site
www.dls.se
DLS Svenska AB - 2007-01-10
Approval of electromagnetic compatability according
to the EEC Directive 95/54/EC
CAT31 -24 Volts - features
RCA stereo channels input
High level input with auto start
Mono channel: RCA input or input from stereo
channels
Continuous variable low pass crossover
Continuous variable high pass crossover
Subsonic filter 25 Hz fixed ON-OFF
Phase control cont. variable 0-180 degrees
Electronic protection circuitry against
short-circuit, DC offset and thermal overload.
Installation
Before you begin the install
Before you begin you need to read the manual, to have
some tools, cables and other material available. There
is one such list of material on the following page.
CAT31
Trouble shooting
If problems occur during the installation, or later,
this guide might help you to find out whats´s wrong.
The amplifier is dead:
1. Check power lead, ground and connections at
the amplifier using a multi meter.
2. Check the battery terminal connections.
3. Check the power lead fuse or circuit breaker. If
fuse damage continues, inspect the power lead
for short circuits.
4. Check the amplifier protection fuses. Are these
broken change to new ones with the same value.
If short circuiting continues, contact your local
DLS dealer. A fault may exist in the amplifier.
5. To start the amplifier requires a remote voltage
of 12-30 volt. Check the voltage with a multi
meter.
Amplifier location
Important
Allow air circulation around the amplifier.
The DLS Classic series of amplifiers have a
compact design that allows great flexibility in
mounting. You can mount it under a seat or in the
trunk.
When you select a location, do remember that the
amplifier generates a lot of heat.
Choose a location where air can circulate freely
around the amplifier. Do not cover the amplifier with
carpets or hide behind trim panels.
Do not mount the amplifier in an inverted or upside
down position.
Check all locations and placements carefully before
making any cuts, drilling any holes or making any
connections.
This is the best direction to
mount the amplifier to get
the best cooling.
Removal of side flanges
Amplifier protection fuse blows at low
volume:
One or more speaker cables are shorted. Make an
insulation test with a multi meter. The cables must
not have a connection to earth.
The amplifier turns off after 10-30 minutes:
The amplifier is overheating due to inadequate ventilation. Check mounting position is free from
obstruction.
Do this:
1. Move the amplifier to a place with better ventil-
ation.
2. Install one or two fans to cool down the heat sink.
3. Overheating can also be caused by an
impedance load below the level permitted.
No output from the speakers:
Check the following:
1. Speaker cable connections to both amplifier and
subwoofers.
2. Signal lead plugs and cables.
DLS logo on amplifier cooling flange
In order to fasten the amplifier to the surface and
connect speaker and power cables, the flanges on
the sides must be removed. This is done by
loosening the hex screws on top of the amplifier.
Use a 3 mm hex key.
Remove these
screws using a 3
mm hex. key for
removal of side
flange. Remount
after fastening the
amplifier and
connection of the
speaker and power
cables.
2
The DLS logo on top of the amplifier is attached
with two hex. screws. The logo can be removed
and twisted 90 or 180 degrees, and then screwed
back in wanted position. The logo can be mounted
in four different ways to match your installation.
Disconnect Battery
Before starting the installation, always disconnect
the negative terminal of
the battery.
CAT31
Tools and material needed
Tools:
Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
Wire cutter
Wire stripper
Electric drill with drills
Crimping tool
Digital multimeter or test lamp
Wire brush, scraper or a piece
of an abrasive sheet to remove
paint for a good ground connection
Grease to protect the ground
connection from corrosion
Material:
Speaker wire: minimum
12 AWG = 4 mm2 for subwoofers
Sheet metal screws for mounting the
amplifier to the amplifier board and the
amplifier board to the car + some extra
for fuse holder, amplifier ground etc.
Electrical insulation tape
½ inch thick plywood or particle board for
the amplifier to be mounted upon.
Routing wires
Stereo
head unit
Amplifier installation kit:
If available,buy an amplifier installation kit. It
contains normally all you need. This is what you
have to buy if you buy the items separately.
Power cable, AWG 7 = 10 mm2 or heavier
1 pc of fuseholder to install close to the
car battery + fuse 40 Ampere.
20 feet of AWG 15 = 1,5 mm2 wire for
remote turn on / off cable from radio.
RCA-cable for input from radio.
- 20 feet or 5 meter for trunk installations
-12 feet or 2 – 3 meter for under seat
installations
One min. 8 gauge ring crimp terminal
for the amplifier ground connection.
Wire ties
Insulating grommet or insulating tube
High current draw
The CAT31-24 Volt is an amplifier with high power output. The current draw is also high so you must make
sure that your vehicles power system (battery and
alternator) can provide all the power you need. If you
have a bad battery or alternator in can result in a poor
sound or even worse, a broken battery or alternator.
Professional Tip:
If amplifier installation kits are available with different size of power cable, chose the most heavy
power cable to improve sound quality and to allow
more amplifiers to be installed now or later.
If possible buy AWG 5 = PL 16 mm2 (or heavier)
cable for best performance.
3
Remote terminal ( REM )
CAT31
Wiring
Power and Outputs
Power terminal ( +24V)
Connect the fuse holder as close to the vehicle
battery + as possible, using AWG7 = 10 mm2 or
heavier cable. Use ring crimp terminal cable to
connect to battery +. Apply silicon grease to the
fuse to prevent corrosion.
The fuse value depends on the
size of the power cable.
A 16 mm2 cable can have a
60A fuse.
DLS
DLS FH 1B
fuse holder
Connect the battery cable to the +24 Volt terminal
on the amplifier.
Be sure to use a rubber grommet or a plastic
insulating tube where the cable passes the firewall
or other places when it can easily be jammed.
Use wire ties to secure to existing cables in the engine
room. If you buy another power cable than the
recommended, use the follwing maximum fuse
values.
Max. fuse value for different cable sizes:
2
6 mm
(9 AWG) :25 A 10 mm2 (7AWG) :40 A
16 mm2 (5AWG) :60 A 21 mm2 (4AWG) :100 A
2
33 mm
(2AWG) :150 A 42 mm2 (1AWG) :200 A
+24V REM GND
+12V REM GND
For RCA cable signal input:
Connect the radio power antenna lead = remote turn
on/off from the car stereo to the amplifier remote
connection. This turns on the amplifier whenever
the car stereo is turned on.
You can either use the built in remote cable in the
RCA cable itself or use a separate cable.
Sometimes a small disturbance may enter the
amplifier coming from the remote voltage , through
the built in remote wire and into the RCA cable. Thus
we recommend to use a separate remote wire and
run the RCA lead separate from remote wire, power
cables and speaker cables.
You can either use a crimp fork terminal or insert
the cable directly into the amplifier terminal. If there
is no remote voltage available from the stereo, you
must connect to the ignition key through the radio
or any accessories fuse.
For High Level input:
We recommend you to connect the remote wire as
described above.
The amplifier will be turned on/ turned off by the
high level input voltage. This is done when the Hi
level/Low level switch is set to Hi level position.
There is a small disadvantage that this function
gives soft turn on operation but some plop sound
when switching off.
You do not have to connect any remote voltage
when using Hi level input.
+12V REM GND
+24V REM GND
Ground Terminal ( GND )
Connect to a good chassis ground. The ground
connection should be clean, unpainted metal to provide a good electrical connection. Use a wire brush, a
scraper or a piece of an abrasive sheet to clean the
metal. Use a lock washer or two to secure contact.
Protect with silicon grease or by paint applied
afterwards.
+12V REM GND
+24V REM GND
4
Power Light / Protect light
The power light (green ) comes on when
the amplifier is turned on.
The protect light ( red ) comes on when
the amplifier shuts down from
overheating or short circuit.
Fuses
Use only 20 ampere ATC blade
type fuses. CAT31 uses two 20
ampere fuses.
Power
(Green)
Protect
(Red)
20A
Loading...