Whirlwind CABDRIVER Users Guide

CAB DRIVER

Speaker Component Checker

The Cab Driver is a battery powered test device for checking the operation of the speaker
components within enclosures. A pink noise signal source is generated internally,
boosted by the power amplifier and accessed through an assortment of speaker box
connectors, including Neutrik Speakon NL8 and NL4, ¼” TS and banana jacks. The
amount of pink noise output can be adjusted with the level control to appropriate levels for
subwoofers, midrange cones and compression drivers and tweeters.

Warranty

This product is guaranteed for 2 years from the date of purchase against manufacturing defects. For
warranty service, return the unit, along with the original sales receipt, to: whirlwind, 99 Ling Road,
Rochester, NY 14612, postage prepaid. We will repair or replace the unit at our option and pay the
return postage.

99 Ling Road Rochester, NY 14612 · Ph. 585 663-8820 Fax [phone]

[e-mail] www.whirlwindusa.com·

whirlwind

Controls and Connections

The Level Control adjusts the volume of the pink noise output and also serves as the power
switch for the Cab Driver. The unit should be turned off when not in use to preserve battery
life.

A Power LED indicates that the unit is operational. The LED will dim as the batteries near
the end of their useful life.

Four pushbutton Select Switches route the power amp output to the pairs of speaker
connections; 1+ 1-; 2+ 2-; 3+ 3-; 4+ 4- in the NL8 and 1+ 1-; 2+ 2- in the NL4. The banana
jacks and the ¼” TS jack are controlled by the 1+ 1- switch. The Cab Driver is designed to
work with 4 and 8Ω loads, although lower impedances can be driven safely for brief periods
of testing with reduced battery life. Selecting only one switch at a time conserves battery
power and minimizes the load on the power amp output.

The DC Ohms Test measures the DC resistance of the voice coil circuit connected to the
output terminals selected by one of the pushbuttons. This feature helps identify blown
drivers in cabinets with multiple drivers in series parallel configurations. Three LEDs
indicate values of 4, 8 or 16Ω. The green LED lights from 1.8 to 3.6Ω, the yellow LED lights
from 3.6 to 7.2Ω and the red illuminates from 7.2 to 14.4Ω. Pushing the switch applies a
5VDC voltage to the selected output terminals that can also be used for detecting cone
speaker polarity and identifying speaker and cabling polarity errors. Current limiting on the
output should protect compression drivers and tweeters, although caution should be
exercised as with any battery test. Excess cable length may cause slightly higher readings.

The male XLR provides a balanced line level pink noise output for testing speaker cabinets
with built in amplifiers. The output signal level is controlled by the level control. There is no
polarity test through the line out.

Power is supplied by four AA batteries. Twenty-four or more hours of battery life can be
expected under normal use.

A 2.1mm 6VDC power jack is provided for an external “wall wart” power supply. The
Whirlwind PS6, rated for 1 Amp at 6VDC is recommended.