West Mountain Radio RIGrunner 8012 User manual

www.westmountainradio.com
1020 Spring City Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-522-6503
[email protected]
©2015 West Mountain Radio, All rights reserved.
All trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
RIGrunner
for model
8012

West Mountain Radio
Thank you for choosing the West Mountain Radio
RIGrunner 8012 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 12 volt 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. The RIGrunner 8012 comes
equipped with 6 feet of 8 AWG stranded wire terminated
with 1/4 inch ring terminals. This should be sufficient for
most installations.
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
12 volts DC with Powerpole® connectors will improve
the convenience of quick connections and use of your
equipment. Remember, Powerpole® connectors are
genderless and the same connector arrangement works
for both supply and load. Powerpole® connectors can
be used to charge or power batteries, all using the same
connectors.
Powerpole® connectors 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/
content.php?page=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.
This RIGrunner has one input wire that feeds two output
sections: A and B. Each section, protected by its 40 amp
fuse, has six fused outputs. The largest fuse is closest
to the center, 1A and 1B, with progressively lower value
fuses towards both ends, 6A and 6B. This arrangement
allows 80 amps input and a maximum of 40 amps in each
section. The input wire attached to the 8012 should be
securely connected to the 12V power supply. This wire
connects centrally within the RIGrunner at the junction of
both input fuses.
Anderson Power Products®and Powerpole®® is a registered trademark of Anderson Power Products, Inc.

Operating Manual
Before plugging in all equipment, divide the equipment
so that the power drain would be similar between both
sections. For instance, if using two 100 watt radios, plug
one in position 1A and the other in position 1B. Continue
to divide the loads similarily for the lower power devices.
Typically, 12V amplifiers and 100 watt transceivers would
use a 25 amp fuse. VHF radios, transverters and other
accessories would use lower value fuses.
Using the proper fuses
The RIGrunner 8012 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 80 amps, but the total allowable is also
80 amps.
A fuse MUST have 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.
The voltage comparator and audible alert
A feature of the RIGrunner 8012 is the precision expanded
scale voltage comparator display with audible alert. 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.
Anderson Power Products®and Powerpole®® is a registered trademark of Anderson Power Products, Inc.

West Mountain Radio
Provided is an accurate and very unambiguous display of your
voltage, taking into account all of the above. 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.
A normal indication with the green LED illustrates, everything is
good and you are between 11.5 and 15.0 volts, don’t 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.
The audible alert may be configured for only undervoltage or only
overvoltage, or may be disabled altogether. Simple place the P14
jumpers on under, over, both or none. Store the unused jumpers
for later use.
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 is extensivly 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 inadaquate RF filtering on the DC lead of the amplifier, or poor
RF immunity of the power supply regulator circuit.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Go to our support page for more
assistance:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/
supportrr.htm
Go to our OpTips page for connection tips:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/
optipsrr.htm

Operating Manual
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®s
go to: www.andersonpower.com
Details and a video demonstration for using PWRcrimp
Tool with Powerpole®s, go to:
www.westmountainradio.com/crimptool
www.westmountainradio.com/videos
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

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.