Rockford Fosgate 100, 150, 250, 800, 500 User Manual

® ®

car audio

for

fanatics

2-Channel Amplifiers
Operation & Installation

®

punch

PUNCH 100 PUNCH 150 PUNCH 250 PUNCH 360 PUNCH 500 PUNCH 800

2.60" (6.60cm) H 2.60" (6.60cm) H 2.60" (6.60cm) H 2.60" (6.60cm) H 2.60" (6.60cm) H 2.60" (6.60cm) H

9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W 9.60" (24.38cm) W

6.70" (17.01cm) L 6.70" (17.01cm) L 7.70" (19.55cm) L 8.70" (22.04cm) L 9.70" (24.63cm) L 14.70" (37.33cm) L

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Variable from 650mV to 11V (high level in)

overload. Thermal switch shuts down the amplifier in case of overheating.

(0, +6, +12dB) (0 to +18dB) (0 to +18dB) (0 to +18dB) (0 to +18dB) (0 to +18dB)

PECIFICATIONS

S

Dimensions

Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.5dB

Bandwidth 10Hz to 200kHz ±3dB

Damping Factor @ 4Ω (at output connector ) >200

IM Distortion (IHF) <0.05%

Slew Rate 30 Volts µs

– i –

Source Unit Compatibility (+15dB gain overlap) 17V max. (low level in)

Input Sensitivity (+0dB gain overlap) Variable from 250mV to 4V (low level in)

Protection NOMAD - Internal analog-computer output protection circuitry limits power in case of

Battery Fusing Rating (External to Amplifier) 15A 20A 30A 40A 50A 60A*

Fuse Type ATC ATC ATC ATC AGU AGU

Equalization (45Hz Punch Bass) Adjustable Variable Variable Variable Variable Variable

Input Impedance 20k ohms

*recommended fuse not supplied

1

80 Watts x 2 80 Watts x 2 160 Watts x 2 210 Watts x 2 330 Watts x 2 480 Watts x 2

PUNCH 100 PUNCH 150 PUNCH 250 PUNCH 360 PUNCH 500 PUNCH 800

160 Watts x 1 170 Watts x 1 320 Watts x 1 450 Watts x 1 710 Watts x 1 960 Watts x

Dynamic Power Rating (IHF-202 Standard) - Measured at 14.4 Volts

Mono into a 4Ω Load

50 Watts x 2 60 Watts x 2 100 Watts x 2 140 Watts x 2 210 Watts x 2 240 Watts x 2

Per channel into a 2Ω Load

Per channel into a 4Ω Load

25 Watts x 2 37.5 Watts x 2 62.5 Watts x 2 90 Watts x 2 125 Watts x 2 200 Watts x 2

Continuous Power Rating (Competition Standard) - Measured at 13.8 Battery Volts

RMS continuous power per channel,

both channels driven into a 4Ω load

50 Watts x 2 75 Watts x 2 125 Watts x 2 180 Watts x 2 250 Watts x 2 400 Watts x 2

from 20 to 20,000 Hz with less than

0.05% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

RMS continuous power per channel,

both channels driven into a 2Ω load

100 Watts x 1 150 Watts x 1 250 Watts x 1 360 Watts x 1 500 Watts x 1 800 Watts x 1

from 20 to 20,000 Hz, with less than

0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

RMS continuous power mono into a

– ii –

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

80Hz 80Hz 50Hz – 210Hz 50Hz – 210Hz 50Hz – 210Hz 50Hz – 210Hz

4Ω load from 20 to 20,000 Hz, with

less than 0.1% Total Harmonic

Distortion (THD)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio > 100dB A-weighted

Crossover Slope 12dB/octave Butterworth

Crossover Frequency

Dear Customer,

Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio amplifiers.
At Rockford Fosgate we are fanatics about 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.

Great product and competent installations are only a piece of the puzzle when it comes
to your system. Make sure that your installer is using 100% authentic installation
accessories from Connecting Punch in your installation. Connecting Punch has
everything from RCA cables and speaker wire to Power line and battery connectors.
Insist on it! After all, your new system deserves nothing but the best.

To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your Rockford
wearables, 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

CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. HIGH POWERED AUTOSOUND

MAY

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
amplifier if it is ever stolen.

Serial Number: ________________________________

Model Number: ________________________________

T

TROUBLE-

S
H
O
O
T
I
N
G

ABLE OF

C

ONTENTS

Specifications .............................................................................................. i

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

Punch Amplifier Accessory Pack ................................................................... 1

2-Channel Feature Chart .............................................................................. 2

Design Features .......................................................................................... 4

Installation Considerations ........................................................................... 6

Mounting Location ...................................................................................... 7

Battery and Charging .................................................................................. 8

Wiring the System ....................................................................................... 8

Using Passive Crossovers ........................................................................... 10

Table of Component Values........................................................................ 11

Installation ............................................................................................... 12

System Diagrams...................................................................................... 18

Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 21

Dynamic Power Measurements................................................................... 23

Warranty Information ................................................................................ 25

International Information ............................................................................ 26

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.

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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

include recommendations for

curing installation problems

Installation

Sections marked

TROUBLESHOOTING

I

NTRODUCTION

Rockford engineers designed the Punch 2-channel amplifiers to withstand
the rugged automotive environment while delivering superior sound quality
in a flexible, reliable, and efficient package. TRANS•ANA is a low voltage
circuit in the preamp stage of all Punch amplifiers that lets the music sound
crystal clear and very real, even when played at high volume levels. This is
matched with TOPAZ, a unique grounding circuit used to eliminate noise
problems associated with car audio systems and their installation. Flexibility
is accomplished with the use of a built-in crossover. The use of a protection
circuit called NOMAD, along with MOSFET and DSM (Discrete Surface
Mount) technologies improve amplifier efficiency. The result of these
components give the Punch amplifier awesome sound quality in a “Bullet
Proof” package. An explanation of these technologies, most of which are
exclusively designed and patented by Rockford, are described in the
Technical Design Features.

P

UNCH

A

MPLIFIER

The accessory pack shipped with the Punch 2-channel amplifiers includes
the mounting hardware necessary to secure the amp to the vehicle and to
attach the end caps to the amplifier.

A

CCESSORY PACK

Installation & Operation Manual
Punch Verification Certificate
(4) Amplifier mounting screws (#8 x 3/4" Phillips)
(1) ATC Inline Fuseholder
(1) ATC 15 Amp Fuse (Punch 100)
(1) ATC 20 Amp Fuse (Punch 150)
(1) ATC 30 Amp Fuse (Punch 250)
(1) ATC 40 Amp Fuse (Punch 360)
(1) AGU 50 Amp Fuse (Punch 500)

Note:

Refer to the Specification section of this manual for recommended

Punch 800 fuse size.

– 1 –

P

UNCH

2-C

HANNEL AMPLIFIER FEATURE CHART

100 150 250 360 500 800

# of CHANNELS 22 2 222

RMS Power per channel (4Ω) 25x2 37.5x2 62.5x2 90x2 125x2 200x2
RMS Power per channel (2Ω) 50x2 70x2 125x2 180x2 250x2 400x2
RMS Power Bridged/Mono (4Ω) 100x1 140x1 250x1 360x1 500x1 800x1
Stable Into: (each channel) 2Ω 2Ω 2Ω 2Ω 2Ω 2Ω
Stable into: (bridged/mono) 4Ω 4Ω 4Ω 4Ω 4Ω 4Ω

CIRCUITRY

TRANS•

TRANS•

1

ana

– circuit topology xx x xxx

nova

– patented circuit topology

2

–– – –––

Class-G – high efficiency topology –– – –––

MEHSA – heat dissipating technology –x x xxx

TOPAZ

– patented noise eliminating circuitry

3

xx x xxx

DSM – discrete surface mount xx x xxx

MOSFETs – power supply & output devices xx x xxx

NOMAD – protection circuit xx x xxx

FEATURES

Die Cast Heatsink

4

xx x xxx

Hi-Level Inputs – for factory radios xx x xxx

RCA Inputs – for aftermarket radios xx x xxx

Balanced Inputs – – – – – –

Input Switches – eliminates “Y” adaptors –– – –––

Pass-Thru – feeds signal to aux. amp –– – –––

Pwr/Spk Screw Terminals x x – – – –

Pwr/Spk Block Terminals – – x x x x

4 Gauge Pwr/Gnd – – – – – –

– 2 –

100 150 250 360 500 800

Adjustable Punch Bass x – – – – –
(0dB/+6dB/+12dB @ 45Hz)

Variable Punch Bass – x x x x x
(0dB ~+18dB @ 45Hz)

Adjustable Xover (80Hz)

HP/FULL/LP5HP/FULL/LP

Variable Xover (50Hz ~ 210Hz) – –

5

––––

5

HP/FULL/LP

HP/FULL/LP5 HP/FULL/LP

5

HP/FULL/LP

5

Crossover Slope (Butterworth) 12dB 12dB 12dB 12dB 12dB 12dB
Phase Warp (0

0

~ 1800)------

GENERAL

B+ Fuse Size 15A ATC 20A ATC 30A ATC 40A ATC 50A AGU 60A AGU

6

Dimensions (H x W x L) 2.60" x 2.60" x 2.60" x 2.60" x 2.60" x 2.60" x

9.60" x 9.60" x 9.60" x 9.60" x 9.60" x 9.60" x

6.70" 6.70" 7.70" 8.70" 9.70" 14.70"

(6.60cm x (6.60cm x (6.60cm x (6.60cm x (6.60cm x (6.60cm x

24.38cm x 24.38cm x 24.38cm x 24.38cm x 24.38cm x 24.38cmx

17.01cm) 17.01cm) 19.55cm) 22.04cm) 24.63cm) 37.33cm)

--INTERNAL USE ONLY-­Heatsink Type #1 #1 #2 #3 #4 #6

1

Additional information on features, specifications and system designs can be
found at: www.rockfordfosgate.com

2

Trans•nova is patented under U.S. Patent 4,467,288

3

TOPAZ is patented under U.S. Patent 5,751,823

4

Diecast Heatsink is patented under U.S. Patent D401,225

5

HP = 12dB/octave High-Pass / LP = 12dB/octave Low-Pass / FULL = Full Range

6

Recommended fuse not supplied with amplifier

– 3 –

D

ESIGN FEATURES

Punch 100

9 8 4 7653

LED

HP–Full–LP

Left

80Hz

Input

Crossover

Right
Input

+12dB

Punch

+6dB

Bass

2

R+

L+
L–

R–

0dB

REM

Gain

High

R+

L+

Level

L–

R–

Input

+ –

Left Right

+ –

B+ GND

1

Punch 150

9 8 4 7653 2 1

LED

HP–Full–LP

Left

Input

Right
Input

Punch

Bass

Gain

R+

L+
L–

R–

80Hz

Crossover

Punch 250 / Punch 360 / Punch 500

3

9

LED

REM

6 6

Hz

210

50

190

145

55

110

65

Punch 800

Speaker

+ L –

Punch

Bass

9

80

Crossover

Frequency

3

Left

Left

Input

Gain

R+

L+
L–

R–

High
Level
Input

2

B+ GND

2

REM

Right
Input

+ –

Left Right

R+
R–

Right
Gain

High
Level
Input

B+ GND

+ –

84287 52

L+

HP–Full–LP

L–

Crossover

R+

L+

Speaker

L–

R–

+ R –

1

1

Speaker

+ L –

Punch

Bass

LED

REM

B+

GND

Right
Gain

5

R+

L+
L–

R–

HP–Full–LP

Crossover

High

R+

Level

R–

Input

7

6 6

Hz

210

50

190

145

55

110

65

80

Left

Crossover

Gain

Frequency

Input

Left

Right
Input

2

8429

L+

Speaker

L–

+ R –

– 4 –

1. Cast Aluminum Heatsink – The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch

amplifier dissipates heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. The
inherent advantage of casting provides a 30% improvement of cooling
over conventional extrusion heatsink designs.

2. Speaker/Power Terminals – These gold-plated connectors are used for

the connection of speaker and power wire and are immune to corrosion
that can cause signal degradation. The Punch 100 and Punch 150
utilize a barrier strip that will accept #10 spade lugs or bare speaker and
power wires sized from 10-18 AWG. The Punch 250, Punch 360,
Punch 500, and Punch 800 utilize heavy duty terminal block connec­tors that will accept bare wires size from 8-18AWG.

3. REM Terminal – This spade terminal is used to remotely turn-on and

turn-off the amplifier when +12V DC is applied.

4. RCA Input Jacks – The industry standard RCA jack provides an easy

connection for signal level input. They are gold-plated to resist the signal
degradation caused by corrosion.

5. High Level Inputs – The high level inputs use a detachable connector

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

6. Gain Control – The input gain control is preset to match the output of

most source units. They can be adjusted to match output levels from a
variety of source units.

7. Punch Bass – The Punch Bass helps correct for acoustical deficiencies

in the listening environment. The Punch Bass allows a narrow band
adjustment at 45Hz to help reproduce full range sound without excessive
boost. The Punch 100 utilizes a switch that is adjustable at 0dB/+6dB/
+12dB increments. The Punch 150, Punch 250, Punch 360, Punch
500, and Punch 800 utilize a control that is variable from 0dB to
+18dB.

8. Internal Crossover – The internal crossover is used to delegate a specific

range of frequencies to the speaker system for optimum performance.
The crossover can perform three functions: High-Pass (HP), Low-Pass
(LP), or Full Range (FULL). The Punch 100 and Punch 150 utilize a
12dB/octave Butterworth crossover fixed at 80Hz. The Punch 250,
Punch 360, Punch 500, and Punch 800 utilize a 12dB/octave
Butterworth crossover variable from 50Hz to 210Hz.

9. LED Power Indicator – The LED illuminates when the unit is turned on.

– 5 –

I

NSTALLATION

The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the Punch amplifier:
Allen wrenches 9/64" & 3/32" (included) Voltmeter
Wire strippers Battery post wrench
Electric hand drill w/assorted bits Wire cutters
17' (518.16cm) Red Power Wire Assorted connectors
12' (365.76cm) Remote Turn-On Wire Wire crimpers

1.5' (45.72cm) Black Grounding Wire

This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for installing your
new Punch amplifier. Checking your battery and present sound system, as
well as 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 amplifier.

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
amplifier 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 a fuseholder and appropriate 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

– 6 –

M

OUNTING LOCATION

The mounting location and position of your amplifier will have a great effect
on its ability to dissipate the heat generated during normal operation. The
design of our cast aluminum heatsink serves to easily dissipate the heat
generated over a wide range of operating conditions. However, to maximize
the performance of your amplifier, care should be taken to ensure adequate
ventilation.

Trunk Mounting

Mounting the amplifier vertically on a surface with the fin grooves running
up and down will provide the best cooling of the amplifier.

Mounting the amplifier on the floor of the trunk will work but provides less
cooling capability than vertical mounting.

Mounting the amplifier upside down to the rear deck of the trunk will not
provide proper cooling and will severely affect the performance of the
amplifier and is strongly

Passenger Compartment Mounting

Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as long as
you provide a sufficient amount of air for the amplifier to cool itself. If you
are going to mount the amplifier under the seat of the vehicle, you must have
at least 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink.

not

recommended.

Mounting the amplifier with less than 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the
amplifier's heatsink in the passenger compartment will not provide proper
cooling and will severely affect the performance of the amplifier and is
strongly

not

recommended.

Engine Compartment Mounting

Rockford Fosgate amplifiers should
compartment. Not only will this void your warranty but could create an
embarrassing situation caused by the ridicule from your friends.

– 7 –

never

be mounted in the engine