APX480M manual.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 2 APX480M Power System Amplifier INTRODUCTION The Clarion APX480M is a full-featured four-channel amplifier incorporating the following features: • Specially coated circuit boards, that resist mold, mildew and moisture damage. • Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) MOSFET power supply for maximum performance with minimal distortion. • Remote turn-on with "soft start" muting to prevent turn-on "thump".
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 3 Operation/Installation Owner’s Manual Manual DESCRIPTION The APX480M uses an unregulated MOSFET power supply for superior sound and output wattage. In addition, a toroid-coil is used to transfer power with minimal performance loss due to heat. To avoid unwanted noise, a double-sided conformal printed circuit board with strategically placed components keeps AM RFI subdued.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 4 APX480M Power System Amplifier The Input Connections are gold-plated RCA Jacks and are labeled as FRONT RIGHT, FRONT LEFT, REAR RIGHT and REAR LEFT. The Gain Controls provide a wide adjustment range to accommodate output levels from any brand of source unit. • Gain Controls - Seperate Front and Rear Gain Controls allow you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier. The amplifier’s range, 250mV to 2.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 5 Operation/Installation Manual • Speaker Level Inputs - These provide connections for a high-level stereo source. In addition, these connections are provided for installations when the source unit’s RCA outputs are unavailable. WARNING: When using the speaker (high-level) inputs, the Black wire must be grounded at the Radio. Failure to do this will result in noise and improper operation.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 6 APX480M Power System Amplifier INSTALLATION This section suggests Mounting and Wiring Precautions for installing the Clarion APX480M amplifier. If you do not posses the necessary tools and installation experience, do not attempt to install this amplifier. Instead, contact your local Clarion dealer to perform the installation. MOUNTING PRECAUTIONS Prior to mounting the amplifier, make sure it is safe to mount the amplifier in that location.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 7 Operation/Installation Manual 6. When replacing the amplifier's fuse, always use one having the same amperage rating. Substituting a higher rated fuse or a slow-blow type can result in serious damage to the amplifier. 7. When creating passage holes for power cables, RCA's cords, and speaker wires, use grommets to eliminate any sharp edges created during drilling. This will protect the wire from being nicked and causing a short circuit. 8.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 8 APX480M Power System Amplifier 4-Channel Stereo System 2-Channel High-Pass, 2-Channel Low-Pass Figure 5 In this 4-channel system, the APX480M drives a pair of stereo satellites for the front and a pair of subwoofers for the rear. Note the filter settings.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 9 Operation/Installation Manual 2-Channel Stereo System with Low-Pass Bridged Mono Channel Figure 6 The APX480M can also be used to drive a pair of stereo satellites for the front and a single mono subwoofer for the rear. Note the filter settings.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 10 APX480M Power System Amplifier 2-Channel High Power System (Satellite or Subwoofer) Figure 7 The APX480M can be set up as a 2-channel high-power amplifier to drive a pair of satellites (or subwoofers).
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 11 Operation/Installation Manual Mixed-Mode System On Rear; Full-Range Speakers On Front FREQ (hz) L (mH) C (uF) 80 100 125 150 200 8.0 6.4 5.1 4.2 3.2 497 398 318 265 199 NOTE: Chart values based on 4 Ohm speakers. Figure 8 The amplifier can be configured for a mixed-mode operation on either channels 1/2 or 3/4 amplifier sections. The table provides component values to create a 6dB per octave crossover at specified frequencies.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 12 APX480M Power System Amplifier SETTING THE GAIN After completing the installation, follow these steps to set the Gain Control and then perform the Final System Checks. 1. Turn the Gain Control all the way counter-clockwise. 2. Turn the vehicle’s Ignition Switch to the ON position. Then turn the ON/OFF Switch on the source units to the ON position. Set all Tone or Equalization Controls to “flat” positions and turn Loudness off. 3.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 13 Operation/Installation Manual FINAL SYSTEM CHECK 1. Start the engine and turn on the source unit. After a two-second delay, slowly increase the Volume Control and listen to the audio. If you hear any noise, static, distortion or no sound at all, check the connections, and also refer to Troubleshooting. Depending on your system design, the levels may become quite loud even at low Volume Control settings.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 14 APX480M Power System Amplifier Problem Amplifier fuse keeps blowing. Solution Incorrect wiring or short circuit. Review Installation and check all wiring connections. Problem Whining or ticking noise in the audio with engine on. Solution Amplifier is picking up alternator noise or radiated noise. Turn down input gain; move audio cables away from power wires.
APX480M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 1:07 PM Page 15 Operation/Installation Manual CLARION LIMITED WARRANTY For USA and Canada only If purchased from an authorized Clarion dealer, this product is warranted against all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. Clarion ProAudio products, except for speakers, are covered by a two (2) year limited warranty when purchased from and installed by an authorized Clarion dealer.
APX480M manual.
