June 2006
Multi award winning power management systems
Sigmas Instruction Manual
June 2006
Contents
General section
A. Introduction
B. The product
C. Installation
D. Troubleshooting
E. Specifications
F. Considerations
G. Warranty
The company A.1
The principles A.1
The execution A.1
Overview B.2
Features B.2
Safety B.3
Placement C.4
Equipment coupling C.4
Switch on C.4
System integration C.4
Fault finding D.5
Dimensions & sockets E.6
Cabling F.8
Third party products F.8
Upgrades F.8
G.9
June 2006
A. Introduction
The company
Award winning Mains Filter & Regeneration Systems
The company
The principles
The execution
IsoTek was formed in July 2001 with the vision to create high quality
mains power distribution units that moved beyond current
conventions. Through careful market analysis and extensive research
we were able to launch products that moved power distribution
forward to be recognised as an integral part of any audio or home
theatre system. Our products continue to lead the way in power
management systems, our latest GII range galvanises our commitment
to pursue excellence at every level.
We believe all products benefit from their own clean power supply,
therefore we advocated the concept of using (smaller) individual filters
on each component, with these being specifically designed for their
purpose. This dramatically reduces and stops component cross
contamination and dispels the belief that one size fits all. Every single
component used in our designs is extensively tested for quality,
reliability and purpose. Our circuit designs are extensively ‘field’ tested
before coming to market so we can guarantee the widest compatibility
with third party products.
Within the market of premium audio it is vital to offer exceptional
performance and value for money. Products must be made to the
highest of standards, be reliable and attractive. A manufacturer must
offer exceptional service, dealer training, support and undertake the
very best in promotion design and literature. If all these elements are in
place customers should experience excellence at every stage. Our
continual quest is to meet these challenges.
All of our products are professionally designed, manufactured and
hand built in the UK, with deep consideration given to both style,
functionality, performance and value for money.
June 2006
B. The product
Front elevation of the unit
Product name badge
Official GII badge
High & Medium current LED
indicator lights
Overview
Features
Thank you for purchasing the Sigmas. The product you now own has
taken the award winning technologies from the GII Mini Sub/Vision and
the Titan to create a unique high quality full system solution. Sigmas
has been designed to offer the very best performance possible in a
single box ‘plug-n-play’ power conditioner. What’s more Sigmas can
be used for a complete audio or home theatre system. The Sigmas
gives an insight into what IsoTek high-end solutions offer. Within the
IsoTek product range the Sigmas sits between the GII Mini Sub/Vision
and high-end Nova & Titan.
At the rear of the unit you will note six high quality outlets, these are
individually filtered to stop components ‘talking’ to each other or
corrupting the clean supply provided by the unit. This is achieved by a
series of high quality filters on each of the outputs and a sophisticated
‘adaptive gating’ system which auto senses the requirement of filtering
products connected to the medium current outlets need.
Outputs 1 & 2 (high current) feature the ‘direct coupled design’
concepts first introduced to the field of power conditioning with the
Titan. This allows for almost unlimited transient ability, essential for
higher power rated products, such as power amplifiers, integrated
amplifiers, some ‘tube’ pre-amplifiers, projectors and plasma screens,
etc. The remaining four are suitable for all other equipment.
The Sigmas adopts the British electric ‘integrity of fusing’ system.
Therefore the 16amp Thermo-magnetic fuse switch must be engaged
first, followed by the 6amp. These are located, and can be accessed
from the underside of the front panel and eliminate any need to enter
the product. IsoTek further enhance ‘integrity of fusing’ through the use
of specialised VDR over voltage protection devices. These are specially
selected to offer over voltage safety whilst not effecting audio quality.
High quality 6 & 16Amp thermo-magnetic fusing
featuring power on/off
June 2006
20Kg
!
B. The product
All components used within Sigmas are of the highest grade or
designed by IsoTek and manufactured to MOD / Aerospace
specification and tollerance. All components are under stressed, this
gives greater longevity. These are then hand soldered onto a PCB with
silver solder. The unit is also fully star earthed.
SafetyWeight loading
In the interest of safety the unit should be placed upon its own
dedicated shelf on an audio grade equipment rack. Ensure that a
minimum distance of 50mm is allowed around the unit for sufficient
ventilation. Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the
ventilation openings with items such as newspapers, table-cloths,
curtains, etc. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles should
be placed on the unit.
The unit may be placed on top of or under other pieces of equipment,
but do not exceed a maximum weight loading of 20kg.
If you have to locate the unit on the floor we strongly recommend you
do not place the unit near heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts.
The unit should not be placed in areas which could exceed 25
degrees, for example near vacuum tube amplifiers. Good air circulation
is essential to prevent heat build up within the chassis. Do not place
the Sigmas on a soft surface, for example a rug or carpet, which could
block the ventilation intakes on the underside of the unit.
Do not let any liquids spill onto or objects fall into the chassis.
The apparatus must not be exposed to dripping or splashing and
no objects filled with liquids, such as vases should be placed on
top
.
Should either of these events happen immediately switch off the unit at
the wall socket, wait for at least one minute, unplug all other cables
and return it to your authorised IsoTek dealer for a full service.
June 2006
100 - 240V ~ 16A
The Combined max current should not exceed16A
50/60Hz
Serial No.
The Combined max current should not exceed6A
T
otal: 16A
T
otal: 6A 600- 1440VA
IsoTek®is designed & hand made in England • www.isoteksystems.com • ©2005 K. Martin & P.Dolding all rights reserved.
H
IGH VOLTAGE
N
ouser serviceable parts inside
Referto authorised personnel for servicing
1
600 -3840VA
C. Installation
Rear elevation of the unit
Professional 16Amp Neutrik inlet
Dedicated earth post
2 High power high quality outputs
4 Medium power high
quality outputs
Placement
Equipment
coupling
Switch on
Ideally the unit should be placed upon its own dedicated shelf of an
audio grade equipment rack. If this is not possible the unit may be
placed on top of or under other pieces of equipment to a maximum
weight limit of 20kg. If you have to locate the unit on the floor or in any
other location please refer to the safety section of this manual.
Once the Sigmas is placed connect the unit to a mains wall socket,
with the high quality power cable provided. The unit should then be
turned on in the following order.
The apparatus must be connected to an earthed mains
socket outlet.
With Sigmas facing you turn on the right thermo-magnetic fuse
(located under the chassis), this illuminates the right LED. Then turn on
the left thermo-magnetic fuse, again the left LED will turn on. The unit
now has full power.
Turn off all equipment you wish to have a clean mains supply, unplug
the cables relating to these from the wall socket or redundant
distribution block you may have been using and plug these into the
rear sockets of the Sigmas. Outputs 1 & 2 (marked as high current)
have been given a higher power rating and should be used for high
current devices, for example power amplifiers, integrated amplifiers,
projectors and plasma screens, etc. The remaining four are suitable for
all other equipment.
System integration
We strongly recommend that a good quality mains cable is used and
this cable is consistent throughout your system. Look for a cable with
good conductors, for example oxygen free copper. This cable should
also have a high degree of shielding from RFI. All IsoTek cables feature
these characteristics.
June 2006
D. Troubleshooting
Thermo-magnetic fuse switch
Fuse in UK three pin plug
Fault findingFuse location
One or both of the front panel LEDs is not lit and the unit gives no
power.
Check that both thermo-magnetic fuses are switched on, these can
be found under the front of the unit. A notch in the front panel gives
a visual indication to their position. Remember to switch the right
(high current) one on first, followed by the left.
Check that the mains cable is securely plugged into the unit and
the wall socket.
Check the fuse within the plug is intact (UK system only).
On rare occasions the fuse at the main distribution fuse box may
also need to be checked.
The Sigmas, remains safe even if mains polarity is reversed. However,
we would strongly recommend a simple check of mains polarity. Your
local IsoTek authorised dealer will be able to supply a product through
us to help you establish this. Mains polarity is of particular importance
in markets where European Shuko plugs are used.
Always replace fuses with the same fuse type and rating.
Please contact us directly on 01635 291357 so that we can insure that
you have the correct fusing.
June 2006
100 - 240V ~ 16A
The Combined max current should not exceed16A
50/60Hz
Serial No.
The Combined max current should not exceed6A
T
otal: 16A
T
otal: 6A 600- 1440VA
IsoTek®is designed & hand made in England • www.isoteksystems.com • ©2005 K. Martin & P.Dolding all rights reserved.
HIGH VOLTAGE
N
ouser serviceable parts inside
Referto authorised personnel for servicing
1
600 -3840VA
E. Specifications
Front & rear elevation
Dimensions
& sockets
The following information relates only to the IsoTek Sigmas. These are
original products and should not be confused with previous or ‘copy
cat’ models.
Number of outlets: 6
Type of outlets: UK, EU, and US unswitched
Standard mains inlet: 16Amp Neutrik Powercon
Mains voltage: 100 - 240V
High current outlets (electronic fused) 16Amps
Watts at 230V 3680W
Watts at 110V 1760W
Maximum transient capability (high current, 230V) 18400W
Medium current (electronic fused) 6Amps
Watts at 230V 1380W
Watts at 110V 660W
Dimensions: 444mm x 85mm x 310mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 9.5Kg
Please note, the information given in this document is correct at the
time of print. Small production changes in the course of improvement
through our ongoing research and development policy may arise. If
clarification of any point is required please refer to your local
authorised IsoTek dealer or visit www.isoteksystems.com where you
can download the very latest information.
March 2004
F. Considerations
Product examples
IsoTek Titan
IsoTek Cables
Cabling
Third party
products
Upgrades
We strongly recommend that a good quality mains cable is used and
this cable is consistent throughout your system. Look for a cable with
good conductors, for example OFC (oxygen free copper). This cable
should also have a high degree of shielding from RFI. Outside of the
UK it is not uncommon for cables of 6Amps current capability to be
connected to a 20Amp outlet. In practice this seems to be a safe
arrangement. However we strongly recommend a cable of the full
20Amps carrying capability be used, with a minimum 1.5mm squared.
IsoTek produce their own cable in standard 1.5M lengths. All cables
feature high quality connectors, OFC conductors and fully earth
shielded. This removes any chance of RFI entering the cable. Four
versions are available: Premium and Elite as well as higher current
Optimum. IsoTek 24ct high grade connectors are used in the Elite,
Optimum designs these can also be purchased individually.
Our GII range of products work well with all third party equipment
including varying cable technologies. If ‘off-the-shelf’ mains cables are
used we recommend the use of Ferrite rings to reduce RFI. We also
recommend the use of contact conditioners, for example Blue
Horizon’s Clean-IT (www.bluehorizonideas.com). Isolation devices, feet
and cones may also be used. We recommend Clearlight Audio RDC
products which we use on our higher end products, for example, Titan.
It is possible to increase the performance of the Sigmas through ideal
location and product placement, the use of isolation devices and
contact conditioners for example. The Sigmas can also be used to
run front-end only equipment with one of our dedicated power
amplifier products. For example, the introduction of a Titan for that
specific purpose. Full details can be found from your local authorised
IsoTek dealer or on our web site www.isoteksystems.com
March 2004
Please complete & send
G. Warranty
As part of our on-going commitment to the highest standards of customer service, IsoTek offers
you the opportunity to extend the standard 2 year product warranty to 3 years, free of charge.
Simply visit:
www.isoteksystems.com/register
And follow the on screen instructions. This service will automatically update your details and
give confirmation of your registration via email within 24 hours.
IsoTek will not share your personal details with any third parties without your permission.
If you do not have internet access then please forward a copy of your invoice, together with the
product serial number and your address to our UK office:
IsoTek Systems,
4 Mozzetta,
Kings Head Yard,
Winchester,
SO23 9HN
England.
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