Appendix D: TROUBLESHOOTING
“How do I properly set the input sensitivity on my amplifier?”
Please refer to Appendix A (page 12) to set the input sensitivity for maximum,
“My amplifier doesn’t turn on.”
Check the fuse, not just visually, but with a continuity meter. It is possible for a fuse to have poor internal connections that cannot be found by visual inspection. It is best to take the fuse out of the holder for testing. If no problem is found with the fuse, inspect the
Check the integrity of the connections made to each of the “+12VDC”, “Ground”, and “Remote” terminals. Ensure that no wire insulation is pinched by the terminal set screw and that each connection is tight.
Check to make sure there is +12V at the “Remote” connection of the amplifier. In some cases, the
“I hear a repetitive ticking or popping sound coming out of the speaker(s).”
Check the speaker wires for a possible short, either between the positive and negative leads or between either speaker lead and the vessel’s electrical ground. If a short is present, you will experience distorted and/ or attenuated output. The “Status LED” will turn Amber (yellow) in this situation. It may be helpful to disconnect the speaker wires from the amplifier and use a different set of wires connected to a test speaker.
Check the nominal load impedance to verify that each channel of the amplifier is driving a load equal to or greater than 2 ohms in stereo mode (4 ohms bridged).
“My amplifier’s output fluctuates when I tap on it or hit a bump.”
Check the connections to the amplifier. Make sure that the insulation for all wires has been stripped back far enough to allow a good contact area inside the terminal block.
Check the input connectors to ensure that they all are making good contact with the input jacks on the amplifier.
“My amplifier shuts off once in a while, usually at higher volumes.”
Check your voltage source and grounding point. The power supply of the M600/1 will operate with charging system voltages down to 10V. Shutdown problems at higher volume levels can occur when the charging system voltage (or remote
To prevent voltage drops, these wires should be upgraded to 4 AWG when installing amplifier systems with main fuse ratings above 60A. Grounding problems are the leading cause of misdiagnosed amplifier “failures.”
“My amplifier turns on, but there is no output.”
Check the input signal using an AC voltmeter to measure the voltage from the source unit while an appropriate low- frequency test tone is played through the source unit (disconnect the input cables from the amplifier prior to this test). 50 Hz is a good choice. A steady, sufficient voltage (between 0.1 and
Check the output of the amplifier. Using the procedure explained in the previous check item (after plugging the input cables back into the amplifier) test for output at the speaker outputs of the amplifier. Remove the speaker wires from the amplifier while doing this to prevent unpleasant noise and possible speaker damage. Turn the volume up approximately half way. 5V AC or more should be measured at the speaker outputs. This output level can vary greatly between amplifiers but it should not be in the millivolt range with the source unit at half volume. If you are reading sufficient voltage, check your speaker connections as explained below.
Check to ensure that the speaker wires are making a good connection with the metal inside the terminal block. The speaker wire connectors are designed to accept up to 8 AWG wire. Make sure to strip the wire to allow for a sufficient connection with the metal inside the terminal block.
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