Orion Car Audio Orion HCCA Competition - Manual (Page 7)

Bi-wire connections to the crossover network
When using a standard two channel amplifier, the HCCA components can be bi-wired. In this
case there are two runs of wire from each of the positive and negative outputs of the
amplifier for both the left and right channels. The left negative amplifier output is connected
to the tweeter IN- and the woofer IN- of the left side of the crossover. The left positive
amplifier output is connected to both the tweeter IN+ and the woofer IN- also on the left side
of the crossover. This is repeated for the right side.
Important note: You must cut the red and black wire jumpers on each side of the crossover
that connect the low and high frequency sections of the crossover. Failure to do so could
cause damage to the amplifiers or the crossover.
7 14
Tweeter contour
The three position switch labeled “TWEETER CONTOUR” adjusts the lower end of the tweeter’s
frequency response. One position may sound better than the other, depending on where the
tweeter is positioned with respect to close by objects and with respect to the midrange . After
installing the system, experiment with both positions and listen carefully to the system.
Bass contour
The three position switch labeled “BASS CONTOUR” adjusts the upper midrange frequency
response. As with the tweeter contour, it is designed to compensate for off axis response and
vehicle limitations. It can be adjusted based on your installation scenario and listening tastes.
Your ears are the best tools for adjusting the HCCA crossover.
Connections to the amplifier
The HCCA crossover is supplied with two screw type connectors. Strip the wire from the amplifier
about 1/4" from the end and insert into the connector input + and - positions and tighten the
set screws. Strip the wire from the woofer and insert into the + and - positions for the crossover
woofer output. Follow the same procedure for the connection to the tweeter. The HCCA passive
crossover has two sets of input terminals, this allows the system to be bi-wired or bi-amplified.
To bi-amplify the system you will need two stereo amplifiers (or 4 amplifier channels) one for the
tweeters and one for the woofers.
If you choose to bi-wire the system, connect the high-pass terminals to the amplifier and connect
the low-pass terminals to the same amplifier with another set of speaker wires.
Be sure to connect the positive crossover terminals to the positive speaker terminals and positive
amplifier terminals. Also ensure that the negative crossover terminals connect to the negative
amplifier and speaker terminals.
Once all of the wires are attached to the connector and the crossover is mounted, the connector
can be plugged into its mating receptacle on the crossover.
SPEAKER WIRING
Speaker wire selection
Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to connect the HCCA crossover to the speakers and
amplifier. The size of the wire can have an audible effect on the performance of the system.
Standard 18 gauge “zip cord” will work, but can result in lower output or unpredictable frequency
response. For wire runs of 50 feet or less, we recommend 16 gauge or larger wire. The crossover
connector will accept up to 12 gauge wire.
Polarity and phasing
The polarity - the positive / negative orientation of the connections - for every speaker and
amplifier connection must be consistent so all the speakers will be in phase. When the polarity
of one connection is reversed, bass output is reduced and stereo imaging is degraded. All wire
is marked so you can identify the two conductors. There may be ribs or a stripe on the insulation
of one conductor. Identify the positive and negative conductors and be consistent with every
speaker and amplifier connection.