Magnum Raptor Owner's Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a Magnum Raptor FM/AM 10 meter transceiver. Your Magnum Raptor is designed to
provide years of enjoyment and trouble-free service. There are many features and functions designed into this
transceiver. To ensure that your investment is enjoyed to its fullest extent please take a few moments and thoroughly read
this manual.

Your Magnum Raptor is a combination microprocessor and phase-lock loop (PLL) controlled radio combining both high
RF performance with a user-friendly front panel. The Magnum Raptor is built rugged to withstand years of use in harsh
mobile environments. Although engineered with mobile use in mind the Magnum Raptor, with the addition of a high quality
20 amp regulated power supply, may be easily adapted to fixed station operation.

IMPORTANT: The Magnum Raptor is designed for entry level amateur use. If the transmitter is operated in the United
States or within it’s territories a licensed amateur radio operator must be present at the station. The minimum license
class to operate 10-meter phone is Novice/Technician. If you are studying for your license and want to familiarize yourself
with the operation of the radio, the receiver may be operated with or without a licensed operator present. For more
information regarding FCC licensing, contact your nearest amateur radio dealer, or for complete details contact the
American Radio Relay League.

American Radio Relay League (ARRL)

225 Main Street

Newington, CT 06111

Telephone [phone]

Facsimile 860-594-0259

http://www.arrl.org

LIMITED WARRANTY

RF Limited / Magnum warrants this product to be free of defects for a period of one (1) year from the original date of
purchase. This warranty is non-transferable. This limited warranty is subject to repair or replacement of defective
components only. This warranty is void if the radio has been tampered with or misused.

IMPORTANT: RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT
The enclosed warranty registration form must be filled out and mailed along with a photocopy of your sales receipt within
15 days from the purchase date. If the warranty registration form and copy of your sales receipt are not received the radio
is not covered under warranty. Please fill out the enclosed warranty registration form and send it along with a copy of your
sales receipt to:

RF Limited / Magnum

PO Box 1124

Issaquah, WA 98027

Registering your Raptor with RFLimited / Magnum provides several benefits:

1) Validates your warranty.

2) Entitles you to free updates and information regarding your radio and new accessories for your radio.

INSTALLATION

1. Contents

Unpack and inspect your Raptor for missing or

damaged components. Your Raptor includes the
following items:

Quantity
1 Raptor Transceiver
1 Microphone
1 DC Power Cord with Inline Fuse
1 Mounting Bracket with Hardware
1 Microphone Hanger with Hardware Set
1 Operating Manual with Schematic/PLO
1 Warranty Registration Form

2. Microphone Hanger

The microphone hanger may be attached to the side
of the transceiver, or any other convenient location.
Locate the mounting holes on either side of the
transceiver. Use the provided screws to attach the
microphone hanger either vertically or horizontally to
the side of the transceiver.

3. Mounting

When attaching the Raptor 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 control deck for the cables. Do not pinch,
or bend sharply, the power or antenna cables. Do
not install the Raptor 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 Raptor 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 Raptor 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
substantial loss of the transmitter’s RF output. Make
sure that all of these components of your vehicle’s
electrical system are in good condition prior to
installing the transceiver.

CAUTION!
VOLTAGE EXCEEDING 15 VDC WILL DAMAGE
THE RADIO. MEASURE VOLTAGE AT BATTERY
TERMINALS, WITH VEHICLE RUNNING, PRIOR
TO INSTALLATION!

Description

Before making any electrical connections make sure

the volume (VOL) control 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 be
used so that the power to the transceiver is
disconnected when the vehicle is off. This will
eliminate the possibility of the transceiver draining
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 Raptor power cord may also be connected
directly to the battery. Connecting directly to the
battery has several benefits, the first of which is to
maximize RF output. Secondly, the battery is a very
large capacitor and will help eliminate certain types
of ambient and vehicle noise. If connecting directly
to the vehicle’s battery, additional power cable may
be required. On runs of 8 feet or less use 12-gauge
stranded wire. Use 10-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
200 watts PEP minimum. A standard SO-239 type
antenna connector is located on the rear panel of
the Raptor. 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 under adverse conditions. A non­directional 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 antennas
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 Raptor.
Make sure that the cable does not interfere with the
safe operation of the vehicle.