Magnum AlphaForce Operating Manual - page 6
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INSTALLATION
1.
CONTENTS
Unpack and inspect your Magnum AlphaForce for miss-
ing or damaged components. Your AlphaForce includes
the following items:
Quantity
Description
1
Magnum AlphaForce Transceiver
1
Microphone with Up/Down Controls
1
DC Power Cord with Inline Fuse
1
Mounting Bracket with Hardware
1
Microphone Hanger with Hardware Set
1
Operating Manual with Schematic
2.
MICROPHONE HANGER
The microphone hanger may be attached to the side
of the transceiver, or any other convenient location. Use
the provided screws to attach the microphone hanger
either vertically or horizontally to the side of the trans-
ceiver.
3.
MOUNTING
When attaching the AlphaForce mounting bracket to
the vehicle, choose a location that will provide easy
access to all front panel controls and air circulation to
the rear panel. When selecting a mounting location,
make sure that there is ample space behind the con-
trol deck for the cables. Do not pinch, or bend sharply,
the power or antenna cables. Do not install the
AlphaForce in any compartment that restricts airflow
and do not install in a location that interferes with the
safe operation of the vehicle.
Attach the mounting bracket to the vehicle first then
mount the AlphaForce to the bracket. If the rear panel
is not accessible you may want to attach the power
and antenna cable prior to mounting.
4.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The Magnum AlphaForce is designed to work on any
13.8 volt DC, negative ground, source. The condition
of a vehicle’s electrical system can affect operation. A
low battery, worn generator/alternator, or poor voltage
regulator will seriously impair the performance of the
transceiver. Any of the above conditions could result in
a high level of receiver noise generation or a substan-
tial loss of the transmitter’s RF output. Make sure that
all of these components of your vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem are in good condition prior to installing the trans-
ceiver.
CAUTION! VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 15 VDC
WILL DAMAGE THE RADIO. MEASURE VOLT-
AGE AT BATTERY TERMINALS, WITH VEHICLE
RUNNING, PRIOR TO INSTALLATION!
Before making any electrical connections make sure
the volume/power control on the AlphaForce is in the
“OFF” position.
Connect the positive (+) 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 switched power source is used so that the power to
the transceiver is disconnected when the vehicle is off.
This will eliminate the possibility of the transceiver drain-
ing the vehicle’s battery.
Connect the negative (-) black wire to a metal part of
the vehicle’s frame, or chassis ground. Make sure that
this is a good ground connection.
The AlphaForce 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
capacitor and will help eliminate certain types of ambi-
ent and vehicle noise. If connecting directly to the
vehicle’s battery, additional power cable may be re-
quired. On runs of 8 feet or less use 14-gauge stranded
wire. Use 12-gauge wire on longer runs.
5.
ANTENNA CONNECTION
The transceiver will operate using any standard 50-
ohm ground-plane, vertical, mobile whip, long wire or
similar antenna. The antenna should be rated at 50
watts PEP minimum. A standard SO-239 type antenna
connector is located on the rear panel of the
AlphaForce. Connection is made using a PL-259 and
high grade coaxial cable (RG213, RG58A/U or Mini
RG-8 is recommended).
A ground-plane antenna provides greater coverage and
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-
der adverse conditions. A non-directional antenna
should be used in a mobile installation; a vertical whip
is best suited for this purpose. The base loaded whip
antenna normally provides effective communications.
For greater range and more reliable operation, a full
quarter wave whip may be used. Either of these an-
tennas uses the metal vehicle body as a ground plane.
Once the antenna is mounted on 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
connector on the rear panel of the AlphaForce. Make
sure that the cables does not interfere with the safe
operation of the vehicle.
The Penetrator™ and Super Penetrator™ mobile an-
tennas, available from RF Limited, are the perfect an-
tennas for use with the Magnum AlphaForce. The
Penetrator™ and Super Penetrator™ feature power
ratings of up to 3,500 watts PEP and bandpass ratings
of 1.5 MHz, the widest bandpass of any mobile an-
tenna of its kind.