Remote Audio BDSv4u Manual

battery" indication with three user-selectable thresholds,
and an easily accessible "switched/unswitched" toggle.
Description
Remote Audio's BDS system consists of a reverse-polarity
protected and overload protected distribution box with
illuminated bi-color 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 BDSv4u may be used exactly like the older BDS
versions that it replaces. The input and output connections
are the same, so all previous BDS input and output cables
manufactured by Remote Audio are compatible with the
BDSv4u.
The BDSv4u design takes the system to another level of
functionality with the 6-pin connector for the RM (Remote
Meter) & RS (Remote Switch) accessories. The RM & RS
can turn on and off the BDSv3 remotely, and the RM can
display the voltage of the power source and the amperage
draw of the equipment. The BDSv4u can be used without
the RM/RS. In this case, the toggle switch turns the unit on
and off.
Using the BDSv4u with the optional RM or RS
When connected to the RM or RS, and the BDSv4u toggle
switch is in the OFF position, the RM/RS controls the on/off
circuit of the BDSv4u. This allows the BDSv4u box to be
placed deep in the bag, out of the way. To turn the BDSv4u
on or off with the RM/RS, flip the toggle on the RM/RS.
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 BDSv4u
The Remote Audio
(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
complex. The BDS system
accommodates this need with
a reliable, convenient, and
robust design. The BDSv4u
adds refinements such as a
built-in 5V @ 2A
regulated USB output
powering or charging
compatible devices, a "low-
BDS toggle switch is in the on position, the RM/RS will not turn off
the BDSv4u. 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
more 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. The polarity of the outlets is "center positive". "Y"
(10W) cables are available for connecting more than six devices.
for Input cables, battery adapters and AC-DC adapters by
Remote Audio are also available.
The BDSv4u has a standard
USB port to
charging or
anything that will run or
charge via USB, such as a
smartphone or handheld
recorder. Unlike many other
12V to 5V USB adapters,
which are limited to 1A, this
USB port is able to deliver a
regulated 5V at up to 2A
(10W). The BDSv4u's USB
port is wired to conform to
the official USB "Dedicated Charging Port" specification.
Devices that do not conform to that specification may not be
able to take full advantage of the port's 2A capability. For
instance, most Apple devices use a proprietary circuit to
charge at the maximum rate (higher current).
connected to the BDSv4u, the iPad will show a "Not
Charging" status message on the toolbar. In that case, it is
being trickle-charged when awake and charged when
sleeping or in standby mode, allowing the iPad to be run
indefinitely (or until the BDS's power source is drained).
This design choice was made to conserve battery life for
more critical functions, such as powering the recorder/mixer
in the bag. If faster charging for Apple devices is desired, we
recommend using Remote Audio's BDSUSB adapter cable,
rated for 1A @ 5V and containing Apple's proprietary circuit.
NOTE: When the USB port is at maximum capacity (2A @
5V), it is important to remember that the 2A doesn't directly
count against the 5A maximum total for the whole box, since
they are defined at different voltages. It may be easier to
think of it in terms of Watts. 2A @ 5V is equal to 10W (2 * 5),
and the entire BDSv4u is limited to 60W (5A * 12V). So, the
USB port can provide a maximum of 1/6th the total output of
the BDSv4u, or the equivalent of ~833mA at 12V, not
including the slight losses of the 5V regulator circuit.
REMOTE AUDIO
220 Great Circle Road, Suite 114, Nashville, TN 37228-1737
Phone: 615.256.3513 | F ax: 615.259.2699
facilitate
powering
www.remoteaud o.com
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