Operation
| | AUTO | | INPUT | L | R | L | R | GAIN | BASS | |
| | TURN ON | | LEVEL | | | | | | BOOST | XOVER |
| | +12V DC AUDIO | LO | INPUT | | OUTPUT | | 0 11 | OFF | OFF LO |
| | OFFSET | | | |
| | | HI | REMOTE BASS | | | ON | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | SPKR + | | SPKR - | | | | | | | |
| | 1. Automatic Turn-On Selection | The ZX series offers three different automatic turn-on modes that can |
| | be selected on the end panel; +12V, DC Offset, and Audio. Using either the DC Offset or Audio mode |
| | causes the REM terminal to have +12V out for turning on additional amplifiers. |
| | Remote Turn-OnSet the switch to +12V to use the remote turn-on lead from your source unit. Run |
| | 18 Ga wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the terminal labeled REM between the |
| OPERATION | amplifier’s positive and negative power terminals. This is the preferred automatic turn-on method. |
| DC Offset Turn-OnIf Remote Turn-On is not an option, the next best setting is DC Offset. The DC |
| |
Offset mode detects a 6 volt surge from the HI Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.
Signal Sense Turn-OnThe Audio setting is the final alternative for Automatic turn-on. This is a Signal Sense turn-on method that detects the incoming audio signal from your source unit and automatically turns on the amp. This turn-on method will not work properly if the input gain control is not set appropriately.
2. Input Level The RCA inputs on Kicker ZX amplifiers are capable of receiving either Hi or Low-level signals from your source unit. If the only output available from your source unit is a Hi-Level signal, simply press in the Input Level switch on the amplifier. Refer to the wiring section of this manual for addtional instructions.
3. Crossover Switch Use the XOVER switch on the end panel of the amplifier to set the internal crossover to OFF or LO. When the switch is set to OFF, a full bandwidth signal will be amplified. Set the switch to LO if you want the amplifier’s internal crossover to serve as a low-pass filter. Never change the crossover “OFF/LO” switch setting with the audio system on!
4. Input Gain Control The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the output of the source unit to the input level of the amplifier. Turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it to 25). Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifier up until you can hear audible distortion, then turn it down a little.
5. Bass Boost Turn the bass boost on to increase bass by 12db at 40 Hz. If you choose to enable the bass boost it may be necessary to reduce the input gain control on the amplifier to avoid clipping.
RED Badge Light off, no output? With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following: 1) +12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to +16V) 2) Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V)
3)Check for reversed power and ground connections. 4) Ground terminal, for proper conductivity. 5) Check for blown fuses.
RED Badge Light on, no output? Check the following: 1) RCA connections 2) Test speaker outputs with a “known” good speaker. 3) Substitute source unit with a “known” good source unit. 4) Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.
End Panel LED flashing with loud music? The yellow LED indicates low battery voltage. Check all the connections in your vehicle’s charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your vehicle’s battery or replace your vehicle’s alternator.
End Panel LED on, no output? 1) Amplifier is very hot. Thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airflow around the amplifier. 2) Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle is running. Voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 9-16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle's charging and electrical system inspected. 3) Amplifier will only play at low volume levels. Short circuit protection is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged speakers, or speaker(s) operating below the minimum recommended impedance.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM? 1) Check for damaged RCA (or speaker |
input) cable | 2) Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable 3) Check the source unit for proper |
grounding | 4) Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high. |
Ground Noise? Kicker amplifiers are engineered to be fully compatible with all manufacturers’ head |
units. Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent noise from entering the audio signal. |
If you are experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the |
RCA outputs on the head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue. |
Please Note: Modern high performance speakers have a lower DC Resistance than what used to be |
available. The Kicker Coaxial and Component speakers are rated at four ohms (some DC Resistances |
may be as low as 3 ohms) and work with any amplifier designed to operate at a four ohm load. If you |
want to use two Kicker Coaxial or Component speakers on a single channel of your amplifier wire the |
speakers in series. This will improve the sound quality, lower the total harmonic distortion and lessen |
the thermal load at the amplifier. This may prevent an amplifier from shutting down, due to over-current |
protection circuitry. |
CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are |
correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifier fuses as well as the failure of other critical |
systems in the vehicle. |
