Remote Technologies BDSV3 - N manual Remote Audio, Description

BDSv3 / BDSv3 - N

The Remote Audio BDS (Battery Distribution System) has been the standard power management system in ENG audio bags for over a decade. Once considered a luxury, the ability to power multiple pieces of audio equipment with a single rechargeable battery is now a necessity as equipment demands become more complex. The BDS system accommodates this need with a reliable, convenient, and robust design.

Description

Remote Audio's BDS system consists of a reverse- polarity protected and overload protected distribution box with on/off switch, six outlets, power source (typically a rechargeable battery such as the NP-1), an input cable, and output cables for the devices being powered. The primary purpose of the BDS system is to simultaneously turn on and off multiple pieces of equipment being powered by a single source. For this basic function, the BDSv3/BDSv3-N may be used exactly like the older BDSv2 that it replaces. The input and output connections are the same, so all former BDS input and output cables made by Remote Audio are compatible with the BDSv3/BDSv3-N. The capacity of the box is limited to 5 Amps.

REMOTE AUDIO

220 Great Circle Road, Suite 114, Nashville, TN 37228-1737

Phone: 615.256.3513 Fax: 615.259.2699

www.remoteaudio.com

The BDSv3* design takes the system to a new level of refinement and functionality with the addition of an optional 6-pin connector for the RM (remote meter) accessory. The RM can turn on and off the BDSv3 remotely, and can display the voltage of the power source and the amperage draw of the equipment. The BDSv3 can be used without the RM remote meter. In this case, the toggle switch turns the unit on and off. When turned on, the switch illuminates.

*The BDSv3-N does not include an RM port, but is upgradable via Remote Audio.

Using the BDSv3 with the optional RM remote meter When connected to the RM remote meter, and the BDSv3 toggle switch is in the OFF position, the RM controls the on/off circuit of the BDSv3. This allows the BDSv3 box to be placed deep in the bag, out of the way. To turn the BDSv3 on or off with the RM, press and hold both buttons of the RM for three seconds. When on, the RM will display the voltage of the power source. Pressing the lower button (labeled "AMPS") will display the current draw of the devices being powered for as long as the AMPS button is pressed. If the BDSv3 toggle switch is in the on position, the RM will not turn off the BDSv3. In this case, the on-off function of the RM will only turn on and off the meter display.

Connectors and cables

The outlet connectors on the BDS box are a special switching type that requires a long shaft mating plug with a 2.5mm hole. This connector set was chosen for its strength and so that unused (exposed) outlets on the box are not active until a cable with the proper mating connector is plugged into it, helping prevent accidental short circuits. Output cables by Remote Audio are manufactured specifically for use with the BDS, and come with unique low-profile right angle locking connectors. Therefore, it is recommended that only Remote Audio brand output cables be used with the BDS system. The polarity of the outlets is "center positive". "Y" cables are available for connecting more than six devices. Input cables, battery adapters and AC-DC adapters by Remote Audio are also available.

The input connector on the BDS box is a common TA4M (miniature 4-pin male XLR) with the standard scheme of "pin-1 NEG, pin-4 POS". To improve reliability and reduce voltage drop, the contacts are doubled 1-2 and 3-4 at the circuit board. Therefore, if the user wires their own input cables, it is recommended to connect pins 1-2 and 3-4. The power indicator built into the BDS box switch can be used to confirm proper polarity of the input cable (if it illuminates, the polarity is correct).

Rev. 11/10