C109 - Receiver Axton - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL C109 Axton

MONO, 2- AND 4-CHANNEL

∑ PWM MOSFET high efficiency switching power supply ∑ A/B amplification technology with matched BJT transistors (Bipolar Junction Transistors) ∑ Discrete solid state layout ∑ Operating mode switchable between fullrange and highpass or lowpass amplification respectively ∑ Integrated active high-/low pass filters with 12 dB/oct. cutting slope for satellite or subwoofer operation continuously adjustable from 40-240 Hz ∑ Soft start & turn-off delay circuit ∑ Automatic on/off via remote switching from head unit ∑ Protection circuitry against D.C. offset and short-circuits at speaker outputs as well as amplifier overload or overheat ∑ Input level/gain adjustable from 0.2 to 9 V C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 24C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 24 15.02.2005 15:30:29 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:29 Uhr25 Connections & Controls

Connections & Controls

G R O U N D / G N D Power connection terminal to chassis ground or negative terminal of car battery (-12 V)

L und R Speaker output terminals for one or two subwoofers. The minium speaker impedance is 2 Ohms!

P O W E R L E D Amplifier status-LED. Lit green when power is on.

PROTECT LED Lit red when amplifier is in protect mode due to shorted speakers, overtemperature etc.

R E M O T E P O R T Input for RJ11 jack, for the external bass level remote control.

Low level RCA signal output, to daisy-chain the RCA input signal to another amplifier.

Low-level RCA signal input for connection to head-unit pre-out.

INPUT GAIN Input gain/sensitivity control allowing the matching of the amplifier input section to the head-unit (pre-out) output voltage.

Crossover filter frequency control allowing the setting of the Lowpass cut-off frequency between 10 and 300 Hz. Note: This control is not active when the amplification mode switch is in the ''Fullrange'' position!

Depending on the selected switch setting the amplifier operates in Fullrange or Lowpass mode.

Crossover frequency control allowing the setting of the Subsonic cut- in frequency between 10 and 60 Hz.

FUSE Fuses for protection of the amplifier-internal electronics against over- load or faulty operation / wrong manipulation.

+ 12 V Power connection terminal to positive terminal of car battery.

REMOTE/REM Remote switiching contact for the automatic (remote) turn-on / turn- off of the power amplifier from the head-unit's remote (or antenna control) lead.

Low-level RCA signal input for connection to head-unit pre-out. INPUT GAIN Input gain/sensitivity control allowing the matching of the amplifier input section to the head-unit (pre-out) output voltage.

Crossover filter frequency control allowing the setting of the Lowpass cut-off frequency between 40 and 240 Hz. Note: This control is not active when the amplification mode switch is in the ''Fullrange'' position! Amplification Mode Switch Depending on the selected switch setting the amplifier operates in Fullrange, Highpass or Lowpass mode.

Crossover filter frequency control allowing the setting of the Highpass cut-in frequency between 40 and 240 Hz. Note: This control is not active when the amplification mode switch is in the ''Fullrange'' position! FUSE Fuses for protection of the amplifier-internal electronics against overload or faulty operation / wrong manipulation. +12 V Power connection terminal to positive terminal of car battery. REMOTE/REM Remote switiching contact for the automatic (remote) turn-on / turn-off of the power amplifier from the head-unit's remote (or antenna control) lead. GROUND/GND Power connection terminal to chassis ground or negative terminal of car battery (-12 V) L und R Speaker output terminals for one stereo speaker pair or one single speaker connected in bridged mode (e.g. subwoofer) In bridged mode the minium speaker impedance is 4 Ohms! POWER LED Amplifier status-LED. Lit green when power is on. PROTECT LED Lit red when amplifier is in protect mode due to shorted speakers, overtemperature etc.

Connections & Controls

FRONT-PANEL AXTON C509

Connections & Controls

(3CH/ 4CH) Depending on the selected switch setting the amplifier for channels 3+4 operates in Fullrange or llighpass mode. POWER LED Amplifier status-LED - located on the side of the amplifier - signalling nor- mal operation - when lit green. PROTECT LED Lit red when amplifier is in protect mode due to shorted speakers, over- temperature etc. FUSE Fuse for protection of the amplifier-internal electronics against over-load or faulty operation / wrong manipulation. +12 V + 12 V Power connection terminal to positive terminal of car battery. REMOTE/REM Remote switching contact for the automatic (remote) turnon / turn-off of the power amplifier from the head-unit's remote (or antenna control) lead. GROUND/GND Power connection terminal to chassis ground or negative terminal of car battery (-12 V). L und R (1CH/2 CH) Speaker output terminals for channels 1+2; i.e. one stereo speaker pair in fullrange or highpass mode (e.g. subwoofer). L und R (3CH/ 4CH) Speaker output terminals for channels 3+4; i.e. one stereo speaker pair in fullrange mode or one single speaker connected in lowpass mode connected in bridged mode (eg. subwoofer). Minimum impedance in bridged mode is 4 Ohms! INPUT L+R (1CH/2 CH) Low-level RCA signal input for connection to head-unit (Front) printout for a speaker pair that will be either driven in Fullrange or Highpass amplifier mode. INPUT L+R (3CH/ 4CH) Low-level RCA signal input for connection to head-unit (Rear) pre-out for a speaker pair or a subwoofer that will be either driven in Fullrange or Lowpass amplifier mode.

AMPLIFICATION MODE SWITCH

(1CH/2 CH) Depending on the selected switch setting the amplifier for channels 1+2 operates in Fullrange, or Lowpass mode. INPUT GAIN (1CH/2 CH) + (3CH/ 4CH) Separate input gain/sensitivity controls for channels 1+2 and 3+4 respectively allowing the matching of the amplifier input section to the head-unit (pre-out) output voltage. HIGHPASS FREQ. (1CH/2 CH) Crossover filterfrequeney control for channels 1+2 allowing the setting of the respective highpass cut-in frequency between 40 and 240 Hz LOWPASS FREQ. (1CH/2 CH) Crossover filter frequency control for channels 1+2 allowing the setting of the respective lowpass cutoff frequency between 50 and 200Hz LOWPASS FREQ. (3CH/ 4CH) Crossover filter frequency control for channels 3+4 allowing the setting of the respective lowpass cutoff frequency between 50 and 200Hz HIGHPASS FREQ. (3CH/ 4CH) Crossover filterfrequeney control for channels 3+4 allowing the setting of the respective highpass cut-in frequency between 40 and 240 Hz

The mounting location of the power amplifier will have a large effect both on its ability to dissipate the heat generated during normal operation through the heat sink and on the possible triggering of its internal overheat protection shut-off circuit. Any mounting po-sition allowing for a good air stream across the cooling fins of the amplifiers heatsink will improve cooling and long-term stability dramatically. With the AXTON amplifier series the most efficient ventilation is achieved when the units are installed standing up!Therefore select a suitable location that is convenient for mounting and accessible for wiring and offers sufficient ventilation for cooling. As your amplifier features no controls for normal operation, it may be mounted away from the dashboard, i.e. under a car seat or in the trunk. However, make sure the unit is not exposed to excessive dust, direct sunlight, humidity, water, oil or other fluids that may enter the amplifier. The amplifier should be mounted to a solid surface that will ensure a vibration-free mount. Once the location is selected, use the unit as a template for the marking of the mounting holes which should also be pilot-drilled before mounting of the amp is carried out. Secure the amplifier using the four screws. Avoid to let the amp-lifier get into contact with metal parts of the vehicle. This helps to prevent unwanted ground loops.

WIRING TIPS Please note: wrong power or signal connections may damage the am-plifier and other components connected to it. Therefore, please read this manual carefully before the connection of any power, signal and speaker leads is done.The wire routing is critical for noise-free performance. For best results, please follow the general wiring guidelines listed below (for details see section B, E, F and G of this manual). For audio signal connections you should always use double or triple shielded quality RCA cables. Signal, speaker and power cables should always be kept as short as possible:™ Speaker and power cables may be cut to fit the actual length required. ™ Shielded RCA/signal cables should never be cut and respliced, as they will loose their protective shielding effect at those points where they have been cut. If the signal cable is too long, make an S-type loop (never a coil loop) in the centre of the cable to take-up the excess length. Never route any low level/signal cable near or parallel to speaker outputs/speaker cables, amplifier power cables or high energy ignition wires. Use power cable with the recommended cross section (see section E). Small cross sections are reducing the output power, are causing distortions and may be triggering the overheat protection of the amplifier. C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 31C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 31 15.02.2005 15:30:31 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:31 Uhr32

Make sure you are using a main fuse protection for the +12V- power input of the amplifier within max. 30 cm of the car battery and power cables with an amperage adequate cross-section and main fuse (for details see section E: „Connecting“).

The GROUND/GND cable (-12V) should have the same cross- section as the +12V power cable. Make sure to get a good chassis ground contact, because poor ground contacts are the cause for most power problems with car audio installations.

Make sure no power, signal or speaker lines are shorting to chassis ground by using rubber grommets wherever a cable has to pass through any metal part of the vehicle. Important: Before any wiring, always remove the +12V terminal of the battery to prevent short-circuiting. The last lead to be connected in every installation is always the positive +12 Volt terminal of the battery. Connect this lead only after having completed and checked all other connections. C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 32C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 32 15.02.2005 15:30:32 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:32 Uhr33

CONNECTING C109/C209/C409/C509 IMPORTANT: DISCONNECT THE +12V MAIN POWER CABLE FROM YOUR CAR BATTERY BEFORE ANY CONNECTING WORK IS CARRIED OUT! Recommended Power Cable Cross-Sections and Main Fuse Values (for +12V and Ground cable based on 5m +12 V cable) Model Cross-Section Main Fuse C109 20 mm² 60 A C209 8-20 mm² 30-40 A C409 20 mm² 60 A C509 20 mm² 60 A It is recommended to connect your amplifier in the following sequence:

Make sure your head-unit is turned off and the volume control is in its minimum position.

RCA outputs of your head-unit to respective RCA inputs of your amplifier (see „Connecting Diagrams“). Sub pre-outs from head-unit should be fullrange signals because lowpass pre-out signals always affect the filtering electronics of amp- lifier! In case of doubt just 'double' a fullrange front or rear pre-out by using Y-adaptors.

Remote lead connection from head-unit to amplifier.

Speaker cables to respective speakers or passive crossovers. Make sure to maintain polarity! "" to "" and "" to "". For Mono 1-channel mode use of 4/2-channel models, connect the two terminals "" and "" marked with BRIDGE! Min. impedance for bridged mode is 4 Ohms!

Ground connection to chassis ground or -12 V negative battery pole. If possible keep ground cable as short as possible and make sure the chassis contact is well sand-papered, i.e. clean from any paint, rust or dirt for maximum contact.

+12 V power connecteonto positive battery pole. Do not forget to install a main fuse within 30 cm of car battery (fire hazard)!!! Do not connect +12 V cable to battery before re-checking every other connection on the amplifier! Turn-on your head-unit keeping your volume at the lowest setting. The green status LED on front of the amplifier heat sink should light up now. If not, turn-off your head-unit and re-check all wiring to and from the amplifier for missing or faulty connections. C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 33C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 33 15.02.2005 15:30:32 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:32 Uhr34 Please note! ● The AXTON C209 and C409 amplifier models may be used in FULLRANGE, HIGHPASS or LOWPASS mode. ● In stereo operation speaker impedance may be 2-4 Ohms. ● In bridged mono operation minimum speaker impedance is 4 Ohms. ● For mono operation/bridged output both inputs (L&R) must still be used (if necessary use Y-adaptors)! ● A main fuse (not included) of appropriate amperage must be installed within 30 cm of the car battery!

Please note! ● Min. speaker impedance all channels 2 Ohms! ● A main fuse (not included) of appropriate amperage must be installed within 30 cm of the car battery! 2 Pre-Out 4-Channel Operation C509 C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 35C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 35 15.02.2005 15:30:32 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:32 Uhr36

CONNECTING DIAGRAM 4 C509

Please note! ● Min. speaker impedance all channels min. 2 Ohms! ● For mono operation/bridged output both inputs (L&R) must still be used (if necessary use Y-adaptors)! ● A main fuse (not included) of appropriate amperage must be installed within 30 cm of the car battery! 1 Pre-Out 3-Channel Operation C509 C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 36C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 36 15.02.2005 15:30:33 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:33 Uhr37 100 A

CONNECTING DIAGRAM 6 C509

+ C109 Multi-Amp Multi-Channel Operation Please note! ● C509 any operating mode: min. impedance 2 Ohms! ● A main fuse (not included) of appropriate amperage must be installed within 30 cm of the car battery! C509 C109 C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 37C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 37 15.02.2005 15:30:33 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:33 Uhr38 reproduction anyway - will only be playing in the midbass and mid/high frequency range. This so-called highpass filtered or HPF amplification mode also puts less electrical and mechanical 'strain' on your coaxials and component speaker systems, resulting in an increased power- handling capacity. In LOWPASS mode the respective speaker output will only receive low-pass filtered (LPF) signals resulting in the subwoofer only playing in the low-end bass frequency range without any unwanted 'smearing' into the mid/high frequencies.

Before you can effect the respective input sensitivity / gain adjustments (LEVEL) you first have to select the system appropriate crossover fre- quencies for all speakers connected by way of the respective filtering controls marked FILTER FREQ. or SUBSONIC, HIGHPASS and LOWPASS FREQ. (depending on amplifier model). For best results all crossover settings should usually be played by ear rather than by guessing a frequency value! Do not forget to set the amplification mode switches into the re- quired position, i.e. HIGHPASS or LOWPASS! Any frequency setting on the filtering controls will be inactive if the amplification mode switch remains in position FULL! For appropriate crossover frequency selection, all tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Sub) and all fader and balance controls etc. on the head unit have to be brought to their neutral or center position!

CONTROLS & ADJUSTMENTS Sequence of Adjustments Depending on amplifier type (mono, 2-channel, 4-channel or a com- bination thereof), amplification mode (fullrange, highpass or lowpass) and connecting mode (stereo or mono bridged) it is possible, that only part of the adjustments described in this manual section are applicable to your individual car audio system. If you are using your amplifier in conventional fullrange mode (eg. with a soundboard), you may skip paragraph "1. Crossover Frequency Settings" and go directly to "2. Sensitivity Adjustments". In case you are using your new amplifier(s) in a multi-channel amplifier system with highpass-filtered front and/or rear satellites and/or a lowpass-filtered subwoofer, we recommend you to read the complete section "Controls & Adjustments" before you start adjusting any of the frequency or level controls. However, it is recommended to keep to the practical and logical se- quence of the frequency and level adjustments as described in this manual section. Active Highpass and Lowpass Filtering The AXTON models C109, C209, C409 and C509 do not only offer con- ventional fullrange amplification: You also have the choice of high-pass or lowpass amplification mode, enabling you to drive your car audio speakers in the specific frequency range where they will perform best. In HIGHPASS mode dashboard, door and rear shelf speakers (usually between10 and 16 cm diameter) - which do not give you strong bass C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 38C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 38 15.02.2005 15:30:34 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:34 Uhr39 The "Loudness" function should also be deactivated. The HIGHPASS filtering setting (HPF) - on the respective (FILTER) FREQ. control - of the satellite channels will also take away unnecessary mecha- nical and electrical 'strain' from coaxial speakers or component speaker systems (compos), as such speakers are not designed to reproduce powerful bass signals in the first place. Depending on the actual cone surface area, voice-coil diameter and the rated power handling of the 'satellites' it is recomenended to set the hiphpass cross-over / cut-in frequency between 40 and 240 Hz. If the satellite highpass frequency is set too low, the mid-bass repro- duction will be increased, but at the same time the power-handling capacity of the satellites will decrease. If the highpass frequency is set too high, the mid-bass reproduction will become 'thinner' while the power-handling capacity of the satellites will increase. As a general guideline, below you find a practice-proven list for appro- priate satellite (HIGHPASS) FREQ. / HPF crossover frequencies covering the most widely used dashboard, door and rear-shelf speaker diameters: Front Satellite Systems HPF (FILTER) FREQ. 10 cm Ø Coaxials or 2-Way Compos 90-120 Hz 13 cm Ø Coaxials or 2-Way Compos 80-100 Hz 16 cm Ø Coaxials or 2/3-Way Compos 70 - 80 Hz Heck Satellite Systems HPF (FILTER) FREQ. 10 cm Ø Coaxials or 2-Way Compos 100-150 Hz 13 cm Ø Coaxials or 2-Way Compos 120-130 Hz 16 cm Ø Coaxials or 2/3-Way Compos 100-130 Hz Satellite rule 1 The better sounding satellite system should always be installed in the front of the vehicle. Satellite rule 2 Based on identical speaker diameters and comparable engineering quality of the front and rear satellites, the crossover / cut-in frequency of the front satellites should usually be set lower than the highpass frequency of the rear satellites. The (LOWPASS) FREQ. / LPF crossover frequency for the sub- woofer should usually be selected between 50 and 90 Hz. Adjust the LOWPASS FREQ. cut-off control in such a way that the bass reproduction will be precise and rich, while still delivering a good and solid low-end bass. Subwoofer Generally, setting the LPF lowpass cut-off frequency too low will result In a weak and uncontoured bass response. Setting the LPF control too high tends to give the subwoofer a 'booming' sound. C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 39C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 39 15.02.2005 15:30:34 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:34 Uhr40

Sensitivity Adjustments and Gain Matching To reach a maximum of dynamic response from your individual head unit / amplifier / speaker combination, it is important to set the re- spective input sensitivity controls (GAIN) correctly. Firstly the sensitivity determines the actual signal-to-noise ratio. Secondly, the sensitivity also controls the maximum distortion-free sound pressure level (SPL) possible with your specific car audio system. It is recommended to effect the sensitivity adjustments and system LEVEL matching in the same sequence as listed below: ™ Set all tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Sub) on the head-unit as well as all fader and balance controls to neutral. The "Loudness" option should be in the "Off" position, too. ™ Turn the GAIN control (s) of the connected amplifier(s) to its/their lowest positions. ™ Turn-on your head-unit and turn-up the volume control to approxi- mately 3/4 of full volume and start playing a well recorded, dynamic piece of music. ™ 2- or 4-channel fullrange operation, only: Slowly turn up the GAIN control until you can hear distorted sounds. Slowly decrease the LEVEL control to the point where the distortions will have disappeared. The system adjustment is completed. Logical sequence to adjust the input gains of installs with 3/4- or 5-channels: ™ SUB/ 3- or 5-channel operation (2x) stereo + mono sub, only: Slowly turn up the GAIN control until you can hear distorted bass sounds. Slowly decrease the GAIN level control to the point where the distortions will have disappeared. ™ Now you reduce the main volume level on the head-unit to medium listening level. ™ FRONT/ 3- or 5-channel operation (2x) stereo + mono sub, only: Start turning up the GAIN 1 + 2 control clockwise until you have reached good tonal balance between the (front) satellites and the subwoofer. A slight attenuation of the bass range should be prefer- red, as this will be compensated later by normal driving noises. For 3-channel operation the system adjustment is completed. ™ REAR/ 5-channel operation 2x stereo + mono sub, only: Start turning up the GAIN (REAR) control clockwise until you feel to you have reached an appropriate 'rear fill' in the back of the car, so that the overall in-car sound becomes smooth and homogenous. ™ Finally, you may want to do some fine-tuning on the different high- pass and lowpass frequencies selected. It is recommended to start fine-tuning with the subwoofer (LOWPASS FREQ.) Then proceed - if necessary - with the front satellites and finish the adjustments with the rear satellites (both HIGHPASS FREQ.). IMPORTANT: All advice on controls and adjustments of this manual section is based on the assumption that you are also thoroughly acquainted with all the requirements and features of the entire audio equipment – especially the head-unit and the speakers – connected to this amplifier! C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 40C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 40 15.02.2005 15:30:34 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:34 Uhr41 Problem Cause No music signal on loudspeakers ● + 12 V and/or GROUND (GND/ -12V) and/or “Remote” line not (properly) and STATUS-LED on amp is off connected ● Fuse on amplifier or distributor blown ● Main Fuse on car battery side blown ● Short-circuit on any of the speaker outputs ● DC voltage at speaker outputs ● Amplifier overload ● Amplifier overheated A high-pitched buzzing sound ● Bad ground (GND) conntact of amplifier or head unit in- or decreasing with engine speed ● Insufficiently shielded RCA interconnects and/or bad RCA cable routing (inductive interference of on-board electronics) Crackling sound in- or decreasing ● Insufficient interference elimination of ignition circuitry with engine speed Humming ● Sign of ground loop(s), i.e. multiple ground connections of the car audio installation or parts thereof. ● Check also ground connections of all other audio components conncected IMPORTANT! The amplifier’s protection circuitry will shut-off the amplifier in case of short-circuit, overload or DC offset at the speaker out-puts or in case of overheat. In case the cause for protection shut-off has been eliminated, the amplifier will operate normally again (LED on). Otherwise the amplifier will continue to switch on and off! TROUBLESHOOTING

C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 56C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 56 15.02.2005 15:30:38 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:38 Uhr57 C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 57C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 57 15.02.2005 15:30:39 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:39 Uhr58 C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 58C109-509 Manual DEF.indd 58 15.02.2005 15:30:39 Uhr15.02.2005 15:30:39 Uhr59 Limited Warranty This AXTON product is fully warranted against defective materials or workmanship for a period of 2 YEARS from date of purchase at retail. Warranty will only be granted if the warranty certificate is presented fully completed with model, serial number (if applicable), purchaser´s address, purchasing date and dealer stamp together with the original sales slip or proof of purchase. Warranty Limitations This warranty does not cover any damage due to:

1. Inappropriate use, incorrect installation,

audio or mains connection.

2. Exposure to excessive humidity,

fluids, heat, direct sunlight or excessive dirt or dust.

3. Accidents or abuse, unauthorized