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Recommendations for all Class D amplifiers
Class D amplifiers, by the nature of there design, can emit a certain amount of Radio Frequency (RF) noise. While we
have optimized the design to reduce this to a minimum, there are still steps you can take to eliminate unwanted FM radio
interference. The tips below apply to all class D amplifiers.
•
Always mount the amplifier as far from the radio antenna as the installation will allow.
•
Keep the amplifier away from the radio or any other electronics that may prove to be sensitive to RF noise.
• Make the ground wire as short as possible.
• Use twisted pair wires as much as possible. If possible, all the speaker wire and input cables should be twisted. If you
do not have twisted pair wire you may be able to twist it yourself.
•
If you encounter a problem with FM interference you can try turning the amplifier 90 degrees or changing its location
completely. RF noise can be very directional.
Warning!
Take extra care when using CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) or pure aluminum wire. Ensure all connections are clean and
tight. Due to the highly reactive nature of aluminum, electrical connections can fail without the typical “Green” or tarnished
look you would expect with copper. Aluminum also has a greater rate of expansion due to heat and care must be taken to
ensure that connections are not over tightened. This can result in the failure of the power or ground connector and cause
damage to your amplifier.
Where possible, always use all-copper conductors for power, ground and speaker wire connections to reduce the potential
for connection problems.
Diagnostic Fault Codes
All ARC Audio X2-Series amplifiers feature microprocessor controlled error reporting to help your installer diagnose
potential issues. The following chart explains what each of the error codes mean.
Speaker Level Input Pigtails
All ARC Audio X2-Series amplifiers include a set of high-level speaker input RCA pigtails. These pigtails include a resistive
voltage divider network to reduce the signal from a high-power source unit or factory amplifier so that it can be used with
the differential Inputs on your X2-Series Amp. The following outlines the polarity of the connections for the input pigtails.
Thermal Error (Heatsink)
The Amplifier has Over Heated. Turn the volume down and let it cool off
.
Thermal Error (Transformer)
The Power Supply Transformer has Over Heated. Turn the volume down and let it cool off.
Code 11
Under Voltage
The Battery Voltage is too low. Check your battery, alternator and wiring.
Code 12
Short (Low Power Channel)
Shorted speaker or wire on Channels 1-4. Turn the system off unill you can get this fault corrected. Also includes internal shorts.
Code 13
Repeated Shorts
You didn’t turn the system off, did you? See Code 12
Code 14
Over Voltage
Your Alternator is producing too much voltage. Have your vehicle’s electrical system tested right away.
Code 15
DC Output Protection
DC Current was detected on the speaker outputs. To avoid damaging the speakers, this amplifier has shut down. This will probably require factory service.
Code 16
Short (High Power Channel)
Shorted speaker or wire on subwoofer channels (5 or 5-6) also includes internal shorts.
Normal Turn on
Blue is good. This is the normal start-up self test and turn-on delay.
Power/Processor Reset
You will see this the first time the amplifier is powered up or after the microprocessor resets. This code will vary from model to model.
Long
Long
Long
Short
Short
Long
Long
Short
Short
Short
Short
Short
Short
Short
Short
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Flash
Short
From Head Unit Right Speaker Output
From Head Unit Left Speaker Output