West Mountain Radio RIGrunner 4004USB User manual

www.westmountainradio.com
1020 Spring City Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-522-6503
[email protected]
©2019 West Mountain Radio, All rights reserved.
All trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
RIGrunner
for models
4004USB
4006U
4005 / 4005H
4008 / 4008H
4012

West Mountain Radio
Powerpole® is a registered trademark of Anderson Power Products, Inc.
Thank you for choosing the West Mountain Radio
RIGrunner! You will enjoy having a RIGrunner with durable,
standardized Powerpole®® connections. Having proper
DC distribution should make a long overdue improvement
to the convenience and safety of your station. The
RIGrunner is a simple device, with obvious function. Think
of a RIGrunner as the DC equivalent of a 120 VAC power
panel in a house.
There are some considerations to think about. Please
read these instructions carefully before setting up your
RIGrunner.
Choosing a mounting location
Pick a location that is close, or central to, most of your
radios and accessories; especially those that draw large
amounts of current. Locate your power source as close
as possible to the RIGrunner. Remember that every wire
has resistance, longer wires have more resistance. More
than a 10’ run of #10 wire is not quite adequate to supply
the RIGrunner to full output without a significant voltage
drop. Determine the voltage loss for a cable run by using
the online calculator at:
www.westmountainradio.com/find_cable_size.php
Install in a cool dry place with good ventilation. For example,
do not put it on top of your amplifier or room heater, or
cover it with something. It is recommended to not put it in
the engine compartment of your car, or directly on the floor
of a car; rain from open windows or snow covered boots
may cause water damage.
Connecting your equipment
Recognizing that RIGrunner comes standard with
Powerpole®, updating your cables that supply or use DC
with Powerpole® will improve the convenience of quick
connections and use of your equipment. Remember,
Powerpole® are genderless and the same connector
arrangement works for both supply and load. Powerpole®
can be used to charge or power batteries, all using the
same connectors.
Powerpole® can be installed by soldering or crimping. Be
sure to make good connections. For detailed Powerpole®
connector installation tips see RIGrunner support pages at
http://www.westmountainradio.com/supportrr.
IMPORTANT!! It is essential that assembly of the pairs is
correct. Follow the amateur radio standard used by the
RIGrunner. DO NOT PLUG IN without verifying that
RED + PLUS and BLACK – MINUS is correct.
The far left connector is labeled DCIN with a 40 amp fuse,
and is normally used to connect to the power supply; but,
any output may be used as the input with an appropriate
fuse. Plug in your equipment starting with the highest
power connections to the left and the lower power drain
units to the right, notice the supplied fuse ratings next to

Operating Manual
the connector chosen. Typically amplifiers and 100 watt
RF output transceivers should be first, VHF radios next and
smaller accessories last.
Multiple amplifiers and/or transceivers may be connected
to the RIGrunner. There is a 40 amp maximum that would
be exceeded if trying to transmit all connected units at
once. Most radios and amplifiers draw less than 3 amps in
receive, but require many more amps in transmit. Therefore,
the limiting factor is total current draw while transmitting.
To determine how many radios may be used to transmit at
one time, consult the radio manual for power consumption
specifications. In the event that the total current goes over
the 40 amp maximum, a fuse will blow or make an undersized
power supply unhappy. The RIGrunner and any equipment
plugged into the RIGrunner should go unharmed.
Voltage
The 4004U, 4006U, 4008 and 4012 operate from 11.5 to
15V. Contact West Mountain Radio for special versions of
these RIGrunners for other specified voltages.
The 4005, 4005H, and 4008H can operate on positive
voltage systems up to 48V. Contact West Mountain Radio
for negative voltage system devices.
Using the proper fuses
The RIGrunner comes supplied with a range of fuses
installed. This assortment should be suitable for most
stations, but can be changed easily. Every RIGrunner
output is safe up to 40 amps, but the total allowable is also
40 amps.
A fuse MUST be in each position in use. ANY ATTEMPT
TO BYPASS OR SHORT ACROSS THE FUSES
IS DANGEROUS AND VOIDS THE RIGRUNNER
WARRANTY. Since the maximum available automotive fuse
is 40 amps, the RIGrunner will be protected as long as any
value ATC/ATO fuse is installed. Choose the correct fuse for
your equipment. Standard ATC/ATO automotive blade fuses
are used. These fuses are available in 10 values ranging
from 1 amp to 40 amps.
The DC input should have a fuse that is appropriate for
the power supply rating. If using a smaller power supply,
consider using a lower value fuse than the 40 amp value
supplied. Ideally all of the outlets should have a fuse that
is the next higher value above the maximum current draw
of the unit on that fuse. If using a power cord with a fuse,
match that value or go one or two values higher. Sizing each
fuse for each unit is desirable, but not absolutely necessary.
Having a higher value than the minimum will offer less
protection for that unit, too low a value and the fuse will blow
out prematurely.
Note that each fuse position has a LED blown fuse indicator
that will conveniently light up if an output fuse is blown.
There must be power to the RIGrunner and a load on the
circuit that has the blown fuse for the blown fuse LED to
light.

West Mountain Radio
The 12V voltage comparator & audible alert
A feature of the RIGrunner 4012 and 4008 is the precision
expanded scale voltage comparator display with audible
alert. (The 4004U, 4005, 4006U, 4005H and 4008H models
do not have this feature.) A basic explanation of 12 volt
systems will aid in understanding this feature. Equipment
commonly referred to as 12 volt is actually a nominal 13.8
volts. For example, a lead acid battery is a nominal 12.6
volts when charged and not under load, and approximately
14.0 volts under charge. A quality 12 volt power supply will
have its regulated output set to 13.8 volts. Most radios are
specified to require 13.8 volts +/- 15%. 12 volt automobile
or aircraft alternators have voltage regulation set between
13.5 and 14.3 volts.
The RIGrunner provides an accurate and unambiguous
display of voltage. There are three LEDs: red overvoltage,
green normal, and yellow undervoltage. The points at which
the LEDs change are set accurately to 11.5 and 15.0 volts.
The selection of these points gives a reliable indication of
proper and safe operation of your power supply, battery or
alternator. A green or normal indication is all you need to
look for.
An undervoltage indication, shown by the yellow LED, is
less than 11.5 volts. This should be safe for your radio, but
may cause improper operation. Low voltage on a modern
radio can cause a loss of phase lock and a frequency error.
This is a definite indication of a problem with the power
source; a bad connection, an unregulated power supply, a
bad alternator or dying battery. It is normal with most cars to
have less than 11.5 volts when cranking the starter motor.
Anormal indication with the green LED illustrates, everything
is good and you are between 11.5 and 15.0 volts, do not
worry about a thing.
A red overvoltage indication with the red LED is a warning,
DISCONNECT OR TURN OFF YOUR POWER SUPPLY
IMMEDIATELY! It is possible to overheat or damage a radio
or other equipment. An overvoltage will sound an audible
alert; no need to watch the LEDs to signal a problem.
When running strictly on a 12 volt battery, an overvoltage
condition will not occur. The RIGrunner’s audible alert can
be reconfigured for a low battery warning. By removing the
four cover screws and move the P14 jumper to the “LO”
position. Remember to move it back to “HI” when changing
back operation from power supply or alternator.
Note: Due to the characteristics of the comparator chip
it is normal for the undervoltage LED to glow very dimly
with a normal or overvoltage indication. It is also normal
for the LEDs to change intensity while stepping through 10
precision points.
In the event of a bad power source or power connection,
the yellow LED may flash or come on during transmit. If
this happens, check the power source and connections.
It is also possible for RF from a transmitter to cause an
electronically regulated power supply to lose regulation and
cause an overvoltage alert during transmit. The RIGrunner

Operating Manual
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Go to our support page for more assistance:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/supportrr
Go to our OpTips page for connection tips:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/optips
RIGrunner Accessories
Order Sku#
Fuse Assortment Low Value (8pcs) #58537-1085
3- 1A, 3- 5A & 2- 10A
Fuse Assortment High Value (8pcs) #58537-1086
2 ea. of 15A, 20A, 30A, 40A
Buss 10A ATC Circuit Breaker #58537-1087
Buss 15A ATC Circuit Breaker #58537-1088
Buss 20A ATC Circuit Breaker #58537-1089
Buss 25A ATC Circuit Breaker #58537-1090
Buss 30A ATC Circuit Breaker #58537-1091
Powerpole® Extension Cable, 3 ft. #58531-1082
#12 Red/Black Wire w/ Powerpole® ends
Powerpole® Extension Cable, 6 ft. #58531-1083
#12 Red/Black Wire w/ Powerpole® ends
Powerpole® Extension Cable, 10 ft. #58531-1084
#12 Red/Black Wire w/ Powerpole® ends
15A. Powerpole® Connector-12 Pair #58257-1093
30A. Powerpole® Connector-12 Pair #58257-1095
45A. Powerpole® Connector-12 Pair #58257-1099
Powerpole® Retention Clips -12 Pack #58257-1092
PowerLock - RIGrunner Retainer Kit #58512-1060
PWRcrimp Crimp Tool #58568-1049
To purchase or view other accessories available,
call or go online at:
www.westmountainradio.com/shop
is extensively RF bypassed and should actually cure this
problem. If you do have an overvoltage condition during
transmit especially with a VHF high power amp, it is due
to inadequate RF filtering on the DC lead of the amplifier,
or poor RF immunity of the power supply regulator circuit.
Special Note for RIGrunner 4004USB:
The maximum current for the USB outlet is 2 amps and is
controlled by the type of device plugged into the USB jack.

West Mountain Radio
Powerpole®Wiring Guide
Powerpole® Series
Contact
Recommended Wire
Gauge
15 A 20-16 AWG
30A 20-12 AWG
45A 14-10 AWG
Additional Resources for Anderson Powerpole®
go to: www.andersonpower.com
Details and a video demonstration for using PWRcrimp
Tool with Powerpole®, go to:
www.westmountainradio.com/crimptool
www.westmountainradio.com/videos
Specifications
4004 USB
Overall Dimensions
(maximum, w/o cables) 1.4” H x 4.7” W x 3.0” D
Weight 0.45 lb.
Maximum total current 40 amps
Maximum single individual
outlet current
40 amps (fuse
protected)
4ICAS current rating
(fuse limited) 37 amps
USB current charge 4A max for both ports
4006U
Overall Dimensions
(maximum, w/o cables) 1.4” H x 6” W x 3.0” D
Weight 0.55 lb.
Maximum total current 40 amps
Maximum single individual
outlet current
40 amps (fuse
protected)
4ICAS current rating
(fuse limited) 37 amps
USB current charge 4A max for both ports
4005 and 4005H
Overall Dimensions
(maximum, w/o cables) 1.4” H x 7” W x 3.0” D
Weight 0.45 lb.
Voltage Positive up to 48 VDC
Maximum total current 40 amps
Maximum single individual
outlet current
40 amps (fuse
protected)
4ICAS current rating
(fuse limited) 37 amps

Operating Manual
4008
Overall Dimensions
(maximum, w/o cables) 1.4” H x 9” W x 3.0” D
Weight 0.65 lb.
Maximum total current 40 amps
Maximum single individual
outlet current
40 amps (fuse
protected)
4ICAS current rating
(fuse limited) 37 amps
Precision comparator window
points 11.5, 15.0V
Metering accuracy better than 2% @
25 deg. C
Audible alert SPL output ~60dB SPL @ 1 meter
Maximum voltage (meter
circuit) 32 volts
Reverse polarity protection
(meter circuit) Yes
4008H
Overall Dimensions
(maximum, w/o cables)
1.4” H x 9.75” W x
3.0” D
Weight 0.65 lb.
Voltage Positive up to 48 VDC
Maximum total current 40 amps
Maximum single individual
outlet current
40 amps (fuse
protected)
4ICAS current rating
(fuse limited) 37 amps
Precision comparator window
points 11.5, 15.0V
4012
Overall Dimensions
(maximum, w/o cables)
1.4” H x 11.75” W x
3.0” D
Weight 0.90 lb.
Maximum total current 40 amps
Maximum single individual
outlet current
40 amps (fuse
protected)
4ICAS current rating
(fuse limited) 37 amps
Precision comparator window
points 11.5, 15.0V
Metering accuracy better than 2% @
25 deg. C
Audible alert SPL output ~60dB SPL @ 1 meter
Maximum voltage (meter
circuit) 32 volts
Reverse polarity protection
(meter circuit) Yes

RIGrunner Warranty
The RIGrunner is warranted against failure due to defects
in workmanship or materials for one year after the date
of purchase from West Mountain Radio or an authorized
dealer. If purchased from an authorized dealer it must be
returned with a copy of the original sales receipt or proof
of purchase.
Warranty does not cover damage caused by abuse,
accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure
to follow instructions, improper installation, alteration,
lightning, or other incidence of excessive voltage or
current. If failure occurs within this period, return the
RIGrunner or accessory to West Mountain Radio at your
shipping expense with a full explanation and necessary
proof of purchase. The device or accessory will be
repaired or replaced, at our option, without charge, and
returned to you at our shipping expense. Repaired or
replaced items are warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or
replacement of the RIGrunner or accessory made after
the expiration of the warranty period.
West Mountain Radio shall have no liability or responsibility
to customer or any other person or entity with respect to
any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly
by use or performance of the products or arising out of
any breach of this warranty, including, but not limited to,
any damages resulting from inconvenience, loss of time,
data, property, revenue, or profit, or any indirect, special
incidental, or consequential damages, even if West
Mountain Radio has been advised of such damages.
Except as provided herein, West Mountain Radio makes
no express warranties and any implied warranties,
including fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in
duration to the stated duration provided herein.
www.westmountainradio.com
1020 Spring City Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186
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