Rockville Atom 8W 8 Channel 3500 Watt Marine/Boat Amplifier-Complete Features/User Manual

Rockville Atom 8W 8 Channel 3500 Watt Marine/Boat Amplifier

Specifications

• MANUFACTURER: ROCKVILLE
• MOUNTING TYPE : Surface Mount
• BRAND : Rockville
• NUMBER OF CHANNELS : 8
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz – 30 KHz
• S/N RATIO: >95dB
• MINIMUM THD : <0.05%
• DAMPING FACTOR: >150 at 100Hz
• INPUT VOLTAGE: 280mV – 7V
• CHANNEL SEPARATION: >45dB
• INPUT IMPEDANCE : 15K
• DIMENSIONS 6.7″ W x 2″ H x 10.8″ L

Introduction

High-quality marine components are used in this amp, including a conformal coated PCB board with waterproof glue put on to safeguard the circuitry. The heat sink casing is made of rustproof stainless steel, which also includes the bottom plate. The amp’s end panels, internal mounting screws, and hardware are all composed of rust-resistant stainless steel. The amp will remain rust-free and work like new even after many years of use. ATOM 8W 8 Channel 3500 Watt Peak / 880w Rockville ATOM 8W 8 Channel 3500 Watt Peak / 880w RMS Marine/Boat Amplifier comes with Bluetooth. It is Dyno-Certified. It has a compact design and incredibly high power. It has a peak system power of 3500 Watts. RMS Power Ratings as Certified by Dyno: (Certified Dyno Test / THD of less than 1%) (When comparing leading brands like Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, and others, uses these ratings.)

What’s in the Box?

• Amplifier
• 80A External Fuse
• Birth sheet with Tested Power
• Mounting Hardware
• Warranty Card
• Owner’s Manual

Installation

Before you begin your installation, disconnect the NEGATIVE (-) terminal from your vessel’s battery. This safety precaution will avoid possible short circuits while wiring your amplifier. Rockville amplifiers operate on 12-volt negative ground systems only. It is recommended that you layout your sound system design on paper first. This will help you during the installation so that you will have a wiring flow chart and not miss-wire any of your components. Never install an amplifier in the engine compartment or on the firewall. Please be sure to leave breathing room around the amplifier heat sink so that it can dissipate the heat it produces efficiently. The amplifier can be installed either horizontally or vertically. When mounting the amplifier, be sure to watch for your gas tank, gas lines and electrical lines. Do not drill or mount any screws where they might penetrate the gas tank of your vessel.

Mounting the Amplifier

The ATOM 8 amplifier features four mounting feet which must be attached to the bottom of the amp via predrilled holes (see diagram below). Choose a convenient mounting location with unobstructed airflow. Lay down the amplifier and mark the location of the mounting holes. Remove the amplifier and drill pilot holes for the screws. Place the amplifier and secure it to the mounting surface using the supplied screws.

Wiring

1. Make sure to disconnect the NEGATIVE (-) terminal from your vessel’s house battery.
2. Attach an 8 gauge or heavier wire to the amplifier screw terminal marked GND. Connect the other end to the house battery’s NEGATIVE (-)terminal. The connection should be as close to the amp as possible (20 feet or less). For runs of 20 feet or more, you will need 4 gauge or heavier wire. If the black ground wire does not reach the battery, it can be connected to the vessel’s chassis. Make sure that there is no paint or other insulator blocking a good ground connection. When installing multiple amplifiers, mount them in close proximity so that they can all share the same ground point.
3. Connect the remote terminal to the head unit’s remote output using 18 gauge or heavier wire. This connection is responsible for turning the amplifier on and off with the rest of the system. If there is no dedicated remote output, make this connection to the power antenna lead. Should your head unit not have any turn-on leads, you can wire the remote terminal to an accessory lead, which turns the amplifier on with your vessel’s ignition.
4. Use 8 gauge or heavier wire to connect the screw terminal marked +12V to the house battery’s POSITIVE(+) terminal. IN order to protect the battery and electrical systems of your vessel, add an in-line fuse holder within 18 of the battery. This in-line fuse offers protection against damage from short circuits. The power wire should terminate in a large ring terminal connected directly to the POSITIVE (+) terminal. An optional second fuse can be installed closer to the amplifier for additional protection to the amplifier itself. If installing multiple amplifiers, install a distribution block near their location and, using a 4 gauge wire, connect the block to the in-line holder that is connected to the battery.
5. Insert fuse(s) into the in-line fuse holder(s) and check that all connections are properly secured.
6. Before powering up the system, set all of the amplifier’s level controls to a minimum, the crossover/setting switches to the desired position, and the head unit’s volume to 75%.

We have received amplifiers back to our service department with melted power/ground terminals caused by a bad ground connection. When there is a lack of good ground, heat builds up at the contact screws of the amplifier terminal. Over time the heat generated will begin to melt the terminal. It is a good practice to feel the power and ground wires near the amplifier after using the amp for a while. If the wires feel hot to the touch you probably have a bad or loose connection. If after adjusting your connections the wires still feel hot, you should upgrade to next heaviest gauge wire. As connections can work loose due to vehicle vibrations we recommend periodically tightening all power and ground connections.

Settings

Adjusting the System

1. Once the system is operational, set all crossover points to approximate settings. In the case of a basic sub-woofer system, set the Low Pass Filter (LPF) crossover at 100Hz or so. Set the Bass EQ to 0 dB. Turn the controls using a small flat head screwdriver. Do not apply any pressure while turning as this might break the control unit.
2. Now set the amplifier’s Input Sensitivity. The control accessible on the side of the amplifier marked LEVEL (gain) adjusts the input sensitivity. Turn it counterclockwise to the MIN position. Adjust your head unit’s volume gain to the maximum it can go before signal distorts or to the loudest gain, which is usually about 75 – 85% on most head units (you can also use an oscilloscope to see at what gain your head unit distorts). When you begin to hear distortion in the sound, back down one notch. Now turn the LEVEL control on the amp clockwise until you hear distortion. Turn the LEVEL control counterclockwise by a notch or until the distortion is gone. The amp’s input sensitivity is now set. It is helpful to have a second person to help you set the gain. When setting up a multi-amp system, set each amplifier’s level controls separately. Start off with the bass amplifier, and then adjust the highs amplifier’s level control to match. Please note that the level control of any vessel amplifier should not be mistaken for a volume control. It is a sophisticated device designed to match the output level of your source unit to the input level of the amplifier. Do not adjust the amplifier level to maximum unless your input level requires it. Your system can also be extremely sensitive to noise when the LEVEL is set to maximum and does not match your input signal. These adjustments need to be made only once when first setting up the system.
3. Once you are satisfied with the level control settings, use any equalizer controls to adjust the system’s tonal level for personal preference. Keep in mind that after equalizing, you may have to go back and reset the amplifier’s level controls.

If your unit has been professionally installed please do not change the gain settings set by the installer, he is the professional! Audio Preamp Input This amplifier features RCA preamp inputs. Run RCA cables from your sound source to the amplifier’s inputs. We suggest you use high quality, shielded RCA patch cords to help reduce and eliminate unwanted electrical noise to your system. Use good quality RCA interconnects cables. Cheaper cables usually have poor shielding that can cause interference pickup. Be sure to run the RCA cables on the side of the vehicle opposite to the side used to vessel the power and ground leads of the amplifier.

Using the Built-In Electronic Crossover

Each set of channels (1 – 4 & 5 – 8) has its own fully adjustable 12dB per octave crossover with differential circuitry. This ATOM 8 ideal for subwoofers (sealed and vented), full range speakers, midrange speakers, and even tweeters.

Set the amp to high pass mode (HPF) to filter out the lower frequencies (cut- off frequency adjustable between 50Hz – 250Hz). Set the crossover to low pass (LPF) to filter out the upper frequencies (cut-off frequency adjustable between 50Hz – 250 Hz). In full mode (FULL) you will not be filtering any frequencies. For example, set the Channel 1 & 3/2 & 4 crossover to FULL for 4 full range speakers and set the Channel 5 & 7/6 & 8 crossover LPF for subwoofers.

Input Configurations

2 Channel Input

If your head unit has one single pair of RCA outputs, use a female to dual male Y adaptor to send the Left channel signal to the channel 1&3 input jack. Use a second female to dual male Y adaptor to send the Left channel signal to the channel 2&4 input jack. Set the Input Mode Switch to 4Ch. Output will occur on all 8 channels. There will be Left and Right balance.

4 Channel Input

If your head unit has two pairs of RCA outputs, input Front Left and Front Right in to amplifier channels 1&3 and 2&4 input jacks. Rear Left and Rear Right in to amplifiers channels 5&7 and 6&8 input jacks. Set the Input Mode Switch to 8Ch. Output will occur on all 8 channels. There will be Left and Right balance and Front to Rear fader with a constant subwoofer.

8 Channel Input

For head units with two pairs of RCA outputs and a subwoofer output; use a dual female to male Y adaptor to send the Front Left and Front Right output to the channel 1&3 input, use a second dual female to male Y adaptor to send the Rear Left and Rear Right output to the channel 2&4 input. The signal from the Subwoofer Left output will be sent to the channel 5&7 input and the signal from the Subwoofer Right output will be sent to the channel 6&8 input. If your head unit has only a single subwoofer output, use a male to dual male Y adaptor to send the signal to the channels 5&7 and channel 6&8 inputs respectively. Set the input mode to 8Ch. The output will occur on all channels. There will be Left and Right balance and Front to Rear fader with a constant subwoofer.

Output Configurations

• Four or Eight Full Range Speakers with Two or Four Subwoofers
• Connect four full-range speakers on channels 1&3 and 2&4 being vessel full not to load any single channel below 2 ohms stereo. Set the corresponding crossover mode switch to Full Range. Alternately, you can connect 8 full-range speakers (2 per channel) on channels 1&3 and 2&4.
• Connect two woofers, one each bridged, to ch5/ch6 and ch7/ch8; or connect 4 woofers, one each on channels 5&7 and 6&8. Be vesseleful not to load any single channel below 2 ohms. Set the corresponding crossover mode switch to LPF.

Eight or Sixteen Full Range Speakers

Install any combination of speakers independently on all 8 channels being vessel full not to load any single channel be- low 2-ohm stereo. Alternately, you can connect up to two speakers per channel for a total of sixteen full- range speakers.For typical 6˝ x 9˝ or 6.5˝ or component speaker installs, set the crossover mode switches to FULL.

Four Subwoofers

Connect four woofers, one each bridged, to ch1/ch2, ch3/ch4, ch5/ch6 and ch7/ ch8. Make sure the load does not go below 2 ohms. Set both crossover mode switches to LPF.

Features

Bluetooth
The ATOM 8 provides Bluetooth connectivity via an auto-paring feature. Please note: when Bluetooth mode is active, RCA input is disabled.

Bass Equalization Circuitry

A narrow “Q” peaking equalization circuit is included in the amplifiers. The equalization system is preset at 45Hz. The equalizer control allows you to add up to 12dB of bass boost. Utilize the bass equalizer to tailor your bass response to your system’s needs. Make sure your speakers can handle the extra power output! It would be foolish to add 12dB of gain to low excursion 8˝ and 10˝ Subwoofers or midranges and tweeters. It’s a sure way to blow your speakers.

Audio Output Section

The audio output section of this amplifier features rugged, fast switching MOSFETs.

4-Way System Protection Circuitry

ATOM 8 amplifiers feature our unique IC-controlled protection circuitry. This sophisticated circuit constantly monitors the heat sink internal temperature and various voltages, adjusting the amp automatically and protecting it from dangerous conditions. The status LED located on the input panel of the amplifier provides indication of the amplifier status. It will be green when the amplifier is receiving proper power, ground, and remote voltages and the IC monitoring sequence indicates the amp is functional. In case the amplifier encounters a diagnostic condition as listed below, the LED will turn red indicating a diagnostic condition. When a diagnostic condition is sensed the amplifier will then go into a self-preservation mode and, if the cause of the diagnostic condition is not corrected, will eventually shut down. There are certain critical diagnostic conditions that will turn the amplifier off immediately.

Thermal Protection: When the amplifier reaches an unsafe operating temperature of 80 degrees Celsius the amplifier will turn off. Once the amplifier cools down to a safe temperature, it will automatically turn on again. If you live in a hot climate and your amp is installed in an enclosed space, we suggest installing additional cooling fans to exhaust the hot air which can build up in the installation area. This will help keep the ambient temperature in that area as low as possible so that your amps work flawlessly and without any musical interruption.

Speaker Short Circuit Protection: Should your speaker’s short circuit due to voice coil burnout, or should the amplifier sense impedance too low to handle, the Protection LED will light, indicating a diagnostic condition. Turn off your system, disconnect one speaker at a time and try to determine which speaker might be faulty. Correct the condition and restart   the amplifier. You must reset the amplifier by turning it OFF and then ON again by the Remote power connection after correcting a diagnostic condition. (Turn your radio off and then on again.) Clipping or total shutdown may also be a result of a bad ground connection or loss of ground. If you find that your speakers and speaker wires are not shorted, please check your ground and power connections. Input Overload Protection: This circuit will either shut down the amplifier completely or makes the amplifier spurt on and off indicating that it is in a diagnostic condition. Turn the system off and reduce the gain on the amplifier or volume from your head unit, this should result in a corrected condition.

DC Offset Protection: Should any DC voltage try to enter the amplifier via the speaker terminals it will cause the amplifier to shut down and not operate until this condition is remedied. This circuit will also protect damaging high DC voltages from reaching your speakers should your amplifier ever malfunction.  You must reset amplifier by turning it OFF and then ON again after correcting a diagnostic condition (turn your radio off and then on again). If the amplifier stays in protection after a reset, it is most likely faulty. Please note: To reset the amplifier, you must first diagnose what caused the problem, correct the fault and restart the system.

Mute, Delay, and Soft Start Technology

This an anti-thump, mute and delay circuit that eliminates irritating speaker damaging turn-on and turn-off transients normally experienced with less expensive amplifiers.

Battery Voltage

ATOM 8 amplifiers feature a convenient LED readout that displays the current- voltage input while the amp is in use. The amp will go into protect mode when the voltage goes below 10 volts or above 16 volts.

Bluetooth

Pairing
Place the Bluetooth switch in the ON position. The Bluetooth status LED will flash blue indicating the amp is in pairing mode. Now find and select ATOM 8 on your device’s list of available Bluetooth connections. Upon successful pairing, the Bluetooth status LED will be solid blue.

Operation

Browse, select, play/pause files, and control volume from your device. To terminate the connection, disconnect via your device and set the Bluetooth mode switch to the OFF position.

Woofer Wiring Guide

Please note that the minimum impedance load for ATOM 8 amplifiers is 2 ohm stereo and 4 ohm mono bridged. Lower impedance loads will cause overheating and may damage the amplifiers

DVC configurations

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I run this off my drill’s 20-volt lithium-ion battery packs and if yes, how??
  It’s only 12 dc.

• Can more than one amp be strapped together for double the output /double the channels??
  Yes, bur:t you’re going about it incorrectly. Connect your subs as one and wire them to 4 ohm in a bridged setup, then connect an output to a second amp and repeat the process.

• Do I understand this right… i don’t need a receiver or deck? I can Bluetooth from my phone for music and volume??
  Yes

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