Vulcan VRX82A - Subwoofer Hifonics - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Active subwoofer (subwoofer with built-in amplifier)
Brand	Hifonics
Model	Vulcan VRX82A
Speaker	20 cm (8") subwoofer + 20 cm (8") passive radiator
RMS Output Power	1 x 200 W
Max Output Power	1 x 400 W
Low-pass filter	50 – 150 Hz, slope 12/18 dB/octave
Subsonic filter	Fixed at 15 Hz
Phase Shift	0° / 180° (switchable)
Bass Boost	0 – 12 dB @ 45 Hz, adjustable
Power supply	+12 V (9 – 15 V), negative ground
Fuse	25 A (replaceable)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	280 x 140 x 520 mm
Audio inputs	RCA (low level) and high level (HI LEVEL INPUT)
Remote control	Yes, for bass level (included)
Auto Turn On	Yes, via DC offset detection on high level input
Protection	Overheating and short circuit (red LED)
Maintenance and cleaning	Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive products.
Safety	Professional installation recommended. Observe polarity and use a suitable fuse. Disconnect the battery before installation.
Spare parts and repairability	Replaceable fuse (25 A). For any other parts, contact Hifonics customer service.
General information	Active subwoofer for 12 V automotive installation. Suitable for car audio systems.

Frequently Asked Questions - Vulcan VRX82A Hifonics

How to install the Hifonics Vulcan VRX82A subwoofer?

Before installation, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Mount the amplifier in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the trunk. First connect the GND terminal to a clean chassis point, then connect the +12V terminal to the battery via a 25 A fuse placed within 30 cm of the battery. Connect the REM wire to the remote output of the head unit or use the Auto Turn On function if using the high-level input. Finally, connect the audio inputs (RCA or high level) and adjust the sensitivity.

What type of power cable should I use?

Use a cable with sufficient gauge (at least 4 mm² for power and ground). The REM remote cable can be 0.5 mm². Ensure the inline fuse is 25 A and placed near the battery.

What should I do if the protection LED lights up red?

The red LED indicates overheating or a short circuit. Turn off the system and let the amplifier cool down. Check that ventilation is adequate. If the problem persists, check the speaker connections for a short circuit or too low impedance. Make sure the battery voltage is correct (9-15 V). If nothing resolves, the unit may be defective.

How to adjust the low-pass filter?

Use the LPF (Low Pass Filter) potentiometer to adjust the cutoff frequency between 50 and 150 Hz. The X-OVER SLOPE switch allows you to choose the slope: 12 dB/octave or 18 dB/octave. A higher slope (18 dB) filters higher frequencies more aggressively.

How to use the high level input?

If your head unit does not have RCA outputs, use the high level input (HI LEVEL INPUT). Connect the head unit's speaker wires to the high level input using an adapter cable (not included). Do not use the RCA and high level inputs simultaneously. The Auto Turn On function can be activated so that the amplifier turns on automatically with the source.

How to adjust the Bass Boost?

Turn the BASS BOOST potentiometer to add up to 12 dB at 45 Hz. Caution: excessive use may damage the speakers. Adjust it moderately.

What to do if no sound comes out?

First check that the POWER LED is lit green. If not, check the battery fuse and the amplifier fuse, as well as the power and ground connections. Verify that the REM wire is properly connected or that the Auto Turn On switch is in the ON position if using the high level input. Ensure the audio cables (RCA or high level) are properly plugged in and that the head unit is outputting a signal.

How to use the remote bass level control?

Connect the included remote control to the BASS LEVEL CONTROLLER port using the included cable. Place the remote in an accessible location (e.g., near the driver's seat). Turn the knob to adjust the bass level in real time.

Can I use the RCA and high level inputs simultaneously?

No, never use both input types at the same time. This could seriously damage the unit. Choose one or the other according to your head unit.

How to maintain the subwoofer?

Clean the enclosure regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemical or abrasive products. Periodically check the connections and the fuse. Ensure that the ventilation slots are not obstructed to prevent overheating.

USER MANUAL Vulcan VRX82A Hifonics

Please read the user's manual carefully before the installation and the first operation of the amplifier.

SPECIFICATIONS	VRX82A
Subwoofer	20 cm (8")
Passive Radiator	20 cm (8")
Output Power RMS	1 x 200 W
Output Power Max	1 x 400 W
Lowpass Filter	50 – 150 Hz @ 12/18dB/Octave
Subsonic Filter	Fixed at 15 Hz
Phase Shift	0° / 180°
Bass Boost	0 – 12 dB @ 45 Hz
Operating Voltage	+12 V (9 – 15 V), negative ground
Fuse Rating	25 A
Dimensions (B x H x L)	280 x 140 x 520 mm

All Specifications are subject to change

IMPORTANT NOTES PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

• This device is only suited for a 12 volt system with negative ground.
• The radiated heat while operation requires sufficient air circulation at the place of installation. It is very important that the heat sink fins do not have contact with any metal parts or any surfaces which could impair air circulation. The amplifier may not be installed in small closed location or spaces without air circulation. We recommend the installation in the vehicle's trunk. Ensure sufficient protection against vibrations, dust and dirt.
• Ensure that the input and output cables are sufficiently separated from the power supply cables. Otherwise interferences may occur.
• Ensure the accessibility of the fuse and the operating elements after installation.
• The reliability and performance of the amplifier depends on the quality of installation. Preferably consult an expert to install the system.
• Avoid any damage or removing of the components of the vehicle like wires, cables, board computer, seat belts, gas tank or the like.

POWER SUPPLY AND TURN-ON-CONNECTION

ATTENTION: Before you start with the installation, disconnect the ground connection from the vehicle's battery in order to prevent short circuits.

The power wiring which is usually installed in on-board car networks is not sufficient for a power amplifier's demands. Make sure that the power wires to GND and to the +12 V terminal has been sufficiently specified.

First connect the GND terminal [6] of the amplifier to an appropriate ground connection at the chassis. To ensure a good connection, residue dirt and dust from the connection point. A loose connection may cause malfunctions or interferences noise and distortion.

Then connect the +12 V terminal [4] of the amplifier with the battery by using an appropriate cable including an in-line fuse. This fuse [2] should be located very close to the battery [1]; for safety reasons not more than 30 cm away. Only insert the fuse when the installation, including the connection of the loudspeakers, has been accomplished.

Then connect the remote turn-on-wire [3] from the head unit with the amplifier's REM terminal [5]. A cable with a cross-section of 0.5mm^2 is adequate.

If the device fuse [ FUSE ] is defective, it must be replaced with an equivalent one.

AUDIO SIGNAL CABLES

When installing the audio cables between the RCA outputs of the head unit and the RCA inputs of the amplifier [7], the audio and power supply cables should, if possible, not be routed along the same side of the vehicle. We recommend a separated installation, e.g. routing the power cable through the cable channel on the left side and the audio cables through the cable channel of the vehicle on the right side or vice versa. This prevents interferences due to crosstalk into the audio signal.

HIGH LEVEL INPUTS & AUTO TURN ON

The high level inputs under HI LEVEL INPUT [8] is suitable to connect the device input with speaker wires, if your head unit is not equipped with pre-amplifier RCA outputs. Extend therefore every regarding speaker cable from your head unit with appropriate speaker cables from your car audio retailer to the mounting location of the amplifier. Then connect the each matching loudspeaker cable with the cables of the included High Level Input jack.

CAUTION: Never use the high level inputs and the RCA inputs at the same time. This may damage the device seriously.

AUTO TURN ON

Push the AUTO TURN ON switch [9] to ON position. The amplifier detects now a voltage rise (6 Volts) over the connected input signal on the HI LEVEL INPUT [8] when the head unit will be switched on. Hence, the amplifier will also be turned on. As soon as the head unit will be turned off, the amplifier turns also automatically off. In this case the turn-on connection [3] is not needed.

NOTE: The AUTO TURN ON function usually works with 90% of all head units, because they are equipped with "High Power"-outputs. Only with a few older and still existing head units the Auto Turn On function is not working.

INPUT SENSITIVITY

Turn the LEVEL [10] controller of the amplifier to the MIN position. Then turn the volume controller of the head unit to 80 - 90% of its full setting. Now turn LEVEL [10] clockwise until you hear some distortion. Then turn back LEVEL [10] slightly until you hear a cleaner sound.

VARIABLE BASS BOOST

By using the BASS BOOST controller [11] you are able to increase the bass enhancement from 0 to 12 dB. ATTENTION: Use the BASS BOOST wisely!

PHASE SHIFT SWITCH

The PHASE SHIFT switch [12] allows to switch the phase from 0^ to 180^ to match the output signal with the vehicle's interior acoustic.

VARIABLE LPF FILTER

Set the desired crossover frequency by using the controller LPF [13]. Thus to that only the frequencies below the chosen crossover frequency will be amplified and the subwoofer plays more precisely and efficient. With the X-OVER SLOPE switch [14] the slew rate of the LPF filter can be set. The slew rate determines whether the filtered out frequencies should be attenuated normal (12dB) or high (18dB).

With the included bass level cable remote controller [16] allows to adjust the bass level e.g. out of the driver's seat. Connect the remote controller and the BASS LEVEL CONTROLLER terminal [15] with the enclosed cable.

PROTECTION CIRCUIT

The POWER LED [17] lights up green, if the amplifier is in operation.

The PROTECT LED [18] lights up red, when the amplifier is overheated, or a short circuit occurs respective a too low impedance load is connected to the speaker outputs. If this events, the internal built-in protection circuit shuts down the amplifier automatically. The amplifier should work again properly after you have solved the problems.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you are having problems after installation follow the Troubleshooting procedures below.

Procedure 1:

Check Amplifier for proper connections.

Verify that POWER LED lights up green. If this is the case, skip to Step 3, if not continue.

1. Check in-line fuse on battery positive cable. Replace if necessary.

2. Check fuse(s) on amplifier. Replace if necessary.

3. Verify that Ground connection is connected to clean metal on the vehicle's chassis. Repair/replace if necessary.

4. Verify there is 9 to 16 Volts present at the positive battery and remote turn-on cable. Verify quality connections for both cables at amplifier, stereo, and battery/fuse holder. Repair/replace if necessary.

5. Check that the AUTO TURN ON switch is in the ON position and the HI LEVEL INPUT is connected correctly, if you don't use the RCA inputs AUDIO INPUT.

Procedure 2:

PROTECT LED lights up red.

1. If the PROTECT LED lights up, this is a sign of driving the device at very high power levels without adequate airflow around the device. Shut off the system and allow device to cool down. Check that the vehicle charging system is maintaining proper voltage. If the previous items do not solve the problem, a fault may be in the device.

Procedure 3:

Check Amplifier for audio output.

1. Verify good RCA input connections at stereo and amplifier. Check entire length of cables for kinks, splices, etc. Test RCA inputs for AC volts with stereo on. Repair/replace if necessary.

Procedure 4:

Check Amplifier for a popping noise while turning on.

1. Disconnect input signal to amplifier and turn amplifier on and off.

2. If the noise is eliminated, connect the remote lead of amplifier to source unit with a delay turn-on module.

Procedure 5:

Check Amplifier if you experience excess Engine Noise.

1. Route all signal carrying wires (RCA, speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.

OR

1. Bypass any and all electrical components between the head unit and the amplifier(s). Connect stereo directly to input of amplifier. If noise goes away the unit being bypassed is the cause of the noise.

OR

1. Remove existing ground wires for all electrical components. Reground wires to different locations. Verify that grounding location is clean, shiny metal free of paint, rust etc.

OR

1. Add secondary ground cable from negative battery terminal to the chassis metal or engine block of vehicle.

OR

1. Have alternator and battery load tested by your mechanic. Verify good working order of vehicle electrical system including distributor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, voltage regulator etc.

The POWER LED [17] lights up green, if the amplifier is in operation.

CONTROLLO REMOTO DAL LIVELLO DEI BASSI

www.audiodesign.de - www.hifonics.de

© Audio Design GmbH, All Rights Reserved