Aquarian Audio Products UPA-1 User manual

Brand: Aquarian Audio Products

Model: UPA-1

Type: User manual

Aquarian Audio Products UPA-1 is a versatile and robust preamplifier, balanced line driver, and headphone amplifier designed for use in marine environments. With its waterproof and corrosion-proof housing, conformal-coated circuit board, and gold user-replaceable output jack, the UPA-1 provides reliable and high-quality audio performance in harsh conditions.

The UPA-1 features a two-stage amplifier, with the first stage offering variable gain from unity to +26dB and the second stage adding an additional 26dB with an infrasonic filter. This allows for precise adjustment of the signal level to suit different applications.

Aquarian Audio Products

UPA-1

Preamp / Balanced Line Driver / Headphone Amp.

Thank you for purchasing your Aquarian Audio Products UPA-1 preamplifier. This product is

designed to be exceptionally robust in the marine environment while being a very versatile tool for amplifying

the output of our H2 hydrophones. It can also be used with electret and dynamic microphones. The UPA-1

has two gain stages. The first stage is variable; the second jumper-selectable stage adds 26 db with an

infrasonic filter. Using different combinations of these gain stages, the UPA-1 will provide the vital link

between your hydrophone or mic and any consumer or pro-level stereo or PA equipment. The balanced

output can also directly drive headphones. The waterproof and corrosion-proof housing, conformal-coated

circuit board and gold user-replaceable output jack will give the user the freedom to monitor underwater

sounds in harsh salt-water environments with confidence and ease.

Figure 1: Overview

Figure 2: Connections

Battery Installation:

The rubber front panel snaps securely into the hard plastic cover without any fasteners. All of the

components of figure 2 will pull apart from the cover together. To minimize stress on internal components, try

to remove the amplifier assembly by gently pulling it strait out from the cover. Try not to “pop” it out violently

as this will strain the output jack and battery wires and could shorten their service life if done repeatedly. The

front panel can be removed by hand if necessary, but it is easiest to place any convenient rod though the hole

in the rubber (see tool insertion point, Figure 1) and use this rod as a handle with which to pull. A nail is

included so that you have this tool immediately at hand.

A lanyard and safety line are packaged within the battery cover. Remove these, attach a 9-volt

battery, place the battery into the cover, then snap the front panel back into place. Take care to align the

amplifier board with the slots in the cover during assembly.

Notes: (1) If the front panel is not placed into the cover evenly, the gain-adjustment knob is designed to push out of the

rubber front panel to avoid stressing the amplifier board. If this happens, simply push the knob back into place after the front

panel is assembled. Be aware of this possibility so as not to loose the knob. (2) after assembly, look into the recessed input

jack and ensure that you can see the entire silver ring of the jack. If the front panel is not placed into the cover evenly, this

can get out of alignment. If necessary, you can correct it by pushing it into place with any convenient tool, or by removing

and reinstalling the front panel.

+|-

Gain

Output

Power

1|2|3

A|B|C

Power Switch/

Gain (Volume)

Output Jack/

Headphones

Amp/Battery

Cover

Tool insertion point

for battery service/

amp adjustment

Input Jack

(recessed)

Rubber front

panel snaps into

grooves in

battery cover

with double seal

Front Panel

Hydrophone or Microphone Connection:

The recessed input jack is designed to snugly fit around the output plug of the Aquarian Audio H2a

hydrophone or the H2XLRadp3.5 (optional) XLR adapter. When installed properly, the connection should be

waterproof and have a high retention force. Simply press the hydrophone plug firmly into the hole in the front

panel until seated. With the H2a hydrophone, about 5mm of the plug will protrude from the front panel. Most

3.5mm plugs will fit snugly into the recessed opening in the front panel. If you are connecting a device that is

not easily used with this input configuration, contact Aquarian Audio for an extension. Leaving the

hydrophone or adapter connected to the UPA-1 will keep the system sealed and protect the input jack from

corrosion.

Notes: (1) disconnect the input plug before removing the front panel from the cover and during reassembly. This will make

the front panel easer to remove and replace. It will also minimize stress that may occur to the connections if the front panel

is twisted during assembly. (2) If you purchased the H2a hydrophone prior to June 2009, the output plug had a laminated

paper label applied to the plug. We recommend removing this label so that the plug seals tightly against the front panel of

the UPA-1.

Basic operation:

The UPA-1 standard configuration is set for use as a high-gain preamp or headphone amp. After

installing the battery and connecting the hydrophone, connect the output to stereo headphones or a line-level

input on a stereo amplifier, or recorder. Simply rotate the gain knob clock-wise to switch the system on and

increase gain to the desired setting.

Alternate Configurations (reference figure 2) :

Gain: The UPA-1 incorporates a unique 2-stage amplifier. The first stage is continuously variable from unity

to +26dB. The second stage adds another 26dB with an infrasonic (low-cut) filter. The second stage is

always on, but is switched in and out of the circuit with the gain jumper. This jumper must be in either the “+”

or the “-” position for the UPA-1 to work correctly. The default position is “+”. If you are working with very

loud signals, or you would like to use the UPA-1 as a balanced line driver with lowest noise and broadest

bandwidth, switch to “-”.

Output: The UPA-1 offers an electronically-balanced output, meaning that one terminal of the output (A) is

an amplified version of the input signal, while the other terminal (B) is electrically opposite, or 180 degrees out

of phase. Both “A” and “B” terminals have the same amplitude and output impedance, which can be very

useful for reducing noise in long cables when connecting to a PA amplifier or recorder with a balanced input.

This configuration also alleviates the need for large output capacitors while using headphones, keeping the

amplifier small and efficient. The “C” terminal is a ground connection. Note: There is no provision for a true

signal ground; terminal “C” is a power supply ground and care must be taken when using this terminal for

output.

The default configuration is with the output plug wired as follows: tip (white) and ring (red) > terminal

“A”; sleeve (black) > terminal “B”. This default configuration will work for all applications where the UPA-1

uses its own 9-volt battery. The output is dual-mono, which will drive both left and right channels of a stereo

headset, amplifier or recorder. Note: connecting a mono plug to the output jack with the default

configuration will short the output. This should not damage the UPA-1, but no sound will be heard. Switch

the ring (red) wire of the output plug to terminal “B” for use with mono plugs.

The UPA-1 output can be easily configured for headphones, stereo line, balanced mic and line levels,

single-ended in both inverted or non-inverted output and more. These connections can be made though the

output jack or direct wired. If you are not familiar with how your audio circuits will interface with the UPA1,

and the standard power and connections do not work for you, please contact Aquarian Audio for technical

assistance.

Power: The default configuration is set up for use with a 9-volt (PP3) battery. Any clean DC voltage from 6

to 15 volts will power the UPA-1. Connect the negative wire of your power source to terminal “1” Connect the

positive wire to terminal “3” Terminal “2” can be connected to the turn-on lead of a power amplifier so that the

amplifier is switched on when the hydrophone is turned on. Do not attempt to switch main power for an

amplifier though terminal “2” as this will permanently disable this output.

Note: if you will use the same power source for the UPA-1 and another component to which it is connected (for

example: you are powering the UPA-1 from a boat's 12V battery and connecting to a 12V stereo system), move the

black wire of the output jack to the “C” position. Contact Aquarian Audio for technical assistance.

Care and Maintenance:

No special care is required for the UPA-1. It is designed to withstand corrosion and the impact of

accidental drops. But making an attempt to keep the output jack clean and dry and avoiding unnecessarily

rough handling will help to ensure the long-term stability of this product. Consider the following to protect your

investment in this device:

● Review all of the notes and cautions elsewhere in this manual.

● It is best not to store this product in a waterproof enclosure. Doing so will trap moisture, salts and

minerals that are left on the hydrophone and amplifier surfaces after deployment and increase

corrosion problems with the output plug.

● The UPA-1 is designed to be highly weatherproof, but water can seep under the cover if flooded

repeatedly or for an extended time. If using this product in heavy rain or where subject to splash, it is

best to hang it from a lanyard or mount it vertically so that water drains away from connections. If the

hydrophone is flooded, remove the front panel assembly from the cover and inspect for moisture.

Allow small amounts of moisture to evaporate with the system left open.

● Avoid storing the UPA-1 in very hot environments such as that of an unventilated vehicle in a hot,

sunny location.

Output Jack Replacement:

The UPA-1 is expected to be used within corrosive environments. Sea salts and chlorine will corrode

electrical connections. This is why we suggest that you leave your hydrophone connected to the UPA-1 so

that connector remains sealed. The output jack is a high-quality connector that is gold-plated for maximum

corrosion resistance. It will however need replacement over time if used in a corrosive environment. Output

jack corrosion is not covered under warranty. We have addressed this issue by making this jack easily user-

replaceable.

To replace the output jack, use a small phillips or flat-bladed screwdriver to disconnect the wires from

the output terminal. Note the position of these wires before removal. With these wires disconnected, pull the

amplifier board away from the rubber front panel and set it aside. The output jack will now push out of the

front panel with firm pressure. This is most easily done by pushing from the front (opposite the wires). Don't

attempt to pull on the wires as this may break them. Use any convenient tool to push the jack out (e.g. a

pen, the plug from your headphones or patch cable, etc...). Push the replacement jack into the front panel

and reconnect wires in the same way that you removed the old. The standard wiring configuration is

(reference figure 2) red and white to position “A” and black to position “B”

Headphones / Speakers:

When monitoring sounds directly from the UPA-1, please do not underestimate the importance of

good quality headphones. The difference between the free headset that you got from your last airplane ride

and a good-quality set can be remarkable—not only with respect to the quality of sound, but also the

amplitude, or relative “loudness”. You will not damage the UPA-1 by using any convenient headset, but for

best results, look for stereo headphones with an impedance of 60 ohms or more with a sensitivity of

approximately 100dB SPL/1mW or better.

The UPA-1 does not have the power to directly drive loudspeakers. Many amplified speakers are

available for use with personal media players. Any speaker that takes batteries or a power supply of its own

can be used. Please note that, if using a single mono speaker, you may need to change the output plug

wiring. See notes above.

Securing your UPA-1 and Hydrophone:

The UPA-1 is shipped with a short lanyard and a safety line for securing the hydrophone or mic.

Please reference the photographs on the following page. Figure 3 shows a 2-loop prussic knot which, when

pulled tight, will grip the cable of your hydrophone. This is a very quick and simple knot to tie with any short

loop of cord. If it is not obvious how to tie this knot from this illustration, it is easy to find very good animated

and sectional tutorials by searching “prussic knot” on the Internet. After tying the line around the hydrophone

cable, place the lanyard through the safety loop, then though the center hole in the cover, and loop the

lanyard hook back through the lanyard and pull tight. When finished, you should have a small amount of

slack in the hydrophone cable between the prussic knot and the plug so that the safety line is carrying the

weight of the hydrophone. The lanyard can then be clipped to a lifejacket or other structure to securely hold

the system.

Figure 3: Hydrophone Safety Line, Prussic Knot

Figure 4: Lanyard and Safety Line

Specifications: (all measurements taken with standard 9V battery power)

Operating voltage: 6 ~ 15 Volts DC

Operating Current: 9 mA (typ.)

Physical: 9.6 x 6.3 x 3.0 cm. / 97 gm.

Input connection: 3.5mm TRS

Input impedance: 2.9 Kohms

Max input level: 7 dBu Minimum gain

Output connection: 3.5mm TRS

Output impedance: 42 ohms

Max output level: 12 dBu

Output power: 160mW 30 ohm load

Gain: 52 dB When used with the H2 hydrophone, approximately 8dB

gain is added though the H2 buffer amp, for a total of

60dB.

Plug-in power: 0.5 mA@5V

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 1 MHz (+0/-3 dB)

45 Hz – 1MHz (+0/-1 dB)

28 Hz – 110 KHz (+0/-3 dB)

45 Hz – 20 KHz (+0/-1 dB)

Unity gain

Max gain

THD + noise <0.01% 1KHz, Unity gain

Warranty Statement

Aquarian Audio Products warrants the UPA-1 preamp from electrical failure or defects in workmanship for a

period of one year following the date of purchase. Warranty claims or repairs can be made directly through

Aquarian Audio Products. Corroded output jacks are not covered under warranty. Shipping costs to Aquarian

Audio Products for warranty repair are the responsibility of the user. Aquarian Audio Products assumes a

maximum return shipping cost liability of $30.00 US funds during any warranty claim.

Aquarian Audio Products

A division of AFAB Enterprises

1004 Commercial Ave. #225 Anacortes, WA 98221 USA

(360) 299-0372 www.AquarianAudio.com support@AquarianAudio.com

Aquarian Audio Products UPA-1 User manual

Brand: Aquarian Audio Products

Model: UPA-1

Type: User manual

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Aquarian Audio Products UPA-1 User manual

Aquarian Audio Products UPA-1 User manual

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