Rockford Fosgate 250 sERIES Installation & Operation Manual
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Rockford Fosgate 250 sERIES Installation & Operation Manual

Rockford Fosgate 250 sERIES Installation & Operation Manual

250 series
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  • Page 1 ® ®...

  • Page 2: Introduction

    NTRODUCTION The “250 Series” Power amplifiers represent the best Rockford Fosgate has to offer! Our engineers devised technical features which would be considered overkill by other audio manufacturers, but not at Rockford Fosgate! Trans•nova, DIABLO, and TOPAZ, exclusively designed by Rockford, are just a few of these features which are described in the Technical Design Features section of this manual.

  • Page 3: Practice Safe Sound

    If, after reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this product, we recommend that you see your Rockford Fosgate dealer. If you need further assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-795-2385. Be sure to have your serial number, model number and date of purchase available when you call.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Other information can be located by using the Table of Contents. We, at Rockford Fosgate, have worked very hard to make sure all the information in this manual is current.

  • Page 5: Punch Accessory Pack

    C C E S S O R Y A C K The accessory pack shipped with the “250 series” Power amplifiers include the mounting hardware necessary to secure it to the vehicle as well as attaching the end caps. Installation & Operation Manual...

  • Page 6: Technical Design Features

    ECHNICAL ESIGN EATURES Many of the solutions to common design problems encountered by Rockford Fosgate engineers created entire new circuit designs as well as new ways to construct the Punch 250x and 250m Power Amplifiers. In our flagship amplifiers, no expense was spared in design and construction from the unique circuitry design to the manufacturing process that has proven to be the industry reference for many years.
  • Page 7 The DSM (Discrete Surface Mount) manufacturing process combines the advantages of both discrete components and integrated circuitry. Rockford Fosgate is the only American amplifier manufacturer to have invested millions into this process. DSM components differ from conventional discrete components in different ways. They are more compact, more rugged, and they efficiently dissipate generated heat.
  • Page 8 Clearly, it is highly desirable to minimize the amount of heat generated in the first place. The “250 series” Power amplifiers employ a new toroidal power transformer design in which the high current input leads are carried directly to the switching power MOSFETs.

  • Page 9: Design Features

    E S I G N E AT U R E S Cast Aluminum Heatsink – The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch Power amplifier dissipates heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. The inherent advantage of casting provides a 30% improvement of cooling over conventional extrusion heatsink designs.
  • Page 10 Input Sensitivity Controls – The input level controls are preset for 500mV which will match the output of most source units. They can be adjusted to match input levels ranging from 300mV to 5V. Internal Crossovers – These built-in crossover cards are configurable for a multitude of operating frequencies.

  • Page 11: 250M Design Features

    250m D E S I G N E AT U R E S Cast Aluminum Heatsink – The cast aluminum heatsink of the Punch Power amplifier dissipates heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. The inherent advantage of casting provides a 30% improvement of cooling over conventional extrusion heatsink designs.
  • Page 12 Internal Crossover – This built-in crossover card is configurable for a multitude of operating frequencies. The orientation of the card in its socket determines the function of high-pass, low-pass or full range operation. Phase Switch – This switch enables you to easily invert the phase without having to disconnect the speaker wires.

  • Page 13: Installation Considerations

    NS TA LLATI O N O NSI DE RATIO NS Tools Needed The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the Punch 250x and 250m Power amplifiers: Allen wrenches 7/64" & 3/32" (included) Wire Cutters Wire strippers Voltmeter Battery post wrench Wire crimpers...

  • Page 14: Mounting Locations

    Rockford amplifier without problems, although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To maximize the performance of your Rockford Fosgate amplifier, we suggest the use of a heavy duty battery, high output alternator and an energy storage capacitor.

  • Page 15: Wiring The System

    I R I N G Y S T E M CAUTION: Avoid running power wires near the low level input cables, antenna, power leads, sensitive equipment or harnesses. The power wires carry substantial current and could induce noise into the audio system. 1.
  • Page 16 10. Perform a final check of the completed system wiring to ensure that all connections are accurate. Check all power and ground connections for frayed wires and loose connections which could cause problems from road vibrations. 11. After the final inspection is complete, install the power fuse and enjoy listening. During the initial listening period, you may need to “fine tune”...

  • Page 17: Using The Xcard

    S I N G T H E The crossover functions are controlled through the use of an XCard and can be set for high-pass, low-pass or full range operation. The 100Hz XCard shipped with your amplifier is set for Full Range. Each crossover card has two faces: one face operates Full Range, the other has arrows to indicate the edge for selecting HP (high-pass) or LP (low-pass) operation.

  • Page 18: Xcard Resistor Chart

    A R D ESISTOR HART Butterworth Alignment Q = .707 Butterworth Alignment Q = .707 5% resistors used with 0.047 F capacitors 1% resistors used with 0.047 F capacitors Frequency Frequency 21Hz 160k 160k 20Hz 169k 169k 26Hz 130k 130k 25Hz 133k 133k...

  • Page 19: Installation

    NSTALLATION ® ® 250x Power Connections (Option #1) Power Dual B+ Dual GND Punch Status Display Connect to remote turn-on lead of Connect to source unit. optional Connect to chassis ground of vehicle* Less than 18" – Connect to B+ of battery with a 60 amp fuse.
  • Page 20 ® ® Stereo Operation Input Unbal. L (Mono) E Z - 1 8 0 - 0 Speaker Speaker 0 -180 Bal. Bal. + L – – R + Bridged Pass Input Thru Gain Gain – – 2 Min. 2 Min. •...
  • Page 21 ® ® Bridged Operation RCA Input Unbal. L (Mono) E Z - 1 8 0 - 0 Speaker Speaker 0 -180 Bal. Bal. + L – Bridged – R + Pass Input Thru Gain Gain – Speaker Speaker Terminal – Terminal 4 min.

  • Page 22: Using The 250X Internal Switching Network

    S I N G T H E N T E R N A L ® ® W I T C H I N G E T W O R K The Punch 250x Power amplifier has a crossover switching network which enables you to: •...
  • Page 23 ® ® “Audiophile Bypass” as it affects the output of the 250x and Pass-Thru. XCard not required. XCard 1 XCard 2 CLOCK AUTO ILLUM DISC DSPL P.SCN LOUD AM FM LD RDM TUNE D.SCN SCAN PAUSE ® ® Unbal. L (Mono) EZ-180 -0 Speaker 0 -180...
  • Page 24 ® ® Configure a 12dB per octave filter for both the 250x and Pass-Thru. 250x Pass Thru XCard* XCard* XCard 1 XCard 2 CLOCK AUTO ILLUM DISC DSPL P.SCN LOUD AM FM LD RDM TUNE D.SCN SCAN PAUSE ® ® Unbal.
  • Page 25 ® ® “Audiophile Bypass” the 250x and configure a 12dB per octave filter for the Pass-Thru. Pass Thru XCard XCard not required. XCard 1 XCard 2 CLOCK AUTO ILLUM DISC DSPL P.SCN LOUD AM FM LD RDM TUNE D.SCN SCAN PAUSE ®...
  • Page 26 ® ® – 22 –...

  • Page 27: Using The 250X 2 Balanced Line Inputs

    250x SING THE ALANCED NPUTS The Balanced Line Inputs can be utilized with the optional Balanced Line Transmitter. Unlike standard RCA cables that use two wires to carry the audio signal and ground, balanced lines use three. In a balanced line, the output signal and its inverted replica travel down a pair of wires where the ground connects via the shield.
  • Page 28 Level Setting the BLT CLOCK AUTO ILLUM DISC DSPL P.SCN LOUD AM FM LD RDM TUNE D.SCN SCAN PAUSE ® ® 1kHz Test Tone @ “0dB” ® ® BALANCED LINE TRANSMITTER – • Disconnect Speaker(s) from the 250x • CD Software used to set levels is a test tone of 1kHz at “0dB” or “All Bits High” •...

  • Page 29: 250M Installation

    250m I NSTALLATION ® ® 250m Power Connections (Option #1) Dual B+ Dual GND Connect to remote turn-on lead of Connect to chassis source unit. ground of vehicle* Less than 18" – Connect to B+ of battery with a 60 amp fuse. *Keep ground connections as close to each other as possible.

  • Page 30: Mono Operation

    Mono Operation ® ® RCA Input L (Mono) R Power X-Over 0 -180 Speaker 24dB/12dB/0dB – Gain Punch Status L + R / L (Mono) Display RCA Inputs L Pass Thru R Pass Thru – 2 minimum • Signal Input Switch set to L+R for RCA input •...
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  • Page 34: Using The 250M Internal Switching Network

    250m I S I N G T H E N T E R N A L ® ® W I T C H I N G E T W O R K “Audiophile Bypass” the 250m. CLOCK AUTO ILLUM DISC DSPL P.SCN LOUD...
  • Page 35 ® ® Configure a 12dB per octave filter for the 250m. CLOCK AUTO ILLUM DISC DSPL P.SCN LOUD AM FM LD RDM TUNE D.SCN SCAN PAUSE ® ® XCard L (Mono) R Power X-Over 0 -180 Speaker 24dB/12dB/0dB – Gain Punch Status L + R / L (Mono)
  • Page 36 Configure a 24dB per octave filter for the 250m. ® ® CLOCK AUTO ILLUM DISC DSPL P.SCN LOUD AM FM LD RDM TUNE D.SCN SCAN PAUSE ® ® XCard L (Mono) R Power X-Over 0 -180 Speaker 24dB/12dB/0dB – Gain Punch L + R / L (Mono) Status...

  • Page 37: System Diagrams

    Y S T E M I A G R A M S 250 Watt System (rated @ 4 ohms) Total Power Delivery (RMS) Tweeters 450 Watts Midrange 450 Watts CLOCK AUTO ILLUM DISC DSPL P.SCN LOUD AM FM LD RDM TUNE D.SCN SCAN...
  • Page 38 If you try to drive this woofer at these lower frequencies, the woofer could self-destruct. Please refer to the crossover section of the manual or see your local Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer for more information.
  • Page 39 If you try to drive this woofer at these lower frequencies, the woofer could self-destruct. Please refer to the crossover section of the manual or see your local Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer for more information.
  • Page 40 If you try to drive this woofer at these lower frequencies, the woofer could self-destruct. Please refer to the crossover section of the manual or see your local Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer for more information.

  • Page 41: Rockford Fosgate Accessories

    The Balanced Line Transmitter converts signal RCA cables from the source unit to balanced signals. The BLT improves sound quality in the system by eliminating noises generated by vehicle electrical systems. The BLT is available for Rockford Fosgate products that offer a balanced input. CLOCK...
  • Page 42 ® • Punch Status Display connected to a pair of 250m • Channel A monitors left 250m amplifier • Channel B monitors right 250m amplifier ATTENTION: We recommend your Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer install your new accessory. – 38 –...
  • Page 43 The Punch Caps also have the natural ability to filter AC ripple caused by the alternator, reducing the chance of noise in the system. The Punch Caps are available in a variety of values and will maximize both the sound quality and performance that Rockford Fosgate amplifiers can deliver. Punch Status...
  • Page 44 Punch Link adds the finishing touch by giving you the look of one awesome amplifier. Punch Link " " Amplifier Amplifier • Amplifier Spacing is 3 ⁄ " (10cm) between heatsink fins ATTENTION: We recommend your Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer install your new accessory. – 40 –...

  • Page 45: Xcard Crossovers

    XM150 = 150Hz XM6.5k = 6,500Hz XM200 = 200Hz XM00 = Blank card for custom crossover Crossover Card High Pass FULL Low Pass Full Range ATTENTION: We recommend your Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer install your new accessory. – 41 –...
  • Page 46 R O U B L E S H O O T I N G TROUBLE-S Symptom Diagnosis Remedy Amplifier does not turn on. Voltage applied to the REM terminal of Check the alternator, battery, fuse, and (Power LED is off) the amplifier is not between 10.5 and wiring and repair as necessary.
  • Page 47 Symptom Diagnosis Remedy TROUBLE-S Speaker Output Low Input gain(s) for amplifier incorrectly Readjust input gains of amplifier. or Distorted set. Source unit output too low or source Check system with known working unit has no output. source and repair or replace original source as needed.
  • Page 48 RCA cable or amplifier connect through Check connections, substitute with Pass-Thru output is defective. known working amplifier or cables and repair or replace as needed. • If noise persists, see your local Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. – 44 –...

  • Page 49: Troubleshooting

    BEFORE dealing with your noise problem. Using a scope (or a small portable amplifier) and Track 99 (1kHz at all high bits) of Rockford Fosgate CD RF-CD101 (Autosound 2000's CD #101) or Tracks 24 through 29 of Rockford Fosgate CD RF-CD102 (Autosound 2000's CD #102), adjust the system so that when the maximum usable signal level of the deck is fed into the system, all the preamp level components clip at the same time.
  • Page 50 III. MOVE THE DECK. If you're at this step, it's time to turn your system into an “amplified deck” by temporarily relocating the deck right ON TOP of the clean amplifier. Then using very, very short signal cables, connect the output of the deck into the input of the amp and test for noise.

  • Page 51: Specifications

    P E C I F I C AT I O N S Dynamic Power Rating (IHF-202 Standard) - Measured at 14.4V Per channel into a 4 load 180 Watts Per channel into a 2 load 310 Watts Bridged into a 4 load 620 Watts Continuous Power Rating (Competition Standard) - Measured at 13.8 Battery Volts RMS continuous power per channel, both channels driven...

  • Page 52: 250M Specifications

    250m S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Dynamic Power Rating (IHF-202 Standard) - Measured at 14.4V Mono into a 4 load 420 Watts Mono into a 2 load 710 Watts Bridged (using 2 Punch 250m) into a 4 load 1420 Watts Continuous Power Rating (Competition Standard) –...

  • Page 53: Warranty Information

    (3) years. We will cover parts and labor provided the product was purchased from an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. This warranty does not apply to any product on which the seals and/or serial number have been broken, removed, tampered with, defaced or altered in any manner. This warranty only applies to the original consumer/purchaser and is not transferable.

  • Page 54: International Information

    – 50 –...
  • Page 55 NO EN ROCKFORD FOSGATE! Trans• nova , DIABLO y TOPAZ diseños exclusivos de Rockford Fosgate, son solo algunas de las mas sobresalientes innovaciones que describimos con mas detalle en el capitulo de Caracteristicas Técnicas de Diseño en este mismo manual.
  • Page 56 Operación mono/estéreo R C A I n p u t Speaker Speaker Left Left Right Right + L – + R – Treble Gain Input Input Gain Bass – min. min. – – min. • Los conectores de entrada RCA se conectan a ambos canales derecho e izquierdo •...
  • Page 57 NTRODUCTION La série d'amplificateurs Power 250 est la vitrine technologique de Rockford Fosgate. Nos ingénieurs utilisent ici des technologies considérées hors d'atteinte par d'autres fabricants. Trans• nova , DIABLO et TOPAZ, exclusivement conçues par Rockford Fosgate, ne sont qu'une partie des technologies spécifiques décrites dans la section “Technical Design Features”...
  • Page 58 Opération stéréo/mono (Tri-mode) R C A I n p u t Speaker Speaker Left Left Right Right + L – + R – Treble Bass Gain Input Input Gain – min. min. – – min. • Les entrées RCA sont connectées aux canaux gauche et droit •...
  • Page 59 Beschädigung des Produktes oder Ihres Fahrzeuges schützen. INLEITUNG Die “250 Serie” Power Verstärker repräsentiert das Beste, was Rockford Fosgate anzubiete hat! Unsere Ingenieure haben in diesen Verstärkern technische Features realisiert, die in der gesamten Auto HiFi-Industrie, einzigartig sind. Trans• nova , DIABLO und TOPAZ exklusive entwickelt von Rockford. Nähere Informationen hierüber und weitere Beschreibungen finden sie in dieser Gebrauchsanweisung unter Technical Design Features.
  • Page 60 Stereo/Mono Betrieb R C A I n p u t Speaker Speaker Left Left Right Right + L – + R – Treble Bass Gain Input Input Gain – min. min. – – min. • Chinch Eingänge des rechten und linken Kanales anschlie en •...
  • Page 61 POTREBBE RISULTARE SERIAMENTE DANNOSO PER LA PERSONA O PER IL VEICOLO. NTRODUZIONE La serie 250 Power rappresenta il massimo che Rockford Fosgate ha da offrire! I nostri ingenieri hanno sviluppato delle innovazioni tecnologiche che per altri costruttori sono considerate fantascienza, ma non per Rockford Fosgate! Trans•...
  • Page 62 Stereo/Mono Operation R C A I n p u t Speaker Speaker Left Left Right Right + L – + R – Treble Bass Gain Input Input Gain – min. min. – – min. • RCA inputs non sono collegati ad entrambi, i canli destro e sinistro •...
  • Page 63 American companies. However, due to the global nature of their manufacturing facilities and the loudspeaker parts industry in general, some parts may be manufactured in other countries. Rockford Fosgate Rockford Corporation 546 South Rockford Drive Tempe, Arizona 85281 U.S.A.

This manual is also suitable for:

250x2250m

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