Rockford Fosgate POWER 150, POWER 200 Operation & Installation

® ®

car audio

fanatics

for

mono Amplifiers
Operation & Installation

®

power

POWER 150 POWER 200

Dynamic Power Rating (IHF-202 Standard) - Measured at 14.4 Volts
Mono into a 4Ω Load 110 Watts 150 Watts
Mono into a 2Ω Load 190 Watts 260 Watts
Continuous Power Rating (Competition Standard) - Measured at 13.8 Battery Volts
RMS continuous power mono, driven into a 75 Watts 100 Watts

4Ω load from 20 to 20,000Hz with less than

0.05% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
RMS continuous power mono, driven into a 150 Watts 200 Watts

2Ω load from 20 to 20,000Hz, with less than

0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >100dB A-weighted
Crossover Slope 12dB/octave Butterworth
Crossover Frequency variable from 50Hz to 210Hz
Dimensions 2.60" (6.60cm) H 2.60" (6.60cm) H

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

6.70" (17.01cm) L 7.70" (19.55cm) L

Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.5dB
Bandwidth 10Hz to 200kHz ±3dB
Damping Factor @ 4Ω (at output connector ) >200
Slew Rate 30 Volts/µs
IM Distortion (IHF) <0.05%
Source Unit Compatibility (+15dB gain overlap) 17V max. (low level in)
Input Sensitivity (+0dB gain overlap) Variable from 250mV to 4V (low level in)

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

Protection NOMAD - Internal analog-computer output protection

circuitry limits power in case of overload. Thermal

switch shuts down the amplifier in case of overheating.
Battery Fusing Rates (External to Amplifier) 15 amps 20 amps
Fuse Type ATC ATC
Equalization (45Hz Punch Bass) Variable from 0dB to +18dB @ 45Hz

Input Impedance 20k ohms

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

S

PECIFICATIONS

– i –

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].

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.

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.

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:________________________________

– ii –

T

ABLE OF

C

ONTENTS

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

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

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

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......................................................................................15

Troubleshooting........................................................................................18

Dynamic Power Measurements................................................................... 20

Warranty Information ................................................................................ 22

International Information............................................................................23

Sections marked

ADVANCED OPERATION

include in-depth

technical information

Sections marked

TROUBLESHOOTING

include recommendations for

curing installation problems

Sections marked

INSTALLATION

include “slam dunk”

wiring connections

I
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® ®

TROUBLE-

S
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G

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.

GETTING STARTED

a
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I

NTRODUCTION

Rockford engineers designed the Power 150 and Power 200 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 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 variable 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 Power amplifier awesome sound quality in a “Bullet
Proof” package. Explanations of these technologies, most of which are
exclusively designed and patented by Rockford, are described in the
Technical Design Features.

– 1 –

A

MPLIFIER

A

CCESSORY

P

ACK

The accessory pack included with each amplifier contains the mounting
hardware necessary to secure the amp to the vehicle and to attach the end
caps to the amplifier.

Installation & Operation Manual
Punch Verification Certificate
(4) Amplifier mounting screws (#8 x 3/4" Phillips)
(4) Speaker/Power Connector Set Screws (3/32" Allen)
(4) Endbell Mounting Screws (9/64" Allen)
(1) Allen Wrench 9/64"
(1) Allen Wrench 3/32"
(1) High Level Input Harness (replacement part #CC-1992)
(1) ATC Inline Fuseholder
(1) ATC 15 Amp Fuse (Power 150)
(1) ATC 20 Amp Fuse (Power 200)

P

OWER

M

ONO

A

MPLIFIER FEATURE

C

HART

– 2 –

Power 150 Power 200

# of CHANNELS 11

RMS Power Mono (4Ω) 75x1 100x1
RMS Power Mono (2Ω) 150x1 200x1
Stable Into: 2Ω 2Ω

CIRCUITRY

1

TRANS•

ana

– circuit topology xx

TRANS•

nova

– patented circuit topology

2

-­Class-H – high efficiency topology -­MEHSA – heat dissipating technology -x
TOPAZ

– patented noise eliminating circuitry

3

x
DSM – discrete surface mount xx
MOSFETs – power supply and output devices xx
NOMAD – protection circuit xx

FEATURES

Die Cast Heatsink

4

xx
Hi-Level Inputs x x
RCA Inputs x x
Balanced Inputs - ­Input Switches - ­Pass-Thru x x
Pwr/Spk Screw Terminals - ­Pwr/Spk Block Terminals x x
4 Gauge Pwr/Gnd - -

– 3 –

--INTERNAL USE ONLY-­Heatsink Type #1 #2

Power 150 Power 200

Fixed Punch Bass - ­(0dB/+6dB/+12dB @ 45Hz)
Variable Punch Bass x x
(0dB ~+18dB @ 45Hz)
Adjustable Crossover (80Hz fixed) - ­Variable Crossover (50Hz ~ 210Hz) LP/FULL

5

LP/FULL

5

Crossover Slope (Butterworth) 12dB/octave 12dB/octave
Phase Warp (00~1800)--

GENERAL

B+ Fuse Size 15A ATC 20A ATC
Dimensions (H x W x L) 2.60" x 2.60" x

9.60" x 9.60" x

6.70" 7.70"

(6.60cm x (6.60cm x

24.38cm x 24.38cm x

17.01cm) 19.55cm)

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 No. 4,467,288

3

TOPAZ is patented under U.S. Patent No. 5,751,823

4

Diecast Heatsink patent pending

5

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

D

ESIGN

F

EATURES

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 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.

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

4. REM Terminal – This spade terminal is used to remotely turn-on and
turn-off the amplifier when +12V DC is applied.

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

6. 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.

7. Gain Control – The input gain 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.

– 4 –

Punch 150

Punch 200

9

11

476

5

32 1

810

L+
L–

R+
R–

65

80

55

50

110

210

Hz

145

190

Crossover
Frequency

Punch

Bass

18dB 0dB

REM

– + B+ GND

High
Level
Input

LED

Pass-Thru

Input

L R

Gain Crossover

L R

LP Full

– 5 –

8. RCA Pass-Thru Jacks – The Pass-Thru provides a convenient source for
daisy-chaining an additional amplifier without running an extra set of
RCA cables from the front of the vehicle to the rear amplifier location.

9. Punch Bass – The Punch Bass control 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.

10. Variable Crossover – The amplifiers have a built-in 12dB/octave
Butterworth filter with a crossover point variable from 50Hz to 210Hz.
The crossover can be set to Low-Pass (LP) or it can be bypassed by
setting it to Full Range (FULL).

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

I

NSTALLATION

C

ONSIDERATIONS

The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the amplifier:
Allen wrenches 9/64" & 3/32" (included) Voltmeter
Wire strippers Battery post wrench
Electric hand drill w/assorted bits Wire cutters
17' (5m) Red Power Wire Assorted connectors
12' (4m) Remote Turn-On Wire Wire crimpers

1.5' (45cm) Black Grounding Wire

– 6 –

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” (46 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.

M

OUNTING

L

OCATION

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

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
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

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.

– 7 –