Rivergate Distributing RDC-30-V0 March 23, 2004
Posted by Shannon in : Reviews , trackbackThis review is property of RochesterRC.com - Any reproduction partly or in its entirety with out express written consent is strictly prohibited.
Product reviewed: Rivergate Distributing RDC30-V0 Power Supply.
Website: http://www.rivergatedist.com
Part #: RDC30 V0
Cost: $245.00 (at time of this review)
The RDC30-V0 power converter from Rivergate converts 120 volts normal A/C to dual voltage D/C current.
The unit came packaged very nicely. There were very concise instructions and cautions included with the unit. Also, included was a registration card for your warranty. Rivergate Distributing warrants the unit for 2 years, but you MUST send the warranty card in!
The factory DC settings are:
- 13.6 vdc (low)
- 14.2 vdc (high)
Changing between the 2 voltages is as simple as pulling apart this phone style plug (plug installed = 14.2vdc | plug removed 13.6 vdc)
As a power supply, its tightly controlled regulation allows the user to operate most devices that normally operate from a “12 vdc* system”.
Protection Features
The RDC30-V0 power converter is designed with high quality components to help ensure years of continuous use.
The RDC30-V0 is protected by multiple protection features for a long, trouble-free life.
- Reverse Battery Polarity Protection
- Brown-Out Input Protection
- Over-Current Protection - cycle by cycle peak limiting as well as rated current limiting to maximize the life of the converter
- Over-Temperature Protection
In addition, it is designed with a unique “proportional” fan control circuit.
Fan speed is directly proportional to the converter’s internal ambient temperature. This enables the fan to turn on and off very slowly, minimizing unwanted fan-starting noise.
Specifications:
- Input Volts (vac): 108-132
- Frequency (Hz): 40-70
- Max Amp Draw (AC): 8
- Max Watt Draw (VA): 560 (864)
- Out Amps (DC): 30 (total draw of fixed + Variable)
- Output Volts (DC): 13.4 @ FULL LOAD
- Dimensions: W(6.45″) x L(7″) x H(3.42″)
- VO specs: 1.4 to 8 Volts @ 15 amps (max)
Setting up the RDC30-V0 was as easy as connecting the power cables of my battery chargers (CE Turbo35 GFX & Duratrax Digital IntelliPeak) to the back of the unit and then plugging the RDC30-V0 into an AC power source. The Variable Front Output is truly a great feature. For those who have only ONE Charger (with a motor break in feature), you can now break in motors and not have to interrupt your charging cycle on your charger to break a motor in. And the same goes for people who used to have the 4 cell limitations to run a motor lathe. With the VO connections on the front this problem becomes non-existent. The VO output is also able to be changed on the fly and has a digital readout so you know exactly how much juice your using to power your motor lathe or other optional accessories. The only thing to be aware of this unit has a total output of 30 amps, this included what is being drawn on the VO portion. If you are breaking a motor in or using a lathe, and it is drawing 5 amps, then you only have 25 amps usable on the fixed output portion of the supply.
Power never faltered once and we actually had 4 chargers connected to the unit at one time with a few motor break in procedures here and there.
*Note: Two chargers were set to charge at 6 amps, and the other 2 were set at 5 amps*
We would like to sincerely thank Rivergate Distributing for giving us the opportunity of reviewing such a fine power converter. It is a great addition to any R/Cer’s equipment that has a need for some serious power!
* = 12V is actually 13.8 V
This review is property of RochesterRC.com - Any reproduction partly or in its entirety with out express written consent is strictly prohibited.
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