3 4 S m i t h S t r e e t , N o r w a l k , C o n n e c t i c u t 0 6 8 5 1 p h o n e : 2 0 3 8 5 3 8 0 8 0 f a x : 2 0 3 2 9 9 0 2 3 2
The load wire should be heavy gauge and as short as possible. If you are connecting directly to a radio or
other device, you will need to install powerpoles on their cords. Modern radios use RED wire for positive,
and BLACK wire for negative (or common or ground). Double-check this if you have non-standard
equipment. Plug this wire into the Super PWRgate terminal marked OUT.
If you are connecting the output to a power strip, such as a RIGrunner, we suggest #10 wire, 6 feet long, or
preferably 3 feet long. At least one end will need Powerpoles installed; the other end can wire directly to
the power strip or use connectors. Note that West Mountain Radio carries 3 and 6 ft long extension
cables, #10 red and black insulated wire, with Powerpoles on both ends.
Plug this wire from the power strip or equipment into the Super PWRgate connector marked OUT (output).
Always confirm that the Powerpoles are plugged together securely, and that the wire is straight at the
connection and is not under strain or bent over.
At this point, check out the system operation with the power supply. Simply turn on the power supply, turn
on the radio or equipment. The radio or equipment should work fine.
Connecting the Battery
Anderson Powerpoles are used for all Super PWRgate connections. See the section “Powerpole connector
installation tips”.
The battery wire should be heavy gauge and as short as possible. We suggest #10 wire, 3 feet long. In
addition, a fuse must be installed in the positive lead directly at the battery terminal. This because any
short in the battery wire, connector, or load could result in fire and battery explosion…a need to be avoided
situation!
Large batteries have side, post, or threaded terminals. Deep cycle, marine, AGM, etc. usually have 3/8
inch and 5/16 inch studs. Therefore, we recommend a short 3 foot #10 wire, Powerpoles on one end, an
in-line fuse (40 A max), and ring terminals for the battery end. West Mountain Radio carries a battery fuse
kit, wire, and Powerpoles.
Batteries
Caution: Handle batteries with knowledge and appropriate care. Batteries can have dangerous
chemicals that can spill out. Batteries can emit extremely explosive hydrogen gas that is
extremely explosive. Batteries, especially automotive and marine flooded lead acid, must be used
in a strong, ventilated enclosure. Sealed lead acid batteries are much safer but must be handled
and cared for correctly.
NEVER make the “last” connection directly to a battery causing a spark that could cause the
battery to explode sending debris and acid in all directions. Batteries can get very hot when
improperly charged or if a cell gets shorted. Batteries will explode during charging or discharging
for a variety of reasons. Think of a battery as if it were a can of gasoline, both may be safe, but
only if handled properly.
Chose a 12 volt battery with an ampere-hour rating according to your power needs. If the batteries are
placed indoors they must be sealed for safety reasons. Again, it is very important to place a fuse at the
positive battery terminal.
We cannot cover all the types of batteries here. But for use in the ham shack we recommend lead-acid
types because they offer the best price to power ratio. Gelled cells and absorbed glass mat (AGM)
batteries are sealed and are very safe. Some of these have a tiny positive pressure vent. We recommend
Gelled cells for use with the Super PWRgate because the battery charging circuit comes configured
