1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Fusion Signature Series Marine Amplifier. Designed specifically for the harsh marine environment, this amplifier delivers high-quality audio performance with robust protection.
Figure 1: Top view of the Fusion Signature Series Marine Amplifier. This image shows the sleek silver top plate with the 'FUSION' logo centrally placed, and '2000 WATTS | 8 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER' and 'SIGNATURE SERIES' text along the bottom edge. The black heat sink fins are visible on the sides.
2. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to the amplifier or vessel.
- Power Source: Ensure the amplifier is connected to a 12-volt DC power source. Incorrect voltage can cause severe damage.
- Wiring: Use appropriate gauge wiring for power, ground, and speaker connections as specified in the installation section. Improper wiring can lead to overheating or fire.
- Ventilation: Do not block the heat sink fins. Adequate airflow is crucial for proper cooling and performance.
- Water Exposure: While designed for marine environments, avoid direct submersion or high-pressure water spray.
- Professional Installation: If you are unsure about any installation steps, consult a qualified marine electronics installer.
3. Setup and Installation
3.1 What's in the Box
Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:
- Four 8-gauge, self-tapping screws
- 3 mm hex key (for the top cover and power terminals)
- 2.5 mm hex key (for the speaker terminals)
- Polishing cloth
- Spare J1171 compliant 40 A blade-type fuses (not included with 24-Volt Signature Series 6 Channel 1500-Watt amplifier)
- Spare J1171 compliant 20 A blade-type fuses (only included with 24-Volt Signature Series 6 Channel 1500-Watt amplifier)
3.2 Mounting Considerations
The amplifier is designed for surface mounting. Choose a location that is dry, well-ventilated, and protected from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Ensure there is sufficient space around the amplifier for air circulation, especially around the heat sink fins.
- Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 6 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight: Approximately 13.42 pounds
- Material: Aluminum alloy heat sink for efficient heat dissipation.
3.3 Wiring Connections
Proper wiring is critical for optimal performance and safety. Refer to the wiring diagram provided with your amplifier for specific connections. Always disconnect the vessel's battery before making any electrical connections.
- Power (B+): Connect to the positive terminal of the 12-volt DC battery via an appropriate fuse or circuit breaker.
- Ground (GND): Connect to a clean, solid ground point on the vessel's chassis or battery negative terminal.
- Remote Turn-On (REM): Connect to the remote output of your head unit or switch.
- Speaker Outputs: Connect your marine speakers to the amplifier's output terminals. This 8-channel amplifier supports connecting up to two speakers per channel at 2 ohms, or bridging two channels at 4 ohms for increased power.
- Audio Inputs: Connect your audio source (e.g., marine stereo) to the amplifier's RCA input jacks.
4. Operation
The Fusion Signature Series Marine Amplifier is designed for straightforward operation once properly installed. It features a Class-D amplifier design, which delivers higher efficiency and greater output compared to traditional amplifier classes.
- Power On/Off: The amplifier will power on automatically when it receives a signal from the remote turn-on wire from your head unit.
- Audio Adjustment: All audio adjustments (volume, balance, fader, bass, treble) should primarily be controlled from your marine stereo head unit.
- Gain Control: The amplifier includes gain controls for each channel pair. These should be set carefully to match the output voltage of your head unit and prevent distortion. Consult a professional if you are unsure about setting gain levels.
- Channel Configuration: This 8-channel amplifier allows for flexible speaker configurations, including driving multiple speakers or bridging channels for higher power output to subwoofers or larger speakers.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your marine amplifier.
- Cleaning: Use the provided polishing cloth or a soft, dry cloth to clean the amplifier's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Connections: Periodically check all wiring connections for corrosion or looseness. Tighten any loose connections and clean any corrosion with a suitable marine-grade contact cleaner.
- Ventilation: Ensure the heat sink fins remain clear of debris, dust, or obstructions to maintain proper cooling.
- Fuse Replacement: If a fuse blows, replace it only with a fuse of the same type and rating as specified by the manufacturer.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your amplifier, refer to the table below for common problems and their solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No Power / Amplifier Not Turning On | Blown fuse; Loose power/ground/remote wire; No remote signal from head unit; Low battery voltage. | Check and replace fuses; Verify all power, ground, and remote connections are secure; Check head unit remote output; Charge or replace battery. |
| No Audio Output | Loose RCA input cables; Loose speaker wires; Amplifier in protect mode; Head unit not sending audio. | Check RCA and speaker connections; Verify speaker impedance is correct; Check head unit audio settings. |
| Distorted Sound | Gain set too high; Speaker impedance too low; Damaged speakers; Poor ground connection. | Adjust gain settings; Verify speaker impedance; Inspect speakers for damage; Ensure a solid ground connection. |
| Amplifier Overheating | Insufficient ventilation; Speaker impedance too low; Prolonged high volume use. | Ensure proper airflow around heat sink; Verify speaker impedance; Reduce volume or allow amplifier to cool. |
7. Technical Specifications
Detailed specifications for the Fusion Signature Series Marine Amplifier.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Garmin (Fusion) |
| Model Number | 010-02162-00 |
| Item Dimensions (L x W x H) | 18 x 10 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 13.42 pounds |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Output Power | 2000 Watts (Peak) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Specification Met | FCC |
| Color | White |
| UPC | 753759218812, 753759233280 |
| Date First Available | June 2, 2019 |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Fusion or Garmin website, or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Online Resources: Visit the official Fusion website for the latest product information, FAQs, and software updates.
