Rockford Fosgate 5.3x Installation And Operation Manual
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Rockford Fosgate 5.3x Installation And Operation Manual

390 watt amplifier 5-channel w/crossovers
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I n s t a l l a t i o n
I n s t a l l a t i o n
I n s t a l l a t i o n a n d
I n s t a l l a t i o n
I n s t a l l a t i o n
390 Watt Amplifier
5-channel w/crossovers
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O p e r a t i o n
O p e r a t i o n
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  • Page 1 ® 390 Watt Amplifier 5-channel w/crossovers I n s t a l l a t i o n I n s t a l l a t i o n I n s t a l l a t i o n a n d I n s t a l l a t i o n I n s t a l l a t i o n ®...

  • Page 2: Practice Safe Sound

    Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio amplifiers. At Rockford Fosgate we are fanatics about musical reproduction at its best, and we are pleased you chose our product. Through years of engineering expertise, hand craftsman- ship and critical testing procedures, we have created a wide range of products that reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Installation Section of this manual or refer to the icons listed below. 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. But, as we are constantly finding new ways to improve our product, this information is subject to change without notice.

  • Page 4: Introduction

    N T R O D U C T I O N The RF 5.3x is a 5-channel amplifier with four stereo channels and a single bridged/mono channel for accommodating “single amplifier” system designs at a competitive price. Since this manual provides information on the features, installation and operation of the Rockford Fosgate 5.3x...
  • Page 5 THE RESULT: Elimination of troublesome ground loop noise between source and amplifier. MOSFET Devices Rockford Fosgate is one of the few manufacturers in the sound community to utilize MOSFET devices in both the power supply and the output stages . MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) devices offer several important inherent advantages over the 30 year old technology of bi-polar design.
  • Page 6 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 7: High Level Inputs

    High Level Inputs The high level inputs on the Rockford Fosgate amplifiers convert the speaker line outputs (high level) to preamp line inputs (low level). This allows amplifier compatibility with a variety of source units as well as the ability to integrate into factory systems without the need for external adapters.

  • Page 8: Design Features

    E S I G N Bias CAUTION! Do Not Adjust Bias E AT U R E S Do Not Adjust Do Not Adjust – 5 – Bias CAUTION! Bias Bias CAUTION! Bias...
  • Page 9 1. Dual Extruded Heatsinks The dual extruded aluminum heatsinks of this RF amplifier dissipate heat generated by the amplifier's circuitry. 2. Power/Speaker Barrier Strip The barrier strip uses screw terminals that will accept #10 spade lugs or bare speaker and power wire sizes from 10-18 AWG. These gold-plated connectors are immune to corrosion that will cause signal degradation.

  • Page 10: Installation Considerations

    N S TA L L AT I O N The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the amplifier: Wire Cutters Wire Strippers Wire Crimpers Voltmeter This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for installing your new amplifier.

  • Page 11: Passenger Compartment Mounting

    Engine Compartment Mounting Rockford Fosgate amplifiers should never be mounted in the engine compartment. Not only will this void your warranty but could create an embarrassing situation caused by the ridicule from your friends.

  • Page 12: Battery And Charging

    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 and an energy storage capacitor.
  • Page 13 Trim the power cable within 18" of the battery and strip 1/2" of insulation from the end of the wire. Cut the wire loop that is attached to the fuseholder in half and splice the fuse into the power line using appropriate inline connectors.

  • Page 14: Using Passive Crossovers

    CAUTION: The Rockford Fosgate amplifiers are not recom- mended for impedance loads below 2 (mono) loads.

  • Page 15: Table Of Crossover Component Values

    4000 .08mH 6000 51 H 9000 34 H 12000 25 H 6 dB/Octave High-Pass and Low-Pass Filters For more information, see your Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. OMPONENT 6 dB/Octave High-Pass Speaker Impedance 4 OHMS 8.2mH 500 F 800 F 6.2mH...

  • Page 16: 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. 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 17: Resistor Chart

    ESISTOR Our tests have shown that using 0.047 f capacitors for frequencies below 100Hz, and 0.022 f capacitors for frequencies above 100Hz, result in more linear crossover control. Refer to the Specifications page to determine the capacitor value of each supplied XCard.

  • Page 18: Xcard Access

    CCESS The internal XCard crossover(s) are accessible by removing the top cover from the amplifier. The XCard should be inserted with the filter side (HP, LP or FULL RANGE) facing the metal contacts inside the socket. High-Pass • Remove six Allen Screws from cover with supplied Allen wrench (3/32") •...

  • Page 19: Using The Signal Switching Network

    SING THE IGNAL The Signal Switching Network allows the RCA input signals to be distributed to the outputs in many different configurations. The orientation of both switches configure the distribution pattern . The switches can be oriented in the following configurations. Configuration #1 (Mono Sub Input) SUB XCard...
  • Page 20 Configuration #4 (Mono Sub Input) Subwoofer (L Mono) input => Subwoofer outputs SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configuration #5 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configuration #6 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Front inputs => Front & Rear outputs Front inputs =>...
  • Page 21 Configuration #1 ( L M o n o ) ® L F + R F + L F - Front inputs => Front outputs Rear inputs => Rear outputs Subwoofer (L Mono) inputs => Subwoofer outputs SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard +LF–...
  • Page 22 Configuration #2 ® L F + R F + R F - L F - Front inputs => Front outputs Rear inputs => Rear outputs Subwoofer inputs => Subwoofer outputs SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard +LF– +RF– L-Subwoofer +LR– +RR– High Level Inputs R-Subwoofer ®...
  • Page 23 Configuration #3 Front & Rear inputs summed => Subwoofer outputs ® L F + L F - R F + R F - Front inputs => Front outputs Rear inputs => Rear outputs SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard +LF– +RF– L-Subwoofer +LR–...
  • Page 24 Configuration #4 (Mono Sub Input) Subwoofer (L Mono) inputs => Subwoofer outputs ( L M o n o ) ® L F + R F + R F - L F - Front inputs => Front & Rear outputs SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard +LF–...
  • Page 25 Configuration #5 ® L F + R F + L F - Front inputs => Front & Rear outputs Subwoofer inputs => Subwoofer outputs SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard +LF– +RF– L-Subwoofer High Level Inputs R-Subwoofer ® R F - L R - L R + R R -...

  • Page 26: Subwoofer Outputs

    Configuration #6 ® L F + R F + L F - Front inputs => Front, Rear & SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard +LF– +RF– L-Subwoofer High Level Inputs R-Subwoofer ® R F - L R + R R - R R + L R - –...

  • Page 27: Installation

    NSTALLATION High Level Input – “Single Ended” Type This configuration is used for source units that have “Single Ended” speaker outputs. Only the “+” output is “hot,” whereas the “–” or “common” are common grounded. To verify your source unit has these outputs, connect an ohm meter across the “–”...
  • Page 28 High Level Input – “B.T.L.” Type This configuration is used for source units that have “B.T.L.” speaker outputs (Bridged Transformer Less not Bacon Tomato & Lettuce). Both “+” and “–” outputs are considered “hot” or “floating.” L-Subwoofer R-Subwoofer Use “Configuration #6” of Signal Switching Network when using front inputs only •...

  • Page 29: Power Connections

    Power Connections ® ® L F + R F + R F - L F - Less than 18" Connect to B+ of battery with 30A fuse 3-Channel Operation ® L F + R F + R F - L F - –...
  • Page 30 3-Channel Mono Operation ® ® L F + R F + R F - L F - – 4 Min. • Front/Rear Gain Controls set equally to balance the speakers • Sub Gain Control operates independently • Impedance Load for Front bridged channel should be 4 •...

  • Page 31: System Diagrams

    YSTEM IAGRAMS 230 Watt System (rated @ 4 ohms) Step #1 Upgrade the factory system with an RF5.3x amplifier and mono subwoofer. – Front Factory Speaker 80Hz-20kHz 12dB/octave HP Factory Radio 100.7 High Level Input – 28 – Front Factory Speaker 20Hz-80Hz 12dB/octave LP...
  • Page 32 230 Watt System (rated @ 4 ohms) Step #2 Further upgrade the factory system by replacing the front factory speakers and adding “rear fill” speakers. Front 80Hz-20kHz 12dB/octave HP Rear Factory Radio 100.7 – High Level Input 20Hz-80Hz 12dB/octave LP –...
  • Page 33 350 Watt System (rated @ 4 ohms) Step #3 Replace the factory source unit with an RFX-8030, adding a 4.6x amplifier and more subwoofers. Front XCard Front 80Hz-20kHz 12dB/octave HP Rear CLOCK AUTO DSPL P.SCN D.SCN SCAN RFX-8030 ® ® Rear XCard Front 80Hz-20kHz...
  • Page 34 410 Watt System (rated @ 4 ohms) Step #4 Complete the system by adding a CD changer, midbass speakers, and dedicating an RF-2.6x for “rear fill.” SKIP CLOCK AUTO ILLUM COMPACT DSPL P.SCN LOUD TUNE DIGITAL AUDIO D.SCN SCAN PAUSE RFX-8030 ®...

  • Page 35: Troubleshooting

    R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Symptom Amplifier does not turn on (Power LED is off) RCA Input from source Amplifier has no unit is not connected or sound not functioning properly. (Power LED is on) XCard is missing or not placed properly in cross-...

  • Page 36: Speaker Output

    Symptom Speaker Output Input gain signal for Low or Distorted amplifier is incorrectly set. Source unit output too low or source unit has no output. XCard is missing or not placed properly in cross- over slots. Low battery voltage or large voltage drops to the amplifier under load.
  • Page 37 Ground loop between source unit and antenna. Engine noise with No reference ground high level inputs • If noise persists, see your Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. Diagnosis Check connections, and run the RCA cables on a different route away from sources of high current.

  • Page 38: Dynamic Power Measurements

    Y N A M I C O W E R E A S U R E M E N T S About the Dynamic Power Measurements The Audio Graph PowerCube is a test instrument used to measure the output of an amplifier in accordance with IHF-202 industry standards. The IHF-202 standard is a dynamic power measurement and was developed as a means of measuring power in a manner that best represents the Real World operation of an amplifier.
  • Page 39 Information Cubed The data acquired in the testing procedure is then graphed in the form of a 3-dimensional cube, hence the name PowerCube. The Phase Angle is expressed on the horizontal axis, the Output Voltage is presented on the vertical axis and the Impedance is displayed on the Z axis.

  • Page 40: Specifications

    PECI FI CAT ION S Dynamic Power Rating (IHF 202 Standard) Measured at 14.4 Voltage Per channel into a 4 Load Per channel into a 2 Load Bridged Mono into a 4 Continuous Power Rating (Competition Standard) Measured at 14.4 Battery Voltage RMS continuous power per channel, all channels driven into a 4 20 to 20,000 Hz, with less than 0.30%...
  • Page 41 Protection Factory Default Crossover Crossover Slope Battery Fusing Ratings (External to Amplifier) Fuse Type Dimensions Specifications subject to change without notice. NOMAD - Internal analog-computer out- put protection circuitry limits power in case of overload. Thermal switch shuts down the amplifier in case of overheating. Front XCard = 80Hz (0.047 f) Rear XCard = 80Hz (0.047 f) Sub XCard = 80Hz (0.047 f)

  • Page 42: Limited Warranty

    • Who is Covered This warranty covers only the original purchaser of Rockford product purchased from an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer in the United States. In order to receive service, the purchaser must provide Rockford with a copy of the receipt stating the customer name, dealer name, product purchased and date of purchase.

  • Page 43: International Information

    – 40 –...
  • Page 44 NTRODUCCIÓN El RFX 5.3x es un amplificador de 5 canales estéreo y un canal puenteado en mono para acomodarse a los diseños de sistemas de “un solo amplificador” con un precio competitivo. Como este manual proporciona información sobre las características, instalación y...
  • Page 45 Configuración n 3 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configuración n 4 (Entrada de Subwoofer en mono) SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configuración n 5 SUB XCard FRONT XCard Entradas de Subwoofer REAR XCard Configuración n 6 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Entrada Frontales =>...
  • Page 46 Nous vous conseillons de bien le conserver. Nous vous recommandons vivement de faire installer votre nouvel amplificateur Rockford Fosgate auprès d'un installateur agréé Rockford Fosgate. Néanmoins, si vous décidez d'installer vous-méme votre amplificateur, assurez-vous e lire l'entièreté e ce manuel avant de commencer.
  • Page 47 Configuration #3 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configuration #4 (Entrée Sub Mono) Entrée sub (gauche mono) SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configuration #5 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configuration #6 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Entrée avant => Sortie avant Entrée arrière =>...
  • Page 48 Ihr Fahrzeug und das Produkt vor Beschädigung schützen. INLEITUNG Der RF 5.3x ist ein 5-Kanal Verstärker mit vier Stereo Kanälen und einem einzelnen gebrückten/mono Kanal, um ein anpa bares “ein Verstärker” System, zu einem Konkurrenzlos günstigen Preis anzubieten. Dieses Handbuch enthält Informationen über die Installation und die...
  • Page 49 Beispiel #3 SUB XCard Vorgere & Hintere Eingänge FRONT XCard REAR XCard Beispiel #4 (Werkseinstellungen) SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Beispiel #5 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Beispiel #6 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Vordere Eingänge => Vordere Ausgänge Hintere Eingänge =>...
  • Page 50 Voi e per il vostro veicolo. NTRODUZIONE RF 5.3x é un amplificatore a cinque canali di cui 4 stereo ed uno ponticellato mono che permette di realizzare un sistema con un “singolo amplificatore” ad un prezzo competitivo. Il manuale fornisce molte informazioni sul funzionamento e sulle caratteristiche del RF 5.3x...
  • Page 51 Configurazione #3 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configurazione #4 (Ingresso sub mono) SUB XCard Ingressi Subwoofer (LMono) => Uscite Subwoofer FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configurazione #5 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Configurazione #6 SUB XCard FRONT XCard REAR XCard Ingressi anteriori =>...
  • Page 52 11/96 MAN-1381-A MADE IN THE USA Rockford Fosgate Rockford Corporation 546 South Rockford Drive Tempe, Arizona 85281 U.S.A. In U.S.A., (602) 967-3565...

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