Lighting Audio B3.150.2, B3.200.2 Installation And Operation Manual

Introduction

I

1\11\1

Thank you for purchasing the Lightning Audio Amplifier.
Our customers have come

push the edge
els.

If,
that you see your Lightning Audio dealer. If you need further assistance, you can call us direct
at 1-888-881-8186. Be sure
purchase available when you call.

The serial number can be found on the outside of the box. Please record it
below
become useful

Serial Number:

Model Number:

DV

ATE

in

after reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this product, we recommend

as

your permanent record. This will serveasverification of your factory warranty and may

in

DR

the amplifier and woofer business with high value and high performance mod-

recovering your amplifier if itisever stolen.

DI!iII\lTE6RATE

to

expect that Lightning Audio pushes the edgeinaudio.

to

have your serial number, model number and the dated proof of

in

the space provided

Now

we will

Table

Introduction 2
Safety Instructions 2
Design Features
Installation 4-7

Installation Considerations 4
Mounting Locations 4
Battery and Charging 5
Wiring the System 5
Using Passive Crossovers 7

NOTE: Review each section for more detailed information.

Safety

of

Contents

Instructions

Operation

Adjusting Gain 8

3

Adjusting Crossover (X-Over) 8

Troubleshooting
Specifications 8
Limited Warranty Information 9

International

This symbol with "WARNING" is intendedtoalert the user to

LhWARNING

the presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the
instructions will result

in

severe injuryordeath.

This symbol with "CAUTION"isintended to alert the user to

LhCAUTION

the presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the
instructions can result

in

injury or unit damage.

Instructions

8

8

10

To

~

CAUTION:

prevent injury and damage to the unit, please read and follow the
instructions
system, not a headache.

~

CAUTION

If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it
installed by a qualified Lightning Audio technician.

~

CAUTION

Before installation, disconnect the battery negative
vent damage

2

in

this manual.

to

the unit, fire and/or possible injury.

We

want you to have enjoyment from this

(-)

terminal to pre-

PRACTICE SAFE SOUNDTM

Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 100dB may cause

permanent hearing loss. High powered auto sound systems may produce sound

pressure levels well over 130dB. Use common sense and practice safe sound.

Design

Features

B3.1SD.i!
B3.i!OO.i!

2-Channel

H

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A.

High

Level (Speaker)

with 20 AWG leads. These inputs should be used if the source unit has only speaker line
(high level) outputs and not RCA outputs.

B.

RCA

Input

Jacks

provides
degradation caused by corrosion.

C.

Gain

They can be adjusted

D.

Crossover

E.

Speaker

connect any speaker wires together.

F.

Power

G.

Power

Never replace the fuse with one

H.

Adjustable

I.

Juice

an

easy connection

Control:

Connector
Fuse: If this Fuse should blow, determine the cause or see your authorized dealer.

Boost

The input gain control is preset to match the outputofmost

Filter

Connections:

Crossover

Switch:

Inputs:

- Line Level from Radio Pre-outs: The industry standard RCA jack

to

Switch:

terminals:

Frequency

Applies

The high level inputs use a detachable

for

signal level input. They are gold-platedtoresist the signal

match

Follow correct polarity, anddonot Ground any speaker wires. Do not

output

High for High Pass - Mid-Tweeter.
Off for All Pass - Full Range.
Low for Low Pass - Subs.

Connects Power, Ground, and Remote

of

6dBof50Hz Bass Boost.

levels from a varietyofsource units.

greater value than the original

Control:

40-400Hz

FG

connector

source units.

terminated

3

Installation

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

The followingisa listoftools needed for installation:

Volt/Ohm Meter
Wire strippers
Wire crimpers
Wire cutters
#2

Phillips screwdriver

Battery post wrench

This section focusesonsome of the vehicle considerations for installing your new Amplifier.
Pre-planning your system layout and best wiring routes will save installation time. When
deciding on the layout of your new system, be sure that each component will be easily
accessible for making adjustments.

Lt.

CAUTION:

If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it

Hand held drill w/assorted bits
1/8" diameter heatshrink tubing

Assorted connectors
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate Length-Black-Grounding Wire

Length-Red
Length-Remote

Power Wire

Turn-on Wire

installed by a qualified technician.

(-)

Lt.

CAUTION:

Before installation, disconnect the battery negative

terminal to

prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.

Before beginning any installation, follow these simple rules:

1.

Be suretocarefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install the unit.

2.

For safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to beginning the installation.

3.

For easier assembly, we suggest you run

4.

Route allofthe

5.

Use high quality connectors for a reliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.

RCA

cables close together and away from any high current wires.

all

wires prior to mounting your unitinplace.

6.

Think before you drill!
hydraulic lines, vacuum lines or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle.

7.

Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires inside the vehicle provides the

best protection.

8.

Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic grommets to protect
any wires routed through metal, especially the firewall.

9.

ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage with proper fusing. Install
the appropriate fuse holder and fuse on the +12V power wire within 18" (45.7 cm)
battery terminal.

10. When grounding to the chassis
good, clean ground connection. Grounding connections should be
always be connected to metal that

Be

careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake or

of

the vehicle, scrape

is

welded to the main body, or chassis, of the vehicle.

all

paint from the metal to ensure a

as

shortaspossible and

of

MOUNTING LOCATIONS

The mounting position of your amplifier will have a great effect on the sound performance

produced.

Engine Compartment

in

Never mount this unit

will void your warranty.

Trunk Mounting

the engine compartment. Mounting the unitinthe engine compartment

the

Mounting the amplifier vertically will provide the best cooling of the amplifier.

on

Mounting the amplifier
vertical mounting.

Mounting the amplifier upside down to the rear deck
and will severely affect the performance of the amplifier and

4

the floorofthe trunk will work but provides less cooling capability than

of

the trunk will not provide proper cooling

is

strongly not recommended.

Installation

Passenger Compartment Mounting

Mounting the amplifierinthe passenger compartment will workaslongasyou provide a

of

sufficient amount
under the seat of the vehicle, you must have at least 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's
heatsink.

Mounting the amplifier with less than
passenger compartment will not provide proper cooling and will severely affect the performance
of the amplifier and

air for the amplifier to cool itself. If you

1"

(2.54cm)ofair gap around the amplifier's heatsinkinthe

is

strongly not recommended.

BATTERY AND CHARGING

are

going to mount the amplifier

Amplifiers will putanincreased loadonthe vehicle's battery and charging system.
recommend checking your alternator and battery condition to ensure that the electrical system

of

has enough capacity to handle the increased load

in

systems which are
Audio amplifier without problems, although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly.
maximize the performance of your amplifier, we suggest the use of a heavy duty battery and
energy storage capacitor.

good condition should be able to handle the extra load of any Lightning

your stereo system. Stock electrical

We

WIRING THE SYSTEM

t CAUTION:

~

Lh

CAUTION: Before installation, disconnect the battery negative

If

you do not feel comfortable with wiring your new unit, please see

your local Authorized Lightning Audio Dealer for installation.

(-)

terminal

to

prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.

t CAUTION: Avoid running power wires near the low level input cables, antenna,

~

1.

Plan

the wire routing. Keep

power cables and any high power auto accessories, especially electric motors. This
to prevent coupling the noise from radiated electrical fields into the audio signal. When
feeding the wires through the firewall or any metal barrier, protect them with plastic or rubber

grommets to prevent short circuits. Leave the wires long at this point to adjust for a precise
fit at a later time.

power leads, sensitive equipment or harnesses. The power wires
carry substantial current and could induce noise into the audio
system.

RCA

cables close together but isolated from the amplifier's

is

done

To

an

2.

Prepare the
insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the

set screw to secure the cable

NOTE: The B+ cable MUST be fused 18" or less from the vehicle's battery. Install the fuseholder

under the hood and prepare the cable ends

tight.

3.

Trim

the

end of the wire.

4.

Strip 1/2" from the battery end of the power cable and crimp a large ring terminal to the
cable. Use the ring terminal to connect to the battery positive terminal.

fuse

at

5.

Prepare the BLACK wire (Ground cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of

insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the
the set screw to secure the cable
from the metal surface and thoroughly clean the area of

end of the wire and attach a ring connector. Fasten the cable to the chassis using a non­anodized screw and a star washer.

RED

wire (power cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of

RED

wire (power cable) within 18"ofthe battery and strip 1/2"of insulation from the

this time.

B+

terminal and tighten the

in

place.

as

stated above. Connections should be water

DO NOT install the

GND

terminal and tighten

in

place. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint

all

dirt and grease. Strip the other

5

Installation

6.

Prepare the
from the wire end. Insert the bared wire into the
secure the cable into place. Connect the other endofthe
positive source. The switched voltage is usually taken from the source unit's accessory lead.
If the source unit does not have this output available, the recommended solution is
mechanical switch

REM

turn-on wire for connectiontothe amplifier by stripping 1/2"ofinsulation

REM

terminal and tighten the set screw

REM

wiretoa switched 12 volt

in

line with a 12 volt sourcetoactivate the amplifier.

to

to

wire a

7. Securely mount the amplifier

amplifier on cardboard

to

the vehicleoramp rack. Be careful nottomount the

or

plastic panels. Doing so may enable the screwstopullout

the panel duetoroad vibrationorsudden vehicle stops.

8. Connect the source signal

to

the amplifier by plugging the RCA cables/high level inputs into

the input jacks at the amplifier.

9. Connect the speakers. Strip the speaker wires 1/2" and insert into the speaker terminal

to

and tighten the set screw
DO

NOT chassis ground anyofthe speaker leads as unstable operation may result.

10. Perform a final check

of

secure into place. Be suretomaintain proper speaker polarity.

the completed system wiringtoensure that all connections are
accurate. Check all power and ground connections for frayed wires and loose connections
which could cause problems.

NOTE: Follow the diagrams for proper signal polarity.

& CAUTION:

These amplifiers are not recommended for impedance loads below
2 Q stereo and/or 4 Q bridged (mono).

& CAUTION:

Use only one input configuration. Using both the RCA and High Level
inputs will cause undesirable operation.

Power
Connection

-----;.;;;.;;;;;;;;;;=;;;;l,--

~~~;;.;;.,

ConnecttoSource unit's
accessory lead or

switched 12v source

from

Connect

_ chassis

-ofvehicle*

NEG

Vehicle Battery

2-Channel

~9

c:u:u::t

-_..

'Io,,;:··=·=;;....;;,i..;;Cl;;;;...;;;«D,.«D~~;;;;...;;;-~-.=.-~-;;;;...;;;Cl~.

~;<.,

RCA

Inputs

4Q

-~"-------''-'"~-----~

L.--lIIlIl-ro~

min.

Source

Unit

-~l==~

c:.

*5eeNoteBelow

~

I==~

(L+)Green~

(L-) Green/Black

(R+)

Gray :

(R-) Gray/Black :

- - -~:

, ,

, ,

, ,

, ,
,

.

:

1_--------------------------

---

-----------

*Keep Groundsasshortaspossible

--------~

-- --

--

- -

--

------

----

---

1

1

.

to

ground

~_mplifier

,

1:";'":.1

"0"

'OW,"

©J

0

+L-••R.

High

Level ©

nput

6

Installation

*NOTE: When using High Level Inputs, if audible engine noiseispresent, connect the Black

wire

to

chassis ground. If noiseisstill present, contact your local authorized dealer or

Lightning Audio customer service.

USING PASSIVE CROSSOVERS

A passive crossoverisa circuit that
uses capacitors and/or coils and
placed
amplifier and speaker. The crossover
delegates a specific range
frequencies to the speaker for
optimum driver performance. A
crossover network can perform one of
three functions: High-Pass
(capacitors), Low-Pass (inductors or
coils)
capacitor and coil).

The most commonly used passive

crossover networks
systems. These
and require one component per filter.

Placing this filter
circuit will reduce power
speaker by 6dB/octave above or

below the crossover point depending
on whether it
pass filter. More complex systems
such
can cause impedance problems if not
professionally designed.

Passive crossovers
dependent upon the speaker's
impedance and component value for
accuracy. When passive crossover
components
speaker systems, the crossover's
effect
be taken into consideration along with

the speaker's impedance when
determining amplifier loads.

on

speaker leads between the

of

and

Bandpass (combination of

are

6dB/octave

are

easytoconstruct

in

series with the

to

is

a high-pass or low-

as

12dB/octave or 18dB/octave

are

directly

are

usedinmultiple

on

the overall impedance should

is

the

6dB/Octave

Freq.
Hertz

2 OHMS 4 OHMS

e

80 4.1mH
100 3.1mH
130 2.4mH

200 1.6mH
260 1.2mH

400 .8mH

.31mH

.08mH

more

.5mH

information,

600
800 .41mH

1000

1200 .25mH
1800 .16mH
4000

6000 51mH
9000 34mH

12000 25mH

For

---jf-

_-===----'1

Low-Pass

6dB/Octave

Speaker Impedance

m

1000IJF

800IJF
600IJF

400IJF
300IJF
200IJF

136IJF
100IJF

78IJF

66IJF
44IJF
20IJF

14IJF

9.51JF

6.61J

L =

C

= High-Pass (Capacitor)

e

8.2mH

6.2mH

4.7mH

3.3mH

2.4mH

1.6mH

1.0mH
.82mH
.62mH

.51mH
.33mH
.16mH

.10mH

68mH

F

51mH

Low-Pass

see

Audio

Dealer.

m

500IJF
400IJF
300IJF

200IJF
150IJF
100IJF

68IJF
50IJF
39IJF

33IJF
22IJF
10IJF

6.81JF

4.71JF

3.31JF

(Inductor)

your

Authorized

J

m

High-Pass

80HMS

e

16mH
12mH
10mH

6.8mH

4.7mH

3.3mH

2.0mH

1.6mH

1.2mH

1.0mH
.68mH
.33mH

.20mH

.15mH

100mH

1'

'.IT.0:

I'~'i

J~.I:

"~

m

250IJF
200IJF
150IJF

100IJF

75IJF
50IJF

33IJF
26IJF

20IJF

16IJF
10IJF

5IJF

F

3.31J

2.21JF

1.61JF

Lightning

+CAUTION: The Lightning Audio amplifiers

L..U. loads below 2n stereo and 4 n bridged (mono) loads.

are

not recommended for impedance

7

Operation

ADJUSTING GAIN

To

adjust the gain setting, turn the amplifier gains all the way down. Turn the source unit volume

up until distortion is audible and then turn it
the amplifier gain setting until once again distortion is audible and then back it down until the
distortion is inaudible.

NOTE: For a more in depth setting procedure, contact Lightning Audio Technical Support.

down

a bit until the distortionisinaudible. Next, turn

ADJUSTING CROSSOVER {X-OVER}

Turn the crossover adjustment knob all the way down. With the system playing at normal

listening level, turn the crossover adjustment knob up slowly until the desired crossover point is

achieved.

Troubleshooting

Symptom

Amplifier does
turn

on.

Amplifier Noise

(Turn-On Pop)

Engine Noise

not

Diagnosis

B+orREM

15.5 volts ornovoltage present and wiring

Amplifierisnot properly grounded. Check wiring

Voltage spike from source unit

entering amplifier's input terminalifpops

Noiseisradiating into signal cables

not between 10.5 and Check the alternator, battery, fuse,

Specifications

B3.150.i!!

• Maximum Power: 450 watts

• Power Rating: 50w x 2 @ 40hms

75w x 2
150w x 1

• Input Sensitivity: 100mV - 5V

• High Level Input: 1.5V - 10V

• Signal to Noise Ratio: > 70dSA

• Channel Separation: 50dS

• Crossover: High/Low/All Pass switch

• Crossover Type: Variable

• Amplifier Fuse Value: 25Amp

• Chassis Size: 2"H x 11.1"W x

@ 20hms

@ 40hms

40-400Hz

(1)
7"0

Remedy

and

repairasnecessary

and

repairasnecessary

is

Connect turn-on module to

are

eliminated with

no

input signal to amplifier

Re-route signal cables away from
sources of high current

REM

B3.i!!OO.i!!

• Maximum Power: 600 watts

• Power Rating: 75w x 2 @ 40hms

100w x 2

200w

• Input Sensitivity: 100mV - 5V

• High Level Input: 1.5V - 10V

• Signal to Noise Ratio: > 70dSA

• Channel Separation: 50dS

• Crossover: High/Low/All Pass switch

• Crossover

• Amplifier Fuse Value: 30Amp

• Chassis Size: 2"H x 11.1"W x

@ 20hms

x 1 @ 40hms

Type:

Variable

40-400Hz

(1)

7.5"0

Specifications subject to change without notice

8

Limited

Warranty

Information

Lightning

Audio

offers a limited warranty on

productsonthe

following terms:

• LengthofWarranty

Speakers

One year parts and labor warranty. Requires proof of purchase.

Amplifiers

One year parts and labor warranty. Requires proof of purchase.
Bolt: One year parts and labor warranty. Requires proof of purchase.
Strike and Storm: One year parts and labor warranty. Requires proof of purchase.
Or,

CT-1

Two years parts and labor warranty if installed by a Authorized

andPC2

One

year parts and labor warranty. Requires

proofofpurchase.

Dealer.

Requires proofofpurchase.

• What is Covered

This warranty applies only to Lightning Audio products sold to consumers by Authorized Lightning Audio
Dealers
Authorized Lightning Audio Dealerinanother country
not by Lightning Audio.

in

the United StatesofAmerica or its possessions. Product purchased by consumers from

are

covered only by that country's Distributor and

an

• Who is Covered

This warranty covers only the original purchaserofLightning Audio product purchased fromanAutho­rized Lightning Audio Dealer
Lightning Audio with a copy of the receipt stating the customer name, dealer name, product purchased
and date

• Products found to be defective during the warraflty period will be repaired or replaced (with a product
deemed

of

purchase.

to

be equivalent) at Lightning Audio's discretion.

in

the United States.Inordertoreceive service, the purchaser must provide

• What is Not Covered

1.

Damage caused by accident, abuse, improper operations, water, theft, shipping

2. Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product

3. Service performed by anyone other than Lightning Audio

4.

Any product which has had the serial number defaced, altered, or removed

5. Subsequent damage to other components

6.

Any product purchased outside the U.S.

7.

Any product not purchased fromanAuthorized Lightning Audio Dealer

or

an Authorized Lightning Audio Service Center

• Limit on Implied Warranties

Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability
the periodofthe express warranty set forth above. Some states do not allow limitations on the length
an

implied warranty, so this limitation may not apply. No personisauthorized to assume for Lightning

Audio any other liability

•

•

HowtoObtain Service

Please call 1-888-881-8186 for Lightning Audio Customer Service.
Authorization number) to return any product
product
Mark

This product meets the currentEUwarranty requirements, see your Authorized dealer for details.

to

Lightning Audio. Always include ProofofPurchase.

RA#onoutsideofshipping carton.

EU

Warranty

in

connection with the sale of the product.

to

Lightning Audio.

You

You

must obtainanRA# (Return

are

responsible for shipment of

are

limitedinduration

to

of

Ship to:

Electronics

Lightning Audio

Warranty Repair Department

E.

2055

5th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
RA#:

-------------

Ship to: Speakers
Lightning Audio
Speaker Returns
3056 Walker Ridge
Walker,

MI

49544

RA#:

Dr.

Suite G.

9

09/058.M.

1230-52315-02

Printed

in

China