MTX Audio TA8502 - Manual (Page 3)

Installation
Mounting
Place your Thunder amplifi er at the predetermined mounting location. Use a felt pen to mark the exact position
of the mounting holes on the mounting surface. Set the amplifi er aside. Then with a sharp, precise blade cut
small circles in the carpet and padding around the four marks denoting your mounting holes to expose the
metal underneath. Use a center punch to make an indentation in the metal to ensure that you drill the exact
position for the screws.
Note: Please use common sense and make sure that all vehicle wires, gas lines, brake lines, etc. are clear and will
not interfere with the installation. ALWAYS WEAR PROPER SAFETY GLASSES.
Connections
1. Bi-Level Inputs (Low/High Level Input) with Smart Engage™ –
Both a low and high level signal can be used. Be sure to lay the signal wire away from all power cables and
vehicle computers. Use high quality twisted pair interconnect cables to decrease the possibility of radiated
noise entering the system.
• Using RCA Connections: If the source unit has RCA outputs, simply attach a signal cable from the source unit
to the amp’s RCA input. This will provide signal to the amp.
• Using Speaker Level Connections: If the source unit does not have RCA outputs, a high level signal can be
used instead by taking the supplied high level RCA adapter cables and connecting the bare wire ends to the
vehicle’s rear speaker wiring. Connect the left negative speaker wire to the green with black stripe wire on the
supplied high level RCA adapter. Connect the left positive speaker wire to the solid green wire. Do the same
for the right speaker connection using the purple wire. Now plug the RCA connectors located on opposite end
of the supplied high-level RCA cables into the amp’s inputs.
2. Speaker Wire Connections –
When installing the speaker wires, please take proper measures to protect them. For example, when
connecting the door speakers, the speaker wire should run from the amplifi er’s output terminals, under the
carpet, and through the factory rubber boot (loom) that protects the wires in the inner door jam. If the factory
boot cannot be used, take other measures to protect these wires. Sometimes the door has to be completely
removed to use the factory boot. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, please ask a
professional to help you.
When connecting the speaker wires to the amplifi er please observe the printed polarity markings on the
amplifi er’s StreetWires connector. Failing to wire the speakers in proper phase could result in a loss of bass
response or poor overall sound quality.
2-channel Amplifi ers: These amps will have four speaker terminals: left positive, left negative, right positive, and
right negative.
• Stereo (2-channel) Connection: This confi guration is typically used with full range or high frequency
speakers. Each channel can drive a minimum of a 1 ohm load.
• Bridged (1-channel) Connection: This confi guration is typically used with subwoofers. Both channels
combined can drive a minimum of a 2 ohm mono load for max power.
Note: Please pay attention and make sure the speakers or woofers are the correct IMPEDANCE (OHMS) BEFORE
attaching to the amplifi er.
3. Power Terminals – Please take proper measures during installation to protect the power wires as best you
can. For example, when running the power cable from the vehicle’s battery through the fi rewall, use a fi rewall
bushing for protection. Run the power wire through the interior of the vehicle, under the carpet, and to the
amplifi er. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, please ask a professional to help you. Be
sure to lay the power wire away from all signal cables.
When connecting the power wires to the amplifi er please observe the printed markings on the amplifi er’s
StreetWires power connector. Failing to wire the power cables properly could result in amplifi er damage.
• +12V: This is the main power input for the amplifi er and must be connected directly to the positive terminal
of the car battery for the amplifi er to operate properly. It is important that a main fuse is installed a maximum
of 18” from the battery.