Rockford PunchX Owner's Manual

® ®

car audio

for

fanatics

®

2/3- Way
Electronic Crossover

®

punch

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio signal

processors. At Rockford Fosgate we are committed to musical reproduction at its best,
and we are pleased you chose our product. Through years of engineering expertise, hand
craftsmanship and critical testing procedures, we have created a wide range of products
that reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.

For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Rockford Fosgate
product installed by an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer, as we provide specialized
training through Rockford Technical Training Institute (RTTI). Please read your
warranty and retain your receipt and original carton for possible future use.

To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your Rockford
accessories, which include everything from T-shirts and jackets to hats and sunglasses.

To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accessories, in the
U.S. call 602-967-3565 or FAX [phone]. For all other countries, call +001-602­967-3565 or FAX [phone].

PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™

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.

If, after reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this product,
we recommend that you see your Rockford Fosgate dealer. If you need further
assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-669-9899. Be sure to have your serial
number, model number and date of purchase available when you call.

The serial number can be found on the outside of the box. Please record it in
the space provided below as your permanent record. This will serve as
verification of your factory warranty and may become useful in recovering your
equipment if it is ever stolen.

Serial Number: ____________________
Model Number:____________________

T

ABLE OF

C

ONTENTS

Introduction...............................................................................................1

Accessory Pack .........................................................................................1

Design Features .........................................................................................1

Installation Considerations ..........................................................................3

Mounting Location .....................................................................................4

Wiring the System......................................................................................4

Punch X Installation ...................................................................................6

Punch X Operation .....................................................................................8

Troubleshooting.......................................................................................11

Specifications ..........................................................................................13

Warranty Information ...............................................................................14

International Information...........................................................................16

GETTING STARTED

Welcome to Rockford Fosgate! This manual is designed to provide information
for the owner, salesperson and installer. For those of you who want quick
information on how to install this product, please turn to the

Section

of this manual or refer to the icons listed below. Other information can
be located by using the Table of Contents. We, at Rockford Fosgate, have
worked very hard to make sure all the information in this manual is current. But,
as we are constantly finding new ways to improve our product, this information
is subject to change without notice.

Installation

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Sections marked

ADVANCED OPERATION

include in-depth

technical information

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Sections marked

INSTALLATION

include “slam dunk”

wiring connections

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Sections marked

TROUBLESHOOTING

include recommendations for

curing

installation problems

I

NTRODUCTION

The Punch X is a 2/3-way electronic crossover designed to filter sound into
frequency ranges the way a prism filters light into colors. The Punch X has
a total of 3 stereo inputs and 3 stereo outputs and uses gold-plated RCA
connectors for reliable signal transfer. The unique Signal Switching Network
configures the inputs to accept 1, 2, or 3 pairs of RCAs. Outputs A & B are
dedicated High-Pass filters with continuously adjustable crossover points
ranging from 80Hz to 460Hz. Output C is a dedicated Low-Pass filter with
a continuously adjustable crossover point ranging from 50Hz to 210Hz. The
Punch X electronic crossover is easy to use in any system and works perfectly
for common front/rear systems using a dedicated subwoofer.

A

CCESSORY PACK

Installation and Operation Manual
(4) Phillips Mounting Screws
(1) Removable Power Connector

D

ESIGN FEATURES

1. RCA Input Jacks – The industry standard RCA jacks provide easy
connections for signal level input. They are gold-plated to resist the signal
degradation caused by corrosion.

2. RCA Output Jacks – The RCA output jacks are used to connect the
outputs of the crossover to the inputs of the amplifier. They are gold­plated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.

3. Variable Crossover Controls – The variable crossover controls allow
each filter to be easily adjusted and “dialed in” to the desired crossover
frequency.

– 1 –

4. Signal Switching Network – The configuration of these switches deter­mines the number of inputs needed to operate the crossover. They can be
configured to accept 1, 2, or 3 pairs of inputs.

5. LED Power Indicator – The LED gives a visual indication of the status of
the crossover, lighting when the unit is turned on.

6. Power Connector – The power connector provides a convenient connec­tion for ground, power and remote. The connector uses “screw lock”
terminals to secure the power wires and is removable for quick discon­nects.

7. B+ Fuse – The internal B+ fuse protects the power supply and battery from
short circuits and power failures.

4

65

7

LED

®

55

65

50

REM B+ GND

Low-Pass

C
80

110

210

145

190

High­Pass

High­Pass

Low­Pass

L

Output

A

R

L

Output

B

R

L

Output

C

R

2

Input

A

L

R

A
B
C

1 IN 3 OUT

B
C

B

2 IN 3 OUT

ACA

A

Signal Switching Network

AA
B
C

B

B

C

C

3 IN 3 OUT

L

1

Input

B

R

Input

C

High-Pass

L

R

A

130

110

90

85

460

80

Hz Hz Hz

180

260
380

High-Pass

B

130

180

110

90

85

260
380

460

80

3

– 2 –

I

NSTALLATION

The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the Punch X.
Red power wire Wire strippers

Blue remote turn-on wire Wire cutters
Black grounding wire Voltmeter
Electric hand drill w/assorted bits Jeweler's slotted screwdriver
Battery post wrench

This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for installing your new
Punch X. Pre-planning your system layout and best wiring routes will save
installation time. When deciding how to lay out your new system, be sure that
each component will be easily accessible for making adjustments.

Before beginning any installation, be sure to follow these simple rules:

1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting
to install the Punch X.

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

3. For easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to mounting your
Punch X in place.

4. Route all of the RCA cables close together and away from any high current
wires.

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

6. Think before you drill! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines,
brake or 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 fuseholder and fuse on the +12V power wire
within 18” (45.7 cm) of the battery terminal.

10. When grounding to the chassis of the vehicle, scrape all paint from the metal
to ensure a good, clean ground connection. Grounding connections should
be as short as possible and always be connected to metal that is welded to
the main body, or chassis, of the vehicle.

C

ONSIDERATIONS

– 3 –

M

OUNTING LOCATION

The mounting location for the Punch X should allow easy access to the controls
for making necessary adjustments. The Punch X will most likely be adjusted only
at the time of installation and will not need further adjustment unless changes to
the audio system are performed. To ensure optimum performance, care should
be taken when mounting the crossover in the following locations:

Engine Compartment

Mounting the Punch X in the engine compartment will void your warranty. The
only thing that should be mounted in the engine compartment is that big metal
thing that makes the vehicle go fast.

Passenger Compartment Mounting

Mounting the crossover in the passenger compartment will provide easy access
for making adjustments by ear. Select an area which is free from excessive dirt
or dust. If mounting under the seat, be sure the Punch X will avoid misadjustment
from driver or passenger seat movement.

Trunk Mounting

Select an area which will avoid possible damage or misadjustment from loading
and unloading items such as groceries, golf clubs and packages from the trunk.

W

IRING THE SYSTEM

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

1. Wire the Power Connector

The B+ lead should be connected to a source of non-switched 12 volts DC.
Prepare a length of cable from the constant +12V by stripping 3/8" of insulation
from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal of the power
connector and fasten the screw.

NOTE: The B+ lead of the audio system MUST be fused 18" or less from
the vehicle's battery. Install a fuseholder, along with the necessary fuse,
under the hood. Connections should be water tight.

The REM lead should be connected to the remote turn-on or power antenna
output from the source unit. Prepare a length of cable from the source of
switched voltage by stripping 3/8" of insulation from the end of the wire. Insert
the bared wire into the REM terminal of the power connector and fasten the
screw. Total current consumption through this lead is negligible.

– 4 –

The GND lead should be connected to the chassis ground of the vehicle.
Prepare a length of cable (approximately 12" long) to be used for the ground
lead by stripping 3/8" of insulation from each end. Insert one end of bared
wire into the GND terminal of the power connector and fasten the screw.
Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint from the metal surface and
thoroughly clean the area of all dirt and grease. Attach a ring connector to
the other end of the wire. Fasten the cable to the chassis using a non­anodized screw and star washer.

2. Connect the Source Inputs

Determine the number of outputs you will use from the source unit/equalizer.
Configure the Signal Switching Network accordingly (refer to page 6 for more
information) and connect the RCA cables to the inputs of the Punch X
crossover.

3. Connect the Outputs to the Amplifiers

Connect the appropriate outputs from the Punch X to the corresponding
inputs on the amplifiers. Be sure the High-Pass channels connect to the high
frequency amplifiers and the Low-Pass channel connects to the low
frequency amplifier.

4. Adjust the Crossover Points

DO NOT TURN THE SYSTEM ON! Before turning the system on, check the
setting of each crossover point and make any final adjustments. This will
prevent sending potentially damaging frequencies to the speakers.

– 5 –

I

NSTALLATION

® ®

Power Connections

GND B+ REM

Less than 18"

Connect to chassis
ground of vehicle.

–

+

Connect to B+ of

battery with a 1/2

amp fuse.

Connect to remote

turn-on lead of

source unit.

Signal Switching Network
Configuration #1

The Signal Switching Network determines the number of inputs needed to operate
the crossover. The orientation of all three switches configures the distribution
pattern. Depending on your system requirements, the crossover can be config­ured to accept 1, 2, or 3 pairs of inputs.

I
N
S
T
A
L
L
A
T
I
O
N

A Input =>A, B, C Output

LED

ACA
B

2 IN 3 OUT

180

260

380

460

B
C

AA

B

B

C

C

3 IN 3 OUT

High-Pass

B

130

180

110

90

85

460

80

A

Input

Input

Input

A

B

C

R

L

R

L

R

C

1 IN 3 OUT

C

Signal Switching Network

High-Pass

A

130

110

90

85

80

Hz Hz Hz

A

A

L

B

B

REM B+ GND

®

Low-Pass

C
80

65

260

55

380

210

50

L

Output

High-

A

Pass

R

L

Output

High-

B

Pass

R

L

Output

110

Low-

C

Pass

145

R

190

A

A

A

• 1 pair of RCAs will drive the entire system

– 6 –