Accessories for Power supplies, Power Distribution

• On this page you will find:
• PwrCheck Power measuremnt
• Rigrunner Power Distribution and accessories
• MFJ-4416B Voltage Booster 13.8V
• PG-40S Emergency Power Switch
• DC Distribution for banana plugs
• DC Cables for radios
• DC Connectors for radios
• Banana plugs, DC coaxial plugs, DC cable

• Related products on other pages:
• PowerPole Connectors and Accessories
• Power Supplies by Diamond
• Power Supplies by Microset
• Various power supplies (PSU-1228, MFJ-4103 etc.)

PWRcheck Power Measurement with USB connector

RR-PWRCHECK

PWRcheck is an instrument for power measurements of DC voltages. A USB connector can be used to read the measured or stored values to a computer. The instrument is inserted into the DC line between source and sink, connectors are Anderson PowerPoles®.

The PWRcheck instrument measures all required values of a DC-powered device like voltage, current, wattage and amp hours. It measures all voltages from 0 to 60V DC, current up to 40A continous load. The display can be switched to display various combinations of these values, either digital or analog display. The precison of the PWRcheck is ±10mV and ±10mA. The dot matrix LC display is backlit, two push buttons on the front panel help select the display.

The PWRcheck instrument can also be used as a data logger. Measured values are stored in regular, adjustable intervals and can be read later via the USB interface. The instrument stores up to 174.000 values, taking one measurement per minutes this adds up to more than four months of data! This enables you to monitor remote installations like repeater stations, solar power panels or battery backups over a very long period. The data memory is retained also when powered off. The USB interface also offers varios configuration parameters, for example alarm values for voltage and current. The required Windoes software is included in the shipment as well as an USB cable. The software also permits to read the real time values of measurement. A graphical display shows long term data, the data points can be exported to a spreadsheet software.

The PWRcheck is supplied either by the source which is currently measured, or by USB. When measuring voltages below 8V a USB connection is mandantory. The own consumption is between 60 and 120mA. The backlight of the LC display has an adjustable timeout to save power. The metal case has screw terminals for easy installation to the wall or in an instrument cabinet. Size 117 x 70 x 25mm, weight 500g.

PwrCheck

PwrCheck Software

RIGrunner DC distribution

A RIGrunner is the most convenient and safest way to connect all your 12 VDC equipment to a power source. It is a 13.8 VDC power panel that uses the excellent Anderson Powerpole connectors. Standardize all of your 12 VDC connections using the amateur radio ARES & RACES, RSGB, ARRL Powerpole system.

• All models are conservatively rated at 40 amps total with any outlet good to 40 amps!
• Anderson Powerpole connectors, the best DC connectors!
• Our Powerpole configuration conforms to the ARES, RACES, RSGB standard, and ARRL recommendation for high current 12VDC connectors.
• Powerpole connectors provide interoperability for emergency communications.
• Safe secure, HOT CONNECT, polarized, color keyed, genderless connector system.
• No messy binding posts, frayed wire connections, black tape or short circuits!
• High current! More than enough 12 V power for your station! Pick the appropriate model.
• Each outlet may be used at full ratings: transceivers, amplifiers or any accessory.
• Precision window comparator quick status power monitor, makes a voltage problem obvious.
• LED over and under voltage indicators instantly indicate a problem, without interpretation.
• An audio alert is configurable to alarm on overvoltage or under voltage, both*, or may be disabled.
• Each outlet is individually fused with automotive ATC/ATO fuses. Shipped with appropriate fuses installed.
• Includes high gauge supply cable, power poles already installed on one side, other side open
• Unswitched models can use any output jack as the power input with full ratings.
• ATC/ATO auto fuses are easy to get and are available in 10 values from 1 to 40 amps.
• Fuses are quick change; accessible from the outside using high quality fuse holders.
• Each fuse has a handy blown fuse LED illuminator to show short circuit problems instantly!
• RF suppression on each outlet to suppress RF leakage between equipment. Keeps your power supply in regulation.
• Commercial quality construction just like our RIGblasters. No Sharp edges, no plastic.
• A full array of quick change Powerpole power supply, extension and adapter cables available.
• Mounting with supplied 3M Bumpon® protective feet, 3M® adhesive pads or screwed down using any #6 or #8 screws.

PowerPole Connectors

We have extended the selection of PowerPole Connectors for these distribution strips and have moved the contents to an own page.

MFJ-4416B Voltage Booster

MFJ-4416B

MFJ-4416B Voltage booster for 12V DC

The voltage booster MFJ-4416B helps with better efficiency and assures always the right volatage for your radio equipment, especially in mobile environments.

Most of todays 100W mobile HF transceivers are designed for an operating voltage of 12 to 16V. With voltages below 12V many things go awry: distorted modulation, loss of output power and undefined states of the digital electronics.

With mobile installations, there are usually two main reasons for under vorltage: a) voltage drop on the power cable and b) low battery voltage.
In the first case, even very small resistances on connectors, fuse holders etc. cause a large drop in voltage. A resistance of just 1/10 ω leads to a drop of 2V at a current of 20A. The second reason is the battery voltage itself: with the motor running the generator easily puts out 14V or more. But when the motor is off the battery voltage quickly drops to 12V, even with a new battery.
This low battery voltage, combined with cable losses - and your radio has a problem!

The MFJ-4416B prevents such problems reliably by boosting the input voltage (down to 9V!) up to a constant 13.8V. This at a max. current of up to 25A peak! The conversion has an efficiency of nearly 90%.

The compact device (size 196x100x54mm, weight ca. 700g) is solidly constructed and made for the demanding mobile environment. The connections for input and output on the MFJ-4416B are Anderson PowerPoles and additionally large binding posts. An internal fuse (30A) protects the stabiliser against overload. The minimum accepted input voltage can be adjusted to 9, 10 or 11V (10V is the default setting). This prevents a deep discharge of the battery. The output is protected with a crow-bar against overvoltage, in case the voltage regulation should fail.

Another feature further raises the efficiency of power consumption:
A HF sensor input recognizes if the transmitter is on or not. When receiving the voltage regulator can be bypassed and the loss of efficiency due to the conversion can be alleviated. To use this feature you need a T junction and a short coaxial cable. This function can be turned off, so you have "Boost always" or "Boost only when transmitting".

MFJ-4416BRC Remote Control and Display unit for VOltage Booster

MFJ-4416BRC

Suitable for the Voltage Booster MFJ-4416B (see above) the MFJ-4416BRC is a remote control and display unit. The device shows the input and out voltage on large analog instruments, given you an instant overview of the current power supply situation. At the same time an audible alarm for 'low battery' can be enabled and disabled from the remote control. Finally the operation can be switched from 'continous boost' to 'boost on transmit'. The latter function requires the feed of the HF signal to the voltage booster.

The voltage booster MFJ-4416B and the remote control unit MFJ-4416BRC are connected with a standard Ethernet cable with RJ-45 plugs. The maximum length is not specified by the manufacturer, it can be several meters. Size 13 x 8 x 5 cm (W x H x D).

PowerGate PG40S Backup Power System

A Super PWRgate is a 12 volt backup power system that can supply up to 40 amperes continuously from either a Power Supply or a Battery, and can also charge the battery with its high performance charger. Connected equipment will instantly switch to battery during a power blackout or power supply failure. No glitches.

The circuit uses two 80 ampere Schottky diodes as an OR-Gate to isolate the battery and power supply from each other. Forward voltage drop of less than 0.3 volts at 20 A. To keep the battery fully charged and ready for use, the Super PWRgate has a built-in four-stage battery charger with selectable current rates of 1, 4, 7 or 10 amperes.

The circuit is optimized for use with GELLED & AGM type batteries, but will keep flooded lead acid and marine type batteries near full charge as well. The Super PWRgate and the power supply may also be used to charge a battery that is powering the radio, as described by W1ZR in QST.

• Maximum Voltage: 18 Volts DC
• Maximum Current: 40 Amperes
• Circuit: Diode OR-Gate
• Diodes: Two Schottky 80 Ampere, 20 Volt
• Voltage Drop: 0.25 Vdc at 1 Ampere, 0.5 Vdc at 40 Ampere
• Charging Circuit: Charging regulator IC, low drop Field Effect Pass
• Transistor, Fuse switched for 1,4,7 or 10 Amp charging current
• Peak voltage limit set via internal jumper according to used battery technology
• 3 LEDs showing charger status
• Connectors: Anderson Powerpoles, 40A
• Size: 13.4 x 10 x 4.2 cm
• Weight: 0.4 kg

DC distribution

Multiple connections to one power supply, reduced cable mess in the shack. With DC input cable, 6 pairs out output lugs for DC plugs or direct cable connection.

DC cable

Double braided wire 2 x 2,5mm². The wire gauge is sufficient for a typical 100W shortwave transceiver with 22-23A current intake at 13.8V.

Cable ends

Galvanized with isolation, crimp or solder (soldering can be problematic under high currents). Ideal for connection of radios to the power supply or distribution (above). Two versions available, one with 6.5mm width, one with 8mm width. Pack includes 10 pcs.

DC cables for radios

DC cable for most HF radios (Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu) with 6 pin Molex connector. Each side (red/black) is equipped with a cable fuse. Cable length c. 2.5m, 2.5mm², other end no connector. Order No. DC-CABLE-HF 19.50 € Buy now	DC cable for most VHF rigs (Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu) with 2 pin Molex connector (T shaped). Each side (red/black) is equipped with a cable fuse. Cable length c. 4m, 2.5mm², other end no connector. Order No. DC-CABLE-VHF 14.20 € Buy now
DC cable for Yaesu FT-8900, FT-8800 etc. Each side (red/black) is equipped with a cable fuse. Cable length c. 4m, 2.5mm², other end no connector. Order No. DC-CABLE8900 24.00 € Buy now	DC cable for Icom IC-703. Without fuses, cable length ca. 4m, 1.5mm², other end no connector. Order No. OPC-1229 19.20 € Buy now
DC cable for Icom IC-7000, IC-7200, IC-7600, FT-2000, FT-950, FT-450 and Kenwood TS-480. Each side (red/black) is equipped with a cable fuse. Cable length c. 2.5m, 2.5mm², other end no connector. Similiar to Icom OPC-1457. Order No. DC-CABLE-HF4 19.00 € Buy now

DC Connectors for Radios

6 pin plug DC connectors for most HF radios (Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu), 6 pin plug, required female contacts supplied, incl. bend protection. Order No. 42914.6F 8.00 € Buy now	6 pin equipment jack DC jack, counterpart of the plug 42914.6F (left), as used in most HF radios (Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu). 6 pin jack, 4 male contacts supplied. Order No. 42914.6M 10.50 € Buy now
4 pin plug DC plug for some radios like IC-7000, TS-480, FT-2000, FT-450, 4 pin jack, female contacts. Order No. 42914.4 8.00 € Buy now	2 pin plug DC connector for most VHF/UHF radios. Order No. 42914.2S 4.00 € Buy now
Plug for Car/Cigarlighter DC Connector for Cigar Lighter socket, with fuse Order No. 42928 5.80 € Buy now

DC connectors

DC connector, red or black, cable connection screw-on

DC connector

DC connector (coaxial), inner size 2.5mm, outer size 5.5mm. Suitable for many accessories like SWR meters, MFJ equipment etc.