Reference Station Power Distribution West Mountain Radio 4006U (

This reference station video describes the power distribution device, a West Mountain Radio Rigrunner 4006. I do the unboxing, open the unit up to see what's inside, and install it.
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[@2e0txe]

Looks a great unit to tidy up power distribution. I've recently learned of the powerpole connectors and have them on everything, this just makes it very tidy to get everything connected nicely to a central fused panel. Excellent.

[@jptucsonaz8503]

Thanks Dave for another great video! As for those 2 usb ports... being as that you gave it mounted in back, one port would serve well as a source for a usb light, so that you can see what is going on. The other use would be to hook up a usb power pack to keep on hand in case of a power outage, you can grab & go with your cell, & other devices to charge in the field.

[@TheHellfiremissile]

Glad to see it's just as messy behind your desk as it is mine. Jungle of leads :)

[@davidsradioroom9678]

That was a nice selection for power distribution.

[@dougmatthew9987]

Its nice to be able to get behind your shack to do work. Mine is set up like that too.

[@kengeddes4116]

I replaced my 4006U units with the 4007U version . The 4007U only has 1 USB power port, but it has auto shut off during high or low voltage conditions. Thanks for the great videos!

[@williamstaylor5449]

Plus it has the voltage and load current displayed.

[@TheBlueEyeDevil]

I was looking at this as a improvement.

[@philipchandler330]

Very interesting needed to see this, would be helpful if you did a video on your wiring and antennas from the backside of your station, like where this was filmed

[@roberthayes6329]

Hi Dave, I too have West Mountain Radio products and found the quality second to none. "Sorry Martin" The 4005i is AWESOME! going to buy another for the mobile station. Total computer control of every tool in the shack. I used a relay on number 5 switch on the 4005i to control a Rigrunner 4008H. Also the CLRdsp is an absolute dream with some good parametric equalisation.

[@dennisperkinson3756]

The Rigrunner looks like a useful accessory. Have you tried using the 60-amp marine buss bars that are available online for around $8 - $10 for power distribution? They are available with 4, 6 or 8 pairs of terminals. They don't have fuses, but since just about all power cords come with fuses, this isn't a serious drawback. I have used them for several years to distribute 12-volt power in my shack.

[@jhitesma]

I've been slowly getting back into radio again (after a 15 year break) and keep picking up the things in your reference station just before you pick them :D I had picked up a samlex back in February when we has our local hamfest because my old Daiwa died a few years back (part of why I hadn't got my station back up). Then after building a phaser kit for 20m FT8 found I was really enjoying the mode - but my portable hamstick dipole was starting to frustrate me - so did a bit of research and decided to string up a MFJ-2010. The joy of having a good antenna again combined with your videos (which I found right after picking the MFJ OCFD) and the current rebate on the IC-7300 teamed up with a stimulus check to convince to me it was time to finally upgrade my old FT-747. Friday I ordered a rigrunner to clean up my DC wiring...but I went with the 4005. I would have rather had 6 outlets - but the extra $30 didn't seem worth it for 2 USB ports I have no need for and one additional output. Only bummer is I've got the itch to finally get my extra...but with the question pool about to change and the social distancing it feels like bad timing. So i'm just sticking with online studying until the new question pool comes out. If I start to feel really confident I may look into the on-line testing they're trying out but I'm definitely not ready to look into that just yet! Keep up the great work!

[@davecasler]

I still have my Yaesu FT-747 in a box in the closet. It was my primary rig for over ten years.

[@robinburke1469]

Ditto to Dave’s comment. Same rig - different closet.

[@rangersmith4652]

I just bought a 4012. Yes, it could be overkill, but it could also be a great device to cover a lot of DC bases. This afternoon I fitted a couple of old wall wart connectors with power poles to light the meter lamps on my MFJ tuners; a couple of AC wall warts I would have needed are now replaced by dual 12v output on a single set of power poles on a 5-amp DC circuit. I figure there will be other uses for the remaining outlets. Of course, I have to be careful with total amperage.

[@Shastasays]

This is exactly what I was waiting for. Thank you Dave. Very well made video as always. 73 KD9NGU

[@MoTown44240]

I think most Hams have the same "Rat's Nest" of wires behind their equipment as we saw in your video.

[@twohandsandaradio]

Wasn't the most impressive cable management that's for sure.

[@johnhelt5475]

Thank you for these awesome videos. Question: Are all the PowerPole connectors of the 40A size? Or is the input power a 40A connector and the others smaller?

[@carolmartin7042]

Thank you. What is the circuitry on the PCB? Glen N0QFT

[@stankatz01]

Could also plug your hotspots in those inputs?

[@robinburke1469]

Westmountain Radio also makes a similar unit without USB (RR/4005) for 75 USD (and 25/25/10/5/1 amp fused outputs) if you don’t need USB at the back of your radio desk. The 1A output is good for meter lights, etc. Dave is right in recommending pre-built and tested equipment for a reference station. But, IF you are good at building kits (power distribution is something you don’t want to mess around with) and money is really tight SOTABEAMS™ offers a comparable kit for about 50 USD. DX Engineering has it in the US. I live in Europe and got mine direct (for about the same price). I have no connection to any of the companies other than buying the kit which took me less than an hour. I’ve been building radios for over 50 years and opt for a kit when available but if I were just starting out I’d go with Westmountain Radio units. W2RSB | F4WCM.

[@dennisthrush2835]

Is there a 5 volt power supply that is rf quiet that can eliminate several wall worts? 73s, de N5DHT

[@bigginksu]

Another great video Dave!! So far, I've modeled my first HF station based on your reference station. I received my new Icom IC-7300 and Samlex SEC-1235M on Monday. As for an antenna, I was using a homemade EFHW with a 49:1 for my SDR and was planning to move that over to the Icom. I made my own 30A distribution panel using a circuit board, a spare 6 port fuse block, 6 pairs of anderson powerpoles, and a 30 A DC ammeter with a shunt. Quick question though... do you recommend an external antenna tuner with this Icom? I was looking at the LDG IT-100 autotuner.

[@twohandsandaradio]

Dave would recommend a resonant antenna. If you can't then the IT-100 is wonderful. Trust me it can tuna fish. The 7300 internal is only good to about 3:1. Your LDG solution will go around 10:1 or worse. Sorry didn't mean to hijack the reply just sharing my experience with the IT-100. And the KT-100 and the Z-817...yep I own 3 LDG products. Top notch.

[@RobPetty622]

A second vote for the LDG IT-100. I use it often with my 7300 when I’m not using my Icom AH-4 tuner for a long wire.

[@KB2AT]

What power are you using to power it all? I'm thinking of going same route. For hf rig and vhf/uhf radio

[@Ron-xn4wf]

Would you recommend grounding the unit ?

[@andreVE4BK]

I had that exact model… and for some reason, it got extremely HOT.

[@robquimby4376]

Would have liked to see the size of the traces so we know if it will handle 40 amps without letting out the magic smoke

[@fizickul71]

I think the design idea here is geared more toward intermittent loads up to 40A and not continuous loads. At 500W those power poles would probably heat up pretty quick.

[@tomw5vlt119]

Couple questions: 1 - The Power Distribution comes with preset Fuses. Any intel on whether those Fuse sockets are interchangeable... such that if I wanted to have 25 amp fuses in each (or up a 5 amp fuse to 20 amp fuse) - and other than "total in use" simultaneously - is each fuse socket interchangable like that? Or do certain sockets have a max or ideal? 2 - Anything special about the fuses supplied with the unit, or does any 25 amp from an auto supply work as replacements or swap outs? Thanks for video.

[@davecasler]

1. They're interchangeable. It's normal to put the higher current draw devices closer to the power feed end. 2. Auto- type fuses work fine.

[@kd7lah]

What gauge of wire would you recommend? I've searched online and reference books and get wildly varying answers for the gauge of wire I should use to hook the power supply up to a distribution box like this or my radio. Thanks!

[@davecasler]

I use 12 gauge for power cords for HF radios and whatnot. 10 gauge for the main battery lines if you can.

[@kd7lah]

Thank you.

[@TonyYarusso]

Brendan Leber Part of the reason you get different answers is that it depends on *both* the current draw *and* the length of the wire run in question, so it depends on your particular setup. You can find good guides for this in the world of boat DC wiring, like this one: www.bluesea.com/resources/1437

[@twohandsandaradio]

You mention quickly grounding the WMR 4006U. It doesn't mention that in the user manual. Maybe I'm not thinking it through...if the power supply is grounded and the radio is grounded... this is just a "break" in between the too. Is it really necessary? I'm surprised the manual didn't mention it. Sorry for my confusion.

[@Drekkag]

Just a good idea to keep all metal cases at the same ground potential. That's the reason to do it. Do you have to? No. But it is a good way to prevent any chance of ground loops. Good question. 73 ad0am

[@twohandsandaradio]

@@Drekkag that's where my confusion came in... Preventing a ground loop and it looks like a way to cause one to me... Hopefully Dave sees the question and will have an answer. 73.

[@don_n5skt]

Yes, I have the same question. I have an 8 position and and Epic Power gate. If I do ground these, is that more grounding strap from those 2 devices?

[@davecasler]

I try to thoroughly ground everything. Yes, there are loops, but they are not creating any problems. I recommend erring on the side of overdoing grounding rather than underdoing it.

[@twohandsandaradio]

@@davecasler but in my limited knowledge, loops aren't a good thing?

[@fredrichhayek5994]

Budget conscious hams might consider the 4005 which is $35 less. It doesn't have USB (will one ever use?) and 5 connections not 6. 5 connections are plenty for most hams. Thanks for the great series. KG6RSZ

[@denelson83]

Besides, the RR-4006U has been out of stock for quite some time. You will need to pick something else for your power distribution panel. The closest matches are the RR-4004U and RR-4007U. 73 VE7NDE

[@DominicMazoch]

Wattmeter from Harbor Freight Tools?

[@timbacchus]

I hate wiring my airplane when I install a new com. radio because all the wires are white.

[@MickeyMinutes]

For those who may want to save a little money and don't mind a little soldering, you can try a Power Distribution Kit from K9JEB.com. They have similar functionality to the West Mountain Radio unit shown here (not as solidly build) but about $40-$50 less and you supply the labor. One hint, don't cut the solid wire used for mounting the Anderson Power Pole Connectors to the PCB too short. You want the wire long enough to fully engage the power pole and have some exposure on the opposite side of the PCB for soldering and strength. 73 KN4OET

[@donaldsmith3048]

5 volts 4 amps is great for people that use a Raspberry Pi for there radio.

[@angelhelp6819]

I didn't you I like your videos and what you talkin about this West mountain radio

[@James_Bowie]

Where's the fuse for the USB outlets?

[@lyfandeth]

Those are USB2 sockets, obsoleted for years. They should be USB3.1 as a minimum, or USB-C these days. That's an obsolete strip, easily fixed. If someone wakes up. You need a Brother P-touch for some cable labeling.

[@davecasler]

The USB are power out only. I do have a P-touch and use it for some labeling, especially for cables that disappear into the hole in the floor. Otherwise I pretty much remember what everything is for.

[@xerocool2]

half the cost www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074QMRBPB/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A2OVMUS055KMW5&psc=1

[@billlamb8944]

you have got to love goggles counters. 0 viewers and 2 likes!!

[@harvey947]

I liked the video good info until the end statement. I know many have died and it’s real I get it,but what the left has done and is doing is unforgivable. I didn’t come here for another push to summit.

[@margaqrt]

I do not agree with the immense hype about anderson power plugs and popularity of these units. It's a gimmick. Power cords for all newly bought transceivers include fuses within inches of their bare flying leads. Viewers are going to wind up double fusing their equipment after seeing this. What happened to terminating your power lines with crimp automotive connectors and binding posts? These units and the connectors are very expensive. And for the MFJ 12V DC power strip all the new general has to do is stick the power leads into the banana posts.

[@mwechtal]

Those MFJ binding post strips are only rated for 15A total. You need 20A for just a single dual band uhf/vhf at 50W.

[@don_n5skt]

Most of the fusing on the cables supplied by the manufacturers is for mounting in a mobile situation where you are direct connecting to the battery. I personally don't mind double fusing and I know in my Flex, there is also an internal fuse which means 3 fuses. I have blown a fuse (ground) going to my 7100 but the radio is still working. At the end of the day, I want the radio to survive. To address your other concern. Anderson Power poles are great because the ends with power are not exposed for someone to touch. I hate both banana plugs and screw on terminals for this reason. We use them in Telecom for up to 100 Amp DC so it makes perfect sense to me to play it safe and spend the money for a connector that makes it harder to come into contact with live power.

[@margaqrt]

@@mwechtal That's a fair point. I haven't used one.

[@margaqrt]

@@don_n5skt The Anderson power poles have certainly taken the amateur radio community by storm. That's interesting I did assemble a rack once for an ISP headend about this time last year. If I recall, the DC backup supply connections were all Anderson. I'm employed in the low voltage/telecom industry also.