Optimus 120-1971 User manual

2 X 50 Watt Truck Amp (120-1971) Features Faxback Doc. # 8286

The Optimus 2 x 50 Watt Trunk Mount Amplifier is designed to give added

punch and power to your automobile's existing stereo system. The

amplifier produces up to 50 watts per channel of clean, powerful sound at

all audio frequencies with minimum distortion.

Other features include:

Full MOSFET Power Supply - Produces enough power to

supply the main amplifier and

has a considerable amount of

reserve power for peak "high

demand" situations.

Automatic Power Switching - Powers the amplifier when you

turn on/off your automobile's

stereo system.

High or Low-Level Input Signal Compatible - Accepts either high-level

(speaker) or low-level (pre-

amplifier) input signals to

match your stereo system's

output for best performance.

Input Level Control - Lets you adjust the level

(high or low) of audio

signals that enter the

amplifier.

Thermal Overload Protection - Automatically shuts down the

amplifier when it overheats

or when its load or DC power

output is shorted.

14k Gold-Plated Color Speaker Terminals - High conductivity and minimum

impedance.

WARNING: If you live in a high temperature area, we recommend

you install cooling fans on the amplifier to provide a

better operating temperature environment. Contact your

local Radio Shack store for a suitable cooling fan.

If the connectors on your vehicle or automobile's stereo system are not

compatible with the amplifier's connectors, contact your local Radio

Shack store. Radio Shack stores sell adapter harnesses for many vehicles.

Do not modify the amplifier's wiring as this voids its warranty.

For your permanent records, we suggest you record the amplifier's serial

number. The number is on the bottom of the amplifier.

2 X 50 Watt Truck Amp (120-1971) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 6713

Before you install the amplifier, carefully read all instructions. If you

are unsure about any part of the installation process, we recommend that

you have a professional install your amplifier.

Note the following before you begin installing the amplifier:

Be sure your vehicle has a 12-volt DC, negative-ground electrical

system. If it does not, you cannot use this amplifier.

Before you mount the amplifier, temporarily connect the amplifier

and test it to be sure it works. Do not permanently mount the

amplifier until you are sure the connections are correct.

CHOOSING A MOUNTING LOCATION

Choose a mounting location that meets the following requirements:

Does not interfere with the vehicle's operation

Lets you drill mounting holes without damaging other vehicle

components

Allows enough space around the cooling fins to permit reasonable

airflow and cooling

INCLUDED WITH THE AMPLIFIER

The amplifier comes with the following items that are necessary for

mounting. Be sure to unpack these items before you dispose of the packing

materials.

4 Sheet-Metal Screws

4 Spring Washers

4 Flat Washers

OVERLOAD LIGHT

The overload light comes on when:

1. The Amp is overheated.

2. The speaker wires are shorted.

3. The speaker's impedance is below the rated output impedance.

4. The output power terminals are shorted/loaded down.

5. The unit is broken.

2 X 50 Watt Truck Amp (120-1971) Connecting Power Faxback Doc. # 6714

Follow these steps to connect power to the amplifier.

1. Disconnect the positive (+) wire from your vehicle's battery. This

reduces the possibility of damage to your system during

installation.

NOTE: You must reset the clock, the radio's digital tuner

memories, and other time/memory devices when you

reconnect the battery wire after wiring is complete.

2. Connect the amplifier's black (ground) wire to a nearby part of the

vehicle's metal frame.

NOTE: Many modern vehicle parts are made of plastic or other

materials that do not conduct electricity. You must

connect the black (ground) wire to a metal part that is

not insulated from the vehicle's frame by one of these

non-conducting parts.

3. Connect the red (power) wire directly to the car battery's + 12-volt

power source.

CONNECTING THE SWITCHED POWER LEAD

Follow these steps to connect the switched power lead.

1. Connect the supplied orange wire's male quick disconnect plug to

your car stereo system's switched power output lead.

2. Connect the orange wire's other end to the amplifier's REM (Remote)

terminal. With this connection, the amplifier turns on/off when

you turn on/off your car stereo system.

2 X 50 Watt Truck Amp (120-1971) Connecting Faxback Doc. # 6715

You can connect your stereo system to low-or high-level input. If your

stereo system has RCA outputs, connect it to the amp's low-level input for

a cleaner, less noisy signal. If your stereo system only has speaker

outputs, connect it to the amp's high-level input.

To connect the amplifier to your stereo system, place the amplifier as

close as possible to the selected mounting location and follow the

appropriate instructions.

LOW-LEVEL INPUT

Your amplifier has gold plated color RCA terminals for low-level input to

match radios and equalizers with RCA type, line-level outputs.

NOTE: You need a set of 12-foot RCA cables for dash to trunk

mounting. We recommend Radio Shack Cat. No. 43-2356.

Follow these steps to connect the stereo system's RCA jacks to the

amplifier's LOW INPUT terminals:

1. Plug the RCA cable into the car stereo system's left and right RCA

output jacks and connect the other end to the amplifier's left and

right LOW INPUT terminals.

2. Connect the left speaker's positive (+) wire to the amplifier's

positive (+) left terminal.

3. Connect the left speaker's negative (-) wire to the amplifier's

negative (-) left terminal.

4. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to connect the right speaker to the amplifier's

right speaker terminal.

NOTE: We recommend 16 or 18 gauge speaker wire.

HIGH-LEVEL INPUT

If your car radio does not have RCA output jacks, connect the speaker

output from the stereo system to the amplifier following these steps:

1. Connect the stereo system's speaker wires to the amplifier's

HIGH INPUT L and R terminals.

NOTE: Be sure you connect the + and - terminal correctly.

2. If the stereo system has only three wires, connect the common

speaker wires to both of the amplifier's L and R negative terminals.

3. Connect the left speaker's positive (+) wire to the amplifier's

(+) left terminal.

4. Connect the left speaker's negative (-) wire to the amplifier's

(-) left terminal.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to connect the right speaker to the amplifier's

right speaker terminal.

2 X 50 Watt Truck Amp (120-1971) Mounting Faxback Doc. # 6716

Mount the amplifier as follows in the location you chose earlier. Unplug

the wiring harnesses to make mounting more convenient.

1. Using the mounting holes on the amplifier as a guide, mark the

locations for the mounting holes.

2. Drill 9/64-inch holes in the marked locations, taking care not

damage anything behind the mounting surface.

3. Attach the amplifier to the mounting surface using the supplied

sheetmetal screws and washers.

Plug in the wiring harnesses.

TURNING ON THE AMPLIFIER

The amplifier automatically turns on whenever you turn on your

radio/cassette player. The POWER indicator lights when the amplifier is

on.

SETTING THE INPUT LEVEL CONTROL

LEVEL lets you adjust the level of audio signals that enter the amplifier.

For the best performance, follow these steps to adjust the input level.

1. Turn LEVEL fully counterclockwise.

2. Turn on your stereo system and turn up the volume to about one-third

of its full range. Turn on the ignition, if necessary, to turn on

the amplifier.

3. Adjust LEVEL until the volume is at the maximum level you desire

the radio/tape player to produce.

4. Adjust the stereo system's volume control to a comfortable listening

level.

CAUTIONS: Never turn LEVEL up any farther than you need to get clear

sound at 2/3 volume.

The overload red indicator illuminates under the following

conditions:

The amplifier is overheated.

The speaker wires are shorted.

The ground wire is open.

The speaker's impedance is above or below the rated output

impedance.

The Amplifier's overload protection circuit automatically

shuts down when any one of the above conditions occurs. If

this happens, turn off your sound system and let the

amplifier cool down before you restart.

LISTENING SAFELY

To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines:

Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended, high

volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Always start by setting the volume to the lowest level possible

before you begin listening then gradually increase the volume as

necessary.

Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over a period of time,

your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not

cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.

2 X 50 Watt Trunk Amp

(120-1971) Troubleshooting Faxback Doc. # 17062

Q: Green lights fade at power-up and the unit loses power.

A: Check the 12 V power lead to make sure when you turn on the remote

switch on, the voltage level doesn’t drop. Make sure the power lead

is heavy gauge wire and that the ground is good. Always use fuse at

the battery term.

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