The Orion CTW101 is a 3.75" bullet tweeter designed for high-performance car audio systems. It is engineered and designed for the mobile audio environment, aiming to provide many years of high-performance listening enjoyment with proper care and installation.
Technical Specifications
The CTW101 tweeter has the following specifications:
- RMS Power Watts: 50W
- MAX Music Power Watts: 200W
- Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohm
- Voice Coil: 1"
- Magnet Structure: 20 Oz
- Frequency Response: 2kHz - 20kHz
- SPL (dB): 99
- Overall Depth: 43.8mm / 1.724"
- Mounting Depth: 38.4mm / 1.512"
- Overall Diameter: 95.7mm / 3.768"
- Mounting Diameter: 71.3mm / 2.807"
- Recommended Capacitor: 3.3 µF 100V
The manual includes an SPL vs. Freq graph illustrating the tweeter's sound pressure level across its frequency range.
Usage Features
Installation:
The manual emphasizes planning the installation thoroughly before starting, including routing wires, power connections, and mounting locations. It is recommended to have an Authorized Orion Dealer install the product for optimal performance and to take advantage of the warranty program.
- Location Selection: The placement of the speakers significantly affects audio system performance. Factory-provided locations are generally preferred for ease of installation. Speakers should be placed in an obstruction-free area (e.g., from body panels, window cranks, storage compartments) and on a flat, sturdy mounting surface. For vehicles without factory locations or limited front locations, choosing an area with sufficient air space is recommended.
- Mounting: Before cutting, confirm mounting location and depth requirements. If cutting is necessary, use the hole cutout measurement (71.3mm / 2.807") from the speaker diagram. For cosmetic panels, a utility knife can be used. For steel, reinstall the cosmetic panel as a template. After cutting and drilling, inspect for metal burrs or rough edges and treat for water protection if necessary.
- Wiring:
- Ensure the audio system is off before connecting speakers to prevent damage.
- Route wires with insulated terminals ending at the speakers for good contact. If shortening leads, do so at the opposite end of the insulated terminals or the bare end.
- Observe correct polarity; speaker leads are color-coded for negative and positive.
- For long-term reliability, solder and insulate all bare wires and wire-to-wire connections with heat shrink or electrician's tape. Never leave bare wires uncovered.
- When mounting in a door, ensure sufficient slack in the connecting wire to prevent crimping or tearing when the door is opened and closed. Avoid door jam areas that pinch.
- Orion recommends using at least 18-gauge wire.
- A capacitor is recommended for tweeters. Connect either end of the capacitor to the positive terminal (+) of the speaker, and the other end of the capacitor to the positive (+) speaker wire harness.
- Final Mounting: After testing the system at low volume, position the speaker into the mounting hole, align mounting holes, and insert screws. Screw clips are provided for a snug fit. Tighten screws evenly to avoid warping the speaker frame.
Troubleshooting:
Before seeking service, users are advised to perform basic troubleshooting:
- No Sound: Check source unit/amplifier power, signal connections, for shorting wires, and ground connections.
- Distorted Sound (All Volumes): Check speaker connections and wiring polarity.
- Distorted Sound (High Volumes Only): Check for loose speaker mounting and debris/obstructions in the cone.
- Poor High Frequency Response: Check wiring polarity, treble controls/EQ settings, and for tweeter damage.
Maintenance Features
General Care:
The manual implies that proper care and installation contribute to the longevity of the product. While specific maintenance steps are not detailed, the emphasis on correct installation and wiring practices suggests that preventing damage during setup is key to long-term performance.
Warranty:
Orion provides a one-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship from the date of original purchase, provided it was purchased from an Authorized Orion Dealer.
- Proof of Purchase: Required for warranty service. Information can be found at www.orioncaraudio.com or by emailing support@orioncaraudio.com.
- Voiding Warranty: Service performed by unauthorized centers, misuse, neglect, accident, broken warranty seal, altered serial number, or improper installation/repair voids the warranty.
- Coverage Exclusions: Car static, electrical interference, adjustments, and labor costs for removal/reinstallation are not covered.
- Responsibility: Orion's sole responsibility is repair or replacement at its discretion.
- Shipping: Products sent for service must be shipped in original or equivalent carton, fully insured, with shipping charges prepaid. Orion is not responsible for loss or damage during shipping.
- Transferability: The warranty is non-transferable and protects the original purchaser residing in the United States. International consumers should contact their local retailer/distributor.
- Limitations: All implied warranties are limited to the warranty period. Orion is not liable for direct or consequential loss/damage from product use or inability to use. Specific legal rights may vary by state.
- Contact: For warranty issues or difficulties with authorized service centers, contact Orion at support@orioncaraudio.com.
Safety Warnings:
- Installation Safety: Investigate vehicle layout before drilling/cutting, especially near gas tanks, lines, hydraulic lines, and electrical components. Do not use unmounted equipment. Securely attach the system to prevent damage during accidents or aggressive driving.
- Wiring Safety: Do not mount the system where wire connections are unprotected or subjected to pinching/damage. Disconnect the +12V DC wire at the battery before connecting/disconnecting power terminals. Ensure the source unit and other equipment are off when connecting input terminals.
- Fuse Replacement: Replace power fuses only with identical type and rating to avoid system damage and voiding the warranty.
- Environmental Protection: Do not install the product where it may be subjected to excessive heat, moisture, dust, or repeated kicking/bumping.
- Wiring Routing: Ensure terminals are connected to proper inputs/outputs. Never run wiring outside or underneath the vehicle where it can be damaged. Use existing wire channels, sills, panels, and molding strips inside the vehicle for safety and neatness.
- Structural Integrity: Never cut metal that is an integral part of the vehicle's safety or structural support system.
- Hearing Protection: Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 100dB may cause permanent hearing loss. High-powered sound systems can exceed 135dB. Users are advised to "use common sense."
- Chemical Exposure: The product can expose users to chemicals including DEHP, known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. More information is available at www.P65warnings.ca.gov.