Precision Power DCX 1500.1, DCX 500.1, DCX 1000.1 User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Congratulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
QBASS PLUS Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Tools/Parts for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Ground Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Current Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Power Wire Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
PowerLock Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
DCX-500.1, 1000.1, 1500.1 Front Plate Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . .13
DCX-500.1, 1000.1, 1500.1 End Plate Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Advanced Instrumentation Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
QBASS PLUS/QBASS Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
TC-X Crossover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Crossover Detent Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Adjusting Input Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
High Mass Internal Heatsink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
AP-IV Protection Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
1
CONGRATULATIONS
Thank you for choosing
PrecisionPower
TM
audio equipment. Designed and engineered in the USA, this product combines innovativ e technology with the finest materials to consistently deliver
Absolutely State of the Art
performance, sound quality, reliability,
and value. This
PrecisionPower
TM
product reflects our commitment to offer you unparalleled performance and quality for years of dependable service and listening enjoyment.
SERVICE
Do not attempt to service
PrecisionPower
TM
products yourself. Performing maintenance on your audio equipment will void the warranty. Many parts of the
PrecisionPower
TM
product are custom built to our specifications. Our factory parts are not made available to anyone else nor are they for sale. Our goal is to make sure that your
PrecisionPower
TM
product will always sound asJ-13.0cdasJ9™63[(PCont 0 7(e sure that y)19.7(our )]TJ12427.8640 09.7(36.3014 434.Tmisteniuthoe fineszduct wedurself)ct 1t.)Tj-21.4597 -1.2 T3871 Tm0 Tw(Precision)Tj/F3 1 Tf4.1113 0 TD-0.0002 Tc[(P)39.6(o)14.8(wer)]TJ2129.85 m40 68320.987 438.6373 Tm-0.0005 Tc(TM)Tj/ur wer
FEATURES
New!
Advanced Instrumentation Input Stage.
New!
24dB/Octave;HP/LP/FULL; 30-4kHz Crossover.
New!
Independent Line Output Crossover 30-4kHz PWM Power Supply Tr iple Darlington Output Stage.
AP-IV
Protection Circuity
QBASS
TM
Bass Boost High Voltage Input Capability with -12dB Attention Switch. Gold Plated RCA Input and Output Connectors.
PowerLock
TM
Speaker and Power Wire Connectors.
2 Yr Warranty; if installed by an Authorized
PrecisionPower
Dealer.
QBASS PLUS SPECIFICATIONS
QBASS PLUS
TM
Up to 18dB of boost with selectable center frequency at 30Hz, 36Hz, 44Hz or 60Hz, with a Q-factor of 2.
Optional
QBASS REMOTE
TM
This boost control can be mounted in the dash and will supersede the boost control on the amplifier endplate.
3
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Ratings
MODEL
4ohm MONO 2ohm MONO
1ohm MONO
DCX 500.1 1 X 200 1 X 300 1 X 500 DCX 1000.1 1 X 400 1 X 600 1 X 1000 DCX 1500.1 1 X 500 1 X 1000 1 X 1500
All power ratings given above are tested at 12.5V; 4 ohms; 20Hz - 200Hz.
General Specifications
Conversion Efficiency >80% @4 ohms Frequency Response 20Hz - 200Hz +0, -1dB Total Har monic Distor tion <0.02% S/N Ratio >80dB Input Sensitivity 200mv - 5 Volts RMS Phase Adjust 0–180°, selectable switch RCA Output Jacks HP/LP/Full; 30Hz to 4kHz Input Impedance 40,000 Ohms Supply Voltage 9 - 16 Volts Damping Factor >50 Slew Rate >50V/µs
QBASS PLUS
TM
Up to +18dB Boost @30, 36, 44, or 60Hz
Crossovers Type/Range LP—30Hz to 250Hz
HP—off/24dB switch 20Hz to 100Hz LP—off/24dB switch 30Hz to 250Hz
Protection Functions Short, thermal, over voltage (16V) and
under voltage (9V)
4
5
Fuse Requirements
You will need to install an in-line fuse or circuit breaker in the power wire within 18” of the battery.This fuse or circuit breaker is to protect your vehicle from fire in case the power wire shorts to the vehicle body. If you are only using one amplifier, use the fuse rating indicated in this chart. If you are using more than one amplifier, add up the fuse ratings for all the amplifiers. This sum is the rating for your fuse or circuit breaker. You may also want to add a power distribution block near your amplifiers to distribute large gauge power cable to multiple amplifiers.
Dimensions
Length Width Height
DCX 500.1 21-½” 10-½” 2-¾” DCX 1000.1 24-¾” 10-½” 2-¾”
DCX 1500.1 29-
3
/8
10-½” 2-¾
Amp Fuse
DCX 500.1 50 A DCX 1000.1 100 A DCX 1500.1 150 A
AMPLIFIER STATUS LEDS
The LEDs provide the following indications:
1. Power - This LED illuminates RED when the amplifier power is turned on with the remote input (output muted). After a short time delay this LED will turn GREEN (amplifier ready).
2. Clip Output - This LED illuminates RED on the peaks of the output signal when the peaks are too high. This clipping causes audible distortion in the speakers.
3. Short - This LED illuminates RED on a short condition. The amplifier will turn off and try to tur n back on.
4.Thermal - This LED illuminates RED on a thermal condition. The amplifier will turn off and turn back on in a minute or so.
Note: Read the AP-IV Protection Circuit section for additional information regarding Short and Thermal protection.
POWER CLIP OUT
SHORT PROTECT THERMAL PROTECT
1 2
3 4
6
TOOLS/PARTS FOR INSTALLATION
NOTE:TOOLS ARE NOT SUPPLIED.
Small flat blade screwdriver Phillips screwdriver (#2 or medium sized) Wire cutters Wire strippers 4 - #6 round head screws, and 1 - #8 sheet metal screw.(or nut, bolt, flat washer, star washer) (see details) 2 - Ring connectors (large enough to accommodate your method of grounding) In-line fuse or circuit breaker Power and ground wire Speaker wire - 12-16 gauge Grommets (sized to work with the power wire you plan to use in y our installation) Tube of silicone sealant
WIRING
Before beginning, disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery prior to connecting the amplifier to the positive (+) 12V terminal to prevent a short to ground and potential damage to wiring and equipment. Some vehicle radios have an anti-theft feature where when the radio is removed from 12V the r adio will no longer function and must be code reset.
7
Note: The cables running from the battery to the rear of the car should be installed on the side of the car opposite to the antenna.
When using 16 gauge wire or larger, run the speaker wires from the amplifier location through the vehicle to the speakers. Observe the same precautions for routing these wires that you followed f or running the power and remote turn on wires. Cut off excess and, using wire strippers, strip 1/4-inch of insulation. Locate the speaker/remote turn­on
Po werLoc k
TM
connector.Loosen the outer scre ws on the underside of the connector. Insert the speaker leads into the end. Check to be sure you've maintained proper polarity bef ore securing each wire, and plug the
Po werLoc k
TM
into the amplifier.
8
Note: The power connector is inserted into the amplifier with the wire clamping screws in the up position as shown below. The two negative outputs are common to each other as the two positive outputs. A speaker may be connected to either terminal.
GROUND WIRING
Locate an area near the amplifier(s) that is metal and clean an area about the size of a quarter down to bare metal. Inspect the area around and underneath to be sure you will not drill into wires, brake or fuel lines, etc.Drill a pilot hole in the middle of this area.Terminate the ground wire with a ring connector and attach it to the bare metal using a #8 sheet metal screw and washer or preferable, a bolt, nut and a star washer. (not supplied). We suggest crimping and
soldering this connection. After the connection is complete, coat the area (on both sides) with silicone or some
similar material to prevent rust from developing on the bare metal. If your total current draw is over 80 amps (
or total power is over 500 watts
). Keep the ground and power wires as close together as possible, and use the same gauge wire for both.This will ensure that you have a good ground path, and may eliminate such potential problems as engine noise and overheated amplifiers.
CHARGING SYSTEM
If your total current draw is over 100 amps (
or total output power is
9
over 600 watts
), you are probably exceeding the capability of your charging system. Dimming lights and fluctuating voltage are solid indicators that you need to upgrade your alternator, battery, or both. You should also check the condition and current capacity of the stock battery negative cable and connections, and replace or upgrade as necessary. Keep in mind that your amplifiers simply convert electrical energy to acoustical energy, and any electrical deficiency will compromise the performance of your sound system. For more information about charging system upgrades, see you local authorized
PrecisionPower
TM
Dealer or call
PrecisionPower
TM
Technical Suppor t
at
1-800-62POWER x2033
.
CURRENT DRAW
The following is a basic formula to be used as a guide to determine current draw. Your new
DCX
amplifier is more efficient than most other amplifiers.This f ormula is to be used as a guideline.Using wire of a larger gauge can only improve the current transfer of your system. Do NOT use smaller wire gauge.
Total RMS output X 1.5 = Total Input Wattage T
otal Input
Wattage
= Current Draw (in Amps)
Supply Voltage
Example:
A DCX
amplifier has two channels at 125 watts per
channel RMS rating into 4 ohms (125X2 = 250 watts). You would use the formula in the following way:
500 W X 1.5 = 750 watts 750W
= 62.5 Amps total current draw
12V
10
If the same amplifier is driven into a 2 ohm stereo or 4 ohm mono load, double it’ s 4 ohm RMS r ating.All
DCX
amplifiers will effectively
double their power at this load.
500W X 1.5 X2 = 1500 watts 1500W
= 125 Amps total current draw
12V
If you are using more than one amplifier, add up the total current draw f or all of them and choose the appropriate gauge based on the grand total.
POWER WIRE SIZE
A minimum of 8 gauge or a maximum of 4 gauge wire is recommended dependent on the application.
The ground wire must be the same gauge as the power wire.
11
POWERLOCK
CONNECTORS
Once you have run both the power and ground wires, then connect the cables to the amplifier. Cut off excess wire, and using wire strippers, strip the ends of the power and ground cables approximately 1/4 inch. Locate the
PowerLock
TM
power and ground connector (supplied). With a small flat blade screwdriver, loosen the screws before attempting to insert the cable wires. Insert the wires into the appropriate hole, and tighten the screws.Once the wires are secure, the
PowerLock
TM
may be plugged into the amplifier. The
Power/Ground
PowerLock
TM
will accommodate 4 gauge wire for the
DCX 500.1, DCX 1000.1
and
DCX 1500.1
.
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DCX-500.1, 1000.1, 1500.1
FRONT PLATE DIAGRAMS
1. Cooling Plenums: Maintain a minimum 2” clearance around
cooling plenums for proper amplifier cooling.
2. Speaker/Remote Connector: Plug in the
PowerLock
TM
connector here.
3. Output Freq. Control: Use this control to adjust the sub bass output signal crossover frequency from 30Hz to 4kHz. (See the Crossover Frequency chart in this manual).
4. Output HP/LP/FULL Switch: Select the desired crossover setting HP/LP/FULL for the signal of the RCA outputs.
5. LPF Level Control: Allows adjustment of the LPF between 30Hz and 250Hz.
6 & 7. QBASS
TM
1 and QBASSTM2 Freq.: Use these switches,
QBASSTM1
and
QBASSTM2
to program the
QBASS PLUS
TM
circuit
frequency.
8. Xover FULL/HP Switch: Select the desired crossover setting FULL/HP.
9. Sub Sonic Adjustment: Adjusts the crossover between 20Hz and 100Hz.
10. Gain: Use this control to match the output level of the source unit to the amplifier.
11. Input: Plug in the RCA leads from your source here.
REM
R
L
OUTPUT
FREQ
LP
PHASE ATT
FULL HP LPF QBASS QBASS INPUT GAIN FULL HP HPF
R
L
30 250
1
0° 180° -12dB
2
MIN MAX
XOVER
20 100
1011121314
1 7 8 9
5432 6
30 4k
OUTPUT XOVER
DCX500.1, 1000.1, 1500.1 Front Panel
13
12. -12dB Input Attenuation: Push this switch ‘IN’ for high voltage (4V-12V) capability. This button pushed ‘IN’ must be used for speaker level input on common ground head-units or for high voltage line drivers.
13. Phase: Adjust the phase of the output relative to the amplifier input.
14. RCA Outputs: RCA outputs provide HP/LP/FULL 30-4kHz signal to another amplifier.
DCX-500.1, 1000.1, 1500.1
END PLATE DIAGRAMS
1. Power/Ground
PowerLock
TM
: After you have securely
connected your power and ground wires, plug in the Power/Ground
PowerLock
TM
connector here. Note that the DCX1000.1 and
1500.1 have two of these receptacles.You must connect the power and ground cables to both
PowerLock
TM
terminals for optimum
operation.
2.
QBASS REMOTE
TM
: Plug in the data cable from the optional
QBASS REMOTE
TM
dash mounted level control here. (The remote
level control will bypass the amplifier’s on board
QBASS
TM
control.
1 1 2 3
4
DCX1000.1, 1500.1 Rear Panel
QBASS
REMOTE
QBASS
0 +16
DCX500.1 Rear Panel
QBASS
REMOTE
QBASS
0 +16
1 2 3 4
14
3.
QBASS
TM
Level Control: Controls bass boost, centered at 40Hz
with up to 18dB of boost.
4. Cooling Plenums: Maintain a minimum 2” clearance around cooling plenums for proper amplifier cooling.
INPUTS
There are two sets of RCA jacks on the front end of your amplifier. The RCA cables from your source unit go in the set labeled INPUTS. If your source unit doesn’t have RCA outputs, then add a set of RCA plugs (available at your dealer) to your front or rear set of speaker leads (see drawing below). Plug them into the input jacks, and push in the -12dB input attenuation switch.
t
15
SOURCE Headunit
eject
VOLUME
123
5
BASS
TREBLE
BALANCE
TRACK
RIGHT
FOWARD
LEFT
4
Trk 1
876
MAR KET
PPI
REVERSE
ING DPT
(+) Positive
(-) Negative
(+) Positive
(-) Negative
LEFT input
RIGHT inpu
ADVANCED INSTRUMENTATION INPUT
The Advanced Instrumentation Input has been incorporated from the legendary
PrecisionPowerTM2500F1
. This circuit completely isolates the chassis ground from the audio circuit of the amplifier and reduces noise radiated into your signal cables by up to 40dB. This is equivalent to a noise reduction of approximately one hundred times what the noise level would be without this circuitry. It provides all the benefits of a true balanced line without the need of any special cables (see diagram below). This type of input works with any conventional RCA cables.
16
QBASS PLUS/QBASS REMOTE
On
DCX 500.1, DCX 1000.1
, and
DCX 1500.1
amplifiers, we’ve
taken bass control to a higher level with
QBASS PLUS
TM
. The two
QBASS
TM
switches (labeled 1 and 2) on the front end of the amplifier allow you to select one of four frequency centers 30Hz, 36Hz, 44Hz and 60Hz. On the rear end plate you will find the
QBASS
TM
level
control and plug-in for an optional
QBASS REMOTE
TM
dash mounted level control. Adjust the level control clockwise for up to +18dB of boost at your selected frequency.
CAUTION:
QBASS PLUS
TM
should only be used in systems with a strong subwoofer section. +18dB is a tremendous amount of bass boost and may damage your speak ers or create e xcessive distortion if abused.
The optional
QBASS REMOTE
TM
: This boost control can be mounted in the dash and will supersede the boost control on the endplate.
The
PrecisionPower DCX
TM
amplifiers no longer need an optional
QPORT
TM
to connect multiple
QBASS PLUS
TM
equipped amplifiers
while using one
QBASS REMOTE
TM
. The new
QBASS PLUS
TM
circuitry in the
DCX
amplifiers is now positioned before the
crossover circuit. In doing this,
PrecisionPower
TM
engineers have allowed you to daisy chain your RCA output to the next amplifier input, causing the first amplifier’s
QBASS REMO TE
TM
to become the
master control amplifier. See your authorized
PrecisionPower
TM
dealer for more information!
QBASS
TM
Settings
1 2 Freq. IN IN 30Hz IN OUT 36Hz
OUT IN 44Hz OUT OUT 60Hz
17
TC-X CROSSOVER
Your new
DCX
amplifier has a
TC-X
Crossover (Total Control X­over®) 30Hz-4kHz (see this guide for Crossover Chart).12dB per octave phase correlated crossover built-in to provide superior system flexibility without the added expense and installation of an outboard crossover. The speaker outputs of your amplifier are high pass, low pass, or all-pass according to the HP/LP/FULL switch on the front endplate. You would choose low pass (middle position of switch) to use this amplifier for subwoofers, choose high pass (left position of switch), or full (right position of switch) to use this amplifier for full range speakers.
The RCA outputs are controlled by a separate HP/LP/FULL switch, and are always independent of the speaker output crossover. As well as being able to independently select HP/LP/FULL, your new
DCX
amplifier allows independent selection of frequencies from
30Hz-4kHz (see Crossover Detent Chart in this guide).
DCX 500.1/1000.1/1500.1
Front - 24dB/Octave, Detented High Pass 30Hz-4kHz Output - 12dB/Octave, Detented; HP/LP/FULL Sub-Sonic - 12dB/Octave Detented; High Pass; 5Hz-80Hz
QBASS PLUS
TM
- on Front Channel - up to 18dB @ 30, 36, 44, 60Hz
18
CROSSOVER DETENT CHART
Detent #
Low Pass
Frequency (Hz)
@ -3dB
High Pass
Frequency (Hz)
@ -3dB 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41
28 28 30 30 30 32 34 36 38 42 46 50 52 54 60 66 76
88 100 116 136 144 168 198 240 286 310 340 380 424 484 576 632 748 932
1076 1428 1700 2436 2830 2980
52 52 52 56 56 60 64 72 76 80 88
92 100 116 132 148 168 192 216 244 284 348 404 468 512 564 624 700 800 932
1036 1144 1300 1504 1812 2196 2840 4116 4540 4728 4728
19
ADJUSTING INPUT GAIN
1. Adjust all amplifier input gain controls to just above minimum
sensitivity (fully counterclockwise).
2. Using the cleanest music source (CD) playing, turn up the head unit source volume until you can hear distortion. Now turn it down a bit until you cannot hear the distortion (usually just below full volume).
3. Increase the amplifier gain (clockwise) until the onset of audible distortion. Then decrease the gain to the point just before the distortion starts. This setting minimizes background noise and prevents overload.
4. Repeat step 3 for any remaining independently controlled amplifiers (rear and subwoofer gain controls) in the system.
HIGH MASS INTERNAL HEATSINK
The unique heatsink on your
DCX
amplifier has been designed with fins on the inside of the aluminum extrusion. This allows for the transfer of heat from the circuitry to the heatsink fins and out through the vents in the endplates.Be sure you provide ample space around the amplifier for cooling: at least 2” on all sides.
AP-IV PROTECTION CIRCUIT
Short Circuit Protection engaged: The
DCX
amplifiers will turn off and try to come back on immediately.The amplifier will cycle like this indefinitely with “blips” of sound each time. If this is the case, check your speakers and wiring for low impedance and short circuits. Thermal Protection engaged. The
DCX
amplifiers will turn off and after a minute or so will come back on.In this case, ensure that there is nothing blocking the normal conv ection airflo w of the amplifier. No obstruction should be within 2” of the amplifier on all sides.
Note: Low battery voltage will cause the amplifier to run warmer and possibly damage the amplifier.
TROUBLESHOOTING
20
NO SOUND Is the LED illuminated?
YES NO
Check Power and Remote turn-on wire for voltage. Make sure the ground wire is secure.
STILL NO SOUND
See your Authorized
PrecisionPower
TM
Dealer or call 1-800-62POWER.
SOUND IN ONE CHANNEL ONL
Y
Reverse the left and right speakers by unplugging the speaker connector, turning it over and plugging it back in.
SOUND IS NO
W IN
OPPOSITE CHANNEL SAME CHANNEL
Reverse RCA inputs. Problem is in the speaker or
speaker wire of the silent channel.
SOUND IS NO
W IN
OPPOSITE CHANNEL SAME CHANNEL
Reverse RCA inputs Problem is in the amplifier. at head unit. See your local Authorized
PrecisionPower Dealer or call 1-800-62POWER.
SOUND IS NO
W IN
OPPOSITE CHANNEL SAME CHANNEL
Problem is in the head Problem is in the RCA unit or before the amplifier. cables.
21
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