Theta Digital Dreadnaught III Owner'S Manual Download Page 8

 

 
 

1

INTRODUCTION 

 

 
 

Getting to know your Dreadnaught III 

 

This Dreadnaught III has been put through a rigorous and unique testing procedure that ensures that it will 
last for many years with minimal service requirements.  This procedure includes the following: 

 

 

All assembled circuit boards are given a thorough visual inspection and are then tested in a bench-

reference Dreadnaught III. 

 

 

The tested, assembled circuit boards are then installed in a new Dreadnaught III and the whole unit 
is tested for every function and parameter. 

 

 

The unit is put on a burn-in torture rack to test for any possible component failures. 

 

 

It is then tested on an audio analyzer for all pertinent parameters. 

 

 

The unit has all remaining chassis components installed and then undergoes a complete visual 
inspection, which assures that all Dreadnaught III’s meet visual specifications. 

 

 

The Dreadnaught III then undergoes a critical listening and functional test. 

 

 
 

 

Burn-In Time 

 

This unit has a break in period of about 1 week during which continuous improvement in sound quality will 
be observed.  It is recommended that music be played continuously through the unit during this time to 

expedite the break in period. 
 

 
 
 

Reference Manual Conventions 

 
For clarity purposes, references to buttons and LED’s will be shown in bold capital letters. 

 

Summary of Contents for Dreadnaught III

Page 1: ...THETA DIGITAL THETA DIGITAL Dreadnaught III owner s manual Dreadnaught III owner s manual...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...ernal cooling fans may be required in some cases Do not stack any equipment directly above or below the Dreadnaught III to protect it from overheating as well as the continued functionality of any equ...

Page 4: ...ateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance servicing instructions in the literature accompanying the product WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIR...

Page 5: ...ta now and as upgrades and or options are installed Whenever upgrades inquiries and or changes are requested the serial number will be required SERIAL NUMBER DATE PURCHASED DEALER S NAME DEALER S ADDR...

Page 6: ...T CIRCUITRY BE CERTAIN NOT TO SHORT THE OUTPUT SIGNAL TO GROUND ENSURE THAT YOUR AUDIO OUTPUT CABLES DO NOT HAVE ANY INTERNAL SHORTS BEFORE CONNECTING THEM TO THE DREADNAUGHT III IF REPLACEMENT OF THE...

Page 7: ...rence Manual Conventions 1 IMPORTANT NOTICE 2 Dreadnaught III Block Diagram 3 Front Panel Layout 5 Front Panel Layout Rackmount Option 6 Rear Panel Layout 7 OPERATION 9 Single and Two channel Modules...

Page 8: ...in torture rack to test for any possible component failures It is then tested on an audio analyzer for all pertinent parameters The unit has all remaining chassis components installed and then undergo...

Page 9: ...wise the amplifier s power output may be compromised IV DO NOT remove any cover panels from the Dreadnaught III as there are no user serviceable components inside Refer servicing and updating to quali...

Page 10: ...3 Dreadnaught III Block Diagram Figure 1 Block Diagram Dreadnaught III showing single channel module...

Page 11: ...4 Dreadnaught III Block Diagram con t Figure 2 Block Diagram Dreadnaught III showing two channel module...

Page 12: ...by If the surround bus is active with specific channels assigned to it they will exit the standby mode as well 2 SURROUND button Activates deactivates the SURROUND bus 3 SURROUND LED Illuminates when...

Page 13: ...Activates deactivates the SURROUND bus 3 SURROUND LED Illuminates when the surround bus is active 4 THERMAL LED Illuminates when any channel s temperature rises above the maximum operating temperatur...

Page 14: ...nding post on the single channel module will operate optimally using spade lugs 5 Channel RAIL FUSE LED When this LED is illuminated an internal fuse on the negative rail of the channel is blown Inter...

Page 15: ...in the 12V 0V to 12V or 12V to 0V the amp s surround mode will change from its current status either on or off 20 DB9 RS 232 connector Used for connecting a system control device to the Dreadnaught II...

Page 16: ...d by the standby state Each module can be assigned to operate on either the STEREO or SURROUND buss When the Dreadnaught III has more than two modules installed in it it is recommended that the front...

Page 17: ...panel fuse is open Replace with same type and rating ONLY Circuit breaker is open AC outlet Check the AC outlet circuit breaker and reset if necessary or contact your dealer No audio output STEREO SU...

Page 18: ...t as short as possible for best sound quality Figure 5 Examples of Typical Input and Output Connections optional connection WARNING Each channel is a balanced bridge amplifier thus the negative speake...

Page 19: ...se refer to page 15 or information on changing these settings All commands will follow the format Header Command Identifier Argument 1 Argument 2 Argument 3 where Header FEh E8h 254 232 Command identi...

Page 20: ...mplifier status The RS 232 can be set using a hardware jumper to automatically send changes to the RS 232 port Status Byte Byte Description bit Value Description 1 Bus 0 Main bus 1 Surround bus 2 Temp...

Page 21: ...14 RS 232 Hardware Connections Figure 6 Dreadnaught III RS 232 Jack Pinout These are the connector drawings only The RS 232 cable must be a regular RS 232 or mouse extender cable wired pin for pin...

Page 22: ...ins if the RS 232 board is orientated as in figure 7 The STATUS can be returned to the controller either automatically every time a parameter has changed or the user can request it manually The factor...

Page 23: ...dule 8 ohms one channel driven 250 W rated 325 W typical 8 ohms five channels driven 250 W rated 245 W 260 W typical 4 ohms one channel driven 450 W rated 475 W 525 W typical 2 ohms one channel driven...

Page 24: ...ts and to change the prices or specifications of any product without notice or obligation to any person 3 REMEDY In the event the above product fails to meet the warranty and the above conditions have...

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