4 5
A. General Installation Procedure
A. General Installation Procedure
INSTALLATION
It is highly recommended that the amplier be mounted to a board of MDF or other solid structure using the
4 mounting screws provided. Avoid mounting the amplier to metal as this can introduce noise and other
unwanted issues. When mounting the amplier, ensure that it is mounted HORIZONTALLY for optimal heat
dissipation. Mounting ampliers to speaker enclosures is not recommended as this can cause damage to
the amplier components. When choosing a location for mounting the amplier, ensure that you check for
clearance from wires, gas tank, electrical devices and brake lines etc.
Power & ground connections: (see the features matrix on page 5 for proper gauge cables per amplier)
Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker cables. Keep RCA cables
away from electrical devices in the vehicle that can cause electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps,
emission control modules and other on-board electronic modules.
Use a sufcient gauge power cable and ground cable using the matrix on page 5 as reference to
what size wire you require. MT OLYMPUS series ampliers require at least 4 gauge power wire. In a
multi-amplier system, add the total value of the manufacturers recommended fusing to get your total system
amperage. Some applications may require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system requirements.
In multi-amplier systems it is advisable to mount a large enough fuse right at the battery, and run one or
multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused distribution block near the ampliers. It is then a simple matter to
connect the +12 volt terminal of each amplier to the distribution block. During this process, please ensure
that the main power fuse is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. The main fuse must be within
12” of the vehicles battery.
Ground each amplier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the vehicle chassis using at least
4 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the ampliers’ power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you
wish, but it is extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution block to the chassis
as short as possible, not more than 18“. The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important,
and the best way to achieve a good, solid electrical and mechanical contact is to use a large round crimp
lug, crimped and soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to scrape the paint off the vehicle chassis,
slightly larger than the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clearance hole in the chassis, the same
size as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely fasten the ground lug. Use petroleum
jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection, to prevent oxidization over time.
TIP: Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio equipment for that
matter - run short individual grounds from each piece directly to the vehicle chassis, to minimize
ground loops and system noise. All power, ground and speaker connections should be crimped and
soldered for reliability. Make sure that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal
in the vehicle, causing short circuits to the chassis.
WIRE LENGTH
SYSTEM
AMPERAGE
7 - 10 ft. 10 - 13 ft. 13 - 16 ft. 16 - 19 ft. 19 - 22 ft. 22 - 28 ft.
WIRE GAUGE
35 - 50 8 6 4 4 4 4
50 - 65 6 4 4 4 4 2
68 - 85 4 4 2 2 2 0
85 - 105 4 2 2 2 2 0
105 - 125 4 2 0 0 0 0
125 - 150 2 0 0 0 0 0
NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule of thumb. Please refer to the manufacturers specic requirements.
MT OLYMPUS specications can be found on page 20.
Safe connection sequence:
After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and ampliers, then run and plug in RCA
cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and remote turn on leads. Now, connect all +12 volt cables to the
amplier or ampliers and distribution blocks and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt cable to
the battery, with the main fuse removed. We are almost ready to power up the system.
Power up the system:
The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more frustrating when turning on a
system for the rst time, and it does not work properly immediately.
First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum (counterclockwise), including
the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers to 0 dB (no boost), and all crossover frequency controls at
approximate frequencies, as recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input selector and
crossover switches as required for the application. Remove all amplier fuses, and insert the main fuse at
the battery. If the fuse does not blow, you can insert the fuse in one of the ampliers, and we are ready to
turn on the system. Turn the head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio station, and increase the head unit
volume control. If the system sounds ne, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in the remaining ampliers,
one by one, until the complete system is powered up and functioning properly.
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