APX280M manual.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 2 APX280M Power System Amplifier INTRODUCTION The Clarion APX280M is a full-featured two-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".
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 1 Operation/Installation Manual DESCRIPTION The APX280M 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.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 2 APX280M Power System Amplifier • Gain Control - This allows you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier. The amplifier's range, 250mV to 2.5V for RCA inputs or 500mV to 5V for speaker level inputs, can accommodate input levels from virtually any brand of source unit. • Bass Boost Control- The amplifier also features a "high-Q" (i.e. narrow frequency band) Bass Boost circuit.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 3 Operation/Installation Manual CONNECTIONS FOR POWER AND SPEAKERS The rear panel of the APX280M contains power and speaker connections as shown below. Figure 2 1. Left Speaker Output 2. Right Speaker Output 3. Remote Turn-on Input 4. Ground Input 5. Battery + 12V Input 6.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 4 APX280M Power System Amplifier INSTALLATION This section suggests Mounting and Wiring Precautions for installing the Clarion APX280M 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.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 5 Operation/Installation Manual 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. Extra cable can cause signal loss and act as an "antenna" for noise. Use only high-quality RCA cords that are no longer than necessary. 9.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 6 APX280M Power System Amplifier 2-Channel Full-Range, Satellite, or Subwoofer Stereo System (Set INPUT SELECT Switch to STEREO) Set X-Over Mode as shown. Set X-Over Mode as shown; adjust FREQ to speaker specifications. Set X-Over Mode as shown; adjust FREQ to speaker specifications. Figure 5 In this application, the amplifier is used in stereo and drives two full-range (or satellite or subwoofer) speakers.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 7 Operation/Installation Manual Mixed-Mode Satellite and Subwoofer System (Set INPUT SELECT Switch to STEREO) FREQ (Hz) 80 100 125 150 200 L (mH) 8.0 6.4 5.1 4.2 3.2 C (µF) 497 398 318 265 199 Subwoofer 4 Ohms NOTE: Chart values based on 4 Ohm speakers. Figure 6 The amplifier can be configured for a mixed-mode operation. The table provides component values to create a 6dB per octave crossover at specified frequencies.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 8 APX280M 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 vessel'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.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 9 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.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 10 APX280M Power System Amplifier Problem Distorted audio. Solution Gain is not set properly, or damaged speaker cones. Review Setting Gain; inspect each speaker cone for signs of damage (i.e. frozen cone, burning smell, etc.) Problem Audio lacks punch. Solution Speakers wired incorrectly, which causes cancellation of bass frequencies. Check polarity of wires from amplifier to each speaker as defined by the system design. Problem Amplifier fuse keeps blowing.
APX280M manual.qxd 3/12/2004 12:55 PM Page 11 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.
APX280M manual.
