Kicker PowerBar Owner’s Manual

Owner’s Manual

KICKER PowerBar

KPB1 | KPB2

Amplified Weatherproof Bar-Mount Speaker System with Bluetooth

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Overview

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

PROLONGED CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF AN AMPLIFIER, SPEAKER, OR SUBWOOFER IN A DISTORTED, CLIPPED OR OVER-POWERED MANNER CAN CAUSE YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM TO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY CATCHING FIRE AND RESULTING IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPONENTS AND/OR VEHICLE. AMPLIFIERS REQUIRE UP TO 4 INCHES (10CM) OPEN VENTILATION. SUBWOOFERS SHOULD BE MOUNTED WITH AT LEAST 1 INCH (2.5CM) CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE SPEAKER AND ANY SURFACE. KICKER PRODUCTS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SOUND LEVELS THAT CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING! TURNING UP A SYSTEM TO A LEVEL THAT HAS AUDIBLE DISTORTION IS MORE DAMAGING TO YOUR EARS THAN LISTENING TO AN UNDISTORTED SYSTEM AT THE SAME VOLUME LEVEL. THE THRESHOLD OF PAIN IS ALWAYS AN INDICATOR THAT THE SOUND LEVEL IS TOO LOUD AND MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING. PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE WHEN CONTROLLING VOLUME.

The KICKER PowerBar-series of powered, bar-mounted Bluetooth speakers provides you with the power and clarity required for enjoying audio in any outdoor and recreational setting. Featuring an IP66 rating for weatherproof applications, the PowerBar-series comes with an easy-to-use control panel and mountable remote control, so changing the tunes is only a touch away. Meanwhile KICKER engineers have done it again, introducing Broadcast Mode technology to allow you to sync up two or more KPB’s via Bluetooth! RCA input and auxiliary output also allow for any combination of daisy-chaining KPBs or other devices. Use the KPB1 or the larger KPB2 on the beach, the links, the patio, off-road, or anywhere you’re missing the music.

Use the following instructions to install and operate your KPB and KPB Remote.

Specifications

Installation

Wiring

Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. Connect the KPB’s black ground wire to a paint-and-corrosion-free, solid, metal area of the vehicle’s chassis, or to the negative battery terminal. Connect the KPB’s red power wire to the positive battery terminal. Install a 15A fuse for the KPB1 or 30A fuse for the KPB2 between the KPB and the power source. The fuse should be within 18″ (45cm) of the power source and in-line with the harness’ red power cable, which is connected to the KPB. The wiring loom may be removed to assist with installation, however this is not recommended and will void the product’s warranty.

1. to chassis ground or battery
2. AUX IN black
3. LINE-OUT gray

IMPORTANT: The KPB draws a small amount of power over time, even when off. If storing the vehicle for two weeks or more, take precautions to ensure the life of your vehicle’s battery, such as disconnecting the fuse.

Keep the audio signal cable away from factory wiring harnesses and other power wiring. If you need to cross this wiring, cross it at a 90-degree angle.

Mounting

The KPB-series mounts natively to bar cylinders with included bar clamp diameter sizes of 1.5″, 1.75″, and 2″. Use the KPB Square Clamps (LINK GOES HERE) – sold separately – to mount your KPB to square bars. Choose a structurally sound location to mount the KPB. The KPB may be mounted below or above bars. Make sure there are no items interfering with the route of the wiring. The KPB2 may be mounted above or below the bars, while the Mounting Base may be rotated ± 30° to accommodate some curved bars.

Installation tools are not provided. 5mm and 6mm Allen Wrenches are required.

1. Screw the Mounting Bases to the PowerBar using the Mounting Screws.

2. Place the Clamp Rings around your mounting bar and secure the Clamp Rings to the Mounting Bases using the Clamp Screws.

The KPB2 may be mounted with the bases and clamps in an inward, or outward configuration

Operation

Status LED

LED color displays audio source, pairing status, and warnings:

Flashing Blue – in pairing mode
Solid Blue – connected bluetooth device
Red – 1/8″ (3.5mm) auxiliary input

Bluetooth (Blue)|
---|---
Off| Power is off
Solid| Bluetooth Connected
Rapid Blinking| Bluetooth Pairing Mode
Alternate Red/Blue| Waiting for Broadcast Mode to connect
Long Blue + Short Red| Wireless Broadcast Mode active – Bluetooth input
AUX IN (Red)|
Off| Power is off
Solid| Source is AUX
Alternate Red/Blue| Waiting for Broadcast Mode to connect
Long Red + Short Blue| Broadcast Mode active – AUX input
Other|
Red Rapid Blinking| AMP FAULT Warning (Overload, Undervoltage, Overvoltage)
Red+Blue Rapid Blinking| AMP OTW Warning (Over Temperature)

Control Panel

  short press
long press
very long press

1. Power on the KPB by performing a long press of the POWER Button

 – Long Press – Power On/Off

– Increase Volume  – Decrease Volume

– Short Press – Previous Track
Long Press – Rewind

– Short Press – Next Track
Long Press – Fast Forward

– Short Press – Play/Pause or Mute
Very Long Press (10s) – Software Reset

– Short Press – Change Input Source
Long Press – Enter Bluetooth Pairing Mode

– Change EQ Presets – KICKER, LOUD, SOUND QUALITY, & VOICE

Setting Input Source

Short Press the SOURCE button to switch between Bluetooth (blue) and AUX IN (red) input sources.

To enter Bluetooth Pairing Mode, Long Press the SOURCE button while in Bluetooth mode. The STATUS LED will begin to flash blue. You may exit pairing mode at this stage by short pressing the SOURCE button.

To finish pairing, from your audio device select either ‘KPB1 KICKER’ or ‘KPB2 KICKER’. When successfully connected, the STATUS LED will be solid blue. When the PowerBar powers on in, or enters, Bluetooth mode, it will automatically begin to search for and connect with the last connected device. If that device is not found, it will continue to search for other saved connections until a connection is established.

Broadcast Mode

Broadcast Mode allows you to play your audio through two KPBs. One KPB, the Primary, will broadcast the audio to the Secondary KPB. EQ settings applied by the Primary will be mirrored on the Secondary. Broadcast Mode is compatible with both audio input sources. You may enter Broadcast Mode with the following button sequence.

1. Set audio input source with the Primary KPB.
2. Simultaneously Press & Hold the PLAY/PAUSE button and the Increase Volume button on the Primary KPB. The Status LED will begin alternately flashing blue and red.
3. Simultaneously Press & Hold the PLAY/PAUSE button and the Decrease Volume button on the Secondary KPB.

Remote Control Install

The remote control must be charged via USB micro 5V power input.

Install the included remote control to your steering wheel as follows:

1. Place the KPB onto the wheel facing the user in the position in which it will be most used.
2. With the lock open, place the two arms of the remote control around the steering wheel.
3. Pull the lock down over the open slot on the adjacent arm.

Remote Control Operation

1. Sync to KPB after charging and mounting

– Double-Press – Sync to KPB
Short Press – Change Input Source
Long Press – Enter Bluetooth Pairing Mode

 – Increase Volume – Decrease Volume

– Short Press – Previous Track
Long Press – Rewind

– Short Press – Next Track
Long Press – Fast Forward

– Short Press – Play/Pause or Mute

Troubleshooting

If the KPB becomes frozen or stuck during algorithmic calculation, does not appear to be working, or gives an error code, check the obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of gain controls, etc.

No power? With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following: (1) +12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to +16V) (2) Check for reversed power and ground connections (3) Ground terminal, for proper conductivity.

Power on, no signal? Check the following: (1) RCA connections (2) Test audio source signal, either with a “known good” output device or other means.

Bluetooth device will not connect? On your mobile device: (1) Turn Bluetooth off, then on again. (2) Remove ‘KPB1/2 KICKER’ from the Bluetooth menu. Then pair again (see page 9). (3) Move your mobile device closer to the speaker. Avoid obstacles that may block the wireless signal. (4) Perform a factory reset by pressing and holding the PLAY/PAUSE button for 10 seconds.

No or low output? (1) Check the settings on the audio source. (2) Check the RCA (or speaker input) and speaker output connections.

KPB frozen or stuck in operating procedure? (1) Perform factory reset the KPB (2) Cycle the power

Broadcast Mode will not engage? (1) Follow the instructions to enter Broadcast Mode on page 9. (2) Perform a factory reset on both primary and secondary KPBs.

CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct. Improper connections can result in blown fuses as well as the failure of other critical systems in the vehicle.

If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product, see the Authorized KICKER Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on installation, click on the SUPPORT tab on the KICKER homepage, www.KICKER.com. Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab, choose the subject you are interested in, and then download or view the corresponding information. Please E-mail support@ KICKER.com or call Technical Services 405-624-8583 for unanswered or specific questions.

Warranty

When purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer, KICKER warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of TWO (2) YEARS from date of original purchase with receipt. If this product is identified as “Refurbished” or “B Goods”, the warranty is limited to a period of THREE (3) MONTHS from the date of original purchase. In all cases you must have the original receipt. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the warranty period, KICKER will repair or replace (at its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise. Warranty replacements may have cosmetic scratches and blemishes. Discontinued products may be replaced with more current equivalent products. This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is not extended to owners of the product subsequent to the original purchaser. Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to a period of the express warranty as provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether express or implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties; therefore, these exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights; however you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE:
Defective merchandise should be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater Designs (KICKER) Dealer for warranty service. Assistance in locating an Authorized Dealer can be found at www.KICKER.com or by contacting Stillwater Designs directly. You can confirm that a dealer is authorized by asking to see a current authorized dealer window decal.

If it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise directly to Stillwater Designs (KICKER), call the KICKER Customer Service Department at 405-624-8510 for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Package only the defective items in a package that will prevent shipping damage, and return to:

Stillwater Designs, 3100 North Husband St, Stillwater, OK 74075

47KPB-a-20

The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Please return only defective components. The return of functioning items increases your return freight charges. Non-defective items will be returned freightcollect to you. For example, if a subwoofer is defective, only return the defective subwoofer, not the entire enclosure. Include a copy of the original receipt with the purchase date clearly visible, and a “proof-of- purchase” statement listing the Customer’s name, Dealer’s name and invoice number, and product purchased. Warranty expiration on items without proof-of- purchase will be determined from the type of sale and manufacturing date code. Freight must be prepaid; items sent freight-collect, or COD, will be refused.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?

This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed. It does not cover:

o Damage due to improper installation
o Subsequent damage to other components
o Damage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation
o Damage through negligence, misuse, accident or abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may be considered abuse
o Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product
o Speakers damaged due to amplifier clipping or distortion
o Items previously repaired or modified by any unauthorized repair facility
o Return shipping on non-defective items

o Products with tampered or missing barcode labels
o Products with tampered or missing serial numbers
o Products returned without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
o Products purchased from an UNAUTHORIZED dealer
o Freight Damage
o The cost of shipping product to KICKER
o Service performed by anyone other than KICKER

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

KICKER strives to maintain a goal of one week turnaround for all electronics (amplifiers, crossovers, equalizers, etc.) returns. Delays may be incurred if lack of replacement inventory or parts is encountered. Failure to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to the KICKER Customer Service Department at 405-624-8510. Contact your International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for your country’s warranty policies.

FCC Warning

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Radiation Exposure Statement
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to only mobile configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

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