West Mountain Radio
Automatic or Manual Power Switching
The RIGrunner 4010S has a unique, high performance and
convenient power switching system. It uses an electronically
controlled solid state FET switch designed to switch DC currents
of up to 100 Amps. This FET switch is over current and over
temperature protected. It should last indefinitely compared to
a mechanical switch that suffers from arcing. The mechanical
control switch in the RIGrunner carries none of the load.
The control switch has three positions: “OFF”, “AUTO” and ALL
ON”. In the “OFF” position only the switched outlets are switched
off. In the “AUTO” position the switched outlets will automatically
turn on whenever an adequate load current is drawn from the,
always on, “MASTER” outlet. In the “ALL ON” position all of the
switched outlets will be on regardless of what is connected to the
master outlet.
IMPORTANT:
The fuse installed in the master outlet must be
chosen correctly (a package of extra fuses is supplied)! The
power consumption of the unit you would like to use to control
the master outlet must be matched to the fuse. Select the lowest
value fuse that will supply your unit. A higher value fuse than is
needed will reduce the sensitivity of the automatic control circuit.
Too high a value may render the automatic control inoperative.
Use the table below to select the proper master outlet fuse and
to determine if the power consumption of the unit you plan to use
will provide positive control.
Master Fuse
Sensitivity
Master control unit
Amps
Amps (typ.)
40
.8 A
160 watt VHF amp
30
.6 A
25
.5 A
100 watt transceiver
20
.4 A
15
.3 A
10
.2 A
30 watt VHF mobile
5 .1
A
QRP
transceiver
1
.02
small station accessory
NOTE:
The current sensing circuit is very sensitive, it measures
current with no additional voltage drop on the master outlet
compared to an unswitched RIGrunner outlet. We are actually
using the master fuse as the current sensing element! We have
done everything possible to avoid false triggering of the automatic
turn on. RF and transient voltages should not falsely trigger our
circuit. The circuit is designed for 13.8 VDC operation. Operation
at voltages in excess of 15 Volts may cause improper operation.
We are not responsible if your equipment is accidentally left on
due to improper operation.
NOTE:
If the master outlet fuse is blown or removed, that blown
fuse LED will light and the 4010S switched outlets will turn on
even if there is nothing plugged in to the master outlet. A good
fuse of any value must be installed at all times.
WARNING:
Do not adjust the internal calibration potentiometer, it
is carefully set for proper operation.
West Mountain Radio does not know the power requirements
of all radios and station accessories made. Consult the owners
manual for your unit or actually measure the power consumption.
A West Mountain Radio
PWRcheck
is a handy way to easily
measure Volts, Amps, Watts and Amp / hours all at the same
time on one display.
A Red overvoltage indication is bad, DISCONNECT OR TURN
OFF THE POWER SUPPLY IMMEDIATELY! Overheating or
damage a radio or other equipment may occur. As supplied there
is an audible alert, unlike other RIGrunners, on both undervoltage
and overvoltage.
