2008 dB Drag Racing Rules: Section 15

2008 Rules & Regulations

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Term-PRO Home
Rules Master Index

Section 0 - Introduction
Section 1 - General Rules
Section 2 - Competitor Classification System
Section 3 - Passenger Compartment Regulations
Section 4 - Vehicle Regulations
Section 5 - Auto Sound Equipment Regulations
Section 6 - Installation Regulations
Section 7 - Points Accrual
Section 8 - Certified SPL
Section 9 - World Finals
Section 10 - World Records
Section 11 - Vehicle Audits, Rules Infractions, Penalties
Section 12 - Competitor Code of Conduct
Section 13 - Miscellaneous
Section 14 - Q&A
Section 15 - Definitions

Section 15 - Definitions

Bridged - The dBDRA defines bridging as the process of combining multiple amplifier output channels together in an effort to produce more power. Existing amplifiers use a variety of methods to achieve a bridged output. Some amplifiers have integrated bridging circuitry that allows the user to bridge the amp at his or her discretion by moving a switch or using certain inputs on the amp. Other amplifiers require the use of external signal processing circuitry in order to provide a bridged output. Some amps are even bridged in a permanent fashion and may not be bridged further by the end user. The dBDRA uses the "true" number of bridged channels in a system to determine eligibility for competition in the Street Division of competition. The dBDRA reserves the right to re-rate amplifier output channel capability to insure compliance with the output channel limitations imposed in the Street Division.

B-Pillar - The B-Pillar is the portion of the automobile where the door latches are located. We use the leading edge of this pillar (also called the "doorjamb" in this rule book) to define an imaginary plane that is used to determine compliance with the "String Test".

Certified Class - The standard class that a competitor competed in when establishing their Certified SPL.

Certified Event - Any multi-point dB Drag Racing event.

Certified SPL - The competitor's highest winning score at any multi-point event.

Commercial Vehicle - A vehicle that is not intended for use in consumer applications. Examples include Cargo Vans, Ambulances, Panel Trucks, School Buses, etc.

Conductor - A conductor is a single wire (solid or stranded) that is used to carry electrical current. A traditional speaker wire consists of two conductors (one positive and one negative).

Consumer Removable Component - The dBDRA defines a consumer removable component (such as a seat) as an OEM component that was designed for removal as a part of the normal operation of the vehicle.

Discrete Voice Coil - The dBDRA defines a discrete voice coil as one that is electrically isolated from other voice coils in the woofer. A maximum of 2 binding posts or terminals (+ and -) are allowed per discrete voice coil. The dBDRA reserves the right to determine the actual number of discrete voice coils contained in a woofer.

Enduro - The Enduro format is one in which the competitor's score is averaged over the entire judging time interval (typically 30 seconds).

Jump Seat - The dBDRA defines a "jump seat" as an OEM seat that was designed to be folded up against the side or back of the pickup's passenger compartment.

Metering - This is the process where the Sound Pressure Level or SPL of your vehicle is measured. The resultant score in decibels (dB) is your score.

OEM Equivalent - The dBDRA considers an equivalent replacement to be a replacement that closely resembles the OEM product it replaces in both form and function.

Passive Radiator - A passive radiator is a diaphragm that is made like a woofer but has no coil or magnet. Woofers may not be used as passive radiators in dB Drag Racing.

Speaker - The dBDRA defines a conventional loudspeaker as a sound reproducing electro-mechanical transducer that incorporates a cone, surround, basket, and voice-coil.

SPL - Sound Pressure Level - This value is expressed in decibels or "dB" for short. The higher the number, the louder the sound. An increase of 3 dB represents a doubling of acoustic energy. An increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in acoustic energy and will sound twice as loud to the human ear.

Sponsored - If a competitor receives any form of compensation for promoting an auto sound related product, company, or service, then the competitor is said to be sponsored.

Standard Battery - The dBDRA defines a "standard battery" as a battery that has a nominal terminal voltage of 12-Volts, consists of 6 internal series-connected cells, and is lead/acid or gel-type in nature. This battery is used as the primary battery in the vehicle (either OEM or an aftermarket replacement) and is permanently connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

String Test - Two judges position themselves on opposite sides of the vehicle. A string (or wire) is passed through the open doors of the vehicle. Both judges pull the string so that it is taught. Next, the judges move the string in unison so that the string slides along the trailing edge of each judge's respective doorjamb. If the string does not touch the enclosure (or loudspeakers), then the test passes. (The specifics for this rule may be found in section 6-2.)

Wall - The dBDRA defines a speaker wall as any subwoofer enclosure and / or baffle board that exceeds the height of an imaginary plane that stretches horizontally from the lowermost point of the window opening in the driver's door to the lowermost point of the window opening in the passenger's door on the opposite side of the vehicle.

Wall Test - Two judges position themselves on opposite sides of the vehicle. A string (or wire) is passed through the open window on the driver's side, through the interior of the vehicle, and out of the open window on the passenger side of the vehicle. Both judges should then pull the string so that it is taught while resting against the lowest point on the top of the 2 doors (where the glass enters the door frame). If the enclosure in question does not exceed the height of this string, then the enclosure is not considered to be a wall. If any part of the enclosure exceeds the height of the string, then the enclosure is considered a wall.

Woofer - A loudspeaker designed for the reproduction of bass. Also referred to as driver, subwoofer, or subs. The dBDRA considers speakers with maximum diameters of 10 inches (25.4 cm) or larger to be woofers.

Vehicle Skin - The dBDRA defines the "skin" of the vehicle as the external shell (top, front, back, and sides) of the vehicle's OEM body that gives the vehicle its distinctive appearance. This is also the part of the vehicle that is normally painted. The underside or undercarriage of the vehicle is not considered to be a part of the OEM "skin".