Magnum S-6 User manual

AM/FM 10 METER MOBILE AMATEUR TRANSCEIVER
OPERATING MANUAL
MAGNUM S-6

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a Magnum S-6 AM/FM 10 meter transceiver. Your Magnum S-6 is
designed to provide years of enjoyment and trouble-free service. There are many features and functions de-
signed into this transceiver. To ensure that your investment is enjoyed to its fullest extent please take a few
momentsandthoroughlyreadthismanual.
Your Magnum S-6is a combination microprocessor and phase-lock loop (PLL) controlled radio combining
bothhigh RF performance with a user-friendly front panel. The Magnum S-6is built rugged to withstand
years of use in harsh mobile environments.Although engineered with mobile use in mind the Magnum S-6,
with the addition of a high quality 10 amp regulated power supply, may be easily adapted to fixed station
operation.
IMPORTANT: TheMagnumS-6isdesignedforentrylevelamateuruse.Ifthetransmitterisoperatedinthe
United States or within it’s territories a licensed amateur radio operator must be present at the station. The
minimum license class to operate 10-meter phone is Novice/Technician. If you are studying for your license
andwanttofamiliarizeyourselfwiththe operation of the radio, the receiver may be operated with or without a
licensedoperatorpresent.FormoreinformationregardingFCClicensing,contactyournearest amateur radio
dealer, or for complete details contact theAmerican Radio Relay League.
AmericanRadio RelayLeague(ARRL)
225Main Street
NewingtonCT06111
Telephone[phone]
Facsimile860-594-0259
http://www.arrl.org
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LIMITED WARRANTY
Magnum International warrants this product to be free of defects for a period of one (1) year from the original
dateof purchase. Thiswarrantyis non-transferable. This limitedwarrantyis subject to repairorreplacement of
defectivecomponentsonly.This warranty is void if the radio hasbeentamperedwith or misused.
IMPORTANT: RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT
The enclosed warranty registration form must be filled out and mailed along with a photocopy of your sales
receiptwithin15daysfrom the purchase date. If the warranty registration form and copy of your sales receipt
arenot received theradioisnot covered under warranty.Pleasefilloutthe enclosed warrantyregistrationform
and send it along with a copy of your sales receipt to:
MagnumInternational
PO Box 445
IssaquahWA 98027
Registeringyour Magnum S-6withMagnum provides several benefits:
1) Validatesyour warranty.
2) Entitlesyoutofreeupdatesandinformationregardingyourradioandnewaccessoriesforyourradio.
3) Providespossiblerecoveryoflostor stolen radios through our serial number tracking database.
Copyright © 2005 by Magnum International.All rights reserved.

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INSTALLATION
1. Contents
Unpack and inspect your Magnum S-6 for missing or
damagedcomponents.Your Magnum S-6 includes the
followingitems:
Quantity Description
1 MagnumS-6Transceiver
1 DynamicMicrophone
1 DCPower Cord with Inline Fuse
1 MountingBracket with Hardware
1 MicrophoneHanger withHardware Set
1 OperatingManual with Schematic
1 WarrantyRegistration Form
2. Microphone Hanger
Themicrophone hanger may be attached tothesideof
the transceiver, or any other convenient location. Lo-
cate the mounting holes on the side of the transceiver.
Usetheprovidedscrewstoattachthemicrophonehanger
either vertically or horizontally to the side of the trans-
ceiver.
3. Mounting
When attaching the Magnum S-6 mounting bracket to
thevehicle, choose a location thatwillprovideeasy ac-
cesstoallfront panel controls and air circulation to the
rear panel. When selecting a mounting location, make
sure that there is ample space behind the unit for the
cables. Do not pinch, or bend sharply, the power or
antenna cables. Do not install the Magnum S-6 in any
compartmentthat restricts airflowanddo not install ina
location that interferes with the safe operation of the
vehicle.
Attach the mounting bracket to the vehicle first then
mountthe Magnum S-6 to the bracket. Iftherearpanel
is not accessible you may want to attach the power
andantenna cable prior to mounting.
4. Electrical Connections
TheMagnumS-6isdesignedto work on any 12 - 14.5
volt DC, negative ground, source. The condition of a
vehicle’s electrical system can affect operation. A low
battery,worngenerator/alternator,or poorvoltageregu-
latorwillseriouslyimpairtheperformance of the trans-
ceiver.Anyoftheabove conditionscould resultinahigh
levelofreceivernoisegenerationorasubstantiallossof
thetransmitter’sRFoutput.Make sure that all of these
components of your vehicle’s electrical system are in
goodconditionprior to installingthetransceiver.
CAUTION!
VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 15 VDC WILL DAMAGE
THERADIO. MEASUREVOLTAGEATBATTERY
TERMINALS, WITH VEHICLE RUNNING, PRIOR
TOINSTALLATION!
Before making any electrical connections make sure
thevolume (VOL) control is in the “OFF” position. Con-
nectthepositive(+) 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
switchedpower source is used so that thepowertothe
transceiveris disconnectedwhen thevehicleis off.This
will eliminate the possibility of the transceiver draining
thevehicle’sbattery.
Connectthenegative(-) blackwire toametal partof the
vehicle’sframe, or chassis ground. Make sure that this
isagoodgroundconnection.
The Magnum S-6 power cord may also be connected
directly to the battery. Connecting directly to the bat-
tery has several benefits, the first of which is to maxi-
mize RF output. Secondly, the battery is a very large
capacitorand will help eliminate certain types ofambi-
ent and vehicle noise. If connecting directly to the
vehicle’sbattery,additionalpowercablemayberequired.
On runs of 8 feet or less use 14-gauge stranded wire.
Use12-gauge wire on longerruns.
5. Antenna Connection
Thetransceiverwilloperateusingany standard50-ohm
ground-plane,vertical, mobile whip,longwire or similar
antenna.The antenna should beratedat50 watts PEP
minimum.Astandard SO-239 type antenna connector
is located on the rear panel of the Magnum S-6. Con-
nectionis made usingaPL-259 andhigh-gradecoaxial
cable(RG213,RG58A/UorMiniRG-8isrecommended).
Aground-planeantennaprovidesgreatercoverageand
is recommended for fixed station-to-mobile operation.
For point-to-point fixed station operation, a directional
beam antenna operates at greater distances even un-
deradverseconditions.Anon-directionalantennashould
be used in a mobile installation; a vertical whip is best
suitedforthispurpose.Thebase loaded whip antenna
normallyprovideseffectivecommunications.Forgreater
range and more reliable operation, a full quarter wave
whip may be used. Either of these antennas uses the
metalvehiclebodyasa ground plane.
Oncetheantennaismountedon 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
connectoronthe rear panel of the Magnum S-6. Make
sure that the cable does not interfere with the safe op-
erationof the vehicle.

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6. VSWR
Before use, it is important to determine the antenna
system’sVSWR(voltagestandingwave ratio).Youwill
need a high quality SWR bridge (meter) to accurately
tune your antenna system. First, make sure the SWR
bridge is in good working order and is calibrated. To
ensure your radio is performing properly the VSWR
should never exceed 1.5 to 1. Never transmit on any
antenna system where the VSWR exceeds 1.8 to 1.
This will stress the output stage and could destroy the
RF transistors; this type of misuse and failure is not
coveredunderwarranty.
MeasuretheVSWRat thecenter oftheoperating band.
Tune the antenna (according to the antenna
manufacturer’s tuning instructions) so that the VSWR
isascloseto1to1atthecenteroftheoperatingband.
Next, measure the VSWR at the lowest and highest
frequencyofthe transceiver. If theantennahas a wide
enough frequency range and band-pass, the VSWR
readings should be below 1.5 to 1 across the entire
operatingband. Ifat the loweror upper endof thetrans-
ceiveroperating frequency, theVSWRmeasures more
than1.5 to1,it is recommendedthatthe antennabere-
tunedbefore operating onthosefrequencies.
Ifyou are experiencing unusual VSWRreadingscheck
forthe following possible problems:
1) Makesurethat the antenna isinstalledproperly and
grounded.
2) Check all coaxial cable and connectors for defects
andpoor routing.
3) If testing a vehicle installation, make sure that all
vehicledoorsare closed when testing.
4) Do not test near or around large metal objects or
buildings.
7. Ignition Noise
Incertainvehicleinstallations, electrical noise or inter-
ferencemaybepresentinthereceiveaudio ofthetrans-
ceiver. Typically the vehicle’s ignition system or more
specifically the alternator generates this noise. The
Magnum S-6 is equipped with a noise blanker circuit
thatis designedtoreduce, andin many instanceselimi-
nate, this electrical noise.
In extreme cases, the noise blanker may not eliminate
all the electrical noise. In such cases, an alternator/
ignitionnoisefiltercanbeused. ThePLF-10CFilterCord
by Magnum International is designed for use with the
MagnumS-6andisan effective way to eliminate alter-
natorand ignition noise problems.

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. DOUBLE-BARREL™ MICROPHONE INPUTS
TheS-6features TWO4-pin, lockring type,microphone
inputs - front panel mounted and right side for co-pilot
use. Double Barrel jacks also allow simultaneous use
ofstock microphone and an aftermarket microphone.
Microphonewiringisasfollows:
Pin 1 : Ground
Pin 2 : MicrophoneAudio
Pin 3 : Transmit
Pin 4 : Receive
2. (OFF)VOL SQ
(OFF): Turns the radio on and off. Rotate the control
counterclockwise until it clicks.
VOL: Volume. Adjusts the AF gain, or volume of the
receiveaudio. Turn clockwise to increaseandcounter-
clockwise to decrease.
SQ: Squelch. Used to eliminate background or “white”
noise when monitoring strong signals. To properly ad-
just the squelch circuit, start rotating the control slowly
clockwiseuntilthereceivedwhitenoisedisappears.
3. MIC-G RF-G
MIC-G: Microphone Gain. Increases or decreases the
energy developed in the microphone amplifier circuit.
Thegain increases as the control is rotated clockwise.
For optimum setting, press the push-to-talk switch on
the microphone and speak in a constant tone into the
microphone.Agoodtest toneisto saytheword “four” in
a long, drawn out tone. While speaking, rotate the mic
gain control clockwise until the meter needle reaches
maximum deflection. Next, rotate the control counter-
clockwise approx. 1/16 inch. The transmitter will now
be putting out its maximum rated power.
RF-G:RFGain.Adjuststhereceiver sensitivity to both
signalsandbackgroundnoise. Thisaffects thedistance
at which a signal can be detected. Turning the control
counterclockwisereduces the receiver sensitivity. This
is particularly useful in areas where large volumes of
traffic(signals) are present.
4. VOL DEL
TURBOTM Digital Echo is a Magnum radio exclusive
feature.The TURBOTM DigitalEcho is louder,more ad-
justable,andbettersoundingthananyother echo pro-
cessoravailable.
VOL: Echo Volume. Varies the volume or number of
echo repetitions. To increase the echo volume, rotate
the control clockwise.
DEL: Echo Delay. Varies the amount of delay, or dura-
tionof theechorepetition. Rotate clockwisetoincrease
theamount ofdelayand counterclockwisetodecrease.
5. DIM COR
DIM:Continuouslyvariabledimmercontrolforfrontpanel
lights and displays.
COR: The clarifier shifts both the transmitted and re-
ceivedfrequency in all modes. The COR (course) tun-
ing shifts a total of +/- 2.5 KHz.
6. FREQUENCY:Rotateclockwiseor counterclockwiseto
selectthedesiredfrequency.
1234
1
7
56
8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16

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13. BAND
Useto select the following bandsegments (frequency
groups).
Band FrequencyRange
A 28.065-28.505 MHz
B 28.145-28.585 MHz
C 28.165-28.605 MHz
D 28.085-28.525 MHz
E 28.065-28.505 MHz
F 28.145-28.585 MHz
G 28.165-28.605 MHz
H 28.085-28.525 MHz
14. PWR AMT
PWR:VariableRFOutputPower.Thetransmittedpower
of the Magnum S-6 may be varied from 0 to 40 watts
peak in all modes. Rotate clockwise to increase RF
outputpower. Rotatecounterclockwise todecreaseRF
outputpower.
AMT: All Mode Talk Back.AMT, a Magnum exclusive,
isan independenttalkback monitor.TheAMTfunctions
inallmodesand allowstheoperatortomonitorthetrans-
mitted audio of the Magnum S-6. To increase the vol-
ume of the talk back rotate the control clockwise. To
decrease rotate counterclockwise. To turn off the talk
back rotate the control completely counterclockwise.
15. 6-DIGITFREQUENCYCOUNTER
16. 2-DIGITCHANNELDISPLAY
REAR PANEL
1. External Speaker Jack
Anexternal speaker jack is locatedontherear panel of
thetransceiver.The MagnumS-6is designed toaccept
anystandard8ohmexternal speaker for use with two-
waytransceivers.
2. PublicAddress (PA) Horn Jack
APAhornjack is located on the rear panelofthetrans-
ceiver.TheMagnumS-6isdesignedtoacceptany stan-
dardPAhornfor use with two-way transceivers.Toop-
erate in PAmode, please refer to the previous instruc-
tions.
7. S/RF/SWR Warning Meter:
Themeter indicatesrelativereceive signalstrength,RF
outputpower, andhigh SWR(standingwave ratio).The
meterfeaturesbluebacklightingonreceiveandredback
lighting on transmit.
The meter features 2 scales, the lower scale indicates
relativesignalstrength(S units) for received transmis-
sions. The top scale indicates the RF output power of
theMagnumS-6.
If the antenna system’s VSWR is too high, the meter
will FLASH red on transmit. This indicates that the
system’s VSWR is too high and potentially damaging
to the radio. See rear panel instructions (#3) on pg 7.
8. RogerBeep: TheRoger Beep switchactivatesthe end
oftransmission,orrogerbeep,tone.Whenactivateda
1kHz tone will automatically transmit upon the release
of PTT switch. This notifies contacts that your trans-
mission has ended and you are ready to receive their
signal.
9. OFF-NB-NB+:NoiseBlanker andAutomaticNoiseLim-
iter. In the NB position, only the noise blanker is ON. In
theNB+ position, both thenoiseblanker and automatic
noise limiter are ON. The noise blanker circuit elimi-
nates pulse type interference usually associated with
automotiveignitionsystems.
The NB+ position also turns off the frequency counter
display.
10. TOPGUN™ MODULATOR ON-OFF: TheTOPGUNTM
Modulator feature makes AM mode communications
moreeffecientandeffective.Whenturnedon, themodu-
lator circuit allows theAM carrier to be turned down to
1 to 1.5 watts, while still maintaining the peak output
powerof 45 wattsof modulation (45 watts of swing).To
turn the TOP GUNTM Modulator feature on, turn the
switch to ON. Next, use the PWR control to set the
levelofAMcarrier you want. Even when the PWRcon-
trolis set to 1 to1.5watts,the radio (with the Modulator
circuitturned on)willprovide the maximumpeakoutput
powerof45watts.
11. AM/FM/PA Mode Selector
PA:PublicAddress Mode.To operate PA,insert a pub-
licaddressspeakerorhornintothePAjackontherear
panelofthe transceiver.
12. +10kHz-OFF:In the +10kHz position, the frequency
is shifted up 10 kHz.

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3. SWR LIGHT ON/OFF SWITCH
The S-6 is equipped with an automatic HIGH VSWR
warning circuit. In the event of an abnormally high
VSWR condition the red transmitter light that illumi-
natesthe meter will start flashing.It is strongly recom-
mendedto correct the problem quicklyas transmitting
withahighVSWRwillstressandshorten the life of the
RF transistors.
Theon/off switch ontherearpanel of the radioturnsoff
theflashingredhighVSWRindicator.Pleasenotethat
thisonlyturns off the indicator light and does not solve
any problems that may exist with the radio and an-
tenna system.

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MAGNUM INTERNATIONAL
A Division of RF Limited
PO Box 445 • Issaquah WA 98027
Telephone [phone] • Facsimile 425-558-9704
Technical Support Only 1-877-MAGNUM-9 (1-877-624-6869)
http://www.magnumradio.com
E-Mail [email protected]
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
AntennaImpedance : 50ohm, unbalanced
FrequencyControl : DigitalPhase-LockLoop (PLL) Synthesizer
FrequencyAccuracy : Better than +10 ppm from 0 - 40 0C after 15 min. warm up
PowerRequirement : 12 - 13.8V DC, negative ground
CurrentConsumption : 7 amps maximum
Dimensions : 7.75 x 2.5 x 10.75 in (W x H x D)
Weight : 4 lbs
TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS
PowerOutput : FM.........................................................................................40 Watts
: AM ...................................................9 Watts Average / 45 Watts PEP
FinalTransistors : 2SC1969(x2)
Spurious Emissions : Morethan50dBbelowpeakoutputpower
CarrierSuppression : Morethan40dBbelowpeakoutputpower
UnwantedSideband : More than 50 dB below peak output (1 kHz tone)
FMDeviation : +/- 2 kHz maximum
AudioResponse : Morethan30dB below peak output
FrequencyResponse : 400 to 2800 Hz
MicrophoneImpedance : ECM, 600 to 1K ohms
RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS
CircuitType : Dual-ConversionSuperheterodyne
IntermediateFrequencies : 1st IF................................................................................ 10.695 MHz
: 2ndIF ..................................................................................... 455 kHz
Sensitivity : AM ................................................................1.0 µV at 10 dB S + N/N
: FM................................................................... 0.3 µV at 12 dB SINAD
Selectivity : AM / FM ...........................................6.0 kHz (-6 dB) / 18 kHz (-60 dB)
ClarifierRange : +/- 2.5 kHz (Course)
AdjacentChannel Rejection : Better than 70 dB
IFRejection : Betterthan80dB for all frequencies
FrequencyResponse : 250 to 3000 Hz
AudioOutput Power : 2 watts minimum at 10% THD with an 8 ohm load
AudioOutput Impedance : 8 ohms