Rockford Fosgate PUNCH100, PUNCH250, PUNCH360, PUNCH150, PUNCH500 User Manual

punch

® ®

c	a	r	a	u	d	i	o			fanatic	s
								for

2-Channel Amplifiers

Operation & Installation

®

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

SN

OI

TA

CI

FI

CE

SP

2.60"(6.60cm)H	9.60"(24.38cm)W	14.70"(37.33cm)W
(6.60cm)H	(24.38cm)W	(24.63cm)W
2.60"	9.60"	9.70"
2.60"(6.60cm)H	9.60"(24.38cm)W	8.70"(22.04cm)
(6.60cm)H	(24.38cm)W	(19.55cm)W
2.60"	9.60"	7.70"
(6.60cm)H	(24.38cm)W	(17.01cm)L
2.60"	9.60"	6.70"
(6.60cm)H	(24.38cm)W	(17.01cm)L
2.60"	9.60"	6.70"

Dimensions

60A

AGU

Variable

to+18dB)

(0

20Hzto20kHz±0.5dB

10Hzto200kHz±3dB

>200

30Voltsµs

<0.05%

17Vmax.(lowlevelin)

Variablefrom250mVto4V(lowlevelin)

Variablefrom650mVto11V(highlevelin)

NOMAD-Internalanalog-computeroutputprotectioncircuitrylimitspowerincaseof

overload.Thermalswitchshutsdowntheamplifierincaseofoverheating.

20A 30A 40A 50A

ATC ATC ATC AGU

Variable Variable Variable Variable

(0to+18dB) (0to+18dB) (0to+18dB) (0to+18dB) 20kohms

Specificationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.

15A

ATC

Adjustable

(0,+6,+12dB)

FrequencyResponse

Bandwidth

DampingFactor@4Ω(atoutputconnector)

SlewRate

IMDistortion(IHF)

SourceUnitCompatibility(+15dBgainoverlap)

InputSensitivity(+0dBgainoverlap)

Protection

BatteryFusingRating(ExternaltoAmplifier)

FuseType

Equalization(45HzPunchBass)

InputImpedance

– i –

PUNCH800
PUNCH500
PUNCH360
PUNCH250
PUNCH150	Volts
PUNCH100	Measuredat14.4
	DynamicPowerRating(IHF-202Standard)-

1x Watts960

Watts710 1x

Watts450 1x

Watts320 1x

Watts170 1x

Watts160 1x

Mono into a 4Ω Load

480Wattsx2	240Wattsx2
330Wattsx2	210Wattsx2
210Wattsx2	140Wattsx2
160Wattsx2	100Wattsx2
80Wattsx2	60Wattsx2
80Wattsx2	50Wattsx2

Load	Load
2Ω	4Ω
Perchannelintoa	Perchannelintoa

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

200Wattsx2	400Wattsx2	800Wattsx1			50Hz–210Hz
125Wattsx2	250Wattsx2	500Wattsx1			50Hz–210Hz
90Wattsx2	180Wattsx2	360Wattsx1		12dB/octaveButterworth	50Hz–210Hz
2 62.5Wattsx2	125Wattsx2	1 250Wattsx1	>100dBA-weighted		50Hz–210Hz
37.5Wattsx	70Wattsx2	140Wattsx			80Hz
2	2	x1
25Wattsx	50Wattsx	100Watts			80Hz
RMScontinuouspowerperchannel, bothchannelsdrivenintoa4Ω load from20to20,000Hzwithlessthan 0.05%TotalHarmonicDistortion(THD)	RMScontinuouspowerperchannel, bothchannelsdrivenintoa2Ω load from20to20,000Hz,withlessthan 0.1%TotalHarmonicDistortion(THD)	RMScontinuouspowermonointoa 4Ω loadfrom20to20,000Hz,with lessthan0.1%TotalHarmonic Distortion(THD)	Signal-to-NoiseRatio	CrossoverSlope	CrossoverFrequency

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

– ii –

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 +001-602- 967-3565 or FAX [phone].

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: ________________________________

TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S
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
G E T T I N G S T A 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
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V	E	T	O
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A R		L	O
	A	L	T
N T		A
C	I	T	I
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E O		O
D N		N	G

Sections marked	Sections marked	Sections marked
ADVANCED OPERATION	INSTALLATION	TROUBLESHOOTING
include in-depth	include “slam dunk”	include recommendations for
technical information	wiring connections	curing installation problems

I N T R O D U C T I O N

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.

PUNCH AMPLIFIER ACCESSORY PACK

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.

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 sizes.

– 1 –

PUNCH 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER FEATURE CHART

		100	150	250	360	500	800
# of CHANNELS		2	2	2	2	2	2
RMS Power Mono (4Ω	)	25x2	37.5x2	62.5x2	90x2	125x2	200x2
RMS Power Mono (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
CIRCUITRY1
TRANS•ana – circuit topology		x	x	x	x	x	x
TRANS•nova – patented circuit topology2		–	–	–	–	–	–
Class-G – high efficiency topology		–	–	–	–	–	–
MEHSA – heat dissipating technology		–	x	x	x	x	x
TOPAZ– patented noise eliminating circuitry3		x	x	x	x	x	x
DSM – discrete surface mount		x	x	x	x	x	x
MOSFETS – power supply & output devices		x	x	x	x	x	x
NOMAD – protection circuit		x	x	x	x	x	x
FEATURES
Die Cast Heatsink4		x	x	x	x	x	x
Hi-Level Inputs – for factory radios		x	x	x	x	x	x
RCA Inputs – for aftermarket radios		x	x	x	x	x	x
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/LP5	HP/FULL/LP5	–	–	–	–
Variable Xover (50Hz ~ 210Hz)	–	–	HP/FULL/LP5	HP/FULL/LP5	HP/FULL/LP5	HP/FULL/LP	5
Crossover Slope (Butterworth)	12dB	12dB	12dB	12dB	12dB	12dB
Phase Warp (00 ~ 1800)	-	-	-	-	-	-
GENERAL
B+ Fuse Size	15A ATC	20A ATC	30A ATC	40A ATC	50A ATC	60A ATC
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

1Additional information on features, specifications and system designs can be found at: www.rockfordfosgate.com

2Trans•nova is patented under U.S. Patent 4,467,288

3TOPAZ is patented under U.S. Patent 5,751,823

4Diecast Heatsink is patent pending 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 –

DESIGN FEATURES

Punch 100								1
	9	8	4	7	6	5	3	2

LED					R+ L+
					R– L–
			0dB
HP–Full–LP
	Left		+6dB	Gain		REM
80Hz		Right
			+12dB
Crossover	Input	Input			High
			Punch	R+ L+
			Bass	R– L–	Level
					Input	+ Left	–	+ Right –	B+	GND

Punch 150

9

8

4

7

6

5

3

2

1

LED
HP–Full–LP	Left	Right
80Hz			Punch
Crossover	Input	Input	Bass

R+ L+

R– L–

Gain		High	REM
R+ L+		Level
R–	L–	Input	+ Left	–	+ Right –	B+	GND

Punch 250 / Punch 360 / Punch 500

9

3

2

1

LED

REM B+ GND

2

7

8

6

4

6

5

8

2

Speaker

+ L –

	210	Hz	50
	190						R+ L+
	145		55				R– L–	HP–Full–LP
	110		65
								Crossover
Punch		80		Left	Left	Right	Right
	Crossover
Bass	Frequency			Gain	Input	Input	Gain
							High	R+ L+
							Level	R– L–
							Input

Speaker

+ R –

Punch 800	9	3	2					1
	LED
		REM
			B+		GND
2	7	9	6	4	6	5	8	2

Speaker

+ L –

210	Hz	50		R+ L+
190
145			55	R–	L–
110		65
	80

Punch	Crossover	Left	Left	Right	Right
Bass	Frequency	Gain	Input	Input	Gain	High
						Level
						Input

HP–Full–LP

Crossover

R+ L+

R– L–

Speaker

+ 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 –

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

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.

–6 –

MOUNTING 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 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 –