SOUNDEXTREME TBB8 8 Inch Tower Speakers Installation Guide
- June 17, 2024
- SoundExtreme
Table of Contents
SOUNDEXTREME TBB8 8 Inch Tower Speakers
Important
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Please read the Hardware Guide, this Installation Guide, and the User Guide before installation and use.
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These speakers include two rechargeable Battery Packs. As such, the speakers can be installed without any wires. You also have the option to power the speakers by connecting them to a 12V Power Supply.
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Only connect a 12V Power Supply to the Amplified Speaker power input. To prevent damage to the speakers, fire, and/or possible injury, do NOT connect the BLACK Power Cable to the battery’s negative (-) terminal until all the installations are completed.
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CAUTION : Do NOT connect to a 24V, 48V or 72V power supply! The voltage for the power input is +12VDC. You need to connect to a 12VDC power supply. If your vehicle battery power is not 12V (e.g., 24V, 36V, or 48V), you will need a DC-DC voltage converter with 12V output (e.g. a 48V-to-12V converter). Connecting the ExtremeTower directly to higher voltages will cause damage to the speaker and cause the rechargeable battery to overcharge and overheat! In extreme cases, excess voltage can cause the battery to expand, leak, or potentially catch on FIRE! Any damage to the battery due to improper connections to higher voltages will VOID THE PRODUCT WARRANTY.
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The Amplified ExtremeTower Speakers have a Remote Turn-On Input feature; this is to ensure that the speaker is completely powered off (no battery consumption) when your vehicle is not in use. When the Remote Turn-On Input has a 12V signal, the speaker will turn on or go into standby, depending on the Power Mode Switch settings. When there is no input voltage, the speaker will turn off. In general, this Remote Turn-On signal comes from the vehicle ignition switch – make sure that the signal voltage on the ignition switch is 12V. If your vehicle ignition switch signal is not 12V or if you are not able to get a connection to the ignition switch, you can connect the Remote Turn-On Wire on the speaker to a rocker switch. Then connect the rocker switch to a 12V power supply or the 12V output on your voltage convertor. Additionally, some vehicles have a built-in 12V switch panel, which will also work for the Remote Turn-On Wire.
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When mounting the speaker, it is extremely important to make sure that the mount is secure and will not cause any potential issues. Please check that the speaker does NOT block the driver’s view or prevents the safe operation of your boat or other vehicle. Ensure that all screws are tightened and the speaker is secured correctly so that the speaker will NOT fall.
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It is highly recommended to periodically check that the mount is secured. If loose, please retighten the Locking Screw Latch.
RECOMMENDATION : Do NOT install on your own. This installation is a two- person job, to be done safely. Please be careful to ensure no personal injury or damage to your vehicle. -
An Aviation Connector Jack Cap comes attached to the Base-Mount on each speaker. If you choose to use the Deutsch Cable Set for wiring, you MUST screw the cap into the unused Aviation Connector Jack on each speaker, tightening it clockwise with a long nose plier (not included) or similar tool. Failing to do this may result in potential water or moisture penetration into the jack connector pins, cause damage to the speaker, and VOID THE PRODUCT WARRANTY.
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These speakers do not require wiring, but if you connect the 9-pin Aviation Connector to the Aviation Connector Jack in the Base-Mount, you MUST ensure the connector is tightened (clockwise) so that the connection is waterproof.
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When using the Extension Cable and/or connecting two wires (e.g., using supplied BUTT Connectors), make sure to seal the connection either by using electrical tape or heat shrink tubing. Failing to do this may result in long-term corrosion on the connection and cause a premature malfunction.
CAUTION : After taking the product out of the polyethylene bag, be sure to dispose of the polyethylene bag out of the reach of children. Children may play with the bag, which could result in the child’s suffocation.
ExtremeTower Overview
ExtremeTower Speaker Layout
Audio, LED Control Signals, and Power
Connectors and Cables
Power, Audio, and LED Lighting Connections
The Amplified ExtremeTower Speaker has a 9-pin connector, but only 3 pins are
used.
3 Input Wires: 12V (+), GND (-), and Remote Turn-On to connect to your vehicle.
Speaker Connector Jacks
Each speaker has 2 types of Connector Jacks.
- A round Aviation Connector Jack is inside the speaker Base- Mount, which allows the cable to pass through the Bottom Mount Clamp and go into a hole in the crossbar at the location where the speaker is mounted. These Amplified ExtremeTower Speakers have a 9-pin, round connector jack.
- A square Deutsch Connector Jack is behind the speaker Base-Mount underneath a rubber cap. This is for an installation where the wire is installed outside of the tower / roll cage. This is also the connection suggested if you want to utilize the Quick-Release-Mount option.
- The speakers have a 4-pin and a 6-pin, square connector jack. The 6-pin square connector jack is NOT used with this set of speakers. If you choose to connect an Amplified Tower Speaker to your vehicle’s battery using the 4-pin Deutsch connector, you will need to remove the installed, large, rubber cap, then locate the smaller cap in the package that only covers the 6-pin jack. Insert it into the 6-pin jack so it doesn’t get damaged by dirt or water.
FM Dipole Antenna Jack
The Amplified Speaker has a built-in FM Antenna. It also includes an FM Dipole Antenna Jack for an optional external antenna connection and improved reception (dipole antenna sold separately). If you prefer to use an external FM antenna, follow these steps:
- Slowly pull out the rubber cap. Keep the rubber cap attached to the speaker housing if you plan to remove the antenna periodically; otherwise, you can remove the antenna cap.
- Plug your dipole antenna into the FM Dipole Antenna Jack.
- Open the Back Cover (refer to Install the Rechargeable Battery Pack to the Amplified Speaker for details), move the (Blue) FM ANT Switch to the EXT position.
Cables
Your package includes 2 Cable Sets for each wiring option. These cables are
optional:
- Aviation Cable Set — For easy running and fishing wires through a crossbar. The Aviation Cable connection between a 12V power supply and each Amplified ExtremeTower Speaker uses the following cable:
- The cable (“Round C” 9-pin Power Only Pass-through Aviation Cable) has a 9-pin round connector on one end and 3 bare wires for power inputs: 12V (+), GND (-), and Remote Turn-On.
- Deutsch Cable Set —Suggested wiring method if you want to utilize the Quick-Release-Mount option. The Deutsch Cable connection between a 12V power supply and each Amplified ExtremeTower Speaker uses the following cable:
- The cable (“Deutsch A1” 4-pin Power Deutsch Cable) has a 4-pin square connector on one end and 3 bare wires for power inputs: 12V (+), GND (-), and Remote Turn-On.
Note : If you choose to connect the Power +12V, GND, and Remote Turn-On Inputs to your vehicle’s battery and ignition switch, you will need to seal the connections to prevent water or moisture penetration.
Installation and Wiring
Installation and Wiring Procedure 1: Round Aviation Cable
If you choose to use the Aviation Cable Set for wiring your ExtremeTower Speakers, follow the steps below.
Speaker Power Wiring (Optional)
The Aviation Cable will pass through the Bottom Mount Clamp and go into a hole
in the crossbar; therefore, it is necessary to run the speaker wires and
connections before the speakers are mounted onto the crossbar.
- Find or drill a hole in the crossbar at the spots where the speakers will be mounted.
- Fish the “Round C” (9-pin power only pass-through) Aviation Cable into the hole in the crossbar where the Amplified Speaker will be mounted and fish the wires through the crossbar to the vehicle’s battery and ignition signal terminal. But do NOT connect the cables to your vehicle’s 12V battery and ignition signal terminal yet. Extension Cables have been provided, if needed.
If needed, connect the 3 wires (+12V, GND and Remote Turn-On) with the supplied Power Extension Cable (+12V and GND) and the supplied Remote Turn-On Extension Cable with the supplied BUTT connectors. Use heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape to seal the connections.
Mount the Speaker to the Crossbar
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Base-Mount: Remove the tape and pull out a small plastic bag from the Base-Mount. This bag has one Aviation Connector Jack Cap. You don’t need this cap for this installation, but save the cap for later use in case you change the wiring methods.
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Put the appropriate Lower Rubber Insert onto the Swivel Flange and Bottom Clamp Assembly.
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Fish the “Round C” (9-pin power only pass-through) Aviation Cable through the inner hole of the Swivel Flange and Bottom Clamp Assembly, and the Base Cover Plate.
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Connect the (9-pin round) Aviation Connector to the Aviation Connector Jack on the speaker. Tighten the connector clockwise with a long nose plier (not included) or similar tool.
IMPORTANT : Tighten the connector to ensure the connection is waterproof to avoid potential water or moisture penetration into the jack connector pins, causing damage to the speaker. -
Put the Base Cover Plate on the speaker Mount-Base and secure with 4 pcs of M3 x 10 Screws.
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Insert the Swivel Flange and Bottom Clamp Assembly into the speaker Mount-Base.
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Insert the U-Shaped Pin into the two holes on the side of the Base-Mount. Insert the pins into the holes on the left side of the Mount when viewing from the rear of the speaker.
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Attach the Locking Screw Latchonto the U-Shaped Pin ends (make sure Top on the Locking Screw Latch is on top), then move it downward to align the lock catch end with the middle hole of the Base-Mount, and screw in the Locking Screw with the supplied M5 Allen wrench (or with your hand if utilizing the Quick-Release Knob).
Note : It is NOT recommended to use the Quick-Release Knob with this wiring method. Do NOT tighten the screw yet. -
Put the Upper Rubber Insert on the Top Clamp. Align the rubber groove with the bulge of the Top Clamp and press down to assemble the Clamp and Rubber Insert.
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Place the speaker under the crossbar. Lower the Top Clamp over the crossbar and on the Bottom Clamp. Tighten the two Bolts so that the speaker is securely mounted on the crossbar.
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Turn the speaker to your desired angle, tighten the Locking Screw with the supplied M5 Allen wrench (or with your hand if utilizing the Quick-Release Knob).
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The installation is complete. If you would like to optionally connect your speaker to an external power source, proceed to Connecting Your Speaker to a +12V Power Supply (Optional) and Powering On.
No Wire Installation and Wiring Procedure 2:
Square Deutsch Cable
This cable installation method does NOT require that the cables go through the
mount. This method allows for the speakers to be mounted to the crossbar
before running the wires and before completing the cable connections. As such,
follow the Mount the Speaker to the Crossbar instructions for a No Wire
Installation. Then proceed to Install the Rechargeable Battery Pack on the
Amplified Speaker.
IMPORTANT:
- Before installation, it is important that you install the Aviation Connector Caps on the Aviation Connector Jacks in the Base- Mounts of both the Amplified ExtremeTower Speakers. In the Base-Mount, remove the tape and pull out the Aviation Connector Cap from a small plastic bag. Screw the cap into the Connector Jack on the speaker, tighten it clockwise with a long nose plier (not included) or similar tool. Failing to do this will result in potential water or moisture penetration into the jack connector pins causing damage to the speaker.
- The Deutsch Connector Jacks include an installed 4-pin/6-pin Rubber Plug to prevent potential water or moisture penetration into the jack. If you choose NOT to use the Deutsch Cables to connect the Amplified ExtremeTower Speakers to your vehicle’s battery, you MUST seal the Deutsch Connector Jacks with the Rubber Plug.
Mount the Speaker to the Crossbar
- Put the appropriate Lower Rubber Insert onto the Swivel Flange and Bottom Clamp Assembly.
- Put the Base Cover Plate on the speaker Mount-Base and secure with 4 pcs of M3 x 10 Screws.
- Insert the Swivel Flange and Bottom Clamp Assembly into the speaker Mount-Base.
- Insert the U-Shaped Pin into the two holes on the side of the Base-Mount. Insert the pins into the holes on the left side of the Mount when viewing from the rear of the speaker.
- Attach the Quick-Release Knob (or the Locking Screw Latch) onto the U-Shaped Pin ends (make sure Top on the Quick-Release Knob is on top), then move it downward to align the lock catch end with the middle hole of the Base-Mount, and screw in the Locking Screw by turning the Quick-Release Knob (or with the supplied M5 Allen wrench if utilizing the Locking Screw Latch). Do NOT tighten the screw yet.
- Put the Upper Rubber Insert on the Top Clamp. Align the rubber groove with the bulge of the Top Clamp and press down to assemble the Clamp and Rubber Insert.
- Place the speaker under the crossbar. Lower the Top Clamp over the crossbar and on the Bottom Clamp. Tighten the two Bolts so that the speaker is securely mounted on the crossbar.
- Turn the speaker to your desired angle, tighten the Locking Screw with the supplied M5 Allen wrench (or with your hand if utilizing the Quick-Release Knob).
- To continue with a No Wire Installation, proceed to Install the Rechargeable Battery Pack on the Amplified Speaker.
Speaker Power Wiring (Optional)
- Run the (“Deutsch A1” 4-pin) Deutsch Power Cable to the location where your vehicle’s power and ignition signal terminal are located, but do NOT connect the power cable to the 12V vehicle battery and ignition signal terminal yet. Extension Cables have been provided, if needed.
- If needed, connect the 3 wires (+12V, GND, and Remote Turn-On) on the (“Deutsch A1” 4-pin) Deutsch Power Cable with the supplied Power Extension Cable (+12V and GND) and the supplied Remote Turn-On Extension Cable, with the supplied BUTT Connectors. Use heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape to seal the connections.
- Remove the 4-pin/6-pin Rubber Plug from the Deutsch Connector Jacks and plug in the (“Deutsch A1” 4-pin) Deutsch Power Cable’s connector into the 4-pin Deutsch Connector Jack on each speaker.
IMPORTANT : You MUST seal the 6-pin Deutsch Connector Jack by plugging in the included 6-pin Deutsch Rubber Plug, to prevent potential water or moisture penetration into the jack.
Connecting Your Speaker to a +12V Power Supply (Optional) and Powering On
- Once you complete one of the Installation Procedures, you can connect the 3 wires (+12V, GND, and Remote Turn-On) on the Power Cables (or Extension Cables, if needed) to the vehicle’s battery and ignition signal terminal.
- Make sure that the RED Cable is connected to +12V battery’s positive (+) terminal and the BLACK Cable is connected to battery’s negative (-) terminal.
- Alternatively, both the Red Cable and the Remote Turn-On Cable can be connected to a +12V switched power source.
- WARNING! Only connect to a 12 volt power supply.
- Recommendation : If you are not familiar with all of the vehicle’s battery or ignition switch connections, consult your vehicle’s manual or a technician. Incorrect connections to your vehicle’s battery or ignition signal terminal may cause damage to your speaker and your vehicle.
- Turn on your vehicle’s ignition switch. Your speakers should turn on. You can now connect an ExtremeTower Speaker to your phone and play your audio or use the built-in FM radio. Refer to your User Guide to learn how to pair two or more Amplified ExtremeTower Speakers, among other features.
Install the Rechargeable Battery Packs on the Amplified Speakers
IMPORTANT : If you connect the vehicle’s battery and ignition switch signal to the Amplified ExtremeTower Speakers, please turn on the speakers and check if they work fine first, then install the Battery Packs
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On the back of each Amplified Speaker, hold the speaker housing, press down the Latch Release Button and rotate the Cover counter-clockwise to unlock the Cover.
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Pull out the Cover, you will see a blue, rubber Battery Port Cap inside the cavity.
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Remove the blue Battery Port Cap and plug in the Battery Pack.
Note : Keep the Battery Port Cap for future use. If you do not connect the Amplified Tower Speaker power input to your vehicle power supply, once the battery level is low, you will need to take out this Battery Pack and have the Battery Pack charged by the included wall charger. When you remove the Battery Pack from the back of the speaker, you will need to plug in the Port Cap to protect the Battery Pack’s connection area on the speaker from water, dirt and damage. -
Place the Cover back on the speaker and turn clockwise until the latch is locked.
IMPORTANT : When you put Cover back, make sure the Cover is closed properly. If not closed properly, the Cover is NOT sealed and water and moisture may penetrate into the battery connection area, causing damage.
Recharge Your Battery Packs
The rechargeable Battery Packs can be charged by either the included Battery
Chargers or (optionally) by connecting the Amplified Tower Speakers to your
vehicle’s power, per the Wiring Procedure instructions. When doing so, your
vehicle will only charge the speakers’ Battery Packs when the vehicle ignition
is switched on. When your ignition is switched off, it will not charge the
Battery Packs; therefore, the Battery Packs will NOT drain your vehicle’s
battery. To release the Battery Packs in order to charge them with the
included Battery Chargers, simply press the Battery Release Buttons on both
sides of each battery and pull them out of the back of the speaker.
Next, read your User Guide to explore more features and functions for your ExtremeTower Speakers.
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>