Lightning Audio B3.200.2, Installation And Operation Manual

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5
Installation
Passenger Compartment Mounting
Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as long as you provide a
sufficient amount of air for the amplifier to cool itself. If you are going to mount the amplifier
under the seat of the vehicle, you must have at least 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's
heatsink.
Mounting the amplifier with less than 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink in the
passenger compartment will not provide proper cooling and will severely affect the performance
of the amplifier and is strongly not recommended.
BATTERY AND CHARGING
Amplifiers will put an increased load on the vehicle's battery and charging system. We
recommend checking your alternator and battery condition to ensure that the electrical system
has enough capacity to handle the increased load of your stereo system. Stock electrical
systems which are in good condition should be able to handle the extra load of any Lightning
Audio amplifier without problems, although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To
maximize the performance of your amplifier, we suggest the use of a heavy duty battery and an
energy storage capacitor.
WIRING THE SYSTEM
CAUTION: If you do not feel comfortable with wiring your new unit, please see
your local Authorized Lightning Audio Dealer for installation.
CAUTION: Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to
prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.
CAUTION: Avoid running power wires near the low level input cables, antenna,
power leads, sensitive equipment or harnesses. The power wires
carry substantial current and could induce noise into the audio
system.
1. Plan the wire routing. Keep RCA cables close together but isolated from the amplifier's
power cables and any high power auto accessories, especially electric motors. This is done
to prevent coupling the noise from radiated electrical fields into the audio signal. When
feeding the wires through the firewall or any metal barrier, protect them with plastic or rubber
grommets to prevent short circuits. Leave the wires long at this point to adjust for a precise
fit at a later time.
2. Prepare the RED wire (power cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of
insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal and tighten the
set screw to secure the cable in place.
NOTE: The B+ cable MUST be fused 18" or less from the vehicle's battery. Install the fuseholder
under the hood and prepare the cable ends as stated above. Connections should be water
tight.
3. Trim the RED wire (power cable) within 18" of the battery and strip 1/2"of insulation from the
end of the wire.
4. Strip 1/2" from the battery end of the power cable and crimp a large ring terminal to the
cable. Use the ring terminal to connect to the battery positive terminal. DO NOT install the
fuse at this time.
5. Prepare the BLACK wire (Ground cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of
insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the GND terminal and tighten
the set screw to secure the cable in place. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint
from the metal surface and thoroughly clean the area of all dirt and grease. Strip the other
end of the wire and attach a ring connector. Fasten the cable to the chassis using a non-
anodized screw and a star washer.