R2100A - Car stereo Rodek - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL R2100A Rodek

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INSTALLATION GUIDE

R1500A2

1-Channel Power Amplifier

R2100A2 / R2180A2

2-Channel Power Amplifier

R4100A2

4 - Channel Power Amplifier

RöDEK

INHALTSVERZEICHNIS / CONTENTS

Seite

TECHNISCHE MERKMALE 4
1. EINGÄNGE-AUSGÄNGE-BEDIENUNGSELEMENTE.
2. MONTAGE 9
2.1 WAHL DES EINBAUORTES 9
3. ELEKTRISCHER ANSCHLUSS 9
3.1 VERLEGEN VON CINCHKABEL / REMOTE-KABEL . . . 10
3.2 ANSCHLUSS DER LAUTSPRECHER-KABEL ..... 10
3.3 ANSCHLUSS DER POWER-KABEL 10
3.4 ERSTE FUNKTIONSPRÜFUNG....10 SYSTEMKONFIGURATIONEN....11-15
4. EINSTELLUNG DER INTEGRIERTEN FREQUENZWEICHEN 16
4.1 MINIMALE LASTIMPEDANZ 16
4.2 WÄHLEN DES BETRIEBSMODUS 16
4.3 TRENNFREQUENZ EINSTELLUNGEN 16
4.3.1 HIGHPASS FÜR KOMPONENTEN UND KOAXIAL SYSTEME 16
4.3.2 BANDPASS FÜR KICKBASS SYSTEME ..... 17
4.3.3 BANDPASS FÜR SUBWOOFER SYSTEME ..... 17
4.4 ANPASSUNG DER EINGANGSEMPFINDLICHKEIT .. 18
4.5 PHASE-SHIFT EINSTELLUNG 18
6. GARANTIEBESTIMMUNGEN 31
6. GARANTIEKARTE 32

Seite

TECHNICAL FEATURES 20

1.5-8 INPUTS - OUTPUTS - CONTROLS 21-24
2. MOUNTING OF THE AMPLIFIER 25
2.1 MOUNTING LOCATION 25
3. ELECTRICAL WIRING 25
3.1 RCA INTERCONNECTS / REMOTE LEAD ..... 26
3.2 LOUDSPEAKER CABLES 26
3.3 CONNECTION OF POWER CABLES 26
4. CROSSOVER SETTINGS 27
4.1 MINIMUM IMPEDANCE LOAD 27
4.2 SELECTING THE OPERATION MODE 27
4.2.1 HIGHPASS FOR COMPONENT AND COAXIAL SPEAKERS 27
4.2.2 BANDPASS FOR KICKBASS SYSTEMS 28
4.2.3 BANDPASS FOR SUBWOOFER SYSTEMS ..... 28
4.2.4 ADJUSTING INPUT SENSITIVITY 28
4.3 ADJUSTMENT OF PHASE SHIFT CONTROL ..... 29
5. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 30
6. WARRANTY 31
6. WARRANTY-CARD 32

1. / 2. AND 4.CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

and thank you for choosing this RODEK Car Audio Power Amplifier!

To maximize the performance of your complete car audio system, it is recommended that you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the capabilities and features of this amplifier. Therefore read this manual carefully, before attempting the installation of this multichannel amplifier and retain the manual and your purchasing/installation receipts for future reference.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

■ Car audio amplifier for a compact and user friendly realization of a powerful car audio system
■ Two independent MOSFET power supplies (R4100A2 / R2180A2) for high power output and best stability into low impedance loads
■ Versatile integrated electronic crossovers with filter slopes of 12/dB/octave. Independently selectable operation modes: Highpass, bandpass and fullrange. Fully variable crossover frequency ranges in between 10Hz - 400Hz for highpass, and 30Hz - 400Hz for lowpass, or both cascaded for bandpass operation
■ Phase shift control, fully variable in between 0-180°

■ Uncompromising heatsink design, introducing a new clamshell structure with temperature controlled internal fan
■ CNC machined power input and speaker output blocks
■ Adjustable input sensitivity, fully variable from 0.2V to 9V
■ Advanced protection circuitry, sensing overload, short-circuits at the speaker outputs, DC voltage at the outputs and overheating of power electronics

1. INPUTS · OUTPUTS · CONTROLS

1. RCA inputs (CH1/2, CH3/4, left and right channels), Line inputs for connection with RCA line-out's of the head-unit
2. Input gain control, LEVEL adjustment for channels CH1/2. Used to match the RCA line output voltage of the head-unit to the amplifier input section.
3. Operation mode selector, slide switch to select Highpass, Bandpass or Fullrange operation of the active crossover for channels CH1/2
4. Highpass crossover frequency control, to adjust the cut-in frequency of the channels CH1/2
5. Lowpass crossover frequency control, to adjust the cut-off frequency of the channels CH1/2
6. Input gain control, LEVEL adjustment for channels CH3/4. Used to match the RCA line output voltage of the head-unit to the amplifier input section.
7. Operation mode selector, slide switch to select Highpass, Bandpass or Fullrange operation of the active crossover for channels CH3/4

8. Highpass crossover frequency control, to adjust the cut-in frequency of the channels CH3/4

9. Lowpass crossover frequency control, to adjust the cut-off frequency of the channels CH3/4

10. Slide switch to activate/deactivate the phase-shift control
11. Phase-shift control, to alter the acoustical phase of the output signal
12. Operation LED, is lit blue when power is on
13. Protection LED, is lit red when the amplifier is shut down because of malfunction, overheating or short-cut on speaker cable leads
14. Terminal block for the speaker wire connection
15. Fuses
16. "+12V" for connection to the positive terminal of car battery
17. "GND" for connection to chassis ground or negative terminal of car battery
18. "REM" for the automatic (remote) turn-on / turn-off of the power amplifier from the head-unit's remote or antenna control lead

19. "REMOTE" LOW PASS LEVEL INPUT telephone jack port for connection with dash-mounted low-pass level remote unit

20. INPUTS · OUTPUTS · CONTROLS
    

FRONT PANEL R2100A2 R2180A2 CH 1 CH 2 9V 0.2V LEVEL CH 1/2 FULL HP BP 10Hz 400Hz 30Hz HIGH PASS LOW PASS PHASE ON OFF PHASE 90° 180° POWER PROTECT 1 2 3 4 5 10 11 12 13

A B Amplifier internal ventilation A = air inlets (top) 14 15 16 17 18 FUSE FUSE FUSE +12V GND REM R2180A2 REAR PANEL R2100A2 R2180A2

1. INPUTS · OUTPUTS · CONTROLS
   

FRONT PANEL R4100A2 R4100A2 A REAR PANEL R4100A2 B Amplifier internal ventilation A = air inlets (top) B = air outlets (bottom)

1. INPUTS · OUTPUTS · CONTROLS
   

FRONT PANEL R1500A CH1 CH2 9V 0.2V FILTER 10Hz 50Hz 40Hz 400Hz PHASE ON OFF 90° POWER PROTECT REMOTE LEVEL FULL BP HIGH PASS LOW PASS ON OFF 0.7 180° 1 2 3 4 5 10 11 13 19 A REAR PANEL R15000A SPEAKER FUSE +12V GND REM B Amplifier internal ventilation A = air inlets (top) B = air outlets (bottom)

2. MOUNTING OF THE AMPLIFIER

Before you attempt the installation of your RODEK amplifier, it is recommended to map out the complete audio system and the respective wiring required. Please note that - because of possible interference problems with the existing car electrics and electronics - especially the routing of the signal cables and the chassis ground connection will have a profound impact on the performance of the overall system. Secondly, the correct mounting location needs your attention too (proper cooling of the amp!). Use only quality installation material and if you have only little or no experience with complex car audio installations, we strongly recommend you to consult your nearest authorized RODEK dealer/installer.

2.1 MOUNTING LOCATION

The mounting location should be carefully selected, preferably in the trunk compartment of your car! In the interest of passive driver and passenger safety, the amplifier must be securely mounted, and special precautions must be taken to allow sufficient cooling. The amp can get quite hot during operation, so a clearance of at least 5cm from both sides and from the top of the amp must be considered.

Furthermore, this amplifier features an internal fan, so the side panels must not be covered to allow for a good air flow in and out of the side-panels windows.

Make sure there is no wiring harness, fuel tank etc. behind or below the mounting surface that may be dama-

ged by the drilling of the holes for the amplifier mounting screws. The above mentioned clearance of at least 5cm to all sides of the amplifier is not only for proper cooling, but also because the crossover controls must remain accessible. The amplifier must NOT be mounted directly to the chassis ground of the vehicle, this may cause to ground loops with loud hum noise.

3. ELECTRICAL WIRING

IMPORTANT! Disconnect the positive battery terminal (+12V) or remove the main fuse near the car battery before you start any wiring work! The power supply of the car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring installation is completed. The recommended minimum power cable cross-section of the main power supply cable is 20mm^2 , but if you drive the amp hard, or you have multi amplifier setup, a 35mm^2 power cable is needed. Using main power cables with smaller cross sections potentially result in unnecessary over-heating of the amplifier circuitry, distortion at high volume levels and may also cause the thermal protection circuitry to shut-off the amplifier(s).

Use rubber grommets when running cables through any metal or sharp plastic panels, to prevent accidental shorting or shearing. Make sure the cables do not interfere with normal operation of the vehicle.

3. ELECTRICAL WIRING

Especially the music signal cables (RCA interconnects) should be kept far away from any potential sources of electrical interference i.e. electronic vehicle management systems (engine computers, relays etc.) fuel pumps, wiring harnesses etc.!

3.1 RCA INTERCONNECTS / REMOTE LEAD

Carefully run the RCA audio signal interconnect(s) and the remote switching cable from the head-unit to the amplifier. The audio signal cables should be routed completely separate from the power cables. Use only double or triple shielded quality cables!

Connect the remote wire lead to the remote output of the head-unit and to the remote input terminal of the amplifier. Finally connect the RCA interconnect cable(s) to the respective outputs on the head-unit and the RCA inputs of the amplifier.

3.2 LOUDSPEAKER CABLES

Connect the loudspeaker wires to the speaker terminals of the amplifier. Use good quality wires of 2.5mm ^4 cross-section. You will need a set of Allen wrenches for the connection of the wires!

When baring wires, remove approximately 6-8mm of the insulation and after axially twisting the wires; insert the bare ends into the corresponding speaker terminal output on the amplifier. Be sure to follow correct polarity ("+" to "+"; "-" to "-"). Tighten the terminal screws on the amplifier.

3.3 CONNECTION OF POWER CABLES

Run the positive power cable ("+12 V") directly from the positive terminal of the car battery to the amplifier. Make sure the power cable makes good contact to the battery; i.e. use an appropriate battery clamp that accepts big gauge power cables! For protection of your car audio system and your entire car against electrical fire hazards from a short-circuit of the main power cable with chassis ground, you must insert a main fuse (holder) within the first 30cm of the battery. The fuse type/value should be matching the limitations of your main power cable and the requirements of your car audio system. Preferably a minimum of 80 Amperes with this amplifier and an appropriate power cable cross-section. Now you route the ground cable to the amplifier. It is best to keep the ground cable (-12V") as short as possible, i.e. to find a chassis contact very close to the amplifier. The ground power cable must have the same cross-section as the positive power cable. It is recommended to use a corrosion-resistant gold-plated power ring or a massive ground clamp between the ground cable and the chassis ground point. Keep in mind that audible interferences and problems originating in the power supply of the amplifier, are mostly based on a bad ground contact. So a good (and clean) grounding to the vehicle chassis is absolutely crucial, to obtain best performance of your amplifier.

4. CROSSOVER SETTINGS

4.1 MINIMUM IMPEDANCE LOAD

The output stages of the RODEK amplifiers are designed to give you extraordinary output power into 4 or 2 ohms loads in normal stereo configurations. In bridged mode, the minimum impedance load is 4 ohms. The amplifier might suffer from thermal shut-down or even damage, if these recommended minimum impedance load ratings are not considered appropriately. The R1500A2 is stable into 2 ohms.

The RODEK amplifiers feature an active crossover section with full versatility and thus, offer different amplification modes, which can be set by the operation mode slide switch(es). The operation mode switch enables you to configure each stereo channel pair to work in either fullrange, highpass or even bandpass mode. Therefore - before you get started with the settings of crossover frequencies and input gain adjustments - you must select the appropriate operation mode for each channel pair, depending on the speaker system that is connected and driven by the amplifier. This will make sure that every speaker system is only working in its proper frequency operation range, for which the speaker was designed. For example select HIGHPASS, if the speaker is a component- or coaxial type, or BANDPASS in case of a kick-bass or subwoofer system - and finally FULL(range) if the passband frequency of the stereo channel is already controlled by a head-unit with an integrated DSP based active crossover.

4.2.1 HIGHPASS FOR COMPONENT AND COAXIAL SPEAKERS

Before you start your adjustments, all tone controls (i.e. Bass, Treble), fader/balance and the loudness function featured on the head unit, must be set to their respective neutral or center position.

Please take a look at the chart below, stating the recommended high-pass cross-over frequency settings for coaxial- and component speaker systems - and adjust the highpass control of each channel pair that drives satellites speaker systems accordingly. The most important factor for the individual adjustment of the highpass crossover frequency is the reproduction of mid-bass frequencies and the resulting power-handling of the speaker system. This setting is always a compromise. Try to find a highpass crossover frequency point, that will suit your personal listening preferences and - at the same time - also considers the physical (cone excursion) capabilities of your speakers best.

Satellite speaker system, front door mounted, recommended highpass frequency

10 cm Coaxial- or Component System 90 - 120 Hz
13 cm Coaxial- or Component System 80 - 100 Hz
16 cm Coaxial- or Component System 60 - 90 Hz

Satellite speaker system, rear mounted, recommended highpass frequency

10 cm Coaxial- or Component System 100 - 150 Hz
13 cm Coaxial- or Component System 120 - 150 Hz
16 cm Coaxial- or Component System 130 - 150 Hz

4. CROSSOVER SETTINGS

4.2.2 BANDPASS FOR KICKBASS SYSTEMS

If you intend to operate a kickbass loudspeaker system in the front doors of your vehicle, you must select two crossover frequencies at the active crossover of your RODEK amplifier. The operation mode must be set to bandpass. The bandpass filter contains a highpass (10 - 400Hz) with a cascaded lowpass (30 - 400Hz) filter. The lowpass crossover frequency point is usually set at a frequency that equals at least twice the value of the highpass crossover frequency setting. The lowpass filter is mostly set a little lower, than the highpass crossover frequency setting of the satellite channels.

Kickbass speaker system, front door mounted, recommended bandpass frequencies

16 cm Kickbass Speaker System 80 - 110 Hz Highpass 200 - 250 Hz Lowpass

4.2.3 BANDPASS FOR SUBWOOFER SYSTEMS

To drive a subwoofer system, the integrated electronic crossover must also operate in bandpass mode. Before you attempt to adjust the lowpass crossover frequency, you must first turn the (subsonic)highpass frequency control counterclockwise to its lowest position at 10 Hz.

Now you can set an appropriate lowpass crossover frequency. For this purpose, open the input gain control - the arrow of the knob should point to "noon" - so you can hear the subwoofer playing. Ideally, the low-pass cut-off frequency should be set between 50 to 90 Hz - and this setting has to be entirely determined by ear. Try to find lowpass crossover frequency setting, that gives you a "full-bodied" bass reproduction with enough impact in the upper bass range.

Note: If the lowpass crossover frequency is set too low, the sound will have a tendency to sound extremely soft and low-end heavy!

Now you can adjust the subsonic-highpass, if you wish to squeeze out the most (max-dB) of your subwoofer system. Turn the highpass frequency control up, to a point where you can hear that the bass reproduction starts to get "thinner". The subsonic highpass frequency should be set to a value between 20 to maximum 50 Hz.

4.2.4 ADJUSTING INPUT SENSITIVITY

To reach a maximum noise-free dynamic headroom from each individual head unit/amplifier/speaker combination, it is important to set the respective input gain controls correctly. The input level settings determine the actual signal-to-noise ratio, and they are also responsible for obtaining the maximum distortion-free SPL (sound pressure level) from your specific setup.

4. CROSSOVER SETTINGS

Turn-on your head-unit and set the volume control to approximately 3/4 of full volume, while playing a dynamic track from a CD. Slowly increase the LEVEL adjustment control of the channel pair, to which your subwoofer system is connected to. Turn up the (sub channel) level control knob until you can just about hear distorted bass sounds. Now you reduce the volume level of your head unit to a "normal" listening level and "add" all the remaining channel pairs, by turning up the corresponding level controls - aiming for a balanced sound with a slight emphasis in the bass range. All remaining channels, no matter if this concerns rear mounted coaxials, component- or kickbass systems installed in the front doors - must be balanced against the main level setting of your subwoofer. Usually, it's best to start with the adjustment of the front door mounted speaker system level.

4.3 ADJUSTMENT OF PHASE SHIFT CONTROL

The phase shift function of your RODEK amplifier can be activated with the corresponding slide switch. The phase-shift control enables you to match the acoustical phase relations of subwoofer and the speaker system playing in the front doors, either a component or a kick-bass system. The idea is that both speaker systems, normally separated by aprox. 3m of distance are intended to play acoustically "in-phase" at the drivers seat location. A good match of the acoustical phase between subwoofer and the system in the front doors will give you the im-

pression of bass sounds coming from a place in front of you. Or the other way round, the subwoofer playing in the trunk of your car can not be localized that easily. The second advantage is, that the upper bass region - i.e. where the sound waves radiated by the subwoofer and the kickbass or front door mounted component system are crossing over - will sound considerably more precise and tight. This phase adjustment can only be determined by ear, there is no rule of thumb to find a good match, and you will definitely need somebody to help you. To judge the effect of the phase-shift adjustment, you must sit in the drivers seat, and somebody must adjust the phase shift control knob until the sound reproduction in the bass region is best. Furthermore, it might be necessary to invert the (connection) polarity of your subwoofer - and re-adjust the phase, if you can not find a proper match with the correct in-phase polarity subwoofer connection.

1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Rated Power Output (RMS)All channels driven simultaneously@13.8 V into 4 Ohms (THD<0.1%) 4x85W 2x185W 2x105W 1x355W	R4100A2			R2180A2
Rated Power Output (RMS)All channels driven simultaneously@13.8 V into 4 Ohms (THD<1%) 4x95W 2x190W 2x110W 1x375W
Rated Power Output (RMS)All channels driven simultaneously@13.8 V into 2 Ohms (THD<1%) 4x140W 2x310W 2x150W 1x555W
Rated Power Output (RMS)All channels driven simultaneously@13.8 V into 4 Ohms (THD<1%) Bridged 2x280W 1x610W 1x300W	n.a.
Damping Factor @4 Ohms Load All Channels	>200	>200	>200	>200
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Filter Weighted)All Channels@full rated power output	>95dB	>95dB	>95dB	>95dB
Frequency Response (-3dB)Operation Mode set to FULL,All Channels driven simultaneously	10Hz - 40kHz	10Hz - 40kHz	10Hz - 40kHz	10Hz - 40kHz
Channel SeparationAll Channels	>55dB	>55dB >55dB >55dB
Input SensitivityAll channel Pairs	0.2V - 9V	0.2V - 9V	0.2V - 9V	0.2V - 9V
Integrated Cross-Over/FilteringSlope Rates	12 dB/Octave High- & Lowpass
Highpass Cross-Over Frequency RangeLowpass Cross-Over Frequency Range	continuously variable 10 - 400 Hzcontinuously variable 30 - 400 Hz
Fuses	3x25 A	3x25A	2x20A	2x30A
Dimensions (W x H x D)	384 x 59 x 270 mm	405 x 59 x 270 mm	292 x 59 x 270 mm	384 x 59 x 270 mm

6. WARRANTY

Thank you for purchasing this RODEK amplifier. It is advisable to keep the original packing material for future transporting of the product. Please read the warranty specifications below carefully. Should your RODEK product require warranty service, please return it to the retailer from whom it was purchased, or the distributor in your country. Please do not send any product to RODEK Inc. U.S.A. Should you have difficulty in finding an authorized RODEK service center, details are available from your local distributor or from the ACR address below.

This RODEK amplifier is fully warranted against defective materials or workmanship for a period of TWO YEARS from date of purchase at retail. Warranty work will not be carried out unless this warranty certificate is presented fully completed with model, serial number purchaser's address, purchasing date and dealer stamp together with the original sales slip!

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS

This warranty does not cover any damage due to:

1. Improper installation, incorrect audio or mains connection(s).
2. Exposure to excessive humidity, fluids, sun rays or excessive dirt or dust.
3. Accidents or abuse
4. Unauthorized repair attempts and modifications not explicitly authorized by the manufacturer.

This warranty is limited to the repair or the replacement of the defective product at the manufacturer's option and does not include any other form of damage, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise. The warranty does not cover any transport costs or damages caused by transport or shipment of the product.

Limited Warranty: 24 Months

Model:

POWER AMPLIFIER RODEK R2180A2 / R2100A2 / R4100A2 R1500A2

Serial Number:

Date of purchase:

Your name:

Your address:

City:

State: ZIP or Postal Code:

Country:

Your phone number:

Dealer's address & stamp

RoDEK

Exclusive distributor for Europe and Asia