PS20: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville PS20 is a compact, weather-resistant amplifier designed for ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles. This guide will walk you through the setup process, including wiring, connecting speakers, and pairing a Bluetooth device. Even if you have no prior experience with amplifiers, these steps will make installation simple and straightforward.

What’s Included:

• Rockville PS20 Amplifier
• Mounting Screws (4) – For secure installation inside your vehicle
• RCA to Euroblock Connectors – For high-level input/output connections

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

1. Understanding the Wiring

The amplifier features multiple wires for power, signal input/output, and speaker connections. If you're unsure about a wire's function, refer to the labels on the amplifier.

Power Connections

• Red Wire – Connect to the 12V terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
• Blue Wire – Connect to the remote output of your head unit.
  • If your head unit lacks a remote output, connect this wire to your vehicle’s accessory switch.
  • This wire ensures that the amplifier powers on and off with your head unit.
• Black Wire – Connect to the metal chassis of your vehicle for grounding.

Audio Signal Connections

• RCA Input – Connects to the RCA output of your head unit.
• RCA Output – Sends audio signals to another device (if needed).

Speaker Connections

The amplifier has two speaker outputs (Left and Right Channels):

• Right Channel (Gray Wires)
  • Positive (+): Plain gray wire
  • Negative (-): Gray wire with a black stripe
• Left Channel (White Wires)
  • Positive (+): Plain white wire
  • Negative (-): White wire with a black stripe

Each channel supports different speaker configurations:

• 1 to 4 speakers per channel, depending on speaker impedance.
• Final impedance must be 2 ohms to achieve full 300W output.
  • 4 speakers of 8 ohms each per channel
  • 2 speakers of 4 ohms each per channel
  • 1 speaker of 2 ohms per channel

Bridging for Subwoofer Use

If you need more power for a subwoofer:

• Connect the positive terminal of Channel 1 and the negative terminal of Channel 2 to the subwoofer.

2. Adjusting Amplifier Settings

Under the rubber cover on the amplifier, you’ll find the control panel.

Crossover Switch

This controls the frequency range sent to the speakers:

• Full Range Mode – Sends all frequencies.
• High Pass Filter (HPF) – Sends only high frequencies.
• Low Pass Filter (LPF) – Sends only low frequencies.

Frequency Knob

• Sets the frequency cutoff when HPF or LPF is selected.
  • Example: Setting LPF to 100Hz means only sounds below 100Hz will be heard.
  • Setting HPF to 100Hz means only sounds above 100Hz will be heard.

Level Knob

• Controls the overall volume output of the amplifier.

Bass EQ Switch

• Boosts bass output:
  • +3dB – Moderate bass boost
  • +6dB – Stronger bass boost

3. Pairing with Bluetooth

The PS20 supports Bluetooth streaming, allowing you to play music wirelessly from your phone.

Pairing Steps

1. Turn on the amplifier.
2. Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone.
3. Search for “PS20” in the available devices list.
4. Select “PS20” to pair.
5. You will hear a confirmation sound once connected.

4. Testing the Setup

1. Ensure all wiring is secure.
2. Turn on your vehicle (or head unit).
3. Check that the amplifier powers on.
4. Play music via Bluetooth or through an RCA-connected source.
5. Adjust settings (bass, crossover, and volume) to optimize sound.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville PS20 amplifier is quick and easy. Whether you're connecting speakers for a powerful audio system or bridging for a subwoofer, this guide ensures a smooth installation process. Enjoy your music on the go with seamless Bluetooth streaming and customizable sound settings.