MFJ MFJ-1126, MFJ-1124, MFJ-1128, MFJ-1129 User Manual

MFJ-1124/1126/1128/1129 DC Power Outlets Instruction Manual

MFJ Deluxe DC Multi-Outlet Strips

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing an MFJ Deluxe DC Power Outlet. These are very versatile for channeling power from one DC power supply to HF or VHF radios as well as multiple accessories at the same time, using Anderson Powerpole multiple connections to the same DC power supply terminals.

The MFJ-1124, MFJ-1126, MFJ-1128 and MFJ-1129 have various complements of DC output terminals. All but the basic MFJ-1124 have both some outlets unswitched, for radios, and some switched, for station accessories. All the MFJ-1124 outlets are unswitched. In all models, every outlet is individually fused. All connections are RF bypassed to reduce line noise. The following table illustrates the four models’ configurations.

All models have a master 40-amp input fuse, limiting the combined total current draw of the outlet strip. All models except the MFJ-1124 have a meter that monitors output voltage from the power supply.

POWER RATING

Each unswitched outlet can handle up to 40 amps, but all unswitched outlets combined should not have a total of more than 40 amps. Similarly, switched accessory outlets should not have a combined total of more than 20 amps. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the equipment connected to these power strips is within these power ratings.

On all models the unswitched outlets are best used for power connections to high-current draw devices, i.e., radios.

A range of different color-coded fuses are supplied with each power strip. You may move around any of these fuses, but remember to stay within the maximum current limitations above. Check the specifications for each accessory you connect to an unswitched outlet and match the accessory’s power draw (in amps) with a fuse of the same value. Standard ATC/ATO automotive fuses are used and readily available.

These power strips cannot be used for AC applications. They do not regulate voltage or power in any way. The output to equipment depends on the input to the strip from the power supply. Maximum voltage is 24 volts at 20 amps for unswitched outlets and 10 amps for switched accessory outlets.

INSTALLATION

Choose a convenient location close to your radios and accessories, especially those that draw larger amounts of current. Make sure that the location you have chosen is cool, dry, and well ventilated.

Connect the two heavy leads from the power strip to your DC power supply. The red (+) cable should be connected to the positive (+) terminal and the black (-) cable should be connected to the negative (-) terminal of the power supply. A ground wire should be connected from the station ground bus to the ground terminal on the case of the power strip. Due to the high current involved, the ground wire should be of appropriate length and gauge for safety to equipment and the operator – a good rule of thumb is the ground wire should be as short and as large as practical.

connectors and 5-way binding posts. This alleviates the problems in making

MFJ-1124/1126/1128/1129 DC Power Outlets Instruction Manual

Model Maximum

Current

(amps)

MFJ-

1124

MFJ-

1126

MFJ-

1128

MFJ-

1129

40 4 2 6 FUSED NO NO YES

40 8 0 3 FUSED 5 FUSED YES YES YES

40 12 0 3 FUSED 9 FUSED YES YES YES

40 7 3 3 FUSED 7 FUSED YES YES YES

PowerPole

pairs

Binding

post

pairs

Un-

switched

pairs

Switched

pairs

volt

meter

On-

Off

switch

Main

fuse

POWERPOLE® CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

These units use Anderson Powerpole connectors exclusively).Your power strip package includes both plastic connector housings and terminals for making Powerpole

First, slide two connector housings together to match the configuration of the corresponding connectors on your power strip. It’s easier to do this now rather than after the wired terminals have been inserted in the housings.

You can install the Powerpole make sure you have good, solid connections. Wires smaller than 12 gauge will not allow for crimping, and must be soldered to the terminals.

To crimp, first strip the wire, making sure not to damage the wire strands. Insert the wire into the terminal and crimp. Be careful not to deform or squash the terminal body. If you do, crimp again to return it to its original shape. Otherwise, the terminal may not fit inside the housing. Be sure that you have a good firm connection to reduce resistance.

If you solder wires to the terminals, tin them lightly first. When soldering, flow solder only into the hole in which the wire is inserted. Be careful not to get any solder around the outer body of the terminal.

plugs. The terminals accommodate wires from 12 to 16 gauge.

connectors (the MFJ-1126 and MFJ-1128 use Powerpole

connectors on your wires by either soldering or crimping, as long as you

Fig 3: Correct orientation of terminal and housing.

Fig 4: Using an insertion tool to snap terminal in place. A very small, flat-blade screwdriver will work.

Fig 5: Assembled terminal and housing.

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