DLS Svenska AB DLS CA12 User Manual

How to install and

operate the

DLS CA12

500 Watts

mono 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.

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

Phase control.....………………...… 6

Speaker wiring.............………….…. 6

Testing.......................................... 6

Professional tips…………………….. 7

Specifications

DLS CLASSIC CA12

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.

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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 [e-mail].
Information can also be found on our WEB-site
www.dls.se

Technical Assistance

Number of channels 1
Power output:
R.M.S. output in 4 ohm (0,1% THD) 1 x 220 W
R.M.S. output in 2 ohm (0,4% THD) 1 x 400 W
R.M.S. output in 1 ohm (0,5% THD) 1 x 500 W
All above output power ratings at 13,8 Volt
Signal to noise ratio, A-weighted >100 dB
Damping factor >100
Frequency response 10 Hz - 35 kHz
Input impedance, low level 10 kohm
Input impedance, high level 100 ohm
Input sensitivity 0,25 - 5V
RCA output yes
Phase control 0-180 degrees variable yes
Filter subsonic 15 - 150 Hz
Filter lowpass 12/24 dB slope 50 - 500 Hz
Power consumption, idle 0,8 A
Maximum current draw 80 A
Built-in fan cooling in bottom plate yes
Fuse 2 x 30A
Dimensions (mm) 67x295x250
Dimensions (inch) 2,63x11,6x9,84
Weight 3,8 kg (8,4 lb)

DLS Svenska AB

P.O. Box 13029

S-40251 Göteborg, Sweden

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

www.dls.se

Approval of electromagnetic compatability according
to the EEC Directive 95/54/EC

E 13 Approval No: 022495

We follow a policy of continuous advancement in
development. For this reason all or part of specifications
& designs may be changed without prior notice.

CA12 include

 RCA input and output
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 High level input with auto start

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 Continuous variable low pass crossover
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 Continuous variable subsonic crossover

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 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.

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.

CA12

Troubleshooting

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 9-15 volt. Check the voltage with a multi meter.

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 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.

Disconnect Battery

Before starting the instal­lation, always disconnect
the negative terminal of
the battery.

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Check the following:

1. Speaker cable connections to both amplifier and

subwoofers.

2. Signal lead plugs and cables.

DLS logo on amplifier cooling flange

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.

CA12

Tools and material needed

Tools:

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 Flat and Phillips screwdrivers

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 Wire cutter

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 Wire stripper

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 Electric drill with drills

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 Crimping tool

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 Digital multimeter or test lamp

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 Wire brush, scraper or a piece

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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.

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 Electrical insulation tape

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Routing wires

Stereo

head unit

 ½ inch thick plywood or particle board for

the amplifier to be mounted upon.

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
 20- 25 feet = 6- 7.5 meter power cable,

minimum AWG 5 = 16 mm2 or heavier.

 1 pc of fuseholder to install close to the

car battery + fuse 60 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

 Two ring crimp terminals –one

for connection to the battery plus and one
for the amplifier ground connection.

 Two heavy fork crimp terminals to connect

+ and – to amplifer – but you do only need
them if you use heavy cable or to make the
installation look nicer.

 Four to eight fork crimp terminals to

connect the speaker cables – but you do
only need them if you use heavy cables or
want the installation to look nicer.

 One fork crimp terminal to connect the

remote wire to the amplifier, but you need it
only to make it look nicer.

 Four to eight splicers to connect speaker

cables to high level input cable, if high level
input is used.

 Wire ties
 Insulating grommet or insulating tube

High current draw

The CA12 is a mono 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 4 = PL 21 mm2 (or heavier)
cable for best performance.

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