DAYTONAUDIO HDN-8B Weatherproof Sound Exciter Transducer User Manual

: September 18, 2024
: DAYTONAUDIO

Table of Contents

Installation Tools
Choosing the Location
Installation of the HDN-8B
Speaker Cable
Connections
Troubleshooting
Caring For Your HDN-8B Transducer
Specification
References
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DAYTONAUDIO HDN-8B Weatherproof Sound Exciter Transducer User Manual

Congratulations on the purchase of your Dayton Audio® HDN-8B Sound Exciter Transducer.
This rugged, all-purpose audio exciter is designed to deliver reliable, high- quality audio in a variety of structural and architectural audio applications while withstanding harsh environments.
It features weather-resistant construction, high-quality components, and exclusive design by Dayton Audio for outstanding performance and value.

Rugged plastic housing with rubberized coating
M5 mounting stud for single-point mounting into a variety of materials
Hermetically-sealed for installation in wet or humid environments

Please read these instructions completely before you begin your installation.

Installation Tools

The Dayton Audio speakers can be installed with the following simple tools:

Pencil
Wire cutters & wire stripper/crimp tool
Drill & drill bits (5mm or 13/64″)
Crescent wrench
Red threadlike (optional)

Choosing the Location

The HDN-8B transducer is designed to produce optimum results when installed into a secure structure or panel, but it may also be installed into fiberglass or plastic objects.
When installing the HDN-8B into a wooden structure, choose a structural member that is firmly coupled to the entire structure. If installing the HDN-8B into a wall, make sure to install it directly into a stud, or into a suitable panel bonded to the drywall; do not install into drywall. The HDN-8B should not be mounted where it will be continuously exposed to moisture. Do not immerse in liquid or install where the transducer may fall into water; an electric shock may be received.

The location you choose will be guided by your application. For additional application notes, please see the HDN-8B Application Guide.

Installation of the HDN-8B

CAUTION: Be certain that there are no electrical wires, water pipes, or heating ducts in the planned installation area before you begin drilling or cutting. If there is an electrical outlet nearby, turn off the circuit breaker to avoid possible injury.

Your Dayton Audio HDN-8B transducer is compact, but substantial in weight. It should be mounted into solid material, not drywall. To avoid personal injury, please make sure the location you choose for mounting your HDN transducer can safely support its weight.

To mount the HDN-8B transducer to wood or other material, a hole for the threaded end should be marked and drilled. The hole should be no larger than 13/64″ diameter.

After drilling the hole into the wood or other material, install the HDN-8B’s threaded end into the hole note that the large washers may be used on both sides of the material for a more secure mounting. Install spring washer and nuts and tighten applying a red threadlike may be used. Ensure a snug fit prior to connecting the wires. To avoid damage to the HDN-8B housing, do not overtighten the threaded point.

Speaker Cable

Your HDN-8B transducer is a high-power device. We recommend using a high quality oxygen free copper two-conductor speaker cable. For runs less than 50 feet we recommend 16 gauge cable minimum, and for longer runs we recommend 14 gauge or larger cable. Note that most municipalities require the use of CL2 rated speaker cable for cable runs through walls and ceilings. If drilling holes for routing the cable through studs in your wall, your local code may require you to fill the hole that the wire passes through with a fire- resistant caulking material to slow the spread of fire.

Connections

Remove about 4″ of the outer cable jacket to expose the inner wires (for CL2 or “in wall” speaker cable only). Strip 1/8″ of insulation from each wire and install “Faston” spade connectors by crimping or soldering onto the bare conductors. After installing the connectors onto each wire, connect the wires to the terminals of the HDN-8B. When connecting the wires to the HDN-8B transducer, be sure to observe proper polarity for the best sound. Most CL2 rated speaker cable has red and black conductors within the jacket, so connect the red wire to the red terminal on the HDN-8B, and the black wire to the unmarked terminal on the HDN-8B. The red (+) terminal on the HDN-8B should correspond to the red (+) terminal on the amplifier, and the unmarked terminal should correspond to the (-) terminal. Verify that the spade connectors engage firmly with the tabs.

Troubleshooting

Should your HDN-8B not work properly, check the following:

No sound or quiet/strange sound:

Make certain you observed proper polarity when multiple transducers are used. Check the connections at each end of the cable for proper polarity.
Amplifier mute feature or protection mode is activated. Check for short circuits in speaker wiring.
Loose connection at either the amplifier or the transducer. Double check connections.
Bad speaker cable. Replace suspect speaker cable.

Amplifier cuts on and off:

This could be caused by a short circuit between the positive and negative leads. Check the connections at the amplifier, and then at the transducer; make sure that no strands of wire from one connector are touching the other connector.
The impedance load for the amplifier is too low. This may be caused by connecting too many HDN-8B drivers to one channel of the amplifier. Some amplifiers provide automatic protection against damage from low Impedance loads by disconnecting the amplifier. Use series-parallel wiring if necessary to maintain the necessary minimum impedance load.

Caring For Your HDN-8B Transducer

Use appropriate amplification for the HDN-8B’s power rating and your application. If the sound becomes distorted, reduce the volume.

HDN-8B transducers are designed to withstand outdoor environments, including incidental exposure to water. They are not designed to be washed using a pressure washer or hose nozzle. If debris accumulates on the housing of the transducer, use a damp sponge or cloth to remove it.

Specification

Model Number : ………………………HDN-8B
Description :……………………………Sealed Audio Transducer
Frequency Response: …………….40-15,000 Hz (typical)
Impedance: ……………………………8 Ohms
Power Handling (RMS/Peak ):…..50W / 100W
SPL: ……………………………………..1W/1m Varies by application
Dimensions HxWxD: ……………….4″ x 2.4″
Weight: …………………………………2.2 lb / 1.0 kg