ButtKicker BK-SK Simulation Kit User Guide

ButtKicker BK-SK Simulation Kit

Package Contents

1. ButtKicker mini Concert*
2. ButtKicker Power Amplifier BKA-130-C
3. Remote Control
4. 5′ Male-to-Female RCA Cablen & 5′ Male mini 3. 5mm-to-RCA Cable
5. 1 D’ of 14 Gauge Speaker Wire
6. RCA & mini “Y” adapters
7. [x6] Rl-4 Rubber Isolators
8. [x6] Cable Ties

Safety Information

WARNING!

• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Unplug the amplifier from the audio source and power outlet before cleaning the amplifier with a dry cloth.
• Place the amplifier in a stable location so they will not fall causing damage to the electronics or bodily harm.
• Do not use the apparatus near water, and do not im-merse it in any liquid or pour any liquid on it.
• Do not block or push objects into the vents on the Butt-Kicker transducer or amplifier because of fire or electric shock hazards, and provide sufficient space around the ButtKicker transducer and amplifier for proper ventila-tion.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. A polarized plug as two blades with one wider than the other. The wide blade is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Operate the amplifier only from the audio line out jack of a computer, gaming console or other audio device.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the amplifier.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• For added protection during lightning storms, unplug the amplifier from the electrical outlet and turn off the amplifier.
• Unplug the amplifier when unused for long periods of time.
• Servicing is required when the amplifier has been dam-aged in any way, such as liquid has been spilled or ob-jects have fallen into the amplifier, the amplifier has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• The audio output should only be disconnected from the amplifier when the amplifier power is turned off.
• The amplifier should be operated only on the voltage indicated on the amplifier. If you are unsure about the power supply in your home, consult your dealer or local power company.

About the ButtKickerP Simulation Kit
This ButtKicker-brand product kit offers sim racing enthusiasts a powerful and versatile solution for adding ButtKicker realism to any simulation setup. Originally designed for professional musicians as a monitoring tool, the ButtKicker mini Concert is now used in commercial airline and military simulators all over the world due to its extreme accuracy, dynamic frequency range and power.

Quick Setup Steps

1. Mount the ButtKicker mini Concert. (See page 4)
2. Connect an audio signal to the amplifier. (See pages 5-6)
3. Connect the amplifier to the ButtKicker mini Concert with the included speaker wire. (See page 8)
4. Place the rubber isolators under your simulation rig/cockpit or chair. (See page 8)
5. Adjust the amplifier frequency settings. (See page 9)

ButtKicker mini Concert Setup

The ButtKicker mini Concert features a multi-directional mounting bracket which allows you to directly mount it to almost any surface.

MOUNT THE BUTTKICKER MINI CONCERT
For most small simulation rigs or cockpits, mounting the ButtKicker mini Concert to part of the frame/chassis is the best solution because it will transfer the effect throughout the rig. For medium to large simulation rigs or cockpits (or certain small ones), mount the ButtKicker mini Concert directly to the chair or seat in order to feel it the most.

Note: Mounting the ButtKicker mini Concert horizontally will not negatively affect the product, but perception of the effect is greater when mounted vertically.

MOUNTING HARDWARE (NOT INCLUDED) |
Use up to 1/4” diameter screws, at least 3/4” long. For example: the mounting holes are about 1/2” deep, so a 3/4” screw will extend about 1/4”. Use wood screws for wood surfaces and sheet screws for metal or other surfaces.

Note: Use a hand screwdriver to tighten the last few threads of each screw to ensure they don’t strip out. Screws that aren’t completely tightened may cause a rattling sound.

Power Amplifier Setup

AMPLIFIER AUDIO CONNECTION

1. Connect the Audio Source For On-board Audio, Stereo or 4-Channel Sound Cards: Insert the mini “Y” adapter into the “Line Out” (usually green). For 5.1 – 7.1 or Greater Sound Cards:
2. Connect the mini end of the 5’ mini-to-RCA cable to one leg of the “Y” adapter.
3. Connect either the red or the black into the RCA “Line Level Input” on the back of the amplifier. Leave the other end disconnected.
4. Connect the regular signal cable for your speaker system to the other leg of the mini “Y” adapter.

Console Audio Hookup
There are four basic methods for connecting audio to the ButtKicker Power Amplifier from a gaming console. Illustrations are provided on the next page.

Option 1
Audio Source is Direct from Game Console Use this option if your console is equipped with, and you are using, analog outputs to your A/V processor or TV. (See Fig. 1)

1. Connect the female end of the included RCA “Y” adapter to the end of the red or white RCA cable coming from the output on your console.
2. Connect one male leg of the “Y” adapter to the red/white RCA audio input on your TV.
3. Connect the other leg of the RCA “Y” adapter to the 5’ female-to-male cable. Connect the male end of that cable into the “Line Level Input” on the back of the amplifier.
4. If your console is connected via HDMI to a TV and you are using the TV speakers for sound; most console allow dual audio output via HDMI and Optical (refer to console manual for details). Connect the ButtKicker Gamer2 power amplifier to the console Optical Output using an Optical to Analog RCA Converter (available through most electronics retailers).

Option 2 Audio Source is TV
Use this option if your game console is plugged directly into your TV and you are using your TV’s speakers or speakers connected to the output of your TV. (See Fig. 2)

1. Plug one leg of the included RCA “Y” adapter into the red or white RCA output on your TV.
2. Do not connect anything to the female jack of the RCA “Y” adapter.
3. Connect the female end of the included 5’ RCA cable to the remaining leg of the RCA “Y” adapter and the male end into the “Line Level Input” on the back of the amplifier.

Option 3
Audio Source is A/V Processor Using RCA Use this option if the audio output from your game console is running to an A/V processor equipped with RCA audio pre-out. (See Fig. 3)

1. “Sub-Out” is the ideal connection: connect one leg of the included RCA “Y” adapter into the output. Red/white stereo output can also be used.
2. Connect your subwoofer or speaker to the female jack of the RCA “Y” adapter.
3. Connect the female end of the included 5’ RCA cable to the remaining leg of the RCA “Y” adapter and the male end into the “Line Level Input” on the back of the amplifier.

Option 4
Bare Speaker Wire from Sub or A/V Processor Use this option if none of the above options apply and if you have a subwoofer or A/V Processor with a bare speaker wire connection.* (See Fig. 4)

1. Connect the Speaker Level Interface Adapter (available separately) to the bare speaker wire inputs on your subwoofer (or outputs on your A/V processor) along with the normal speaker wire carrying the audio signal.
2. Connect one male leg of the included RCA “Y” adapter to the end of the SLIA (Speaker Level Interface Adapter). Do not connect anything to the female jack of the RCA “Y” adapter.
3. Connect the female end of the included 5’ RCA cable to the remaining leg of the RCA “Y” adapter and the male end into the “Line Level Input” on the back of the amplifier.

Power Amplifier Setup (Illustrations)

Final Setup Steps

CONNECT THE BUTTKICKER MINI CONCERT TO THE BKA-130-C POWER AMPLIFIER

1. Connect the 10’ speaker wire to the bare speaker wire ends of the ButtKicker mini Concert. (See Fig. 5). Wire nuts (not included) will assist in making this connection.
2. You can use the included cable ties to strap the speaker wire down to part of the frame of your sim rig/cockpit.
3. Connect the other end of the 10’ speaker wire to the 5-way binding post outputs on the back of the amplifier (“Class 2 Wiring, Speaker Level Output”).

Note: To keep strain from pulling the wires out of the wire nuts, cable tie each set of wires together about 1 inch away from the wire nuts.

UBBER ISOLATORS
The included RI-4 rubber isolators help ‘float’ your rig/cockpit off the floor, dramatically increasing the efficiency and perceived strength of the ButtKicker system. Set as many rubber isolators as needed under the frame of your sim rig/cockpit.

Tweaking & Optimizing

OPTIMIZING YOUR SIMULATION RIG/COCKPIT Efficiency
Place the included rubber isolators under your sim rig/cockpit to increase the efficiency and strength of the system. See “Rubber Isolators” under “Final Setup Steps” for more information. Portability If you need to be able to move your sim rig/cockpit when it’s not in use, consider finding a stationary position away from the rig/cockpit to place the amplifier. When you need to move the rig, chair or cockpit, simply disconnect the speaker wire from the back of the amplifier. Use the included cable ties to strap the speaker wire down to the frame of the rig/cockpit.

SETTING THE AMPLIFIER FREQUENCY CONTROLS
For Flight and Racing Simulations Engine sounds utilize a wide range of low frequency sound. Therefore, it is ideal to either turn off the “High Cutoff Frequency” control by disengaging the “High On/Off” button, or keep it between 70- 110hz by engaging the button and turning the knob between “70” and “110.”

For First-Person Shooters, Action Movies and Other Video Games
Action video game and movie soundtracks sometimes have music which is as loud, or louder than the sound effects, which can cause the ButtKicker mini Concert to react stronger to the music than the action. The result is “ambient” rumble that doesn’t seem to correlate with what is seen. To minimize the ButtKicker mini Concert’s response to the music soundtrack in a movie or game, complete the following steps:

1. If gaming, turn the music soundtrack volume down in your in-game audio settings.
2. Engage the “High Cutoff Frequency” control on the power amplifier and turn the High Cutoff knob down between 90hz and 40hz.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q) Everything is hooked up but I’m not getting any output from the ButtKicker mini Concert. What do I do?
  ɶɶ) Here are a few things to check. Make sure that: All connections are tight. Audio software is installed and functioning. Your computer’s sound card is turned up and the bass setting is set high enough.

• QQ) I’m feeling the music and sound effects more than the car or plane’s engine in my simulator. How can I change this?
  ɶɶ) The ButtKicker mini Concert is reacting to the low frequency audio that has been mixed by the game studio. Higher quality audio mixing will result in a better ButtKicker experience. Turn on the high cut switch and dial the “High Cutoff Frequency” knob down to a lower frequency. The extra shaking may also be eliminated by turning off or lowering the background music or effects from the in-game settings menu.

• QQ) My sim rig/cockpit is rattling. How can I fix this problem?
  ɶɶ) Use foam, cardboard or a rubber band to secure any loose parts.

• QQ) I hear a knocking or banging noise coming from the ButtKicker mini Concert – what should I do?
  ɶɶ) That is the internal piston hitting the inside of the housing. Although this will not immediately harm the unit, you should turn the volume down on the amplifier to avoid “overdriving.”

• QQ) Sometimes when I press the power button on the remote control, the BKA- 130-C power amplifier doesn’t seem to respond – why?
  ɶɶ) If the BKA-130-C power amplifier is in STANDBY mode (orange light), pressing the power button will first switch it to the OFF mode. Simply press the power button again to turn the amplifier ON and wait a few moments for the circuits to receive power.

• QQ) The ButtKicker mini Concert suddenly stopped working, and then it started again 10 or 15 minutes later – what happened?
  ɶɶ) The ButtKicker mini Concert is equipped with thermal protection which will disengage the transducer from the power amplifier before it reaches a potentially hazardous operating temperature. After cooling, it will begin operation as normal

Warranty Information

This Guitammer Company product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by the original end-user. Items returned for repair under warranty will be repaired or replaced at the sole discretion of The Guitammer Company without charge for materials or labor, providing such items are returned for inspection, transportation prepaid, to The Guitammer Company or an authorized service center. All repaired or replaced items will be returned freight collect. Warranties do not apply to products that have been subjected to abuse, accident, modifications, improper handling or installation, or repairs made by anyone other than The Guitammer Company or an authorized service center. The Guitammer Company shall be the final authority in the determination of all warranty service claims.

RETURNS & EXCHANGES:
FIRST STEP – Contact us for technical support. (See contact info on back cover) SECOND STEP – Obtain an authorized RMA number (if the first step does not solve your problem). Products may be returned for credit or exchanged only with prior Guitammer authorization (an RMA number). Returned products may be subject to a 25% restocking charge. Returned products must be returned via prepaid freight and insured for their full value, in the original factory packaging or other appropriate, protectively padded packaging with all original attachments, paperwork and accessories. Products returned without prior Guitammer authorization (an RMA number) will be refused upon arrival and returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.

References

• ButtKicker - The Leader in Haptics – ButtKicker Haptics

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