A tri-mode is an accessory used with car audio amplifiers. The tri-mode takes the full-range amplified signal from a two-channel amplifier and splits it three ways. Two channels become devoted to the mids and highs of the stereo output, while the third channel sends the low frequencies to a subwoofer. Hooking up a tri-mode on a car amplifier is simple and requires no more skill than the ability to connect wires together.
Instructions
1. Cut the speaker output wires leading from the amplifier's right and left channels to a length of 12 inches, using a set of wire cutters. The end panel of the amplifier will be marked to show which terminals connect to each wire.
2. Remove three-fourths of an inch of insulation from the ends of each of the speaker wires you've just cut, using a set of wire strippers. Each speaker wire has two leads, a positive and a negative. Pull these apart from each other to a length of about 2 inches.
3. Remove three-quarters of an inch of insulation from the ends of the input leads from your tri-mode crossover. There are different brands and models of tri-way crossovers, but look for tags on the wires or markings on the case of the tri-mode crossover that identify four wires: left positive input, left negative input, right positive input and right negative input. These are the wires you'll use to connect the tri-mode crossover to the amplifier.
4. Match the four wires with the corresponding amplifier output wires. For example, the tri-mode crossover's left positive input corresponds to the amplifier's left positive output. Twist together the bare ends of the corresponding wires and cover the bare wire with electrical tape. Repeat for all four wires.
Tags: tri-mode crossover, four wires, left positive, positive input, from ends, inch insulation