Rockford Fosgate Stereo Amplifier 250M User Guide

250M  
Installation &  
Operation  
Mono Amplifier  
Installation et fonctionnement  
Instalación y funcionamiento  
Einbau und Betrieb  
Installazione e funzionamento  
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GETTING STARTED  
Welcome  
to  
Rockford  
Fosgate!  
This  
manual  
is  
designed  
to  
provide  
information for the owner, salesperson and installer. For those of you who want quick information  
on how to install this product, please turn to the Installation Section of this manual. 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.  
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
This symbol with “WARNINGis intended to alert the user to the  
presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the  
instructions will result in severe injury or death.  
This symbol with CAUTIONis intended to alert the user to the  
presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the  
instructions can result in injury or unit damage.  
CAUTION: To prevent injury and damage to the unit, please read and follow the  
!
instructions in this manual. We want you to have enjoyment from this  
system, not a headache.  
CAUTION If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it installed  
!
!
by a qualified Rockford Fosgate technician.  
CAUTION Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to  
prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.  
CONTENTS OF CARTON  
Model 250M Mono Amplifier  
Installation & Operation Manual  
Mounting Hardware Kit  
Remote Punch Bass Kit with Cord  
1 3/32" Allen Wrench  
1 9/64" Allen Wrench  
1 Fuse Connector  
High Level Input Harness  
(replacement part # CC-1992)  
1 20 Amp Fuse  
The hardware kit included with each amplifier contains the mounting hardware necessary to secure  
the amplifier to the vehicle and to attach the end caps to the amplifier.  
Visit our web site for the latest information on all Rockford products.  
3
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DESIGN FEATURES  
1. Cast Aluminum Heatsink The cast aluminum heatsink of the 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.  
2. Gain Control The input gain control is preset to match the output of most source units. It can  
be adjusted to match output levels from a variety of source units.  
3. Variable Crossover The amplifiers have a built-in 24dB/octave Butterworth filter with a  
crossover point variable from 50Hz to 250Hz. The crossover can be set to Low-Pass (LP) or it  
can be bypassed by setting it to All Pass (AP).  
4. RCA Input Jacks The industry standard RCA jacks provide an easy connection for signal level  
input. They are gold-plated to resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.  
5. LED Power Indicator The LED illuminates when the unit is turned on.  
6. REM Terminal This spade terminal is used to remotely turn-on and turn-off the amplifier when  
+12V DC is applied.  
7. Power Terminals The power and ground connectors on the Power amplifier are gold-plated  
and will accommodate up to 8 AWG wire maximizing the input current capability of the  
amplifier.  
8. Punch Bass The Punch Bass control helps correct for acoustical deficiencies in the listening  
environment by helping produce full range sound without adding excessive boost.. The Punch  
Bass control is a narrow band adjustment at 45Hz variable from 0dB to + 18dB. Connection is  
made with a cable using RJ-45 and can be installed under the dash for remote control access.  
9. RCA Pass-Thru Jacks The Pass-Thru provides a convenient source for daisy-chaining an  
additional amplifier without running an extra set of RCA cables from the front of the vehicle to  
the rear amplifier location.  
10. Speaker Terminals The heavy duty, gold-plated terminal block connectors (+ and ) will  
accept wire sizes from 8 AWG to 18 AWG. These gold-plated connectors are immune to  
corrosion that can cause signal deterioration.  
INSTALLATION  
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS  
The following is a list of tools needed for installation:  
Volt/Ohm Meter  
Wire strippers  
Hand held drill w/assorted bits  
1/8" diameter heatshrink tubing  
Assorted connectors  
Wire crimpers  
Wire cutters  
Adequate LengthRed Power Wire  
Adequate LengthRemote Turn-on Wire  
Adequate LengthBlack Grounding Wire  
#2 Phillips screwdriver  
Battery post wrench  
4
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INSTALLATION  
This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for installing your new Amplifier. Pre-  
planning your system layout and best wiring routes will save installation time. When deciding on  
the layout of your new system, be sure that each component will be easily accessible for making  
adjustments.  
CAUTION: If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it installed  
!
by a qualified technician.  
CAUTION: Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to  
!
prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.  
Before beginning any installation, follow these simple rules:  
1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install the Unit.  
2. For safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to beginning the installation.  
3. For easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to mounting your Source Unit in place.  
4. Route all of the RCA cables close together and away from any high current wires.  
5. Use high quality connectors for a reliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.  
6. Think before you drill! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake or hydraulic  
lines, vacuum lines or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle.  
7. Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires inside the vehicle provides the best  
protection.  
8. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic grommets to protect any  
wires routed through metal, especially the firewall.  
9. ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage with proper fusing. Install the  
appropriate fuse holder and fuse on the +12V power wire within 18(45.7 cm) of the battery  
terminal.  
10. When grounding to the chassis of the vehicle, scrape all paint from the metal to ensure a good,  
clean ground connection. Grounding connections should be as short as possible and always be  
connected to metal that is welded to the main body, or chassis, of the vehicle.  
MOUNTING LOCATIONS  
The mounting position of your amplified subwoofer will have a great effect on the sound  
performance produced.  
Engine Compartment  
Never mount this unit in the engine compartment. Mounting the unit in the engine compartment  
will void your warranty.  
Trunk Mounting  
Mounting the amplifier vertically will provide the best cooling of the amplifier.  
Mounting the amplifier on the floor of the trunk will work but provides less cooling capability than  
vertical mounting.  
Mounting the amplifier upside down to the rear deck of the trunk will not provide proper cooling  
and will severely affect the performance of the amplifier and is strongly not recommended.  
Passenger Compartment Mounting  
Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as long as you provide a sufficient  
amount of air for the amplifier to cool itself. If you are going to mount the amplifier under the seat  
of the vehicle, you must have at least 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink.  
Mounting the amplifier with less than 1" (2.54cm) of air gap around the amplifier's heatsink in the  
passenger compartment will not provide proper cooling and will severely affect the performance of  
the amplifier and is strongly not recommended.  
5
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INSTALLATION  
BATTERY AND CHARGING  
Amplifiers will put an increased load on the vehicle's battery and charging system. We recommend  
checking your alternator and battery condition to ensure that the electrical system has enough  
capacity to handle the increased load of your stereo system. Stock electrical systems which are in  
good condition should be able to handle the extra load of any Rockford Fosgate amplifier without  
problems, although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To maximize the performance  
of your amplifier, we suggest the use of a heavy duty battery and an energy storage capacitor.  
WIRING THE SYSTEM  
CAUTION: If you do not feel comfortable with wiring your new unit, please see  
!
your local Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer for installation.  
CAUTION: Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to  
!
prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.  
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. Plan the wire routing. Keep RCA cables close together but isolated from the amplifier's power  
cables and any high power auto accessories, especially electric motors. This is done to prevent  
coupling the noise from radiated electrical fields into the audio signal. When feeding the wires  
through the firewall or any metal barrier, protect them with plastic or rubber grommets to  
prevent short circuits. Leave the wires long at this point to adjust for a precise fit at a later time.  
2. Prepare the RED wire (power cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of  
insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal and tighten the set  
screw to secure the cable in place.  
NOTE: The B+ cable MUST be fused 18" or less from the vehicle's battery. Install the fuseholder under  
the hood and prepare the cable ends as stated above. Connections should be water tight.  
3. Trim the RED wire (power cable) within 18" of the battery and strip1/2"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. Use the section of cable that was  
trimmed earlier and connect it to the other end of the fuseholder.  
4. Strip 1/2" from the battery end of the power cable and crimp a large ring terminal to the cable.  
Use the ring terminal to connect to the battery positive terminal. DO NOT install the fuse at  
this time.  
5. Prepare the BLACK wire (Ground cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of  
insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the GND terminal and tighten the  
set screw to secure the cable in place. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint from  
the metal surface and thoroughly clean the area of all dirt and grease. Strip the other end of the  
wire and attach a ring connector. Fasten the cable to the chassis using a non-anodized screw  
and a star washer.  
6. Prepare the REM turn-on wire for connection to the amplifier by stripping 1/2" of insulation from  
the wire end. Insert the bared wire into the REM terminal and tighten the set screw to secure the  
cable into place. Connect the other end of the REM wire to a switched 12 volt positive source.  
The switched voltage is usually taken from the source unit's accessory lead. If the source unit  
does not have this output available, the recommended solution is to wire a mechanical switch  
in line with a 12 volt source to activate the amplifier.  
7. Securely mount the amplifier to the vehicle or amp rack. Be careful not to mount the amplifier  
on cardboard or plastic panels. Doing so may enable the screws to pull out from the panel due  
to road vibration or sudden vehicle stops.  
8. Connect the source signal to the amplifier by plugging the RCA cables/high level inputs into the  
input jacks at the amplifier.  
9. Connect the speakers. Strip the speaker wires 1/2" and insert into the speaker terminal and  
tighten the set screw to secure into place. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity. DO NOT  
chassis ground any of the speaker leads as unstable operation may result.  
6
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INSTALLATION  
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.  
NOTE: Follow the diagrams for proper signal polarity.  
CAUTION: These amplifiers are not recommended for impedance loads below 2.  
!
USING PASSIVE CROSSOVERS  
A passive crossover is a circuit that  
uses capacitors and/or coils and is  
placed on speaker leads between the  
amplifier and speaker. The crossover  
delegates a specific range of  
frequencies to the speaker for optimum  
driver performance. A crossover  
network can perform one of three  
functions: High-Pass (capacitors), Low-  
Pass (inductors or coils) and Bandpass  
(combination of capacitor and coil).  
C
L
6dB/Octave Low-Pass  
6dB/Octave High-Pass  
The most commonly used passive  
crossover networks are 6dB/octave  
systems. These are easy to construct  
and require one component per filter.  
Placing this filter in series with the  
circuit will reduce power to the  
speaker by 6dB/octave above or below  
the crossover point depending on  
whether it is a high-pass or low-pass  
filter. More complex systems such as  
12dB/octave or 18dB/octave can cause  
impedance problems if not  
Speaker Impedance  
Freq.  
Hertz  
2 OHMS  
4 OHMS  
8 OHMS  
L
C
L
C
L
C
80 4.1mH 1000mF 8.2mH 500mF 16mH 250mF  
100 3.1mH 800mF 6.2mH 400mF 12mH 200mF  
130 2.4mH 600mF 4.7mH 300mF 10mH 150mF  
200 1.6mH 400mF 3.3mH 200mF 6.8mH 100mF  
260 1.2mH 300mF 2.4mH 150mF 4.7mH  
75mF  
50mF  
professionally designed.  
400  
600  
.8mH 200mF 1.6mH 100mF 3.3mH  
Passive crossovers are directly  
dependent upon the speaker's  
.5mH 136mF 1.0mH  
800 .41mH 100mF .82mH  
68mF 2.0mH  
50mF 1.6mH  
39mF 1.2mH  
33mF  
26mF  
20mF  
impedance and component value for  
accuracy. When passive crossover  
components are used in multiple  
speaker systems, the crossover's effect  
on the overall impedance should be  
taken into consideration along with the  
speaker's impedance when  
1000 .31mH  
78mF .62mH  
1200 .25mH  
1800 .16mH  
4000 .08mH  
66mF .51mH  
44mF .33mH  
20mF .16mH  
33mF 1.0mH  
22mF .68mH  
10mF .33mH  
16mF  
10mF  
5mF  
6000 51mH  
14mF .10mH  
9000 34mH 9.5mF 68mH  
12000 25mH 6.6mF 51mH  
6.8mF .20mH 3.3mF  
4.7mF .15mH 2.2mF  
3.3mF 100mH 1.6mF  
determining amplifier loads.  
CAUTION: These amplifiers  
!
are not  
L = Low-Pass (Inductor)  
recommended for  
impedance loads  
below 2.  
C = High-Pass (Capacitor)  
For more information, see your Authorized Rockford  
Fosgate Dealer.  
7
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INSTALLATION  
REMOTE PUNCH BASS  
Mounting  
Clip  
Mounting and installation  
1. Find a location, either under the dash or  
near the center console, that gives easy  
access to the remote.  
2. Using the screws supplied, install the  
mounting clip with the tabs towards t  
he back.  
3. Route the cable for the remote and  
connect to both the remote and  
amplifed subwoofer.  
4. Slip the remote onto the mounting clip  
until it snaps into place.  
Knob  
5. Install the decal and knob onto the  
remote.  
Decal  
OPERATION  
ADJUSTING GAIN  
To adjust the gain setting, turn the amplifier gains all the way down. Turn the source unit volume up  
until distortion is audible and then turn it down a bit until the distortion is inaudible. This will be  
about two thirds all the way up on most source units. Next, turn the amplifier gain setting until once  
again distortion is audible and then back it down until the distortion is inaudible. Rockford Fosgate  
source units do not distort, so the volume can be used at maximum setting.  
NOTE: For a more in depth setting procedure, contact Rockford Technical Support.  
ADJUSTING CROSSOVER FREQUENCY  
Placing the switch in the AP position sets the amplifier to the all pass frequency mode, preventing  
any crossover adjustment.  
Placing the switch in the LP position allows the crossover frequency to be adjusted between  
50-250Hz.  
Turn the crossover adjustment knob all the way down. With the system playing, turn the crossover  
adjustment knob up slowly until the desired crossover point is achieved.  
8
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TROUBLESHOOTING  
NOTE: If you are having problems after installation follow the Troubleshooting procedures below.  
Procedure 1: Check Amplifier for proper connections.  
Verify that POWER light is on. If POWER light is on skip to Step 2, if not continue.  
1. Check in-line fuse on battery positive cable. Replace if necessary.  
2. Verify that Ground connection is connected to clean metal of the vehicles chassis.  
Repair/replace if necessary.  
3. Verify there is 10.5 - 15.5 Volts of current present at the positive battery and remote turn-on  
cable. Verify quality connections for both cables at amplifier, stereo, and battery/fuseholder.  
Repair/replace if necessary.  
Procedure 2: Check Amplifier for audio output.  
1. Verify good RCA/high-level input connections at stereo and amplifier. Check entire length of  
cables for kinks, splices, etc. Test RCA/high-level inputs for AC current with stereo on.  
Repair/replace if necessary.  
2. Disconnect RCA/high-level input from amplifier. Connect RCA/high-level input from test stereo  
directly to amplifier input.  
Procedure 3: Check Amplifier if you experience Turn-on Pop.  
1. Disconnect input signal to amplifier and turn amplifier on and off.  
2. If the noise is eliminated, connect the REM lead of amplifier to source unit with a delay turn-on  
module.  
OR  
1. Use a different 12 Volt source for REM lead of amplifier (i.e. battery direct).  
2. If the noise is eliminated, use a relay to isolate the amplifier from noisy turn-on output.  
Procedure 4: Check Amplifier if you experience excess Engine Noise.  
1. Route all signal carrying wires (RCA, Speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.  
OR  
2. Bypass any and all electrical components between the stereo and the amplifier(s). Connect  
stereo directly to input of amplifier. If noise goes away the unit being bypassed is the cause of  
the noise.  
OR  
3. Remove existing ground wires for all electrical components. Reground wires to different  
locations. Verify that grounding location is clean, shiny metal free of paint, rust etc.  
OR  
4. Add secondary ground cable from negative battery terminal to the chassis metal or engine block  
of vehicle.  
OR  
5. Have alternator and battery load tested by your mechanic. Verify good working order of vehicle  
electrical system including distributor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, voltage regulator etc.  
ACCESSORIES  
Connecting PUNCH Capacitors  
Maintain the power you need to your Power Amplifier.  
Connecting Links  
Mount your Power Amplifiers together for space reduction and a smooth look.  
See our website for other accessories to help you get the most out of your system.  
9
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SPECIFICATIONS  
MODEL  
POWER 250M  
Continuous Power Rating (RMS) - Measured at 14.4 Battery Volts  
4Load Mono  
125 Watts  
250 Watts  
2Load Mono  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio  
Crossover Slope  
>100dB A-weighted  
24dB/octave Butterworth  
variable from 50Hz to 250Hz  
Crossover Frequency  
Dimensions: (with Endbell)  
Height  
Width  
Length  
2.60" (6.60cm)  
9.8" (24.89cm)  
11.35 (28.83cm)  
Frequency Response  
20Hz to 20kHz 0.5dB  
10Hz to 200kHz 3dB  
>200  
Bandwidth  
Damping Factor @ 4(at output connector )  
Slew Rate  
30 Volts/ms  
IM Distortion (IHF)  
<0.05%  
Source Unit Compatibility (+15dB gain overlap)  
Acceptable Signal Voltage Range  
17V max. (low level in)  
Variable from 250mV to 6V (RCA)  
Protection  
NOMAD - Internal analog-computer output protection  
circuitry limits power in case of overload. Thermal  
switch shuts down the amplifier in case of overheating.  
Battery Fusing Rates (External to Amplifier)  
Fuse Type  
15 amps  
ATC  
Variable from 0dB to +18dB @ 45Hz  
20k ohms  
Equalization (45Hz Punch Bass)  
Input Impedance  
Specifications subject to change without notice  
10  
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LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION  
Rockford Corporation offers a limited warranty on Rockford Fosgate products on the  
following terms:  
Length of Warranty  
PUNCH Amplifiers 2 years  
All Other Amplifier Models 3 years  
Source Units 1 year  
Speakers 1 year  
90 days on speaker, amplifier and source unit B-stock (receipt required)  
What is Covered  
This warranty applies only to Rockford Fosgate products sold to consumers by Authorized  
Rockford Fosgate Dealers in the United States of America or its possessions. Product  
purchased by consumers from an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer in another country  
are covered only by that countrys Distributor and not by Rockford Corporation.  
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.  
Products found to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or replaced  
(with a product deemed to be equivalent) at Rockford's discretion.  
What is Not Covered  
1. Damage caused by accident, abuse, improper operations, water, theft  
2. Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product  
3. Service performed by anyone other than Rockford or an Authorized Rockford Fosgate  
Service Center  
4. Any product which has had the serial number defaced, altered, or removed  
5. Subsequent damage to other components  
6. Any product purchased outside the U.S.  
7. Any product not purchased from an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer  
Limit on Implied Warranties  
Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are  
limited in duration to the period of the express warranty set forth above. Some states do not  
allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty, so this limitation may not apply. No  
person is authorized to assume for Rockford Fosgate any other liability in connection with  
the sale of the product.  
How to Obtain Service  
Please call 1-800-669-9899 for Rockford Customer Service. You must obtain an RA#  
(Return Authorization number) to return any product to Rockford Fosgate. You are  
responsible for shipment of product to Rockford.  
Ship to: Electronics  
Ship to: Speakers  
Rockford Corporation  
Warranty Repair Department  
2055 E. 5th Street  
Rockford Acoustic Design  
Speaker Returns  
2356 Turner Ave. NW  
Grand Rapids, MI 49544  
RA#: ____________________  
Tempe, AZ 85281  
RA#: _________________________  
11  
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Rockford Fosgate  
Rockford Corporation  
546 South Rockford Drive  
Tempe, Arizona 85281 U.S.A.  
In U.S.A., (480) 967-3565  
In Europe, Fax (49) 8503-934014  
In Japan, Fax (81) 559-79-1265  
11/01 B.M.  
MAN-3776-A  
Printed in U.S.A  
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