Dayton Audio HDN-8 Weatherproof Sound Exciter Transducer - Manual (Page 2)

Congratulations on the purchase of your Dayton Audio ® HDN-8 Sound Exciter Transducer. This
rugged, all-purpose audio exciter is designed to deliver reliable, high-quality audio in a variety of
structural and architectural audio applications while withstanding harsh environments. It features
weather-resistant construction, high-quality components, and exclusive design by Dayton Audio for
outstanding performance and value.
● Rugged plastic housing with rubberized coating
● Coarse-threaded mounting stud for single-point mounting into a variety of materials
● Hermetically-sealed for installation in wet or humid environments
Please read these instructions completely before you begin your installation.
1) Installation Tools
The Dayton Audio speakers can be installed with the following simple tools:
● Pencil
● Wire cutters & wire stripper/crimp tool
● Drill & drill bits
● Stud finder**
** Optional tools to make the installation easier.
2) Choosing the Location
The HDN-8 transducer is designed to produce optimum results when installed into a wooden
structure or panel, but it may also be installed into fiberglass or plastic objects where a pilot
hole is provided. When installing the HDN-8 into a wooden structure, choose a structural
member that is firmly coupled to the entire structure. If installing the HDN-8 into a wall, make
sure to install its threaded point directly into a stud, or into a suitable panel bonded to the dry-
wall; do not install its threaded point directly into drywall. The HDN-8 should not be mounted
where it will be continuously exposed to moisture. Do not immerse in liquid or install where
the transducer may fall into water; an electric shock may be received.
The location you choose will be guided by your application. For additional application notes,
please see the HDN-8 Application Guide.
3) Installation of the HDN-8
CAUTION: Be certain that there are no electrical wires, water pipes, or heating
ducts in the planned installation area before you begin drilling or cutting. If there is
an electrical outlet nearby, turn off the circuit breaker to avoid possible injury.
Your Dayton Audio HDN transducer is compact, but substantial in weight. It should be
mounted into solid material, not drywall. If drywall mounting is required, use high-strength
anchors designed for heavy loads such as light fixtures. To avoid personal injury, please make
sure the location you choose for mounting your HDN transducer can safely support its weight.
To mount the HDN transducer without splitting the wood or other material, a pilot hole for
the threaded point should be marked and drilled. The pilot hole should be no larger than 1/8”
diameter when installing into wood; the ideal diameter of the pilot hole may be different in
different materials.
After drilling the pilot hole, install the HDN-8’s threaded point into the hole by rotating the
entire transducer, and ensure a snug fit prior to connecting the wires.
To avoid damage to
the HDN-8 housing, do not overtighten the threaded point.
4) Speaker Cable
Your HDN-8 transducer is a high-power device. We recommend using a high quality oxygen
free copper two-conductor speaker cable. For runs less than 50 feet we recommend 16
gauge cable minimum, and for longer runs we recommend 14 gauge or larger cable. Note
that most municipalities require the use of CL2 rated speaker cable for cable runs through
walls and ceilings. If drilling holes for routing the cable through studs in your wall, your local
code may require you to fill the hole that the wire passes through with a fire-resistant caulking
material to slow the spread of fire.
5) Connections
Remove about 4” of the outer cable jacket to expose the inner wires (for CL2 or “in-wall”
speaker cable only). Strip 1/8” of insulation from each wire and install “Fast-on” spade con-
nectors by crimping or soldering onto the bare conductors. After installing the connectors
onto each wire, connect the wires to the terminals of the HDN-8. When connecting the wires
to the HDN-8 transducer, be sure to observe proper polarity for the best sound. Most CL2
rated speaker cable has red and black conductors within the jacket, so connect the red wire
to the red terminal on the HDN-8, and the black wire to the unmarked terminal on the HDN-8.
The red (+) terminal on the HDN-8 should correspond to the red (+) terminal on the amplifier,
and the unmarked terminal should correspond to the (-) terminal. Verify that the spade con-
nectors engage firmly with the tabs.
6) Troubleshooting
Should your HDN-8 not work properly, check the following:
No sound or quiet/strange sound:
●
Make certain you observed proper polarity when multiple transducers are used.
Check the connections at each end of the cable for proper polarity
● Amplifier mute feature or protection mode is activated. Check for short circuits in
speaker wiring.
● Loose connection at either the amplifier or the transducer. Double check con-
nections.
● Bad speaker cable. Replace suspect speaker cable.
Amplifier cuts on and off:
● This could be caused by a short circuit between the positive and negative leads.
Check the connections at the amplifier, and then at the transducer; make sure
that no strands of wire from one connector are touching the other connector.
● The impedance load for the amplifier is too low. This may be caused by connect-
ing too many HDN-8 drivers to one channel of the amplifier. Some amplifiers
provide automatic protection against damage from low-impedance loads by
disconnecting the amplifier. Use series-parallel wiring if necessary to maintain
the necessary minimum impedance load.
7) Caring For Your HDN-8 Transducer
Use appropriate amplification for the HDN-8’s power rating and your application. If the sound
becomes distorted, reduce the volume.
HDN-8 transducers are designed to withstand outdoor environments, including incidental
exposure to water. They are not designed to be washed using a pressure washer or hose
nozzle. If debris accumulates on the housing of the transducer, use a damp sponge or cloth
to remove it.
Specifications
Model number HDN-8
Description Sealed Audio Transducer
Frequency Response 40-12,000 Hz (typical)
Impedance 8 Ohms
Power Handling (RMS/Peak) 50W / 100W
SPL 1W/1m Varies by application
Dimensions HxWxD 4" x 1.75"
Color Black (rubberized)
Weight 2.2 lb / 1.0 kg