POWER 100HD

INSTALLATION MANUAL

INDEX

Figure One: Power 1OOHD Internal Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Amplifier Bridging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Input Connections (RCA Jacks) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Input Level Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Power Connection (White 12-Gauge Wire) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Ground Connection (Black 12-Gauge Wire) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Input Mode Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4

Turn-on Connection (Red Wire From 10-Pin Connector) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Speaker Connections (Wires From 10-Pin Connector) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Speaker Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Speaker Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Bridging Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Speaker Fusing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6

Figure Two: Four Channel Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7

Figure Three: Bi-Amp Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Figure Four: Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . Page 10

INTRODUCTION

The Rockford Power 100HD is an automotive stereo power amplifier which will provide state-of-the-art sound in cars, vans, boats, or wherever a 9 to 16 volt battery is available.

The Power 100HD adjustable input circuits are designed to match almost any music source, fromlow preamp levels to speaker levels, with negligible noise. The amplifiers will drive all normal speakertypes, impedances, and configurations.

Internal fusing in the Power 1OOHD amplifier prevents damage due to shorts, system powerproblems, or internal failures. The Power 1OOHD incorporates new internal battery line filtering andextensive noise prevention circuitry.

The Power 100HD amplif ier should be PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED. The length and nature ofwarranty are dramatically affected if the customer attempts to install it (see Warranty).

AMPLIFIER BRIDGING

Operating an amplif ier in the “bridged” or “strapped mono” mode means driving one speaker orspeaker system with two amplifier channels. Each channel will put out full power into its half of thespeaker load, so the system can drive the speaker with double the power that a single amplifierchannel would be capable of. (See Figure Two)

When amplif iers are bridged into a single speaker, each amplif ier output “sees” half of the totalspeaker impedance.

New Rockford-Fosgate amplifiers are designed so that connecting the amplifier for bridged mode isa simple matter of using the correct speaker leads as shown in the appropriate system diagram. Inthese amplif iers, one channel of each pair is inverted in the amplif ier. In normal stereo use, theinverted channel output is connected to the negative lead of its speaker load, thus preserving thesystem polarity. In the bridged mode, the inverted channel is connected to the negative lead of thespeaker to be bridged, and the positive lead is connected to the non-inverted channel. This providesthe out-of-phase drives required for bridged operation.

The Power 1OOHD MOSFET is designed so that the four amplifier sections can be bridged in severalways. Right and Left Front channels can be bridged, The Right Low and Left Low-Frequencychannels can be bridged, the Right High and Right Low channels can be bridged together, and theLeft Low and Left High channels can be bridged. These combinations allow an unmatched flexibilityin designing stereo, biamplified, and hybrid bridged systems. (See Figure Two)

INPUT CONNECTIONS (RCA PIN JACKS)

The amplifier’s signal input female RCA jacks should be connected to the source unit’s signal outputs.(See Figure Four For Connections)

If the source unit has “RCA" jack outputs, connect the Power 100HD to the source with an “RCA"adapter cable. In most cases, system noise rejection will be improved by using high-qualitybraided-shield or double-shielded interconnecting cables. We recommend Perfect Power intercon-nects.

When the source unit does not have RCA jack outputs, wire the left signal output to the black centerconductor of an adapter cable; the right signal output to the red conductor, and the ground to theshield lines, or use Rockford adapter cable No. AS-524.

Some higher-powered source units employ “bridged” output circuits ("BTL” outputs). Units withbridged outputs are normally rated at 15 to 25 Watts output by the manufacturer. To connect thistype of unit to a Power 100HD amplifier, the speaker positive (+) wires should go to the adapter cable

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100HD signal input cable away from the White power wire and the car’swiring harnesses, to avoid noise coupling.

Pre-assembled interconnect adapters are available from Rockford Corporation’s Perfect Interfacedivision for a wide variety of source units.

I NOTE: In most Pioneer pre-amp output units, and some others, the audio shield ground is not at the sourcechassis common. For these units, connect the shield line to both the audio shield and the chassis common.

INPUT LEVEL CONTROLS

The Power 1OOHD input level controls are accessible with a jeweler’s screwdriver through four holesin the cover. The controls are factory-preset to a level which matches most 500 millivolt to 1 Voltrated preamp-output source units. If you are using the amp in bridged stereo or bi-amp stereo adjustonly the controls labeled 2-channel/4-channel front. If you are using a fader before the amplifier thenadjust all four channels. (See Figure Four)

If you are using the speaker-outputs leads of the source unit, turn the Power 100HD input controlsfully counterclockwise to their minimum gain position.

If the volume control of the source is “touchy” and/or noisy and if just a little volume from the sourcedrives the amplifier into distortion, reduce the Power 100HD input gain controls so that the distortiondoes not start until the source volume is at about 3/4 of its rotation.

If the maximum volume from the source does not drive the Power 100HD into distortion, increasethe Power 1OOHD input gain controls until distortion starts at about 3/4 volume.

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center conductors, but the cable shield ground must be connected to the source chassis, NOT thespeaker negative (-) wires.

Be sure to route the Power

POWER CONNECTION(WHITE 12-GAUGE WIRE)

The White wire must be connected directly to the positive terminal of the battery to provide a powersource with a low voltage drop and low noise. If the power is connected to any other point (the fuseblock, for instance) the amplifier’s power output will be reduced and oscillations and noise may distortthe sound. If the power wire must be extended, use only 12-gauge or larger wire and make a goodsplice.

It is best to use as short a wire run as possible. DO NOT run the power wire next to the input cablingto the amplifier: it will induce noise.

Avoid running the White power wire near the radio’s antenna or power leads, or near sensitiveequipment or harnesses. The White power wire carries substantial currents and could induce noise.

The White wire is provided with an in-line 15 ampere fuse. Do not use a larger fuse or the amplifierwill not be adequately protected, and you risk damage to your car’s electrical system. (See FigureFour)

GROUND CONNECTION(BLACK 12-GAUGE WIRE)

The ground wire must be connected directly to the car chassis, near the amplifier. Ground loops areaggravated by the length of the ground wire or any resistance in the ground path. For this reasonwe do not recommend extending the ground wire in any installation.

The ground point in the car should be a piece of chassis metal that is welded to the main body ofthe car. Painted surfaces should be scraped or sanded dean before the ground lug is boited down.(Cover the bare-metal area with paint or grease to prevent rust.) (See Figure Four) 0

INPUT MODE SWITCH

The two channel/four channel switch located on the bottom of the amplifier allows the user to choosethe number of inputs. In the two channel mode one set of inputs marked front (or single input) willprovide input to all four channels.

The front and rear channels of the amplifier can be run independently by switching to the four channelmode and using both sets of RCA jacks. This will allow maximum flexibility to fade or adjust inputlevels of both the front and rear channels. (See Figure Four)

TURN-ON CONNECTION(RED WIRE FROM 10-PIN CONNECTOR)

To turn on the Power 1 OOHD apply 12 vdts positive to the red wire. Usually, the red wire is connectedto the source unit’s “Accessory” or “Auto-Antenna” lead, either of which will go positive when thesource is turned on. (See Figure Four)

Although the majority of high-quality automotive source units have an Accessory or Auto-Antennaoutput, there are many which may require different turn-on methods. If the source has no Auto-An-tenna lead (or if Auto-Antenna goes down during tape operation):

a) Find the internal switched power vdtage inside the source unit and sdder a lead to it. Run thelead out through the back of the unit ( being sure to use a grommet for insulation from the case)and connect to the amplifier turn-on wire. (See Figure Four)

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b) Or: Install a switch in the car with one terminal connected to +12 Volts and the other to the Power100HD red lead. (See Figure Four)

c) Or: Connect the Power 1 OOHD red lead to the accessory point at the car’s fuse block. In this casethe amplifier will be on whenever the car is on. CAUTION: This method will allow the amplifier toamplify any noise and turn-on and turn-off transients, and may therefore be unsatisfactory. (SeeFigure Four)

SPEAKER CONNECTIONSWIRES FROM 10-PIN CONNECTOR

Be certain to observe speaker terminal polarity throughout the system. It is critical for thePower 1OOHD to use the correct negative leads for the right and left channels, since the right negativelead (brown) is the “hot" lead for the right speaker. DO NOT chassis ground any of the speakerleads. Unstable operation may result. (See Figure Four)

SPEAKER WIRE

We recommend that you always use high quality speaker wire for the best sound quality. For shortruns, 18-Gauge wire is the smallest we suggest; for runs over 6 feet, 16-Gauge should be used.Many users find that sound quality is improved by the use of specially-made heavyduty speakerwiring. The Power 100HD output harness uses short runs of 1 6-Gauge wire and should not reduceany benefits gained from specialized speaker wiring. See Perfect Interface catalog for wireenhancements.

SPEAKER IMPEDANCE

I The Power 100HD is rated for operation into loads of 2-Ohms or greater in stereo operation.

The primary load on the amplifier comes from directly connected speakers (not isolated bycapacitors), and the measured resistance for each side cannot be less than 1.8-Ohms. A single4-Ohm woofer or parallel 4-Ohm pairs per side will form a high-performance system. The maximumdirect load per side is a 4-Ohm speaker in parallel with a 4-Ohm speaker.

If the amplifier load drops below approximately 1.5Ohms, the Power 100HD amplifier will blow theinternal fuses or overheat.

BRIDGING MODE

The Power 1 OOHD amplifier can be bridged into 4-Ohm or 8-Ohm loads to maximize power output.The fused leads from the amplifier are used to provide the “Hot” wires needed when bridging. Pleaserefer to Figures Two and Three for proper connections.

In any bridged application DO NOT use a speaker system with less than a 4-Ohm impedance.

SPEAKER FUSING

The Power 1 OOHD amplifier is supplied with in-line fuses for speaker protection. The Power 1 OOHDamplifier is fully protected internally against loading problems, and external fuses are not requiredfor ampli f ier protect ion. However, speakers are not normally capable of continuous full poweroperation and should be fused to prevent damage due to excessive power. (See Figure Four)

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If the speaker fuses for the Power 100HD are excessively large or are eliminated, the internal fuseswill blow if the speaker shorts. Replace only with recommended fuse.

SPECIFICATIONS

POWER RATINGS:

4 Ohms: 15 Watts per channel continuous power, 4 channels driven into 4 Ohms, from 20 to20 ,000 Hertz, with less than 0.05% THD + N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise).

4 Ohms: 30 Watts per channel continuous power, 4 channels driven into 4 Ohms at 1000 Hertz,with less than 0.1% THD + N.

2 Ohms: 25 Watts per channel continuous power, 4 channels driven into 2 Ohms, from 20 to20,000 Hertz, with less than 0.10% THD + N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise).

POWER RATINGS: 2 CHANNEL (Bridged)

4 Ohms: 60 Watts per channel continuous power into 4 Ohms, 2 channels driven, from 20 to20,000 Hertz, with less than 0.1% THD + N.

Frequency response: 20 to 100,000 Hertz +.5 -3 dB.

Damping Factor: At circuit board:over 50 (referred to 4 Ohms)

Signal to noise ratio: Over 80 dB, unweighted.

Slew factor: over 5

IM distortion (IHF): Less than 0.05%

Input Gain: Variable from 40 dBV to 14 dBVFactory pre-set at 28 dBV (correct for500 millivolt-rated source units).

Protection :

The Power 100HD is protected externally by a 15 Ampere in-line fuse, and Eight 4-Ampere bladefuses provide internal protection.

Dimensions: 10 inches Long by 7 inches Wide by 1.5 inches High

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LIMITED WARRANTY

ELECTRONICS WARRANTY

Rockford Fosgate warrants electronic components to the original purchaser for two years parts andone year labor provided product was purchased from and installed by an authorized Rock-fordFosgate dealer. Warranty on product purchased from but not installed by an authorized dealer isone year parts. Proof of purchase must accompany returned product.

SPEAKER WARRANTY

Rockford Fosgate warrants all loudspeakers to the original purchaser for a period of two yearsproviding the product was purchased from and installed by an authorized Rockford Fosgate dealer.Proof of purchase must accompany returned product. All warranty claims must be processedthrough authorized dealers. SHOULD YOU NEED TO OBTAIN SERVICE ON ELECTRONICS ORSPEAKERS, RETURN THE PRODUCT TO YOUR NEAREST ROCKFORD FOSGATE DEALEROR CALL 602-967-3565 FOR THE DEALER NEAREST YOU. All products must be returned, freightprepaid, to an authorized Rockford Fosgate repair center where it will be repaired or replaced, at ouroption, and returned to you prepaid.

WHAT THE WARRANTY DOESNOT COVER

Warranty does not cover physical abuse, the cabinet or any appearance item, any accessory usedin conjunction with the product, or any damage to the product resulting from alteration, accident,misuse or abuse. This warranty does not apply if the parts or labor, which would otherwise beprovided without charge under this warranty, are obtained from any source other than Rock-ford oran authorized service center. Parts not covered under warranty will be repaired or replaced andreturned C.O.D. for the parts and freight. For speaker boxes, the entire cabinet may be returned forservice, but return will be freight cdlect. Rockford limits its obligation under any implied warrantiesunder state laws to a period not to exceed the warranty period.

WARRANTY OUTSIDE THE U.S., PLEASE CONSULT YOUR LOCAL AGENT

ROCKFORD F O S G A T E C O R P O R A T I O N613 S. ROCKFORD DRIVE

TEMPE, AZ 85281 USA(602)967-3565

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