All the
configuration features are still there (and even some have been added, such as
the ability to mix the signal from analog inputs to digital ones). But
according to the sources, and indeed in terms of applicability, its
capabilities have been noticeably expanded.
There is
IP54 protection against humidity, which is logical: with such a form factor
(and even with high efficiency and moderate power consumption), the HAM-6.80DSP
really asks for use in motorcycles, yachts and other vehicles for "active
recreation".
And also in
the optional accessories there is a small box HLD-36, with which you can
connect high-level Hellion processors not only to basic, but also to advanced
staffs (but those who play games are not much better off, otherwise their
upgrade would not have been put into operation), with more powerful
amplifiers... But first things first.
WHAT'S
ADDED TO THE CONNECTION SOURCES?
Externally,
you can distinguish the new version of the HAM-6.80DSP from the old one (this
process was tested immediately after its release) by a different layout of the
connectors.
The first
is the built-in Bluetooth module. Previously it was offered as an option, now
it is no longer necessary to purchase it separately. It also supports multiple
codecs, including ACC and aptX HD. The short tail of the antenna is on the
outside.
The USB audio input is the second major difference. Basically, it allows you to connect the processor as an external sound card. A good way to get a good quality signal, for example from a GU on Android (many models now support audio output via OTG). Or from a smartphone - from the same Android or from an iPhone.
With
smartphones, however, there are a few more nuances, and a significant part of
them is related to the power supply. To solve this problem, Hellion offers an
option consisting of two USB cables.
The first
cable is simply an extension cable (you can choose a length of 1.5, 3 or 5
meters) with a built-in Type-C connector.
And the
second cable is the USB OTG cable itself with power. One end of the cable plugs
into the smartphone, and the other end plugs into the extension cable to the
processor. And the third end (the normal one) is plugged into any charger, and
power is supplied through it simultaneously with the operation of the OTG
connection.
High-level inputs are the third difference in the current revision. If the first version had 4 input channels, there are now 6 of them. An additional pair is not at all superfluous: it significantly expands Hellion's range of use. For example, if with 4 inputs you can only connect to simple standard systems, then with 6 you can add one channel to more complex standard systems.And here is another nuance. Many standard systems with one channel have high power amplifiers (hello, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, etc. in expensive but non-playing configurations). And this becomes a problem for many processors - premature overload of the inputs (software sensitivity adjustment has nothing to do with it, it is the input circuits that are physically overloaded).
As planned,
this converter allows you to connect Hellion to standard systems where the
signal reaches 36 volts. Moreover, it is the RMS value of the signal that is
meant, not the amplitude and not the full peak-to-peak range, so the margin is
sufficient.
Since there is usually no need to "quench" the signal across all input channels, the converter is designed as a 2-channel unit. It is connected to the high-level input connector instead of the original cable end. Channels 3 and 4 are connected through it, and the remaining channels are still connected directly to the terminal block.
The HLD-36
has a very simple design. Essentially, it is a passive (i.e., it requires no
external power) balanced resistive voltage divider with an overload indicator.
The latter lights up when the signal reaches 32 volts (RMS) - a small but
useful addition.
The input
impedance of the HLD-36 is 8 ohms, so self-diagnostic rigs should not rebel. By
the way, this allows you to use it as a 2-channel "fake" when
connecting any other processors, amplifiers and processors of other brands.
However, if you continue in this direction, there is nothing to stop you from using the converter with them for its intended purpose - to reduce the level of a high-level signal. But there is one important thing to keep in mind. I'll tell you more about it now.
To connect to such staffs, you just need the same box I mentioned at the beginning. This is an optional high level signal converter. No, not linear, but... still high level, but with a reduced amplitude, which does not overload the processor inputs. Called Hellion HLD-36
HOW THE
HLD-36 WORKS WITH HELION AND THIRD PARTY PROCESSORS
The input impedance of Hellion's high level inputs is 8 ohms (some models are slightly higher, but about the same order). The input impedance of other manufacturers may vary more, and some may reach hundreds of ohms. In this case, the signal attenuation will also be different.
A simple experiment to understand this. I take a normal amplifier and connect the HLD-36 to it. I apply a sine wave so that the converter input produces a signal with a decent range. This simulates the connection to a standard system.
With an unconnected load (okay, let's call it an imaginary load with infinite input resistance), the output signal completely repeats the input (the divider is built as a balanced 4-terminal network).
I connect a Hellion HAM-6.80DSP (input impedance 8 ohms). At its high level input, the signal is attenuated a little less than 17 times (about 24 dB in voltage).
To be honest, I was initially surprised by such a harsh treatment of the signal and asked the developer for clarification. It turned out that this level of attenuation was chosen experimentally - they took a "bad" header, connected it through a Hellion HAM-6.80DSP divider prototype, and chose the attenuation so that the amplifier's potential was fully revealed, but at the same time the high level inputs were not guaranteed to be overloaded. As a result, the processor is able to correctly receive a signal up to 36 volts (RMS) when switched on via HLD-36.
What if we don't have Hellion connected, but another processor? For example, which high level inputs have higher impedance? Sometimes it can be tens of ohms. I took a 75 Ohm resistor and connected it. With such a load, the amplitude attenuation is only 2.5 times (a little less than 8 dB in voltage).
And if the input impedance is all 150 ohms, then the HLD-36 will reduce the amplitude quite a bit - less than 2 times (by about 5 dB in voltage, to be precise).
In short, you can use the HLD-36 with third party processors, but pay attention to the input impedance of the high level inputs. The higher it is, the less signal attenuation will result.
WHAT ELSE HAS CHANGED IN THE NEW VERSION OF THE HELLION HAM-6.80DSP?
One of the most important internal differences from the first version is the IP 54 moisture protection mentioned at the beginning. Of course, it is not designed to be watered with a hose, but the conformal coating of the boards is an additional guarantee against corrosion in a humid environment. And, by the way, additional reliability in conditions of increased vibration (SMD elements are additionally fixed with a layer of varnish).Among the main differences is the part responsible for connecting USB audio and a Bluetooth module with a Quallcomm QCC3034 chip, including support for ACC and aptX HD codecs.Otherwise, the "base" is almost the same. The signal processing is done by the Cirrus Logic CS47048, the output amplifier part is based on the TPA3116.
BRIEFLY ABOUT THE CASE
It seems that all the changes are minor, but as you can see, the scope of the process has expanded significantly. Conformal coating of the board - and now the way is open for the processor not only in cars, but also in marine, power sports and motorcycles (although it is not superfluous even in cars). Plus two input channels to the existing ones - and here you have the use of more complex units for upgrading, not just basic ones. We added the HLD-36 converter - and now racks with powerful channels are already covered. There is already built-in Bluetooth with support for aptX HD and also USB Audio. Even an OTG lanyard with power is offered.