ESX QM500.2 Class D 2-Channel Amplifier Owner’s Manual

ESX QM500.2 Class D 2-Channel Amplifier

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ADVICE BEFORE THE FIRST OPERATION!

• THE PURCHASED DEVICE IS ONLY SUITABLE FOR AN OPERATION WITH A 12V ON-BOARD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE. Other-wise fire hazard, risk of injury and electric shock consist.
• PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ANY OPERATION OF THE SOUND SYSTEM, WHICH DISTRACT YOU FROM A SAFE DRIVING. Do not make any pro-cedures, which demand a longer attention. Perform these operations not until you have stopped the vehicle on a safe place. Otherwise the risk of accident consists. ADJUST THE SOUND VOLUME TO AN APPROPRIATE
• LEVEL, THAT YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO HEAR EXTERIOR NOISES WHILE DRIVING. High-performance sound systems in vehicles may generate the acoustic pressure of a live concert. The permanent listening to extremely loud music may cause the loss of your hearing abilities. The hearing of extreme loud music while driving may derogate your cognition of warning signals in the traffic. In the interests of common safety, we suggest driving with a lower sound volume. Otherwise, the risk of accident consists.
• DO NOT COVER COOLING VENTS AND HEAT SINKS. Otherwise, this may cause heat accumulation in the device and fire hazards consists. DO NOT OPEN THE DEVICE. Otherwise fire hazards, risk of injury and electric shock consist. Also this may cause a loss of the warranty. REPLACE FUSES ONLY WITH FUSES WITH THE SAME RATING. Other-wise fire hazards and risk of electric shock consist. DO NOT USE THE DEVICE ANY LONGER, IF A MALFUNCTION, WHICH REMAINS UNREMEDIED. Refer in this case to the chapter TROUBLE
• SHOOTING. Otherwise risk of injury and the damage of the device consists. Commit the device to an authorized retailer.
• THE INSTALLATION OF A POWER CAPACITOR WITH SUFFICIENT CAPACITY IS RECOMMENDED. High-performance amplifiers cause high po-tential voltage drops and need a high power consumption at a high volume level. To relieve the vehicle’s on-board system, it is recommended to install a power capacitor between the battery and the device which works as buf-fer.
• Consult your car audio retailer for the appropriate capacity. INTERCONNECTION AND INSTALLATION SHOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED BY SKILLED STAFF ONLY. The interconnection and installation of this device demand technical aptitude and experience. For your own safety, commit the interconnection and installation to your car audio re-tailer, where you have purchased the device.
• DISCONNECT THE GROUND CONNECTION FROM THE VEHICLE’S BATTERY BEFORE INSTALLATION. Before you start with the installation of the sound system, disconnect by any means the ground supply wire from the battery, to avoid any risk of electric shock and short circuits. CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE LOCATION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE
• DEVICE. Look for an appropriate location for the device, which ensures sufficient air circulation. The best places are spare wheel cavities, and open spaces in the trunk area. Less suitable are storage spaces behind the side coverings or under the car seats.
• DO NOT INSTALL THE DEVICE AT LOCATIONS, WHERE IT WILL BE EXPOSED TO HIGH HUMIDITY AND DUST. Install the device at a loca-tion, where it will be protected from high humidity and dust. If humidity and dust attain inside the device, malfunctions may be caused.
• MOUNT THE DEVICE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE SOUND SYSTEM SUFFICIENTLY. Otherwise the device and components may get loose and act as dangerous objects, which could cause serious harm and damages in the passenger room.
• ENSURE NOT TO DAMAGE COMPONENTS, WIRES AND CABLES OF THE VEHICLE WHEN YOU DRILL THE MOUNTING HOLES. If you drill the mounting holes for the installation into the vehicle’s chassis, ensure by any means, not to damage, block or tangent the fuel pipe, the gas tank, other wires or electrical cables.
• ENSURE CORRECT CONNECTION OF ALL TERMINALS. Faulty con-nections may could cause fire hazard and lead to damages of the device. DO NOT INSTALL AUDIO CABLES AND POWER SUPPLY WIRES TOGETHER.
• Ensure while installation not to lead the audio cables between the head unit and the amplifier together with the power supply wires on the same side of the vehicle. The best is a areal separated installation in the left and right cable channel of the vehicle. Therewith a overlap of interferences on the audio signal will be avoided. This stands also for the equipped bass-remote wire, which should be installed not together with the power supply wires, but rather with the audio signal cables.
• ENSURE THAT CABLES MAY NOT CAUGHT UP IN CLOSE-BY OBJECTS. Install all the wires and cables like described on the following pag-es, therewith these may not hinder the driver. Cables and wires which are installed close-by the steering wheel, gear lever or the brake pedal, may caught up and cause highly dangerous situations.
• DO NOT SPLICE ELECTRICAL WIRES. The electrical wires should not be bared, to provide power supply to other devices. Otherwise, the load capac-ity of the wire may get overloaded. Use therefore an appropriate distribution block. Otherwise fire hazard and risk of electric shock consist.
• DO NOT USE BOLTS AND SCREW NUTS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM AS A GROUND POINT.
• Never use for the installation or the ground point bolts and screw-nuts of the brake system, steering system or other security-relevant components. Otherwise, fire hazard consists or the driving safety will be derogated.
• ENSURE NOT TO BEND OR SQUEEZE CABLES AND WIRES BY SHARP OBJECTS.
• Do not install cables and wires not close-by movable objects like the seat rail or maybe bent or harmed by sharp and barbed edges. If you lead a wire or cable through the hole in a metal sheet, protect the insulation with a rubber grommet.
• KEEP AWAY SMALL PARTS AND JACKS FROM CHILDREN. If objects like these will be swallowed, the risk of serious injuries consists. Consult promptly a medical doctor, if a child swallowed a small object.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE

Before you start with the installation of the sound system, disconnect necessarily the GROUND connection wire from the battery to avoid any risk of electric shocks and short circuits.

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION

Avoid any damages on the components of the vehicle like airbags, cables, board computers, seat belts, gas tank or the like.
Ensure that the chosen location provides sufficient air circulation for the amplifier. Do not mount the device into small or sealed spaces without air circulation nearby heat dispersing parts or electrical parts of the vehicle. Do not mount the amplifier on top of a subwoofer box or any other vibrating parts, whereby parts could loosen inside. The wires and cables of the power supply and the audio signal must be as short as possible to avoid any losses and interferences.

At first you need to find a suitable installation location for the amplifier. Ensure that enough space for the installation of the cables remains and that they will not be bent and have sufficient pull relief.

Keep the amplifier at the chosen mounting location in the vehicle. Then mark the four drill holes with an appropriate pen or marking tool through the designated mounting holes at the amplifier.

Lay the amplifier aside and then drill the holes for the mounting screws at the marked locations. Please ensure not to damage any components of the ve- hicle while you drilling the holes. Alternatively (depending on the material of the surface) you can also use self-tap-ping screws.

Then uphold the amplifier to the chosen position and fix the screws through the mounting holes into the drilled screw holes. Ensure that the mounted amplifier is tightly fixed and can not come loose while driving.

ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION

BEFORE CONNECTING

For the professional installation of a sound system, car audio retail stores offer appropriate wire kits. Ensure a sufficient profile section, a suitable fuse rating, and the conductivity of the cables when you purchase your wiring kit. Clean and remove rust-streaked and oxidized areas on the contact points of the battery and the ground connection. Make sure that all screws are fixed tight after the installation because loose connections cause malfunctions, insufficient power supply or interferences. Do not set in the fuse until the installation is accomplished.

• GND
  Connect the GND terminal with a suitable contact ground point on the vehicle’s chassis. The ground wire must be as short as possible and must be connected to a blank metallic point at the vehicle’s chassis. Ensure that this ground point has a stable and safe electric connection to the negative “–”pole of the battery. Check this ground wire from the battery to the ground point if possible and enforce it if required. Use a ground wire with a sufficient cross section and the same size like the plus (+12V) power supply wire.

• REM IN/OUT
  Connect a turn-on signal (e.g. automatic antenna) or the turn-on remote signal of your head unit (REM) with the REM IN/OUT terminal of the amplifier. Use therefor a suitable cable with a sufficient cross-section (0,5 mm2). Hereby the amplifier turns on or off with your head unit. If you use the AUTO TURN-ON function, the REM IN/OUT terminal does not need to be connected. However, the REM IN/OUT terminal can then be connected to the REM terminal of another amplifier to provide a control signal to it (REM OUT function).

• +12V
  Connect the +12V terminal with the +12V pole of the vehicle’s battery. Use a suitable cable with a sufficient cross-section.

• FUSE
  The amplifier inherently has no internal device fuse. Use the supplied fuse (60 A) with the fuse holder and install it in the power cable between the 12 Volt positive pole of the vehicle battery and the +12V terminal of the amplifier. The distance between the fuse and the amplifier should not exceed 30 cm.

• ADDITIONAL CABLE FUSE (OPTIONAL)

Install an extra fuse (at least 60 A, not included) for the +12V power cable near the battery. The distance between the fuse and the battery should not exceed 30 cm. Replace defective fuses only with a new one of the same type and with the same fuse rating.

FUNCTIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING ELEMENTS

• Connect the INPUT RCA jacks of the included wire harness with the head unit by using appropriate audio signal cables. Make sure that the INPUT LEVEL push-button (# 7) is in the LOW position (not pushed)

If your head unit does not have RCA preamp outputs, you can use the amplifier’s high level inputs as signal input. Make sure that the INPUT LEVEL push-button (# 7) is in the HIGH position (pushed). Simply connect the loudspeaker cables of the head unit to the enclosed wire harness as follows:

The OUTPUT RCA jacks of both wire harnesses provide a linear full-range audio signal for driving additional amplifiers.

• The INPUT LEVEL push-button determines whether the signal inputs are to be operated with a low-level signal or a high-level signal.

• If your head unit does not have a turn-on signal (REM), you can use the automatic turn-on function of the amplifier. This works in two ways, which can be set at the AUTO TURN-ON switch:
  DC: This method only works if you use the amplifier’s HIGH LEVEL INPUT. The amplifier then detects a voltage rise to 6 volts when the head unit is turned on by a so-called “DC offset” and then turns on the amplifier. VOX: Select this method when using the INPUT RCA jacks. The amplifier then detects a voltage increase in the incoming audio signal when switching on the head unit via the attached RCA cable and then switches on the amplifier. Note: As soon as the head unit is switched off again, the amplifier switches itself off. The terminal for the amplifier turn-on (page 15#2, REM IN/OUT) can now be used to supply additional amplifiers with a turn-on signal. Simply connect the REM terminals of the two amplifiers and make sure that the other amplifier is in “normal” turn-on
  mode, which means that the AUTO TURN ON function is disabled.

• The REMOTE port is for connecting the cable of the included bass level remote controller. With this, the bass level can be e.g. be adjusted from the driver’s seat. Only use the supplied bass remote controller and the associated cable. The bass level remote controller only works in LP/BP mode.

• The LEVEL INPUT controller determines the input sensitivity (adaptation to the output signal of the head unit). The controller range is between 5 volts (MIN) and 0.2 volts (MAX).

• The HIGH PASS controller determines the frequency cut-off downwards. The crossover frequency is continuously variable from 10 Hz to 500 Hz.

• The LOW PASS controller determines the frequency cut-off upwards. The crossover frequency is continuously variable from 50 Hz to 5000 Hz (5 kHz).

• The X-OVER switch selects the desired operating mode: FULL: Full-Range mode (the entire frequency range is amplified). HP: High-Pass mode (frequency is limited downwards, adjustable by the HIGH PASS controller). LP/BP: Low-Pass/Bandpass mode (frequency is limited upwards, adjustable by the LOW PASS controller). The HIGH PASS controller then acts as a subsonic filter in this mode and limits the frequency downwards (bandpass function). NOTE: If this is set higher than the LOW PASS, no sound is heard.

• If the POWER/PROTECT is blue, the amplifier is ready for operation. If the POWER/PROTECT is red, there is a malfunction. Refer in this case to the section TROUBLE SHOOTING.

• To connect the speaker cables, use the enclosed wire harness and plug it into the SPEAKER OUTPUT connector.

NOTE

Installation of RCA/Audio signal cables and power supply cables.
Ensure while installation not to lead the audio cables between the head unit and the amplifier together with the power supply wires on the same side of the vehicle. The best is a real separated installation on the left and right cable channel of the vehicle to avoid interferences on the audio signal. This stands also for the enclosed bass-remote wire, which should not be installed together with the power supply wires.

INTERCONNECTION EXAMPLE

2-channel-mode: 1 x Stereo-System (Front or Rear)

INTERCONNECTION

• Connect the RCA outputs of the head unit with the RCA jacks INPUT (L /R) of the amplifier with appropriate high-value RCA cables by using the included wire harness.
• Connect the speakers with the SPEAKER OUTPUTS by using the included wire harness.
• Always ensure that the total impedance load on the speaker outputs is not lower than 2 ohms. Too low impedance cause high temperature and will shut down the amplifier operation.
• Always ensure the correct polarity of the speakers. The interchange of plus and minus cause total loss of bass playback and could damage the speakers.

CROSSOVER SETTINGS

• When using bigger speakers (more than 20 cm) set the X-OVER switch to the FULL position (Full Range Signal).
• When using smaller speakers (8.7cm – 16 cm) set the X-OVER switch to the HP position (Highpass Mode) to avoid any damage by lower frequencies on the speakers. The cut-off frequency is adjustable with the HIGH PASS controller and should be set between 60Hz to 150Hz, depending on the size of the speakers.
• The LOW PASS controller is not in use in this interconnecting example.

LEVEL CONTROLLER

• Turn the LEVEL INPUT controller of the amplifier to the MIN position.
• Turn the volume controller of the head unit to 80 – 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the LEVEL INPUT controller clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the LEVEL INPUT controller slightly until you hear a cleaner sound.

BASS BOOST CONTROLLER

• The BASS BOOST controller must be turned to 0 dB position in this interconnecting example .

BASS REMOTE

• The enclosed BASS REMOTE CONTROLLER is not in use in this interconnecting example.

NOTE

Do not connect loudspeaker cables with the vehicle’s chassis. Always ensure the correct polarity of all connections.

INTERCONNECTION EXAMPLE

1-channel-mode: 1 x Mono Subwoofer bridged

INTERCONNECTION

• Connect the RCA outputs of the head unit with the RCA jacks INPUT (L /R) of the amplifier with appropriate high-value RCA cables by using the included wire harness. If a separate SUB OUT from your head unit is available, use this as line output.
• Connect the subwoofer with the SPEAKER OUTPUTS by using the included wire harness.
• Always ensure that the total impedance load is not lower than 4 ohms. Too low impedance cause high temperature and will shut down the amplifier operation.
• Always ensure the correct polarity of the speakers. The interchange of plus and minus cause total loss of bass playback and could damage the speakers.

CROSSOVER SETTINGS & BASS BOOST CONTROLLER

• The X-OVER switch must be in position LP/BP. The cut-off frequency is adjustable with the LOW PASS controller and should be set between 60 to 100 Hz, depending on the size of the subwoofer. The HIGH PASS controller works also as subsonic filter, that eliminates the ultra-low, not audible frequencies to generate a bandpass signal. The subsonic frequency should be set between 15 to 40 Hz, depending on the size of the subwoofer. Note : If this value is higher than the LOW PASS setting, no sound is audible.
• The BASS BOOST controller allows a bass enhancement up to +12 dB.

LEVEL CONTROLLER

• Turn the LEVEL INPUT controller of the amplifier to the MIN position.
• Turn the volume controller of the head unit to 80 – 90% of its full setting.
• Turn the LEVEL INPUT controller clockwise until you hear some distortion.
• Then turn back the LEVEL INPUT controller slightly until you hear a cleaner sound.

BASS REMOTE

• The enclosed BASS REMOTE CONTROLLER adjusts the bass-level e.g. from the driver’s seat. Please use only the enclosed bass remote controller and cable.

TROUBLESHOOTING

ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCES
The reason for interferences are mostly the routed cables and wires. Especially the power and audio cables (RCA) of your sound system are vulnerable. Often these interferences are caused by electric generators or other electrical units (fuel pump, AC etc.) of the car. The most of these problems can be prevented by a correct and careful wiring.
Here are some courtesy notes:

1. Use only double or triple shielded audio RCA cables for the connection between the amplifier and head unit. An useful alternative are represented by anti-noise-devices or additional ancillary equipment like Balanced Line transmitters, which you can purchase at your car audio retailer. If possible do not use anti-noise-filters, which are splicing the ground of the RCA audio cables.
2. Do not lead the audio cables between the head unit and the amplifier together with the power supply wires on the same side of the vehicle. The best is a real separated installation on the left and right cable channel of the vehicle. Then the overlapping of interferences on the audio signal will be avoided. This stands also for the enclosed bass-remote wire, which should not be installed together with the power supply wires.
3. Avoid ground loops by connecting all ground connections in a starlike arrangement. The suitable ground center point is ascertainable by measuring the voltage directly on the vehicle’s battery by a multi-meter. You should measure the voltage with turned-on ignition (acc.) and with other turned-on power consumers (e.g. headlights, rear window defroster, etc,). Compare the measured value with the voltage of the ground point you have chosen for the installation and the positive pole (+12V) of the amplifier. If the voltage has just a little difference, you have found a suitable ground point. Otherwise, you need to choose another ground point.
4. Use if possible only cables with added or soldered cable sockets or the like. Gold-plated or high-value nickel-plated cable sockets are corrosion-free and own a very low contact resistance.

PROTECTION CIRCUIT
This amplifier owns a 3-way protection circuit. On overloading, overheating, shorted loudspeakers, too low impedance or insufficient power supply, the protection circuit turns off the amplifier to prevent serious damage. If one of this malfunctions is detected, the POWER/PROTECT LED lights up red. In this case, check all connections to detect short-circuits, faulty connections or overheating. Refer to the notes on the next page. If the reason for the disfunction is eliminated, the amplifier is ready for operation again. If the red the POWER/PROTECT LED does not stop to light up in red, the amplifier is damaged. In this case return the amplifier to your car audio retailer with a detailed malfunction description and a copy of the proof of purchase.

WARNING : Never open the amplifier and try to repair it by yourself. This causes a loss of warranty. The repairing service should be made only by skilled technicians.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION IN NEWER VEHICLES!
In many vehicles (since approx. 2002) computer-controlled diagnosis- and controlling systems are applied – like CAN-BUS or MOST-BUS interfaces. With the installation of a car audio amplifier, a new appliance will be added to the 12V onboard electrical system, which may cause under several circumstances error messages or may interrupt the factory-made diagnosis system, as a result of high-stress peaks and higher power consumption. Thus, depending on model and manufacturer, the driving safety or important security systems like airbags, ESC or others could be interrupted.

If you plan to operate the amplifier in a vehicle like described above, please follow these instructions:

• Let the installation be made only by a skilled specialist or a service station, which is specialized for the maintenance of your vehicle.
• After the installation, we suggest to make a computer diagnosis of the on-board system, to detect possible malfunctions or errors.
• If the on-board system is interfered by the installation of the amplifier, an additionally installed power capacitor can stabilize the electrical on-board system to ensure a proper and stable operation.
• The best solution is the integration of an own additional 12V electrical system for the sound system, which can be operated independently with an own battery supply.

CONSULT YOUR CAR SPECIALIZED SERVICE STATION!

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