poly-planar ME-400 Owner's manual

Brand: poly-planar

Model: ME-400

Category: Car audio amplifiers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

ME400

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

ME-400 Marine Ampliﬁer

The ME-400 four channel, marine-grade ampliﬁer provides 400 watts of crisp, clean

audio power. The ampliﬁer can be easily conﬁgured to enhance your listening pleasure.

Both crossover circuits and high pass and low pass ﬁlters are fully adjustable so you can

power your subwoofer as well as your standard speakers. Gold plated connections

resist corrosion. Rubber mounting feet isolate vibration. Efﬁcient heat sink design

ensures uninterrupted operation. Built from the ground up to withstand the rigors of

the marine environment, the ME-400 will be an outstanding addition to your vessel’s

audio system.

Introduction

• Circuit board and connectors optimized for marine use

• Mosfet PWM power supply

• 2 ohm stable stereo outputs

• Bridgeable outputs

• Variable input level controls for each pair of channels

• Variable High-pass, Low-pass and All-pass crossover.

• Variable Bass Boost circuit

• Thermal and overload protection circuitry

• Gold-plated RCA jacks and terminals

• Rubber isolation mounting feet

ME-400 Features

PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE

INSTALLATION AND USING AMPLIFIER

Poly-Planar products are warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship

for a period of two years. No ﬁnished goods or parts may be returned for repair or

replacement without Poly-Planar authorization. Goods received for any reason other

than out-of-box defect will be returned freight collect. To qualify as an out-of-box

defect, the product must be found defective within 30 days of retail sale. Please call

Poly-Planar Customer Service for authorization, which will take the form of an RMA

(Return Merchandise Authorization) number. Warranty is subject to proper installation

and operation within published specications. Poly-Planar will repair or replace, at its

discretion, any unit returned to its factory and determined to be defective. Poly-Planar

is not liable for consequential damages.

Poly-Planar Warranty

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

ME-400 Installation Instructions

ME-400 Installation Notes / Sketches

• The negative battery terminal must be disconnected before any electrical connections are

made.

• If after reading the directions you feel uncomfortable about installing the amplier in your

vessel, or not equipped or competent to do so, you should have the ampliﬁer installed by

an authorized installer

• Be sure to choose a location that provides substantial ventilation for the amplier. The

location chosen should provide at least 2 inch of clearance above the amplier for

adequate ventilation.

• If the amplier is to be mounted vertically be sure that it is in a place where adequate air

will ﬂow along the length of its heatsink ﬁns for cooling.

• NEVER mount the amplier up side down, this will cause the heat to rise back into the

ampliﬁer causing thermal shutdown or possible permanent damage.

• Be sure to mount the amplier to a strong, solid surface which will not give way under the

stress of a waves pounding the hull.

• Make sure that the mounting screws will not penetrate through the hull or into wiring or

control cables.

• NEVER ground the speaker leads and NEVER allow the speaker leads to come in contact

with each other. The speaker wire should be at least 16 gauge or lower.

• NEVER operate the amplier without proper power and ground wire of at least 10 gauge or

lower.

• NEVER operate the amplier without proper fusing. Fuse holder must be located with in 0.5

meters from the battery. This fuse is to protect the vessel, not the electronics. In case of a

short, the fuse will blow instead of the wire burning up. Using other than the recommended

fuse ratings at the battery and at the ampliﬁer may cause damage to the ampliﬁer and will

void your warranty.

• To help minimize interference, it is best to run the power cables along the side opposite of

the audio (RCA) cables.

• Whenever wires pass through metal, rubber or plastic grommets must be used to prevent

the metal from wearing through the installation and causing a short.

• Whenever possible, use cable ties, mounting clamps and similar wiring aids. Adding stress

relief loop to wiring is also advisable to prevent straining or breakage.

• The amplier operates with any vehicle using a 12 volt negative ground system

• Remote turn on wire must be switched by the radio. If the radio does not have a remote

turn on or antenna output, connect to wire that has a positive 12 volt output when the key

is turned to the accessory position. If the amplier does not turn off the battery will die.

• Do not listen to high volumes for extended periods of time or hearing damage may occur.

• This amplier produces heat during normal operation and therefore can not be fully sealed

to prevent water ingress. Though designed to operate in the marine environment the unit

cannot be exposed to direct liquid contact. Such contact will void the product warranty.

Precautions - PLEASE READ FIRST

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

ME-400 Installation Instructions

1. After reading precaution, decide where you are going to install the unit. Also, see

installation diagram.

2. Once the location has been determined, place the amplier into position. Using a

felt tip pen or pencil mark the four holes to be drilled for mounting. NEVER use the

amplier as a template for drilling. It is very easy to damage the amplier surface in

this manner.

3. Remove amplier. Drill four 3.5mm holes into mounting surface. If you want to mount

the amplier to MDF or wood panel, drill four 3mm diameter holes into mounting

surface.

4. If possible, test the system to ensure it is operating correctly before nal mounting

of the ampliﬁer.

5. Mount the amplier using the supplied 4 self threading screws.

Mounting

Each channel pair has a set of controls. Channels 1 and 2 adjust together; channels 3

and 4 adjust together.

1. Set to the “HP” (High Pass) position when the amplier is used to drive a tweeter/

midrange system. The frequencies below the crossover point will be attenuated at

12dB/octave. Permits adjustment of the crossover frequency, by rotating the knob

to select any frequency between 40Hz to 250Hz as the crossover point.

2. Set to the “LP” (Low Pass) position when the amplier is used to drive a subwoofer.

The frequencies above the crossover point will be attenuated at 12dB.octave.

Permits adjustment of the crossover frequency, by rotating the knob to select any

frequency between 40Hz to 250Hz as the crossover point.

3. Set to the “FULL” position when the amplier will be used for driving full-range

speaker. The full frequency bandwidth ( 10Hz ~ 35KHz ) will be output to the speak-

ers without high or low frequency attenuation.

4. Level adjustment – The sensitivity adjustment is to allow the amplier to work with

many different sources. It allows the input signal to vary between 200 millivolts to 6

volts from the head unit or other signal processor.

5. The “Bass Boost” function can be selected to increase low frequency output. This is

adjustable up to +18dB boost at 45Hz.

ME-400 Speciﬁcations

RATED POWER @4ohm , THD 1% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100W x 4CH

RATED POWER @2ohm , THD 1% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150W x 4CH

RATED POWER @4ohm Bridged, THD 1% ............................300W x 2CH

MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER ............................................800W

T.H.D @4ohm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.05%

T.H.D @2ohm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.08%

T.H.D @4ohm Bridged .................................................. 0.1%

FREQUENCY RESPONSE @-1dB ..................................10Hz ~ 35KHz

SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO @ A weighted ..................................>90dB

INPUT SENSITIVITY .............................................200mV ~ 6.0V

INPUT IMPEDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Kohm

LOW PASS FILTER .......................................Variable 40Hz ~ 250Hz

HIGH PASS FILTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Variable 40Hz ~ 250Hz

BASS BOOST @45Hz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ~ 18 dB

FUSE RATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20A x 2

DIMENSION ( W x H x D ) .............................. 415mm x 55mm x 240mm

16.33” x 2.17” x 9.45”

NOTE : Specication & design subject to change without notice for improvements.

ME-400 Adjustments

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

ME-400 Installation Instructions

1. Power Terminal

GND - Use high quality cable and terminals to attach to the vessel’s battery (-). If

possible, run a separate cable to the battery to prevent interference between the

ampliﬁer and other electronic equipment.

REM - Remote turn on. Connect this terminal to the radio’s remote wire or a separate

on/off toggle switch.

BATT+ - Use high quality cable and terminals to attach to the vessel’s positive

battery terminal (+).

2. Fuses - These protect the amplier. If they blow, there is a serious problem with the

ampliﬁer’s wiring. Make sure the power connections are not reversed. Replace with

same type and rating.

3. Speaker Terminals - Connect to our speakers using at least 16 gauge wire. Minimum

impedance is 2 ohms per channel. Be careful to keep polarity correct. Never ground

the speakers to the vessel ground.

• It is important to have good quality power and ground connections. Remember,

to complete an electrical circuit, the ground connection is just as important as the

positive power connection.

• Before any power connections are made, disconnect the ground cable at the

battery.

When the power supply lead, memory backup lead or ground lead are extended use a

5mm 2(AWG5) or larger automotive grade cable which will withstand friction and heat

to safe grade against ﬁres occurring as a result of short-circuiting.

GND: Connect the proper gauge ground wire to the amplier “GND” terminal and

run the cable to the battery’s negative (-) terminal.

REM: Connect the remote wire ( power antenna output ) from the head unit to the

remote turn-on wire of the amplier. If the head unit is not equipped with

a remote/antenna output, locate a wire that is controlled by the accessory

position of the key. It is important to have the amplier turn off with the

radio or key. If the amplier remains on, the result will most likely be a dead

battery.

BATT+: Connect the proper gauge power wire to the amplier “B+” terminal. Run

wire to words the fuse holder that is no greater then 0.5 meter from the

battery. Remember, the fuse is to protect the safety of the boat in the case of

a short. Connect fuse holder to battery, but do not install fuse at this time.

Power Connections

ME-400 Terminals

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

ME-400 Installation Instructions

This amplier will accept low level inputs. Low level is the same as line level. The low

level signal is carried through RCA cables. It is preferred to use low level inputs to the

amplier if the head unit is equipped with the low level outputs. If not, you can use a

“high to low converter” available through your local car audio shop.

Connect the low level/line level RCA cables from the head unit, or signal processor, to

the line level input on the ampliﬁer.

Input Connections

1. Line-in RCA Jacks - These inputs are for line-level signals from the source. Always

use high quality cables and DO NOT run them along side the power or speaker

wires.

2. Input Level Controls - Two controls for adjusting the volume of each pair of

channels. Channels 1 & 2 adjust together; channels 3 & 4 adjust together.

3. Crossover Mode Switch - High Pass (HP) lets frequencies above the set value to

pass, Low Pass (LP) only passes frequencies below the set value and Full Pass (Full)

passes all frequencies.

4. Crossover Frequency - These controls set the crossover frequency of each pair of

channels between 40 and 250 Hz.

5. EQ-Bass - This is a 45Hz bass boost adjustable from 0 to +18db.

6. Power and Protection LEDs - Green LED indicates power on and the red LED

indicates that the ampliﬁer has gone into a protection mode.

ME-400 Controls

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

POLY-PLANAR • PO Box 409 • Hanover, MD 21076

Tel: (410) 761-4000 • Fax: (410) 761-6274 • www.polyplanar.com

ME-400 Installation Instructions ME-400 Installation Instructions

This ampliﬁer can operate in one, two or three channel mode. The minimum impedance

for stereo operation is 2 ohms per channel. The minimum impedance for bridged

operation is 4 ohms.

Connect right and left speaker wire to corresponding speaker output terminals of the

ampliﬁer.

Be sure to have the positive wire from the speaker connected to the positive speaker

terminal of the ampliﬁer.

Reversing any of these connections will result in the speaker cones moving out of phase

which causes bass cancellation.

See 2 channel & 4 channel Speaker wiring diagram.

Speaker Wiring

4 Speaker Stereo Mode

2 Speaker Bridge Mode

2 Speaker + 1 Subwoofer

See page 7 for Speaker Wiring Diagrams

poly-planar ME-400 Owner's manual

Brand: poly-planar

Model: ME-400

Category: Car audio amplifiers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

ME400

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poly-planar ME-400 Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

poly-planar ME-400 Owner's manual

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