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Macro-Tech 5002VZ
Power Amplifier
Reference Manual
plifier no longer detects dangerous low frequency or DC
output. Although it is extremely unlikely that you will ever
activate the amplifier’s DC/low-frequency protection
system, improper source materials like subsonic square
waves can activate this system.
The amplifier’s
fault protection
system will put a chan-
nel in standby mode in rare situations where heavy com-
mon-mode current is detected in the channel’s output.
The amplifier should never output common-mode cur-
rent unless its circuitry is damaged in some way, and
putting a channel in standby mode helps to prevent fur-
ther damage.
The amplifier’s
transformer thermal protection
cir-
cuitry is activated if the unit’s transformer temperature
rises to unsafe levels. Under these abnormal conditions,
the amplifier will put the affected channel’s transformer
in standby mode. The amplifier will return to normal op-
eration after the transformer cools to a safe tempera-
ture. (For more information, refer to Section 4.3.3.)
4.3.3 Transformer Thermal Protection
All
Macro-Tech amplifiers have transformer thermal pro-
tection. It protects the power supplies from damage
under conditions where transformer temperatures rise
too high. A thermal switch embedded in each trans-
former removes power to the channel if there is exces-
sive heat. The switch automatically resets when the
transformer cools to a safe temperature.
As long as it is operated within rated conditions (see
Section 6), it is extremely unlikely that your amplifier will
ever activate transformer thermal protection. One rea-
son is that
ODEP keeps the amplifier working under very
severe conditions. Even so, higher than rated output
levels and loads with excessively low impedances can
generate more heat in the transformer than in the output
devices. These conditions can overheat the transform-
ers and activate the protection system.
Macro-Tech amplifiers are designed to keep working
when other amplifiers would fail. But even when the lim-
its of a
Macro-Tech amplifier are exceeded, it will still
protect itself—and your investment—from damage.
4.3.4 Power Supply Fuses
An internal fuse protects the
Macro-Tech 5002VZ’s low-
voltage power supply. The low-voltage power supply
fuse will not blow unless something is wrong with the
amplifier. If the low-voltage power supply fuse blows,
refer the unit to a qualified technician for service.
the standby mode. If the AC line voltage drops to about
20% or more below the unit’s rated voltage, both chan-
nels will go into standby to prevent loudspeaker dam-
age that can result from brownouts and blackouts.
If dangerous subsonic frequencies or direct current
(DC) is detected in the amplifier’s output, the
DC/low-
frequency protection
circuitry will put the channel in
standby to protect the loads and prevent oscillations.
The unit resumes normal operation as soon as the am-
Internal Standby Indicators
(For Qualified Technicians Only)
Although it is very unlikely that you will ever see an
amplifier channel unintentionally put in standby,
eight internal indicators (four per channel) are pro-
vided to help troubleshoot such a situation. They
are located inside the top cover of the amplifier.
DANGER: Electrical shock from this amplifier
can be lethal. The top cover should only be re-
moved by a qualified technician.
Four indicators are provided per channel, with six
on the main board and two on the control board.
Main board indicators include the following:
(1) DC/low-frequency protection, labeled “DC/LF,”
(2) fault, labeled “OUTPUT MOD FAULT,” and (3)
standby, labeled “STBY.” The control board indica-
tors help identify overvoltage conditions or
transformer thermal protection. These indicators
are labeled “OVER-VOLT/THERM.”
If the DC/LF indicator is lit, see what the indicator
does when you remove the input signal. If it turns
off, the problem is DC or subsonic material in the
input signal and you should refer to Section 3.3.4;
if it stays on, refer the amplifier to a qualified tech-
nician for service.
If the OUTPUT MOD FAULT indicator is lit, turn the
amplifier off, wait ten seconds and then turn it back
on. If the indicator stays off, try using the amplifier
for normal operation; if the indicator turns on again,
refer the amplifier to a qualified technician for ser-
vice.
If the STBY indicator is lit, the installed
PIP module
has put the channel in standby. For example,
PIPs
controlled by the
IQ System can be used to put
each channel in standby to conserve energy.
If the OVER-VOLT/THERM indicator is lit for one
channel, transformer thermal protection has been
activated. An overvoltage condition always causes
both indicators to light. If both indicators are lit, test
your AC mains voltage. If it is within tolerance, you
have somehow managed to activate thermal pro-
tection for both transformers (a feat that is virtually
impossible).
