For optimal grounding, we recommend the use of a JL Audio ECS master ground lug (XB-MGLU). Alternatively, a sheet metal screw or bolt can be used with a star washer.
Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG - 6 AWG) wire to ground the battery to the vehicle chassis and to connect the alternator’s positive connection to the battery. To prevent voltage drops, these wires should be upgraded to 4 AWG pure copper wire when installing amplifier systems with main fuse ratings above 60A.
Turn-On Wire
The HD900/5 uses a conventional +12V remote turn-on wire, typically controlled by the source unit’s remote turn-on output. The amplifier will turn on when +12V is present at its “Remote” input and turn off when +12V is switched off. If a source unit does not have a dedicated remote turn-on output, the amplifier’s turn-on lead can be connected to +12V via a switch that derives power from an ignition-switched circuit.
The HD900/5’s “Remote” turn-on connector is designed to accept 18 AWG – 12 AWG wire. 18 AWG is more than adequate for this purpose.
To connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier, first back out the set screw on the bottom of the Power Connector Plug, using the supplied hex wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12mm) of wire and insert the bare wire into the receptacle, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. When using smaller wire, it may be necessary to strip 1 inch of insulation from the wire and fold the bare wire in half prior to insertion. While holding the wire in the terminal, tighten the set screw firmly using the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench, taking care not to strip the head of the screw and making sure that the wire is firmly gripped by the set screw.
Amplifier Power Connector Plug
To connect the power wires and the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier, unplug the power connector plug from the amplifier chassis (pull back firmly) and back out the set screws on the connector plug, using the supplied 4 mm hex wrench for the +12 VDC” and “Ground” connections and the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench for the “Remote” connection. Strip 3/8 inch (10
mm)of insulation from the end of each wire and insert the bare wire into the receptacle on power connector plug, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. While holding each wire in place, tighten each set screw firmly, taking care not to strip the head of the screw.
Never make power connections with a “live” wire. Always disconnect the negative battery post before making any connections or adjustments to a 12V power connection!
