Tech Support
- Technical support from FUSION Electronics
My Amplifiers Protection Light Is On
If the protection LED is illuminated this indicates the Amplifier is in protection mode due to a fault condition. There are numerous causes for this and it may mean the Amplifier will need to be inspected and diagnosed by a Technician. It may also be a speaker or subwoofer causing the fault condition.
To eliminate this as a possible cause disconnect the speakers or subwoofer from the output of the amplifier . If the Amplifier still goes into protection mode with nothing connected to the out terminals this indicates a fault with the amplifier.
Power Cable Voltage Drop Table
When running power cable for Amplifiers it is wise to calculate what the voltage drop will be especially if you are using long runs . The below table will help you to calculate the correct size cable you require.
Amplifier Gain Control Adjustment (input sensitivity)
The gain or level pot is not a volume knob, it is used to match the relative output level (voltage) of your source unit to the input circuit of your amplifier. The gain control determines how far you have to increase the volume on your source unit for the amplifier to reach full power. If you have your gain set too low your amplifier will not be able to reach full power and this could allow the source unit to clip which in turn will result in a distorted signal being delivered to your speakers. This is especially relevant with low voltage sources (lower than 2.5volts typically OEM units). With higher voltage sources (2.5volts or higher) if the gain is set too high the amplifier will be able to reach full power at a lower volume control setting from the source unit. This will allow the amplifier to be driven into clipping. The gain settings should generally be set lower, meaning a higher setting on the volume control of the source, to minimize amplifier clipping.
Guide to Setting Gain Control
If you do not have the correct equipment (oscilloscope) this may help
you to set your gain.
1. Once you have installed the system power it down.
2. adjust the amplifier gain to the minimum.
3. power up the system and adjust the volume control of your source unit
to about 3/4 of the way up.
4. slowly increase the gain control until it reaches the maximum level you
are comfortable with or until it starts to clip, and then reduce the level
until you are happy that you will not damage your speakers or Subwoofer.
General Amplifier installation guide
Before any wiring and installation is performed, FUSION recommends you first plan the complete installation. Look at wiring routing, amplifier location and fitment. Please re-check the installation at completion
.
Appropriate mounting is very important for prolonged life expectancy of any amplifier. Select a location that allows enough space so sufficient airflow is maintainable and a location that provides protection from moisture. Keep in mind that an amplifier should never be mounted upside down. Upside down mounting will compromise heat dissipation through the heatsink and could engage the thermal protection circuit.
Excessive heat will shorten your amplifiers life. To maximise heat dissipation, be sure to leave at least 2.5 inches of clearance around the amplifier. If space is of the essence and the amplifier must be mounted in an enclosed or restricted area, a small 3 inch fan should be used in correspondence with a duct so the heat can flow past the heat sink.
WARNING: Do not mount any amplifier on a subwoofer enclosure as extended exposure to vibration may cause malfunction of the amplifier
INSTALLATION WARNING
1: Ensure the vehicle 12 volt lead is removed from the battery before any equipment is connected
2: Investigate the vehicles gas tanks, brake lines and electrical wiring locations before you begin installation
3: Attach the product securely to the vehicle to prevent damage in the event of an accident
4: Ensure all wiring is protected to avoid damage or pinching of the cables
WIRING
Make sure before any connection is made to the amplifier or source unit, ensure that you turn the audio system off. Failure to do so could result in either the stock system or your new FUSION product being damaged. FUSION will not warranty damaged amplifiers due to incorrect installation.
When wiring FUSION amplifiers, ensure that the wires are away from sharp objects and that rubber grommets and insulated bungs are used when wiring through door jams and any other steel panels.
CONNECTION
Note: Ensure the audio system is off during the installation of FUSION product. Once the installation is complete FUSION recommends that you turn the volume of the source unit up slowly so not to damage the speakers. Please recheck the complete installation prior to turning the audio system on.
GROUND/EARTH
Always ensure that the ground connection point is a clean bare metal connection and it is a good idea to apply silicone over the bolt and connection to prevent rust forming. If the amplifier is powered on without an Earth connection or a poor connection this will cause damage to the amplifier and / or head unit as it will try to find an earth via the least path of resistance which could be through the RCA connectors back to the Head Unit . This will burn the Earth track on the Head Unit or it may go through the chassis of the Amp to the floor of the car. This is traceable by a technician to verify the cause of the damage.
