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8 © 2007 directed electronics—all rights reserved
Trunk Compartment
Mounting your amplifier in the trunk provides excellent performance as long as you do not
restrict the airflow around the heatsink of the amplifier. For optimal results, mount the amplifier
with as much clearance as possible. This type of mounting will yield the best cooling due to the
convection effect of the amplifier chassis.
General Precautions and Installation Tips
WARNING! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake lines, hydraulic lines,
vacuum lines, or electrical wiring when working on your vehicle.
Disconnect the vehicle's ground wire at the battery before making or breaking connections to
the audio system's power supply terminals.
Do not use this amplifier unmounted. Failing to securely mount the amplifier can result in
damage or injury, particularly in the event of an accident. An unmounted amplifier becomes a
dangerous projectile in the event of a crash. Never mount the amplifier where it might get wet.
Mount the amplifier so the wire connections will not be pulled. Route the wires where they will
not be scraped, pinched or damaged in any fashion.
The +12V power supply wire must be fused as close as possible to the battery terminal, ideally
within 18". Use the recommended fuse size or circuit breaker listed in the Power Connections
section of this manual.
If you need to replace the fuse plugged into the side of the amplifier, replace the fuse with the
same size ATC / MAXI type fuse that came with the amplifier. If you are not sure as to the correct
value, refer to the Power Connections section of this manual for details. Using a higher current
fuse may result in damage to the amplifier that is not covered under warranty.
NOTE: Make sure all the equipment in the system is turned off when making or breaking con-
nections to the input RCAs or speaker terminals. Turn on the system and slowly turn up
the volume control only after double checking all wire connections.
Power for systems with a single amplifier can be supplied by most automotive electrical systems.
Systems with multiple amplifiers may require a higher capacity battery, alternator or the use of a
storage capacitor. We strongly recommend the use of a Directed Audio Essentials power capaci-
tor with an extra battery in larger stereo systems.
Orion Cobalt amplifiers generate a certain amount of heat as part of normal operation. Be sure
the area around the amplifier is unobstructed to allow adequate air circulation. Remember,
beach blankets, last week's laundry, school books and homework papers located on top of the
amplifier do not improve air flow and may become damaged.
Step By Step Installation
Step 1 Determine the location for the amplifier. Refer to the Choosing Mounting
Locations section of this guide for detailed information.
Step 2 Decide on the system configuration for your amplifier. For system suggestions,
refer to the Speaker Connections section of this guide.
Step 3 Run all the wires from the amplifier location to the speakers, source unit, and bat-
tery. Do not connect the battery at this time. Be sure to run RCAs and power and
speaker wires away from factory electrical wires and system as they pose a great
potential for induced system noise.
Step 4 Pre-drill amplifier mounting holes. Be sure to "think before you drill". Gas tanks,
fuel lines, and other obstructions have a nasty way of hiding themselves. For best