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7
INSTALLATION
By purchasing the 4-channel 321QE/481QE amplifier, you are already one step closer to experi-
encing the purest and most natural sound quality in the automobile environment. To take full advan-
tage of the potential of this amplifier, before installation, we strongly recommend that you acquaint
yourself with all its available features and then spend some time in designing a system most suit-
able for you. Take into consideration the components you have now and those that you plan on
adding or upgrading in the future.
The 321QE/481QE power amplifiers are designed for use with a 12-Volt negative ground system.
Installing this amplifier in a vehicle with a POSITIVE ground system will result in severe damage to
the amplifier, other audio components and/or the vehicle’s electrical components. If your vehicle
happens to run on a positive ground system, please consult your Coustic dealer.
Caution: Please follow all the installation recommendations and instructions in this manual. Installing
and/or using the amplifier in methods other than those outlined herein may reduce the perform-
ance capability of the amplifier. Any such installation or usage renders the product
warranty void.
Warning: The battery ground should remain DISCONNECTED at all stages of installation.
LOCATION
Ventilation: The primary deciding factor of amplifier location is heat dissipation. Despite its highly
efficeint heat dissipation design, the amplifier can be crippled by inadequate ventilation. Prolonged
operation at high volumes, combined with inadequate ventilation, may cause the amplifier to over-
heat and trigger the automatic shut down circuit until the temperature returns to a safe level. To
ensure adequate ventilation, the ideal location for the amplifier is a spot away from any heat
source, with at least 2 inches of clearance above and around the unit.
Figure 3: Upright Mount on Horizontal Surface Figure 4: Parallel Mount on Vertical Surface
The amplifier may be mounted upright on a horizontal surface (see Figure 3) or parallel to a verti-
cal surface (see Figure 4). However, the amplifier should never be mounted upside down (see
Figure 5) for the simple reason that the hot air generated by the amplifier would have to go
through the unit internally on its natural upward path (i.e., "feedback" into the unit) and would
result in increased internal temperature. This would speed up the thermal shut down of the
amplifier.
Figure 5: Inverted Mount
(Not Recommended)
Vibration: Constant vibration could eventually cause the amplifier to come off from mount, resulting
in stress on wire connections, which, in turn, results in "open" or "short" circuit. For this reason, a
location with minimum vibration and a flat surface for secure and firm mounting should be chosen
for the amplifier.
Moisture: The amplifier should never be exposed to moisture and water.
Taking all the above into consideration, the best mounting position for the amplifier would be the
floor of the trunk or behind the rear seat back.
Once the location of all the components has been determined, plan the best routes for all the nec-
essary wiring, making sure that the wires are easily accessible without dismounting the various
components.
MOUNTING
1. Place the amplifier at the desired location and use it as a template to determine the exact posi-
tion of the mounting holes.
2. Mark the mounting holes with a felt pen.
3. Put the amplifier aside.
4. If the mounting surface is carpeted, cut out small circles of the carpet and padding around the
four mounting holes to expose the metal underneath.
5. Use a center punch to ensure drilling the exact position for the screws. DO NOT BEGIN
DRILLING UNTIL YOU HAVE PUT THE AMPLIFIER ASIDE. USING THE AMPLIFIER AS A
DRILLING GUIDE MAY CAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER.
6. Mount the amplifier with the screws provided.