Thank you for choosing one of our amplifiers. Installing your own equipment can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning and attention to detail.

Every installation is different. Factors such as your amplifier model, vehicle electrical system, alternator capacity, antenna system, wiring, and installation experience all play a role in the outcome. Because of these variables, there is no universal installation procedure.

You are solely responsible for the installation of your amplifier. These guidelines are intended to help you avoid common problems but cannot guarantee a trouble-free installation. If you are unsure about any part of the process, we strongly recommend having your amplifier installed by a qualified radio shop or experienced technician.

### **Setting the Maximum Output from Your Amplifier**

Your alternator must be capable of supplying the additional current required by your amplifier.

Keep in mind that your vehicle's electrical load constantly changes depending on accessories such as:

• Headlights 
• Air conditioning 
• Heated seats 
• Audio system 
• Cooling fans 
• Other electrical equipment 

Contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership if you are unsure of your alternator's available output.

We strongly recommend:

• Upgrading the alternator-to-battery charge wire to 4 AWG or larger 
• Grounding the alternator case directly to the chassis using 4 AWG cable 

These upgrades help reduce voltage drop and improve overall system performance.

For high-power installations using a dedicated alternator, a general rule of thumb is:

Add approximately 100 amps of alternator capacity for every 8 output transistors in the amplifier.

This is only a guideline. Actual requirements depend on your amplifier, operating style, and duty cycle.

As a general rule of thumb, set the **maximum output from your amp per transistor** (not input drive) to **25 watts dead key carrier per transistor**. Keep in mind that this measurement refers to the power coming out of the amplifier when keyed.

A quality ground system is one of the most important parts of any amplifier installation.

Recommended battery grounds:

• Up to 500 watts: 4 AWG cable 
• Over 500 watts: 1/0 AWG cable 

Whenever possible:

• Use finely stranded copper cable (welding cable works well) 
• Remove all paint and corrosion at ground locations 
• Secure connections tightly 
• Protect exposed metal after installation to prevent corrosion 

Ground the following components as needed:

• Vehicle chassis 
• Body 
• Hood 
• Doors 
• Trunk or hatch 
• 
  

Your antenna system should be properly tuned before connecting the amplifier.

Recommended SWR:

• 1.3:1 or lower across Channels 1–40 

Also verify that:

• Your antenna can safely handle the amplifier's output power 
• Your coaxial cable is rated for at least twice your intended transmit power 

High SWR can permanently damage your amplifier and may also affect your vehicle's electrical system.

Never operate the amplifier with excessive SWR.

Keep grounding straps and cables as short as possible—ideally 12 inches or less.Here’s a quick reference for maximum dead key output based on the number of transistors in your amplifier:

Set your radio's dead key to 2 watts or less.

If you are unfamiliar with adjusting your radio, have it tuned by a qualified technician.

Ideally, the dead key should allow the amplifier to produce approximately 10–15% of its rated PEP output before modulation.

Choose the proper wire size for your amplifier.

Install a fuse or circuit breaker rated approximately 25% above the amplifier's normal current draw.

Always:

• Install the fuse as close to the battery as possible 
• Route power wires away from coaxial cables whenever practical 
• Protect wiring with split loom or conduit 
• Use rubber grommets anywhere wiring passes through sheet metal 
• Deburr all newly drilled holes before routing wire

Before connecting power:

• Use a multimeter to verify there are no shorts. 
• Mount the amplifier securely. 
• Double-check all wiring connections. 

Connect:

• Positive (+) to the battery positive terminal 
• Negative (–) to the battery negative terminal or an approved heavy-duty ground point 

Verify polarity before applying power.

Leave the amplifier OFF during initial testing.

Check the SWR:

• From the radio to the amplifier 
• From the amplifier to the antenna 

If the SWR exceeds 1.3:1, stop and correct the problem before continuing.

Once everything checks out:

• Connect power to the battery 
• Turn the amplifier on

With the amplifier powered:

• Key the microphone on Channel 20 
• Listen for abnormal noises 
• Confirm the amplifier keys and unkeys properly 
• Recheck SWR under load 
• Perform an on-air radio check to verify transmit and receive audio quality

• Never operate an amplifier without a properly tuned antenna. 
• Keep all wiring protected from heat and sharp edges. 
• Disconnect the battery before performing electrical work. 
• Never bypass fuses or circuit breakers. 
• Periodically inspect wiring and electrical connections for looseness or corrosion.

This guide is intended as a general reference and cannot cover every installation scenario. Every vehicle and amplifier combination is unique, and additional modifications may be required depending on your equipment.

There are many excellent resources available online for those who enjoy doing their own installations. When in doubt, consult an experienced installer.

We appreciate your business and hope you enjoy your new equipment. Install it carefully, operate it safely, and have fun on the air!

Recommended Maximum Dead Key Output

As a general guideline, the maximum recommended dead key is approximately 25 watts per transistor:

• 2 Transistors: Up to 50 watts dead key 
• 4 Transistors: Up to 100 watts dead key 
• 6 Transistors: Up to 150 watts dead key 
• 8 Transistors: Up to 200 watts dead key 
• 10 Transistors: Up to 250 watts dead key 
• 12 Transistors: Up to 300 watts dead key 

Continue this guideline by allowing approximately 25 watts of dead key per output transistor.

These values represent the recommended maximum dead key output. Operating below these levels is perfectly acceptable and can improve amplifier longevity. Exceeding these recommendations may overdrive the amplifier, increase heat generation, reduce reliability, and potentially damage the amplifier or connected components. When in doubt, it is always safer to set the dead key lower than the maximum recommendation.