FilterMax IV Instructions

Before you begin

 Installing and configuring the FilterMax IV is a simple process which involves connecting the unit to your radio. You will need a length of 50 ohm coax with PL-259 connectors (not supplied). If you are using a ShackLAN equipped band decoder, such as the Array Solutions Bandmaster 3, any Hamation decoder or Integrated Controller, automatic band selection is as simple as plugging in a network cable between the FilterMax IV and the decoder. No other connections are required. For stand-alone operation or use with a non-ShackLAN equipped band decoder you will also need to connect the unit to a +12vdc power source. Control from an external device is done via the Remote connector on the rear panel. Apply +12v to the pin for the desired band selection. Connector pinouts are engraved on the rear panel for easy reference. Installation steps are listed below.

 

FilterMax IV rear panel

WARNING: The FilterMax IV is designed to be installed between your radio and amplifier. If you install the filters on the output of your amplifier, the filters will be destroyed the first time you transmit through them.

Installation

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Power connection

A power connection is only required when operating the FilterMax IV stand-alone or with a non-ShackLAN equipped band decoder. Power requirements are +12-14vdc at 150 ma. The Power connector is a standard 2.1mm jack with the center pin positive. No power connection is required when operating with a ShackLAN equipped decoder as power is distributed over the network cables. A power cable is included with the unit. The wire is the white band is positive and the solid black wire is ground.

Network connection (ShackLAN)

 Connecting the FilterMax IV to a ShackLAN equipped band decoder is done by simply plugging a 6-conductor modular cable from one of the network jacks to the decoder. Older decoders use a 4-pin screw terminal connector and an adaptor is available to facilitate operation with older decoders. Two network jacks are provided to allow easy daisy-chaining of other ShackLAN units. The two jacks are connected in parallel internally and either may be used.

External control wiring

This step can be skipped if controlling the FilterMax IV with a ShackLAN compatible band decoder or only with the front panel controls. For external control you need to apply +12v to the pin on the Remote connecter for the desired band. Current required for each band is 150 milliamps. The pinouts of the Remote connector are shown to the right and also on the rear panel. The Remote connector is a standard 9-pin subminiature female D connector. The mating male plug and a connector hood are supplied with each unit.

When controlling the FilterMax IV via the Remote connector it is highly recommended that you lock the unit in Auto mode to disable the band select pushbutton switches on the front panel. This will eliminate the possibility of selecting two filters at the same time. Instructions for this are on the Configuration page under under Locking Auto Mode.

Optional band outputs

The band connections on the Remote connector may also be used as band outputs when controlling the FilterMax IV from the front panel controls or with a ShackLAN compatible band decoder. The FilterMax IV will provide approximately +10 vdc on pin for the selected band. Current on these pins should be limited to no more than 100 ma which is enough for most relays.

RF connections

There are two standard SO-239 (UHF) connectors on the rear panel for RF connections. Connect a 50 ohm cable from the RADIO connect to the antenna connector on your radio. Simarly, connect another 50 ohm cable from the AMP/ANT connector to your amplifier input or antenna switch, if no amplifier is used. DO NOT CONNECT THE FILTERMAX IV TO THE OUTPUT OF AN AMPLIFIER OR SEVERE DAMAGE WILL OCCUR 

Configuration

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Radio number

 When used in a ShackLAN system, you will need to set the radio number of the FilterMax IV so it tracks the band on the desired radio. This is done by pressing and holding the Mode button while pressing one of the band buttons for the desired radio number. The band buttons, from left to right, are numbered radio 1 to radio 4. Upon releasing the buttons the green LED for the selected radio will flash three times along with either the 15M LED or 10M LED to indicate Auto mode lock status. The FilterMax IV then returns to normal operation.

Locking Auto Mode

 When controlling the unit via the Remote connector it is possible for the external decoder to select one band while you select a different band with the front panel controls. For this reason, it is advisable to lock the FilterMax IV in Auto mode when controlling via the Remote connector. To lock the unit in Auto mode, press the 15M button while holding down the Mode button. The unit will acknowledge the command by flashing the 15M LED three times. Unlock the unit by pressing the 10M button while holding down the Mode button. The 10M LED will flash three time to indicate a successful operation.