DS18 NXL-X8TP.NS Marine Tower Pods
Owner's Manual and Installation Guide
Product Overview
The DS18 NXL-X8TP.NS is a marine tower pod designed for 8-inch speakers, featuring integrated RGB LED lighting. It is engineered for marine environments, boasting IP65 marine grade compliance and 100% UV stability.
Features
- Pair of empty enclosures designed for use with DS18 8-inch speakers.
- IP65 Marine Grade Compliant Specifications, 100% UV Stable.
- Integrated RGB LED Lighting.
- Optional LED Controller with Smartphone App available for multi-function RGB LED lighting control (sold separately).
Packaging Includes
- (2) NXL-X8TP.NS Marine Towers
- (2) Mounting clamps (pre-installed on speakers)
- (4) M6 x 15mm bolts (pre-installed)
- (6) Rubber clamp adapters (1/8" thickness)
Installation Guide
Before Installation
- Carefully read and understand all instructions before attempting installation.
- For safety, disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning the installation.
- For easier assembly, have all necessary tools ready: drill, Allen set, crimpers, soldering iron, wire strippers, and heat-shrink tubing.
- Use high-quality 'Waterproof' connectors for a reliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.
- Exercise caution when drilling: avoid cutting into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake or hydraulic lines, vacuum lines, or electrical wiring. If installing in a boat, ensure you do not cut or drill through the main hull.
- Never run wires near fuel lines or power sources if avoidable. Routing wires inside the hull or car area provides the best protection.
- Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic grommets to protect any wires routed through metal, especially the tower.
- Ensure the mounting clamp or "L" bracket is tight before leaving the dock.
- Decide early on the type of LED lighting you want and wire accordingly. A remote-controlled LED light box (e.g., LED-BTC) is available for dynamic lighting effects.
Installation Equipment
- An Electric Drill With Bits
- Allen / Hex Key / Wrench Set
- Philips Head And Standard Screw Drivers
- Wire Strippers
- Crimping Tool
- VOM (Electronic Volt Ohm Meter)
- Heat Shrink Tubing And Heat Gun
- Soldering Iron
- Electronic Solder (Rosen Not Acid Core)
Mounting Steps
- Install your preferred speaker onto the tower by connecting the speaker cables internally and securing it with the supplied mesh and screws.
- Find a suitable location that allows for easy wiring of the speaker (and LED lights) and does not impair movement around the area.
- Using the supplied 6mm hex wrench, loosen the 4-M8 screw that holds the top clamp.
- Drill a 15-20mm hole on the bottom of the mounting tube to align with the clamp's wire exit hole.
- Connect the speaker wire (AMP out) and LED controller. Secure the clamp to the tube.
- Cut the rubber pad and wire outlet to match the diameter of the installation pipe.
- Wrap the rubber pad around the pipe and align the wire exit hole according to the diagram.
- Push the wire into the tube, press on the rubber pad, and lock the top clamp.
- Secure the safety rope to the pipe. Lock the screw gasket safety rope lifting ring on the clamp base, and apply screw fastening glue on the screw before locking.
- Rotate the speakers for best dispersion by locating the 6mm & 4mm hex wrench set screw on the clamp base. Adjust the speaker/enclosure to the desired angle and tighten the screws securely to prevent vibration and loosening.
- During mounting, ensure the tower bar has a pre-drilled hole for the 6-conductor wire (speaker and RGB lighting) insertion. Alternatively, a tie-wrap solution across the tower tube can be used.
- Remove the Wire NBR Plug and slide the wire through the hole. Route the wire down to the bottom of the tower tube where it can be attached to the audio and lighting system. Solder or butt connect the speaker wire coming from the tower to the system's speaker wire, then heat-shrink for added protection from water/moisture.
- For flat mounting, remove the clamp, pass the 6-core wire through the flat mounting bracket, and then assemble.
Wiring & Connection Options
With LED Control Module (LED-BTC)
Connect as shown in the diagram:
- Blue LED (-): Connect to Blue LED (-) / LED Azul (-)
- Red LED (-): Connect to Red LED (-) / LED Rojo (-)
- Green LED (-): Connect to Green LED (-) / LED Verde (-)
- Black (12V DC +): Connect to Black 12V DC (+) / 12V DC Negro (+)
- White Speaker (+): Connect to White Speaker (+) / Altavoz Blanco (+)
- Grey Speaker (-): Connect to Grey Speaker (-) / Altavoz Gris (-)
Diagram Description: Wires from the speaker (Blue LED, Red LED, Green LED, Black 12V DC, White Speaker, Grey Speaker) connect to the LED-BTC module. The LED-BTC module then connects to the Battery (Positive and Negative terminals).
Without LED Control Module (LED-BTC)
Connect as shown in the diagram:
- Black wire "BK": Connect to battery Positive (+) 12V.
- White Color Light ("R", "B", and "G"): Connect to battery Negative (-).
- Green Color Light "G": Connect to battery Negative (-).
- Red Color Light "R": Connect to battery Negative (-).
- Blue Color Light "B": Connect to battery Negative (-).
- Purple Color Light "R" and "B": Connect to battery Negative (-).
- Yellow Color Light "R" and "G": Connect to battery Negative (-).
- Cyan Color Light "B" and "G": Connect to battery Negative (-).
Diagram Description: Wires from the speaker (Blue LED, Red LED, Green LED, Black 12V DC, White Speaker, Grey Speaker) connect directly to the Battery terminals. Specific color lights connect to the negative terminal, while the 12V DC connects to the positive terminal.
Specifications
Body Features
- Nominal Diameter: 8" / 203mm
- Marine Grade: IP65
- UV Compliant: Yes, 100% Stable
- RGB LED: Integrated RGB-LED Speaker Lighting, Integrated RGB-LED Acrylic Ring Lighting
- Wiring/Connections: 6 Core Wires for Lighting and Speaker
- Enclosure Material: Injection PC+ABS
- Grill Material: ASA (Injection Grill)
- Clamp: Die-Cast Adjustable (1"~2") 360 Degree Rotation Mounting. Includes NBR Pad and Stainless Hardware (Screws, Stop Washers, Hexagon wrench, Safety Rope, Screw fastening Glue).
- Front Logo: Rotatable for correct angle display.
- Rear Logo: Rotatable for correct angle display.
- Sold as Pair: Yes
Tower Measurement
- Overall Diameter: 8.6" / 218mm
- Overall Depth: 13.5" / 343mm
- Overall Height (with clamp): 12.37" / 314.3mm
Speaker Measurement
- Mounting Hole Diameter: 6.96" / 177mm
- Overall Diameter: 8.6" / 218mm
Color Available
- NXL-X8TP/BK.NS: Satin Black
- NXL-X8TP/WH.NS: Glossy White
- NXL-X8TP/RD.NS: Glossy Red
Diagram Descriptions
Installation Diagram (Page 5): Illustrates the clamp mechanism, bolt, wrench, wires, and connection points for mounting the speaker pod. It shows how to attach the clamp, drill for wires, connect wires, and secure the assembly using rubber pads and heat shrink.
Installation Diagram (Page 6): Continues the mounting steps, detailing wire routing through the tower tube, securing the clamp with a safety rope and threadlocker, and rotating the speaker for optimal dispersion. It also covers connecting wires to the audio system.
Tie-Wrap Across Tower Tube (Page 7): Depicts an alternative method for securing wires by using a tie-wrap around the tower tube.
Front Logo Rotation (Page 7): Shows that the front logo can be rotated up to 30 degrees for optimal viewing angle.
Mounting Options (Page 7): Displays diagrams for "Flat Mounting" and "Tube Mounting," illustrating how the speaker pod can be attached to different surfaces using various brackets.
Wiring Diagram (Page 8): Provides two primary wiring diagrams: one for connecting with the LED Control Module (LED-BTC) and another for connecting directly to the battery without the module. It details color-coded wire connections for LEDs and speakers to the module or battery terminals.
Specifications Diagrams (Pages 9 & 10): These pages present detailed dimension drawings of the tower pod, showing measurements for overall diameter, depth, height, mounting hole diameter, and speaker diameter, with clear labels in inches and millimeters.
Warranty Information (Page 11): Directs users to visit DS18.com for detailed warranty policy information.