Input Voltage Monitoring, Installation, Design

AR-15 VOLTAGE REGULATOR / POWER CONDITIONER

the unit. This fuse will blow if the unit has been connected to a voltage that is above the range of the Extreme Voltage Shut- down circuitry. To replace it, the unit must be completely disconnected from all power and removed from its rack. The six hex head screws and two Phillips head screws holding the top cover must be removed. The internal fuse is located in a holder on the printed circuit board. Replace the fuse only with the exact same type (1/4 fast blow).

INPUT VOLTAGE MONITORING

The row of ten LED’s at the left of the front panel make up a meter that indicates INPUT VOLTAGE. Only one LED will light up at a time. There are two red LED’s at the endpoints. When lit, they indicate that the input voltage may

be above or below the point where it can be restored to the selected nominal output volt- age (though it may still be restored to a usable level) but is not high or low enough to cause an extreme voltage shutdown.

OUTPUT VOLTAGE MONITORING

A green LED labelled OUTPUT IN REGULATION indicates proper function (i.e., that the output volt- age is within ±5V of the selected output voltage). Your equipment will always work normally when this light is on, and often will work satisfactorily even when it is off.

The AR-15 offers a 10-LED bargraph line voltage meter to monitor the incoming line (the Voltage Regulator output).

INSTALLATION

Because of their toroidal transformer design, Furman Voltage Regulators may be posi- tioned near most other equipment without fear

that the other equipment will be disrupted by leakage of a strong 50/60 Hz magnetic ﬁeld. Nevertheless, suggested rack locations would be either at the top or bottom.

As with any rackmount equipment, be sure to use 10-32 machine screws for mounting in the rack’s tapped holes (this is not a metric size). In particular, beware of 10-24 screws, which may ﬁt if forced but which will strip the threads. To avoid marring the front panel ﬁnish, use plastic washers under the screw heads.

DESIGN

The AR-Series uses a design based on an eight-tap toroidal autoformer. The toroidal de- sign assures minimal leakage of stray magnetic ﬁelds, and, because of its high efﬁciency, a very compact size for its rating. The Voltage Regula- tor’s circuitry monitors the incoming line voltage with each cycle, comparing it to an extremely precise voltage reference, accurate to ±0.15%. If a voltage ﬂuctuation requires that a different tap be selected, the new tap is electronically switched exactly at the zero-crossing, to avoid distorting the AC waveform. If necessary, it can switch taps as often as once each cycle. Most commercial voltage regulators using multiple- tapped transformers switch taps at uncontrolled times, thereby creating voltage spikes and clicks that can leak into the audio! Hysteresis in the switching circuits avoids “chatter” or unnec- essary switching back and forth between adja- cent taps. Unlike those voltage regulators that employ ferro-resonant transformers, Furman Voltage Regulators are not sensitive to small errors in line frequency, making them ideal for use with generators.

MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM LOAD

AR-15 specifications

Furman Sound AR-15 is a highly regarded power conditioner specifically designed for professional audio applications. This device plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of audio and video systems by providing a stable and clean power source. One of its main features is its ability to filter out noise and voltage spikes, which can cause interference and potentially damage sensitive equipment.

One of the standout technologies in the AR-15 is its Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT). This advanced filtering process significantly reduces common-mode and differential-mode noise, ensuring that the audio signal remains pristine. The result is a dramatically improved sound quality that professionals rely on in live performances, recording studios, and broadcast applications.

Another key characteristic of the Furman AR-15 is its durable construction. Built with rugged metal housing and a design that focuses on durability, the device is well-suited for the rigors of touring and frequent relocations. Its compact 1U rack-mount design allows for easy integration into standard equipment racks, making it a convenient choice for professionals looking to streamline their setups.

The AR-15 also features a series of outlets, which include 10 filtered and surge-protected AC outlets. This allows users to connect multiple devices while ensuring they are all protected from surges and spikes. Additionally, the device has a built-in LED voltage meter that provides real-time information on the incoming voltage levels, enabling users to monitor their power conditions accurately.

To further enhance usability, the device includes a front panel with resettable circuit breakers, which provide protection against overloads while being easy to reset in case of an issue. This ensures that users can maintain uninterrupted operation, allowing for a seamless performance.

In conclusion, the Furman Sound AR-15 is a powerful and reliable tool for audio professionals. With its advanced filtering technology, durable design, and thoughtful features, it provides an essential safeguard for audio equipment, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Whether for live sound, studio recording, or broadcast applications, the AR-15 stands as a trusted partner in achieving top-notch audio quality.