The Fusion PartyBus and Apollo S-RA670 are advanced audio systems designed for marine and multi-zone environments, offering robust performance and flexibility for both wired and wireless networked installations. Proper installation and configuration are essential to ensure safety, optimal performance, and seamless integration with existing systems. This guide provides a detailed overview of installation procedures, wiring considerations, network setup, and troubleshooting steps based on official documentation from Fusion.
Installation Safety and Preparation
Before beginning the installation of the Apollo S-RA670 or any Fusion PartyBus device, it is crucial to follow all safety guidelines outlined in the manufacturer’s documentation. These precautions help prevent personal injury and damage to the equipment.
Important Safety Warnings
- Power Disconnection: Always disconnect the vessel’s power supply before starting the installation process. This minimizes the risk of electrical shock and ensures the safety of the installer.
- Grounding: After installation is complete, ensure the device is properly grounded as specified in the instructions to avoid electrical hazards.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When drilling, cutting, or sanding, wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask to protect against flying debris and excessive noise.
Tools and Materials Included
The Apollo S-RA670 installation package includes the following components:
- Mounting gasket
- Four 8-gauge, self-tapping screws
- Two screw covers
- Power and speaker wiring harness
- Auxiliary-in, line-out, and subwoofer-out wiring harnesses
- 2 m (6 ft.) NMEA 2000® drop cable
- Dust cover
Ensure all included parts are present before beginning installation. The device must be mounted using the provided template to avoid damaging the glass display, which could void the warranty.
Physical Installation of the Apollo S-RA670
The Apollo S-RA670 is designed for marine environments and requires careful planning and execution during installation.
Mounting Considerations
- Template Use: The manufacturer explicitly states that the stereo must not be used as a drilling template. Instead, the included template should be used to ensure accurate hole placement and prevent damage to the device.
- Drilling Precautions: Always check the opposite side of any surface being drilled or cut to avoid damaging internal components or wiring. This is particularly important in marine vessels where multiple systems may be embedded in the structure.
- Mounting Hardware: Use the provided 8-gauge, self-tapping screws and screw covers for secure and aesthetically pleasing installation.
Port Identification and Wiring
The Apollo S-RA670 features a variety of ports for power, audio, and network connectivity. Understanding these ports and their functions is essential for a successful installation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Connects the stereo to the wiring harness for zone 3. |
| 2 | Connects the stereo to the wiring harness for auxiliary input 1, and for the line and subwoofer outputs for zones 1 and 2. |
| 3 | Connects the stereo to the power and speaker wiring harness. |
| FUSE | Contains the 15 A fuse for the device. |
| USB | Connects the stereo to a USB source. |
| SXM TUNER | Connects the stereo to a SiriusXM® Connect Tuner or a Fusion DAB module. |
| DIGITAL AUDIO (OPTICAL) | Connects to an optical digital audio source, such as a TV or DVD player. |
| ETHERNET | Connects to another Fusion PartyBus stereo, zone stereo, or network. |
| ANTENNA | Connects to an AM/FM antenna. The type of antenna depends on the vessel’s hull material. |
| NMEA 2000 | Connects the stereo to an NMEA 2000 network. |
Wiring Harness Identification
The wiring harness includes various wires and connectors, each with a specific function and color or label. Understanding these is essential for proper connectivity and signal routing.
| Wire or RCA Connector Function | Bare Wire Color or RCA Label Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| (Various) | (Various) | Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for full details on each wire’s function and connection. |
Network Configuration for Fusion PartyBus Devices
Fusion PartyBus devices support both wired and wireless network configurations, allowing for multi-room or multi-zone audio setups. Proper network planning ensures reliability and performance.
Network Planning Considerations
- Device Locations: Identify the installation locations of all PartyBus devices, including stereos, zone controllers, and remote controls.
- Router and Switch Placement: Determine where network switches or routers will be installed, particularly if more than two devices are being connected.
- Cable Routing: Use Cat5e or Cat6 network cables to connect devices. These cables provide reliable performance and are suitable for both short and long-distance connections.
Wired Network Setup
For wired connections:
- Direct Connections: Two PartyBus devices can be connected directly using a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable. In this case, one device should be configured as a DHCP server to ensure proper IP address assignment.
- Using a Switch or Router: If connecting more than two devices, use a wired network switch or router. These devices act as central hubs and help manage data traffic more efficiently.
- DHCP Server Configuration: If no router is installed and no other DHCP server exists on the network, one PartyBus stereo must be configured as the DHCP server. If a router is used, it may also need to be configured as the DHCP server. Consult the router’s documentation for specific instructions.
Wireless Network Considerations
While wired connections are generally more reliable, wireless options are available for greater flexibility. Ensure wireless PartyBus devices are connected to a compatible wireless router or access point.
Testing the Network
Before finalizing the installation, it is recommended to test the network to ensure all devices are communicating correctly.
- Network Testing Steps:
- Do not fully install the stereos yet. Test the network first.
- Power on all connected devices, including wireless ones.
- Use the GROUPS menu to view a list of connected devices.
- If devices are not appearing, troubleshoot the network by checking connections, DHCP server settings, and power supply.
Troubleshooting Common Network Issues
If devices are not appearing on the network or if connectivity issues arise, the following troubleshooting steps may help resolve the problem:
- DHCP Server Conflicts: Ensure that only one device (either a stereo or router) is configured as a DHCP server. Multiple DHCP servers can cause IP address conflicts and prevent devices from communicating.
- Device Connectivity: Confirm that all PartyBus devices, switches, routers, and access points are powered on and properly connected.
- Wireless Device Placement: If using wireless devices, ensure they are within range of the wireless router or access point.
- Network Cable Issues: Replace damaged or faulty network cables, especially if the issue persists after checking other settings.
Software Installation and Registration for FusionPro
The FusionPro software suite is used for advanced design and production tasks, particularly in variable data printing (VDP) and other digital publishing workflows. Proper installation and registration are essential for full functionality.
Installation Requirements
- Adobe Acrobat Professional: Required for new installations. Adobe Reader is not compatible.
- Existing Software Uninstallation: If upgrading from an older version of FusionPro, ensure the previous version is completely uninstalled using the Add/Remove Programs feature in Windows or the Uninstaller on macOS.
- Serial Number Format: The serial number must be entered in uppercase letters and include hyphens. For example: FPXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XX. Older serial numbers are not compatible with newer installers and vice versa.
Post-Installation Steps
After installation, the user manuals can be found in the following locations:
- Windows:
C:\Program Files (x86)\PTI\FusionPro\Manuals - Mac:
[MacHardDrive]\Applications\PTI\FusionPro
Automatic Software Registration
During installation, the software attempts to register automatically by connecting to the FusionPro activation server. This usually completes successfully unless network or security settings block the connection.
Manual Registration
If automatic registration fails, users can manually register the software using the Prodactivate program located in the FusionPro installation directory. If this also fails, the software can be registered manually on the MarcomCentral website.
Conclusion
The Fusion PartyBus and Apollo S-RA670 systems offer powerful and flexible solutions for multi-zone and networked audio environments. Proper installation, including adherence to safety guidelines, accurate wiring, and network configuration, is critical for ensuring optimal performance and user safety. Whether setting up a wired or wireless network, understanding the roles of each component and following the manufacturer’s instructions ensures a successful and reliable installation. For software-based workflows, FusionPro requires careful attention to installation and registration procedures to enable full functionality.
By following the detailed instructions and considerations outlined in this guide, users can confidently deploy and manage these advanced audio systems in both marine and land-based environments.