Rockford Fosgate 250.2, 250.1 User Manual

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Rockford Fosgate 250.2, 250.1 User Manual

250.1

power

250.2

power

new

chrome

heatsink

punch

®

c

a

r

a

u

d

i

competition Power amplifiers Operation & Installation

®

o

for

®

fanatic

s

 

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 fanatic image order your Rockford Fosgate wearables, which include everything from T-shirts and jackets to hats and sunglasses.

To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford wearables, please call 602-967-3565 or FAX 602-967-8132. For International orders, FAX +001-1-602-967-8132 or call +001-1-602-967-3565.

PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™

CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS OVER 100dB MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS.

HIGH POWERED AUTOSOUND 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: ____________________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................

1

Punch Accessory Pack .................................................................................................................................................

1

Technical Design Features .............................................................................................................................................

2

250.2 Design Features .................................................................................................................................................

5

250.1 Design Features .................................................................................................................................................

7

Installation Considerations ............................................................................................................................................

9

Mounting Locations ....................................................................................................................................................

10

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

10

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

11

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

12

Table of Crossover Components ...................................................................................................................................

13

Using the XCard .........................................................................................................................................................

14

Customizing the XCard ...............................................................................................................................................

14

XCard Resistor Chart ...................................................................................................................................................

15

250.2 Installation ......................................................................................................................................................

16

Using the 250.2 Internal Switching Network ..................................................................................................................

19

Using the 250.2 Balanced Line Inputs ..........................................................................................................................

24

250.1 Installation ......................................................................................................................................................

26

Using the 250.1 Internal Switching Network ..................................................................................................................

31

System Diagrams .......................................................................................................................................................

34

Rockford Fosgate Accessories ......................................................................................................................................

38

Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................................................................

40

Autosound 2000’s Quick Check for Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................

43

250.2 Specifications ...................................................................................................................................................

46

250.1 Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................

47

Warranty Information .................................................................................................................................................

48

International Information .............................................................................................................................................

49

GE T T I N G STA R T E D

 

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 Installation 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.

A O

I

TROUBLE-S

D

P

N

S

H

V

E

T

O

A

R

A

O

A

L

N T

L

T

A

C

I

T

I

E O

I

N

O

D N

N

G

Sections marked

Sections marked

Sections marked

ADVANCED

INSTALLATION

TROUBLESHOOTING

OPERATION

include “slam dunk”

include recommendations

include in-depth

wiring connections

for curing installation

technical information

 

problems

INTRODUCTION TO 250 SERIES

The “250 Series” Power amplifiers represent which would be considered overkill by other TOPAZ, exclusively designed by Rockford, Features section of this manual.

the best Rockford Fosgate has to offer! Our engineers devised technical features audio manufacturers, but not at Rockford Fosgate! Trans•nova, DIAMOND and are just a few of these features which are described in the Technical Design

The 250.2 is a two-channel amplifier which is optimized to drive 2Ω stereo and 4Ω bridged loads. The 250.1 is a single channel amplifier optimized to drive a 2Ω (single amp) or a 4Ω bridged load (pair of amps bridged to a single load).

The “250 series” use Rockford's innovative technologies for awesome sound quality, reliable performance and high output power into low impedances. This can be beneficial for serious competition vehicles.

PUNCH AMPLIFIER ACCESSORY PACK

The accessory pack shipped with the “250 series” Power amplifiers include the mounting hardware necessary to secure the ampliifer to the vehicle and to attach the end caps to the amplifier.

Punch Power 250.2

Punch Power 250.1

Installation & Operation Manual

Installation & Operation Manual

Punch Verification Certificate

Punch Verification Certificate

(4)

Amplifier mounting screws (#8 x 34" phillips)

(4)

Amplifier mounting screws (#8 x 34" phillips)

(8)

Speaker & power connector screws (3/32" allen)

(6)

Speaker & power connector screws (3/32" allen)

(4)

End cap mounting screws (9/64" allen)

(4)

End cap mounting screws (9/64" allen)

(1)

Allen wrench 3/32"

(1)

Allen wrench 3/32"

(1)

Allen wrench 9/64"

(1)

Allen wrench 9/64"

– 1 –

TECHNICAL DESIGN FEATURES

Many of the solutions to common design problems encountered by Rockford Fosgate engineers created entire new circuit designs as well as new ways to construct the Punch 250.2 and 250.1 Power Amplifiers. In our flagship amplifiers, no expense was spared in design and construction from the unique circuitry design to the manufacturing process that has proven to be the industry reference for many years. Described below are just some of the accomplishments achieved by our engineering and manufacturing staff.

trans•nova (TRANSconductance NOdal Voltage Amplifier)

The trans•nova (TRANS conductance NOdal Voltage Amplifier) is a patented circuit (U.S. Patent 4,467,288) that allows the audio signal to pass through the amplifier at low voltage. Each amplifier channel utilizes its own “fully floating” power supply and is configured to increase power gain. The increase in power gain allows the drive stage to operate at a lower voltage. A low voltage drive stage is the same principle used in high quality preamplifiers to produce high linearity and wide bandwidth.

E-I

I-E

 

trans•nova circuitry

The resulting design utilizes an output stage with a simpler gain structure and a shorter total signal path than conventional high voltage (bi-polar) designs. The number of stages is reduced from five or more to three. The output stage is further refined into a trans-impedance stage (current to voltage converter) to achieve a short loop (fast) negative feedback. The output stage is driven cooperatively by a transconductance stage (voltage to current converter).

THE RESULT: Superior sound quality, greater efficiency and higher reliability.

DIAMOND (Dynamically Invariant AMPlification Optimized Nodal Drive)

DIAMOND (Dynamically Invariant AMplification Optimized Nodal Drive - patent pending) is an important advance in circuit design which reduces high frequency distortion. Amplifiers which utilize a large array of output MOSFETs cause a high capacitive load on the driver stage. This load can make the high frequencies sound harsh. The DIAMOND circuit eliminates high frequency distortion by allowing the driver to operate with 20dB or more of current headroom, whereas traditional drivers have only 6dB of current headroom.

THE RESULT: Lower distortion and greater inherent stability.

TOPAZ (Tracking Operation Pre-Amplifier Zone)

The TOPAZ (Tracking Operation Pre-Amplifier Zone) circuitry solves ground loop noise problems common to automotive amplifier design. This innovative new development allows vastly improved isolation of the input signal grounds from the power supply ground of the amplifier. This is accomplished by allowing the source unit to control the potential “environment” of the entire input structure or “zone” of the amplifier. This process improves the noise rejection of the amplifier by 30-40dB

– an astounding 20-100 times better than amplifiers without TOPAZ.

THE RESULT: Elimination of troublesome ground loop noise between source and amplifier.

– 2 –

DSM (Discrete Surface Mount Technology)

The DSM (Discrete Surface Mount) manufacturing process combines the advantages of both discrete components and integrated circuitry. Rockford Fosgate is the only American amplifier manufacturer to have invested millions into this process. DSM components differ from conventional discrete components in different ways. They are more compact, more rugged, and they efficiently dissipate generated heat. Using them wherever appropriate allows the advantages associated with discrete circuitry to be retained while also providing room for both highly advanced processing features and generous PC board copper paths where needed. Their short lead-out structures allow maximum audio performance and highest signal-to-noise ratios to be obtained in amplifiers of desirable package size without resorting to “amplifier-on-a-chip” shortcuts. These advantages are shown below in Figure 1.

 

Figure 1

Component

 

 

 

 

PC Board

 

 

 

 

Solder

 

 

Solder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PC Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thru-Hole

Surface Mount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE RESULT: Less connections, improved reliability, shorter signal paths, superior signal-to-noise ratio and awesome sonic performance.

XCard (Internal Crossover)

The Power amplifiers utilize internal active crossovers. These crossovers have many performance advantages such as using discrete components for exact frequency adjustments which are far superior to potentiometers. Additionally, the XCard can be configured for high-pass, low-pass and full range operation. With slight modification, many crossover frequencies and slope configurations can be achieved.

THE RESULT: Increased system design flexibility with a precise electronic crossover without the limitations of conventional potentiometer designs.

Stereo Pass-Thru

The Pass-Thru output provides a convenient source for daisy-chaining an additional amplifier without the need for extra RCA cables or “Y” adapters. The 250.1 Pass-Thru provides constant Full Range stereo output. The 250.2 has the ability to provide constant Full Range stereo output as well as distribute one of its internal XCards to the Pass-Thru for a dedicated High-Pass or Low-Pass output.

THE RESULT: Convenient signal level output for adding extra amplifiers.

– 3 –

Balanced Line Inputs (250.2)

Using the Balanced Line Inputs provides the last word in achievable rejection of noise induced in the cable between the source and the amplifier. The differential input circuitry (Figure 2) used in the balanced input system rejects whatever signals are common to both of the shielded, twisted-pair conductors. Balanced line is universal in concert installations where the stage and mixing consoles are hundreds of feet apart. Long signal cables and electrically-noisy environments make signal integrity and noise rejection an extremely difficult challenge.

Figure 2

RCA Input

Differential

Center

 

Input

Conductor

 

 

Outer

Shield

Differential inputs only amplify the difference between two conductors. Note: the noise spikes appear on both the center conductor and the outer shield and therefore are not amplified.

THE RESULT: Quiet transmission of audio from source to amplifier.

NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision)

The Power amplifiers use an analog computer process to absolutely maximize safe output power under all operating conditions. The innovative NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision) system is the most sophisticated version of this technique ever used, bringing previously unavailable levels of accuracy, stability, temperature immunity and reliability to this critical process. NOMAD makes advanced decisions based on device voltages to precisely control the awesome levels of current available in the output MOSFETs to safe values – but only when absolutely needed.

THE RESULT: Extremely fast protection system that always protects the amplifier and never degrades the sound.

MOSFET Devices (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor)

Rockford Fosgate is one of the few manufacturers in any of the sound communities to utilize MOSFET devices in both the power supply and the output stages. MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) devices offer several important inherent advantages over the 30 year old technology of bi-polar design. These advantages include: thermal stability, switching speed, ultra low output impedance and wider bandwidth linearity. In addition, MOSFET and vacuum tubes share many important operating characteristics. However, the MOSFET device is much faster, wider in bandwidth, measurably lower in distortion and far more linear than vacuum tubes.

THE RESULT: Operational characteristics of vacuum tubes without the performance limitations of tube design.

ITS (Increased Thermal Stability)

The ITS (Increased Thermal Stability) Power Supply design is new in Rockford Fosgate amplifiers. A major problem associated with any amplifier design is how to get rid of the heat generated by its circuitry. Clearly, it is highly desirable to minimize the amount of heat generated in the first place. The “250 series” Power amplifiers employ a new toroidal power transformer design in which the high current input leads are carried directly to the switching power MOSFETs. This both minimizes PC board heating and takes advantage of natural air cooling of these leads.

THE RESULT: Maximizes power supply efficiency by eliminating unnecessary heat generation.

– 4 –

250.2 DESIGN FEATURES

1.Cast Aluminum Chrome Heatsink – The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch Power 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.End Caps – The unique end caps conceal the wiring and input cables, giving the amplifier a clean “stealth” look.

 

3

13

8

6

 

7

12

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

Unbal.

L (Mono)

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker

0°-180°

Bal.

 

 

 

EZ - 180 - 0

Speaker

+

L –

 

 

 

Bal.

Bridged °

°

+

R

 

 

 

Pass-

 

Input

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain

Thru

L

R

 

 

Gain

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

9

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REM

Dual B+

 

Dual GND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

5

4

 

4

 

 

 

 

3.Speaker Terminals – The heavy duty, gold-plated terminal block connectors (+ and –) will accept wire sizes from 8 AWG to 18 AWG. These gold-plated connectors are immune to corrosion that can cause signal deterioration.

4.Power Terminals – The dual power and ground connectors on the Punch Power amplifier are gold-plated and will accommodate up to two 8 AWG wires maximizing the input current capability of the amplifier.

5.REM Terminal – This gold-plated spade terminal is used for the AP (auto power) or remote turn on of the Punch 250.2 Power amplifier.

6.RCA Input Jacks – The industry standard RCA jack provides an easy connection for signal level input. They are goldplated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.

7.Balanced Line Input– This input will allow the balanced inputs to be used in conjunction with the Punch 250.2 Power amplifier to provide better noise rejection.

8.Signal Input Switch – This switch allows selection of either the RCA or Balanced Line inputs.

9.RCA Pass-Thru Jacks – The Pass-Thru provides a convenient source for daisychaining an additional amplifier. This eliminates the need for additional RCA cables or “Y” adapters. One of the internal crossovers can be designated to the Pass Thru output creating a dedicated low-pass, high-pass, or full range output.

5 –

10.Input Sensitivity Controls – The input level controls are preset to match the output of most source units. They can be adjusted to match output levels from a variety of source units.

11.Internal Crossovers – These built-in crossover cards are configurable for a multitude of operating frequencies. The orientation of the card in its socket determines its function of high-pass, low-pass or full range operation.

12.E-Z Bridge Switch / 0°-180°Phase Switch – This dual purpose switch enables you to E-Z bridge the amplifier or invert the signal phase of the right channel.

13.Phase Switch – This switch enables you to easily invert the phase of the left channel without having to disconnect the speaker wires.

14.Crossover Switching – These internal switches allow the crossover to be distributed to the amplifier and Pass-Thru in many different configurations.

15.Audiophile Bypass – One of the crossover switching configurations allows the internal crossover circuit to be bypassed, maintaining Audiophile sound quality due to a shorter signal path.

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

XCard

Options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amplifier

 

 

Pass Thru

 

 

 

 

 

XCard 1

 

 

 

XCard 2

 

 

 

 

 

Amplifier

 

 

 

Amplifier

 

 

 

 

 

XCard 1

 

 

 

XCard 2

 

 

 

 

 

Audiophile

Bypass

 

 

Not Used

Not Used

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

XCard 1

 

 

 

XCard 2

 

 

 

 

 

Audiophile

Bypass

 

 

Pass Thru

Not Used

Amp

Only

 

 

 

 

XCard 1

 

 

 

XCard 2

 

 

 

 

®

 

 

 

 

250

 

 

 

AM

PLIFIER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.2

 

 

 

 

O

 

W

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125 Watts

X 2 into

4 Ohms

 

 

 

 

 

 

THD

+ N from

20-20kHz

 

 

than 0.05%

with less

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Ohms

 

 

225 Watts

X 2 into

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20-20kHz

 

 

 

 

 

THD

+ N from

 

 

 

than 0.10%

with less

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

®

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROCKFORD

CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USA

 

 

 

 

 

 

MADE

IN THE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

The Punch

250.2

can be

 

*Bridging

 

. Refer to your

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bridged

in many

configurations

 

mode will

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

which

 

manual to determine

 

 

owner's

 

 

.

 

 

work

 

best in your

system

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

2 XCard

1 XCard

High-Pass

 

HP

 

LP

Low-Pass

 

LP

14

HP

&

15

 

 

Full Range

 

FULL

– 6 –

250.1 DESIGN FEATURES

1.Cast Aluminum Chrome Heatsink – The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch Power 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.End Caps – The unique end caps conceal the wiring and input cables, giving the amplifier a clean “stealth” look.

 

 

6

9

13

7

12

11

 

 

L (Mono)

R

Power

 

 

0°-180°

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker

Gain

 

 

X-Over

+

L

 

 

 

24dB/12dB/0dB

 

 

 

L + R / L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L Pass-Thru

R Pass-Thru

 

(Mono)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REM

Dual B+

 

Dual GND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

4

 

4

 

 

3.Speaker Terminals – The heavy duty, gold-plated terminal block connectors (+ and –) will accept wire sizes from 8 AWG to 18 AWG. These gold-plated connectors are immune to corrosion that can cause signal deterioration.

4.Power Terminals – The dual power and ground connectors on the Punch Power amplifier are gold-plated and will accommodate up to two 8 AWG wires maximizing the input current capability of the amplifier.

5.REM Terminal – This gold-plated spade terminal is used for the AP (auto power) or remote turn on of the Punch 250.1 Power amplifier.

6.RCA Input Jacks – The industry standard RCA jack provides an easy connection for signal level input. They are goldplated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.

7.Summed Stereo / Mono Switch – This switch is used to select whether 1 or 2 signal inputs will be used to drive the amplifier.

8.Pass-Thru RCA Jacks – The Pass-Thru provides a convenient source for daisychaining an additional amplifier.This eliminates the need for additional RCA cables or “Y” adapters. The Pass-Thru output is Full Range only.

9.Input Sensitivity Control – The input level control is preset to match the output of most source units. It can be adjusted to match output levels from a variety of source units.

7 –

10.Internal Crossover – This built-in crossover card is configurable for a multitude of operating frequencies. The orientation of the card in its socket determines the function of high-pass, low-pass or full range operation.

11.Phase Switch – This switch enables you to easily invert the phase without having to disconnect the speaker wires.

12.Crossover Switch – This multi-function switch enables you to select a 12dB per octave slope or 24dB per octave slope for the internal crossover. When switched to 0dB, the internal crossover circuit can be bypassed, maintaining Audiophile sound quality due to a shorter signal path.

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

®

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.1AMPLIFIER

 

 

 

 

 

 

250

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Ohms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X 1 into

 

20kHz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

250

Watts

 

THD

+N

from

20-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

than

0.10%

 

 

 

2 Ohms

 

 

less

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with

 

 

 

 

X 1 into

20kHz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

500

Watts

 

THD

+N

from

20-

 

 

 

 

 

0.15%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

than

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with

less

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

®

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

ROCKFORD

 

 

 

 

THE USA

-Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MADE

IN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Low

LP

 

HP

Full

Range

 

 

FULL

 

 

 

+

 

 

 

 

 

Do Not

Chassis

.

 

 

Ground

Any

Speaker

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

1 XCard

– 8 –

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Tools Needed

The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the “250 Series” Power amplifiers:

Allen wrenches 9/64" & 3/32" (included)

Wire Cutters

Wire strippers

Voltmeter

Battery post wrench

Wire crimpers

Electric hand drill and assorted bits

Assorted connectors

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 on the layout of 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.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 Connecting Punch accessories 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 for 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 fuse on the +12V power wire within 18" (45.7cm) 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.

– 9 –

MOUNTING LOCATION S

The mounting location and position of your amplifier will have a great effect on its ability to dissipate the heat generated under 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 not recommended.

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.

Mounting the amplifier with less than 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the 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 never be mounted in the engine compartment. Not only will this void your warranty but could create an embarrassing situation caused by the ridicule from your friends.

BATTERY AND CHARGING

Amplifiers will put an increased load on the vehicle's battery and charging system. We recommend checking your alternator and battery condition to ensure that the electrical system has enough capacity to handle the increased load of your stereo system. Stock electrical systems which are in good condition should be able to handle the extra load of any Rockford amplifier without problems, although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To maximize the performance of your Rockford Fosgate amplifier, we suggest the use of a heavy duty battery and an energy storage capacitor.

NOTE: These amplifiers utilize a large array of power supply capacitance and can draw substantial current at turnon. The dashboard BATTERY VOLTAGE and/or ALTERNATOR CHARGE lamp may illuminate for a brief period while momentarily recharging the capacitor bank. This may be most noticeable when the amplifier is off for at least a day or two and is considered normal operation.

– 10 –

WIRING THE SYSTEM

CAUTION: Avoid running power wires near the low level input cables, antenna, power leads, sensitive equipment or harnesses. The power wires carry substantial current and could induce noise into the audio system.

1.Configure the internal XCard crossovers prior to installation. Refer to the “Using the Signal Switching Network” (page 19 for the 250.2 and page 31 for 250.1) for further information.

2.Plan the wire routing. Take care when running signal level RCA cables to keep them close together but isolated from the amplifier's power cables and any high power auto accessories, especially electric motors. This is done 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.

3.Prepare the Power cable for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 5/8" of insulation from the end of the wire. The use of 8 gauge power cable can interfere with the installation of the end caps. Proper wire dress can prevent

this from occurring. To prevent the wire from fraying, strip the insulation at a 45° angle. Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal with the long side of the insulation on the top. Bend the cable down at a 90° angle. Tighten

the set screw to secure the cable in place. We recommend using (2) 8 gauge cables for power and for ground. This will give you the best performance possible.

STRIP WIRE

 

>

<

>

 

5/8"

AMP

>

INSULATION

>

4.Strip 3/8" 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. Do not install the fuse at this time.

5.Prepare a length of cable to be used for the ground connection. Strip 5/8" of insulation from the end of the cable as described above and connect to the appropriate terminal of the amplifier. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint from the metal surface and thoroughly clean the area of all dirt and grease. Strip the other end of the wire and attach a ring connector. Fasten the cable to the chassis using a non-anodized screw and a star washer.

6.Prepare the REM turn-on wire for connection to the amplifier by stripping 1/4" of insulation from the wire end and crimping an insulated spade connector in place. Slide the connector over the REM terminal on the amplifier. Connect the other end of the REM wire to a switched 12 volt positive source. The switched signal is usually taken from the source unit's auto antenna or the accessory lead. If the source unit does not have these outputs available, the recommended solution is to wire a mechanical switch in line with a 12 volt source to activate the amplifier.

7.Securely mount the amplifier (with supplied screws) to the vehicle or amp rack. Be careful not to mount the amplifier on cardboard or plastic panels. Doing so may enable the screws to pull out from the panel due to road vibrations or sudden vehicle stops.

8.Connect the source signal to the amplifier by plugging the RCA cables into the input jack(s) at the amplifier. If using Balanced Line Inputs, refer to page 24.

9.Connect the speakers. Strip the speaker wires 5/8" and insert into the appropriate terminal on the amplifier. Insert the bared wire into the speaker terminal and tighten the set screw to secure into place. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity. DO NOT chassis ground any of the speaker leads as unstable operation may result.

– 11 –

10.Perform a final check of the completed system wiring to ensure that all connections are accurate. Check all power and ground connections for frayed wires and loose connections which could cause problems from road vibrations.

11.After the final inspection is complete, install the power fuse and enjoy listening. During the initial listening period, you may need to “fine tune” any phasing and level settings within your particular vehicle. To aid in this procedure, play a track with high musical content and cruise around your neighborhood. After fully evaluating the transient response of your system and making any final adjustments, all your neighbors within a 1 mile radius will assume that you have just successfully completed another upgrade to your audio system for which they will probably spill thumbtacks on your driveway.

NOTICE!

Amplifiers using the trans•nova topology improve in sound quality after warming up. We recommend operating the 250.2 and 250.1 for approximately 15 minutes prior to evaluation under judging criteria or tune-ups to establish its normal operating temperature.

* Your friends will call it MAGIC, you can call it Rockford technology! *

USING PASSIVE CROSSOVERS

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A passive crossover is a circuit that uses capacitors and/or coils and is placed on speaker leads between the amplifier and speaker. The crossover delegates a specific range of 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) and Bandpass (combination of capacitor and coil).

The most commonly used passive crossover networks are 6dB/octave systems. These are easy to construct and require one component per filter. Placing this filter in series with the circuit will reduce power to the speaker by 6dB/octave above or below the crossover point depending on whether it is a high-pass or low-pass filter. More complex systems such as 12dB/ octave or 18dB/octave can cause impedance problems if not professionally designed.

Passive crossovers are directly dependent upon the speaker's impedance and component value for accuracy. When passive crossover components are used in multiple speaker systems, the crossover's effect on the overall impedance should be taken into consideration along with the speaker's impedance when determining amplifier loads.

– 12 –

TABLE OF CROSSOVER COMPONENT VALUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6dB/Octave High-Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6dB/Octave Low-Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freq.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker Impedance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hertz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 OHMS

4 OHMS

 

 

 

8 OHMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L

 

C

 

L

 

C

 

 

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80

4.1mH

1000μF

8.2mH

 

500μF

 

 

16mH

 

 

250μF

 

 

 

 

 

100

3.1mH

800μF

6.2mH

 

400μF

 

 

12mH

 

 

200μF

 

 

 

 

 

130

2.4mH

600μF

4.7mH

 

300μF

 

 

10mH

 

 

150μF

 

 

 

 

 

200

1.6mH

400μF

3.3mH

 

200μF

 

 

6.8mH

 

 

100μF

 

 

 

 

 

260

1.2mH

300μF

2.4mH

 

150μF

 

 

4.7mH

 

 

 

 

75μF

 

 

 

 

 

400

.8mH

200μF

1.6mH

 

100μF

 

 

3.3mH

 

 

 

 

50μF

 

 

 

 

 

600

.5mH

136μF

1.0mH

 

68μF

 

 

2.0mH

 

 

 

 

33μF

 

 

 

 

 

800

.41mH

100μF

.82mH

 

50μF

 

 

1.6mH

 

 

 

 

26μF

 

 

 

 

 

1000

.31mH

 

78μF

.62mH

 

39μF

 

 

1.2mH

 

 

 

 

20μF

 

 

 

 

 

1200

.25mH

 

66μF

.51mH

 

33μF

 

 

1.0mH

 

 

 

 

16μF

 

 

 

 

 

1800

.16mH

 

44μF

.33mH

 

22μF

 

 

.68mH

 

 

 

 

10μF

 

 

 

 

 

4000

.08mH

 

20μF

.16mH

 

10μF

 

 

.33mH

 

 

 

 

 

5μF

 

 

 

 

 

6000

51μH

 

14μF

.10mH

 

6.8μF

 

 

.20mH

 

 

 

3.3μF

 

 

 

 

 

9000

34μH

 

9.5μF

68μH

 

4.7μF

 

 

.15mH

 

 

 

2.2μF

 

 

 

 

 

12000

25μH

 

6.6μF

51μH

 

3.3μF

 

 

100μH

 

 

 

1.6μF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6dB/Octave High-Pass and Low-Pass Filters

L = Low-Pass (Inductor)

C = High-Pass (Capacitor)

For more information, see your Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer.

– 13 –

A O

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USING THE XCARD

The crossover functions are controlled through the use of an XCard and can be set for high-pass, low-pass or full range operation. The XCard shipped with your amplifier is set for Full Range. Each crossover card has two faces: one face operates Full Range, the other has arrows to indicate the edge for selecting HP (high-pass) or LP (low-pass) operation. Orient the card with the desired operating edge, indicated by the arrow, toward the socket terminals inside the amplifier. Firmly, but carefully, plug the card into the socket.

High-Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LP

HP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Low-Pass

Full Range

HP

LP

FULL

CUSTOMIZING THE XCARD

A O

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The crossover point can be altered by changing the 4 resistor values. Use the following formula to select the appropriate resistor value to be placed on the XCard.

3386

 

= R (in kΩ) for .047mf cap

 

fo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7234

 

= R (in kΩ) for .022mf cap

 

fo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R1

Crossover Card

FULLR2

R2

R1

 

High Pass

 

 

 

Low Pass

 

 

 

Full Range

 

 

The actual formula is: R =

 

1

2πfoc

 

Where: R = Ω

fo = desired crossover frequency c = capacitor in farads

ex: .047 x 10-6 for .047mf cap

– 14 –

XCARD RESISTOR CHART

Our tests have shown that using 0.047μf capacitors for frequencies below 100Hz, and 0.022mf capacitors for frequencies above 100Hz, result in more linear crossover control. Refer to the Specifications page to determine the capacitor value of each supplied XCard.

A O

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Butterworth Alignment Q = .707

1% resistors used with 0.047mF capacitors

 

Frequency

R1

R2

 

 

 

 

20Hz

169kΩ

169kΩ

 

 

25Hz

133kΩ

133kΩ

 

 

 

30Hz

110kΩ

110kΩ

 

 

 

35Hz

95.3kΩ

95.3kΩ

 

 

40Hz

84.5kΩ

84.5kΩ

 

 

45Hz

75kΩ

75kΩ

 

 

50Hz

68.1kΩ

68.1kΩ

 

 

55Hz

61.9kΩ

61.9kΩ

 

 

60Hz

56.2kΩ

56.2kΩ

 

 

65Hz

52.3kΩ

52.3kΩ

 

 

 

70Hz

48.7kΩ

48.7kΩ

 

 

75Hz

45.3kΩ

45.3kΩ

 

 

80Hz

42.2kΩ

42.2kΩ

 

 

85Hz

40.2kΩ

40.2kΩ

 

 

90Hz

37.4kΩ

37.4kΩ

 

 

200Hz

16.9kΩ

16.9kΩ

 

 

 

300Hz

11.3kΩ

11.3kΩ

 

 

400Hz

8.45kΩ

8.45kΩ

 

 

500Hz

6.65kΩ

6.65kΩ

 

 

600Hz

5.62kΩ

5.62kΩ

 

 

700Hz

4.75kΩ

4.75kΩ

 

 

 

800Hz

4.22kΩ

4.22kΩ

 

 

900Hz

3.74kΩ

3.74kΩ

 

 

 

1.0kHz

3.40kΩ

3.40kΩ

 

 

1.2kHz

2.80kΩ

2.80kΩ

 

 

2kHz

1.69kΩ

1.69kΩ

 

 

3kHz

1.10kΩ

1.10kΩ

 

 

 

4kHz

845Ω

845Ω

 

 

5kHz

665Ω

665Ω

 

 

6kHz

562Ω

562Ω

 

 

7kHz

487Ω

487Ω

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8kHz

422Ω

422Ω

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butterworth Alignment Q = .707

1% resistors used with 0.022mF capacitors

 

Frequency

R1

R2

 

 

 

 

20Hz

357kΩ

357kΩ

 

 

25Hz

287kΩ

287kΩ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30Hz

237kΩ

237kΩ

 

 

35Hz

205kΩ

205kΩ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40Hz

178kΩ

178kΩ

 

 

45Hz

162kΩ

162kΩ

 

 

50Hz

143kΩ

143kΩ

 

 

55Hz

130kΩ

130kΩ

 

 

60Hz

121kΩ

121kΩ

 

 

65Hz

110kΩ

110kΩ

 

 

 

70Hz

102kΩ

102kΩ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75Hz

95.3kΩ

95.3kΩ

 

 

80Hz

90.9kΩ

90.9kΩ

 

 

85Hz

84.5kΩ

84.5kΩ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

90Hz

80.6kΩ

80.6kΩ

 

 

200Hz

35.7kΩ

35.7kΩ

 

 

 

300Hz

23.7kΩ

23.7kΩ

 

 

400Hz

17.8kΩ

17.8kΩ

 

 

500Hz

14.3kΩ

14.3kΩ

 

 

600Hz

12.1kΩ

12.1kΩ

 

 

700Hz

10.2kΩ

10.2kΩ

 

 

 

800Hz

9.9kΩ

9.9kΩ

 

 

 

900Hz

86kΩ

86kΩ

 

 

 

1.0kHz

7.15kΩ

7.15kΩ

 

 

1.2kHz

6.04kΩ

6.04kΩ

 

 

2.0kHz

3.57kΩ

3.57kΩ

 

 

3.0kHz

2.37kΩ

2.37kΩ

 

 

 

4.0kHz

1.76kΩ

1.76kΩ

 

 

 

5.0kHz

1.43kΩ

1.43kΩ

 

 

6.0kHz

1.21kΩ

1.21kΩ

 

 

7.0kHz

10.2kΩ

10.2kΩ

 

 

8.0kHz

909Ω

909Ω

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– 15 –

250.2 INSTALLATION

250.2 Power Connections (Option #1)

Power

REM

Dual B+

Dual GND

Connect to remote turn-on lead of source unit.

Connect to chassis ground of vehicle*

Less than 18"

+ –

Connect to B+ of battery with a 60 amp fuse.

*Keep wire as short as possible.

I

N S T A L L A T I O N

250.2 Power Connections (Option #2)

Power

REM

Dual B+

Dual GND

Connect to remote

turn-on lead of

source unit. Connect to chassis ground of vehicle*

t h e c o n n e c t i n g

cap

1 farad • 20 VDC • 95°C

punch1.0

Less than 18"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Optional energy

 

 

 

 

 

+

 

 

 

 

 

 

storage capacitor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connect to B+ of battery with a 60 amp fuse.

*Keep wire as short as possible.

– 16 –

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