Magnum Raptor, Owner'S Manual

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INSTALLATION
1. Contents
Unpack and inspect your Raptor for missing or
damaged components. Your Raptor includes the
following items:
Quantity Description
1 Raptor Transceiver
1 Microphone
1 DC Power Cord with Inline Fuse
1 Mounting Bracket with Hardware
1 Microphone Hanger with Hardware Set
1 Operating Manual with Schematic/PLO
1 Warranty Registration Form
2. Microphone Hanger
The microphone hanger may be attached to the side
of the transceiver, or any other convenient location.
Locate the mounting holes on either side of the
transceiver. Use the provided screws to attach the
microphone hanger either vertically or horizontally to
the side of the transceiver.
3. Mounting
When attaching the Raptor mounting bracket to the
vehicle, choose a location that will provide easy
access to all front panel controls and air circulation
to the rear panel. When selecting a mounting
location, make sure that there is ample space
behind the control deck for the cables. Do not pinch,
or bend sharply, the power or antenna cables. Do
not install the Raptor in any compartment that
restricts airflow and do not install in a location that
interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle.
Attach the mounting bracket to the vehicle first then
mount the Raptor to the bracket. If the rear panel is
not accessible you may want to attach the power
and antenna cable prior to mounting.
4. Electrical Connections
The Raptor is designed to work on any 13.8 volt DC,
negative ground, source. The condition of a vehicle’s
electrical system can affect operation. A low battery,
worn generator/alternator, or poor voltage regulator
will seriously impair the performance of the
transceiver. Any of the above conditions could result
in a high level of receiver noise generation or a
substantial loss of the transmitter’s RF output. Make
sure that all of these components of your vehicle’s
electrical system are in good condition prior to
installing the transceiver.
CAUTION!
VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 15 VDC WILL DAMAGE
THE RADIO. MEASURE VOLTAGE AT BATTERY
TERMINALS, WITH VEHICLE RUNNING, PRIOR
TO INSTALLATION!
Before making any electrical connections make sure
the volume (VOL) control is in the “OFF” position.
Connect the positive (+) red wire of the DC power
cord to a positive 13.8-volt source at the vehicle fuse
block. If connecting to the fuse block, it is
recommended that a switched power source be
used so that the power to the transceiver is
disconnected when the vehicle is off. This will
eliminate the possibility of the transceiver draining
the vehicle’s battery.
Connect the negative (-) black wire to a metal part of
the vehicle’s frame, or chassis ground. Make sure
that this is a good ground connection.
The Raptor power cord may also be connected
directly to the battery. Connecting directly to the
battery has several benefits, the first of which is to
maximize RF output. Secondly, the battery is a very
large capacitor and will help eliminate certain types
of ambient and vehicle noise. If connecting directly
to the vehicle’s battery, additional power cable may
be required. On runs of 8 feet or less use 12-gauge
stranded wire. Use 10-gauge wire on longer runs.
5. Antenna Connection
The transceiver will operate using any standard 50-
ohm ground-plane, vertical, mobile whip, long wire
or similar antenna. The antenna should be rated at
200 watts PEP minimum. A standard SO-239 type
antenna connector is located on the rear panel of
the Raptor. Connection is made using a PL-259 and
high-grade coaxial cable (RG213, RG58A/U or Mini
RG-8 is recommended).
A ground-plane antenna provides greater coverage
and is recommended for fixed station-to-mobile
operation. For point-to-point fixed station operation,
a directional beam antenna operates at greater
distances even under adverse conditions. A non-
directional antenna should be used in a mobile
installation; a vertical whip is best suited for this
purpose. The base loaded whip antenna normally
provides effective communications. For greater
range and more reliable operation, a full quarter
wave whip may be used. Either of these antennas
uses the metal vehicle body as a ground plane.
Once the antenna is mounted on the vehicle, route
the coaxial cable so that it is not next to any power
cables or vehicle cables. Connect the PL-259 to the
antenna connector on the rear panel of the Raptor.
Make sure that the cable does not interfere with the
safe operation of the vehicle.