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24
Warnings and tips
Always disconnect the battery ground wire before doing any work on your vehicle. Reconnect the
cable only after the installation is complete and the wiring has been checked to make sure that
there are no problems. If your radio features a code type security system, be sure you know the
code before disconnecting the battery!
Your a/d/s/ PowerPlate
TM
should be installed in 12V negative ground vehicles only. Connection to
other types of electrical systems may cause damage to the vehicle or the amplifier.
Wear Eye and Ear protection when using power tools.
Before cutting or drilling carefully inspect the area to make sure there is no electrical wiring, fuel
lines or brake lines which could be damaged. Sometimes these components may be hidden
between double-walled panels, so be very careful.
Do not bypass or modify the fuses, or replace with one of a higher rating. The fuse should not fail
under normal operation. Repeated blowing indicates a problem with the amplifier or improper
installation.
An additional power supply line fuse (not supplied) must be installed on the 12V supply line and
located as close as possible to the battery in order to protect the wire in the event of a short
circuit.
Make sure the system is turned off when making or breaking any connections.
Do not use your PowerPlate
TM
with speakers which have either terminal connected to the speaker
frame or to the vehicle chassis.
symptom
possible cause
action to take
distorted output (cont’d)
speakers are blown
check system with known
working speakers and repair or
replace as needed
poor bass response
Speakers wired with wrong
check speaker polarity and
polarity causing cancellation
repair as needed
at low frequencies
crossover set incorrectly
reset crossovers referring to the
multi-cross
TM
crossover
configuration section of this
manual for detailed instructions
battery fuse blowing
impedance load to amplifier
check speaker impedance load,
too low
if below 2
W
stereo or 4
W
mono
rewire speakers to achieve a
higher impedance
short in power wire or incor rect
check power and ground
power connections
connections and repair as
needed
fuse used is smaller than
replace with proper fuse size
recommended
too much current being drawn
check speaker impedance load,
if below 2
W
stereo or 4
W
mono
rewire speakers to achieve a
higher impedance
check power and ground
connections and repair as
needed
amplifier fuse blowing
too much current being drawn
Check speaker impedance load,
if below 2
W
stereo or 4
W
mono
rewire speakers to achieve a
higher impedance and replace
with recommended fuse size
check power and ground
connections and repair as
needed
fuse used is smaller than
replace with proper fuse size
recommended
Mounting locations
PowerPlate
TM
in a place that protects it from the elements. In addition, mount the PowerPlate
TM
on
a stable, flat mounting surface. Whenever possible, pre-drill the mounting holes. Remember to
check behind the panel for hidden dangers in the form of hoses, fuel or brake lines or electrical
wiring. Use a marking pen or awl to mark the hole locations and pre-drill using a 1/8" bit.
Passenger compartment mounting
All PowerPlates
TM
have been designed with a low profile to make under
seat mounting possible. Regardless of where you choose to mount your
PowerPlate
TM
be sure to keep a minimum of 1" of clearance around the
amplifier for adequate airflow to prevent overheating.
Trunk compartment mounting
The most common mounting location is in the
trunk or cargo compartment. For optimum cooling, mount the Power-
Plate
TM
chassis vertically with the fins running vertically, or mount the
PowerPlate
TM
horizontally with the fins pointing upward. Avoid horizon -
tal mounting locations with the fins pointing downward.
Also, locate the PowerPlate
TM
where it, and connections to it, will not be
damaged by cargo or tools which may shift during vehicle operation.
Engine compartment mounting
Don’t even think about it! The PowerPlate
TM
was not designed to endure the
harsh chemical and heat environment of the engine compartment. Failure to
obey this warning will void your warranty.