Problem installing amp

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johnsin

Member - Posts: 5

Joined: September 22, 2005

Posted: October 01, 2005 at 1:36 PM / IP Logged

Hi,

I got the used A/D/S PQ40.2, which the seller claimed the amp work just fine. Assuming the amp is good, then there should be problem with my installation.

I have not plugged in any loads (speakers) and signal to the amp yet. First, I grounded the amp to the screw of the backseat using 8AWG wire, and run 4AWG wire for 12v+ from the battery. I only wanted to test whether the amp turn on ok. Since I have not decided which remote turn on point I will use, I just connected the wire to 12v+ to turn on the amp.

The problem is once I connected the remote wire, all interior lights are getting into dim/bright cycles. So I checked the voltage at the battery, the voltage jump up and down from 12v to 14v. And the amp is not turned ON properly, the power led is blinking just like the amp is turning on and off with the same rhythm of the dim/bright interior light.

Could anyone help me with this problem?

I am still using the standard battery. The amp is 4x100watts at 4ohms. Is there any problem for Mazda6 alternator and standard battery to handle this amp?

As additional information, I checked the voltage of the 4AWG 12v+ wire and 8AWG ground at amp end, the voltage is showing 14v with engine on. But it starts fluctuating once I connected the remote to battery 12v+ to turn the amp on.

Thanks for your help in advance.

boulderguy

Silver - Posts: 510

Joined: April 17, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: October 01, 2005 at 1:43 PM / IP Logged

Yes, the stock battery/alternaor should be fine with that amp. No, the amp doesn't sound kosher.

There's definitely some shorting going on, but where is anyone's guess. Check the power lead to make sure it isn't grounding somewhere, I doubt it is. Next guess is your remote - are you sure it's ++? I'd set it up as a jumper from power to remote for testing.

If still the same problems I'd disconnect the amp & take it to a shop who can bench-test it, or just beat up the guy who sold it to you.

stevdart

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Joined: January 24, 2004

Location: Pennsylvania, United States

Posted: October 01, 2005 at 1:48 PM / IP Logged

Begin by connecting a proper ground. The wire must be as large as the power wire. After disconnecting power and battery negative terminal, reroute the ground using 4 ga. to a place close to the amp directly into sanded clean sheet metal. Use a self-tapping screw or a bolt and nut if you can reach the underside. Check the ground resistance with a multimeter. Also remove, sand or wire brush, and reconnect an upgrade ground wire from battery neg. to chassis, as the original ground in that location will be too small. You can add a 4 ga. wire and leave the existing OEM ground wire connected.

After that, check power-on by jumping 12V from the amp's B+ teminal. This test will eliminate possible problems that could be caused by your choice of remote 12V location.

Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

DYohn

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Joined: April 22, 2003

Location: Arizona, United States

Posted: October 01, 2005 at 1:51 PM / IP Logged

I agree. Sounds like the amp is fried.

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johnsin

Member - Posts: 5

Joined: September 22, 2005

Posted: October 02, 2005 at 11:37 AM / IP Logged

Thank you, I will check tomorrow as per your suggestions and report back.

boulderguy

Silver - Posts: 510

Joined: April 17, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: October 02, 2005 at 11:39 AM / IP Logged

I will say that's a good amp, worth fixing if you have to.

johnsin

Member - Posts: 5

Joined: September 22, 2005

Posted: October 02, 2005 at 11:49 AM / IP Logged

Yeah.. I am dying to get this amp to work. I heard good things about this amp, and I trusted Ed Meitner design.

I have a D/A converter for home audio that design by Ed Meitner at A/D/S as well. It's discontinued, but still a stuff that many audiophiles are eager to own.

johnsin

Member - Posts: 5

Joined: September 22, 2005

Posted: October 04, 2005 at 12:40 AM / IP Logged

I think I fried my amp. Lastnight, I plug the 12v+ and ground directly to the battery with short thick wires, and suddenly it burned (I can see the fire not only spark) near 12v+ and ground sockets. I am quite sure the 12v+ and ground were not shorted at all. And I have no idea what caused the fire, maybe the amp itself is shorted inside.

Any idea? Thanks.

jeffchilcott

Platinum - Posts: 2,483

Joined: April 11, 2002

Location: United States

Posted: October 04, 2005 at 6:22 AM / IP Logged

was the amp fused at all? with that short of wires it would be very easy to fry an amp very quick

Also if power and ground get mixed up and hooked up backwards it will make a amp go poof in a second.

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boulderguy

Silver - Posts: 510

Joined: April 17, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: October 04, 2005 at 11:01 AM / IP Logged

That would be bad. Too late to return it?

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