magnum S380 User Manual
AM/FM/PA 10 METER MOBILE AMATEUR TRANSCEIVER
OWNER’S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a Magnum S-3 FM/AM 10 meter transceiver. Your Magnum S-3 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 S-3 is a combination microprocessor and phase-lock loop (PLL) controlled radio combining both high RF
performance with a user-friendly front panel. The Magnum S-3 is built rugged to withstand years of use in harsh mobile
environments. Although engineered with mobile use in mind the Magnum S-3, with the addition of a high quality 10 amp
regulated power supply, may be easily adapted to fixed station operation.
IMPORTANT: The Magnum S-3 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 860-594-0200
Facsimile 860-594-0259
http://www.arrl.org
LIMITED WARRANTY
Magnum International 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:
Magnum International
PO Box 445
Issaquah, WA 98027
Registering your S-3 with 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.
3) Provides possible recovery of lost or stolen radios through our serial number tracking database.
INSTALLATION
1. Contents
Unpack and inspect your Magnum S-3 for missing or
damaged components. Your Magnum S-3 includes
the following items:
Quantity Description
1 Magnum S-3 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 Magnum S-3 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 Magnum S-3 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 Magnum S-3 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 S-3 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!
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 Magnum S-3 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
14-gauge stranded wire. Use 12-gauge wire on
longer runs.
5. Antenna Connection
The transceiver will operate using any standard 50ohm ground-plane, vertical, mobile whip, long wire
or similar antenna. The antenna should be rated at
100 watts PEP minimum. A standard SO-239 type
antenna connector is located on the rear panel of
the Magnum S-3. Connection is made using a PL259 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 Magnum
S-3. Make sure that the cable does not interfere with
the safe operation of the vehicle.
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