LDG Multi-DC User manual

Multi-DC Power
Distribution Box
LDG Electronics
1445 Parran Road, PO Box 48
St. Leonard MD 20685-2903 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.ldgelectronics.com

Multi-DC Power
Distribution Box
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Jumpstart, or “Real hams don’t read manuals!” 3
Specifications 3
Getting to know your Multi-DC 4
Installation 5
Operation 5
Application Notes 5
Base Station Use 5
Mobile Use 5
Warranty and Service 6
Technical Support 6
Introduction
Congratulations on selecting the LDG Multi-DC. The Multi-DC is a distribution box for DC
power, specifically designed for LDG accessories. It provides regulated DC to LDG tuners and
other accessories.
LDG pioneered the automatic, wide-range switched-L tuner in 1995. From its laboratories near
the Nation's Capitol, LDG continues to define the state of the art in this field with innovative
automatic tuners and related products for every amateur need.
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Jumpstart, or “Real hams don’t read manuals!”
Ok, but at least read this one section before you transmit:
1. Connect the Multi-DC’s input to a source of DC power between 12 and 15 volts DC
using the supplied cable. The power supply should be able source 3 amps or higher.
2. Connect accessories to the coaxial jacks using the provided cables. Each set of outputs (1,
2, 3 and 4, 5, 6) can provide up to 1.5 amps, divided between the three sets of jacks. The
total load on all six jacks cannot exceed 3 amps.
3. Operate your station normally.
Specifications
Input: 12 – 15 volts, up to 3 amps. (Typically 13.8 VDC)
Outputs: Six, in two pairs (1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6). Each set can source up to 1.5 amps total.
Regulation: Each output is regulated to 12 vdc.
Short protection on all outputs
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Getting to know your Multi-DC
Your Multi-DC is a quality, precision instrument that will give you many years of outstanding
service; take a few minutes to get to know it.
The Multi-DC panel has seven coaxial DC jacks: one input and six outputs. All are 2.5 by 5.5
mm, the standard size for most LDG products. Cables for each are provided.
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Installation
The Multi-DC is intended for indoor use only; it is not water resistant. If you use it outdoors
(Field Day, for example) you must protect it from rain.
Position your Multi-DC in a convenient spot on your operating desk, anywhere within reach of its
interface cables. The case has a mounting flange on each side; you can screw it to your desk or
wall if you wish.
Connect the input jack to a suitable source of DC (Typically 13.8 VDC). It should be at least 12
volts, but not more than 15 volts, and be capable of sourcing enough current (up to 3 amps ) to
run all of your accessories (see the individual manuals for current requirements). Best practice is
to use a regulated power supply, but the Multi-DC provides some internal regulation, so an
unregulated supply is acceptable in this application. Connect your accessories to the output jacks
as needed using the provided cables.
Each set of outputs (1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6) is internally regulated to 12 vdc. Each set can source up to
1.5 amps. Voltage regulation inevitably dissipates some heat, so it’s normal for the Multi-DC
case to be somewhat warm during operation.
The Multi-DC is internally protected against short circuits. There are no internal fuses. If you
short an output, the regulator for that output set simply shuts down, reducing output voltage to
near zero. Normal operation resumes automatically when the output is un-shorted.
Operation
To operate your Multi-DC you just, well, operate. The Multi-DC has no controls and requires no
input from you. Your Multi-DC simply routes regulated power to your accessories.
Application Notes
Base Station Use
Your Multi-DC can go practically anywhere on your operating desk. Some obvious choices are
on the table behind your radios, or on the floor with the rest of the electrical hookups.
Mobile Use
The Multi-DC is ideal for mobile operation. You can mount it on the dashboard with Velcro tape
in any convenient location, or behind your radio.
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Care and Maintenance
Your Multi-DC is maintenance-free. The outer case may be cleaned as needed with a soft cloth
slightly dampened in a mild household cleaning solution.
As with any modern electronic device, your Multi-DC can be damaged by temperature extremes,
water, impact or static discharge.
Warranty and Service
Your product is warranted against defects in parts or workmanship for two years from purchase.
The warranty does not cover damage due to abuse or exceeding specifications. This warranty
applies to the original purchaser only; it is not transferable. A copy of the receipt showing the
purchaser’s name and the date of purchase must accompany units returned for warranty service.
All returns must be shipped to us pre-paid; we will not accept units with postage due. Please fill
out and print the return form from our web site under Support/Manual, then Tech Support-
Warranty.
If you need to return your unit to us for service, package it carefully, keeping in mind that we will
re-use your packaging to return the unit to you. Include a full description of the problem, along
with your name, address and a phone number or e-mail address on the web form. Repairs average
about 3 to 6 weeks.
We will be glad to service your unit after the warranty period has ended. We will notify you of
repair charges by phone or e-mail, and bill you after repairs are completed.
Technical Support
We are happy to help you with your product. For detailed tech support, submit our Tech Support
form on our web site under Support/Manuals, then Tech Support. You can find us at
www.ldgelectronics.com.
If you have an idea to improve the Multi-DC, please send us a description. We encourage
everyone who uses the Multi-DC to contact us (card, letter or e-mail preferred) telling us how
well it works for you. We are also always looking for photographs of our products in use; we
often place such pictures on our web site.
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