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| Reviews Summary for West Mountain Radio RIGrunner 4008 |
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Reviews: 15
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Average rating: 4.5/5
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MSRP: $$79.95
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Description: A RIGrunner is the most convenient and safest way to connect all your 12 VDC equipment to a power source. It is a 13.8 VDC power panel that uses the excellent Anderson PowerPole connectors. Standardize all of your 12 VDC connections using the amateur radio ARES & RACES, RSGB, ARRL PowerPole system. The RIGrunner 4008 is rated at 40 amps maximum and has 8 outlets. It has precision indicators of over or undervoltage with an audible alert. Each outlet is fused with blown fuse illumination.
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More info: http://www.westmountainradio.com
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write your own review of the West Mountain Radio RIGrunner 4008.
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KJ4EOZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 15, 2009 06:48
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hard at 1st
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Well , I have to say at 1st I did not like the power poles but when I put 2 or 3 togther it got easy and worked very nice . This is my 1st rigrunner and I have to say im hooked !!!
I have a FT-2800m , FT-8800R & my IC-706MKIIG
And i love it . The one I got is the new 4005H
and im running the rigrunner off my Astron RS-50M . It's nice to have only one set of wires hooked to the Astron . I say if you have never used a rigrunner get one , but take your time the 1st one you do will not work out all that well but when you start knowing what your doing you will love it ..
73s all KJ4EOZ
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N5CSU
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 7, 2008 17:19
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Great!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I upgraded to the 4008 when I ran out of slots on the 4005! Both have operated flawlessly for several years. Highly recommended.
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WA1DMX
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Rating: 3/5
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Nov 10, 2008 22:59
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OK But
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently purchased the 12 position version.
The 12 v input wire which is a 10 or 12 guage wire keeps popping off the input connector while installing other connectors. I have the wire itself tye-wrapped to the power supply case so it doesn't move!!!
I wouldn't recommended this product for mobile use!!!
Otherwise.... sure beats wiring in-line fuses for each device.
Needs improvement on the method of "locking" the connectors together.
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K3CN
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 13, 2008 18:35
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Works great in this shack
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have used the West Mountain Radio RIGrunner 4008 with Anderson Powerpoles for five years now with no problems. In the shack I have 3 HF radios a scanner and VHF/UHF rig plus other equipment and a backup battery all equipment connected to the Rigrunner. Keeps things well organized and simple. I can't imagine operating without this setup. Highly Recommend!
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VE6XL
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 16, 2006 03:06
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Very well made
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This power panel is very practical.
The individual outlets and fuses work great. The indicator lights and alarm function as described.
This is a great safety measure and allows multiple connections to a power supply.
VE6XL
www.ve6xl.ca
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K4GLU
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 27, 2006 15:47
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Excellent!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The units are great. Not only do I have a 4008 I also have a 4005 & 4012. Well built and far better than anything from MFJ. Anderson Power Poles are also excellent and while I'll have to admit it took doing a few to catch on they are now easy. You're better off soldering these instead of crimping. If you solder and run short they can be used over again - I've already done it. As far as I'm concerned you can't go wrong with any of the RIGrunners or the Anderson Power Poles!
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K2GW
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 27, 2006 11:31
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Working Great for 3 Years!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The RigRunner is incredible. We've been using 4008's in our club shack, EOC and Red Cross chapter for three years and have never had a problem. Makes it real easy to pull a rig for maintenance or to add in emergency power. Sold my MFJ binding post bus and will never go back. You plug in 110 VAC devices, don't you? Then why put up with random hunks of wire for 12 VDC?
Not only does it use the ARES/RACES standard Anderson Powerpoles, it also uses commonly available ATO automotive blade fuses. Mouser Electronics carries the more difficult to find 35 and 40 Amp ones, but the lower values are in any auto parts store.
By having everything on a common 12VDC bus, you can easily switch to emergency power or even float a 12VDC gel cell (with adequate blocking diodes or other mods to the power supply) on the bus for automatic standby power.
Finally, one club member reports since he installed the 4005 in his car, he's finally able to get full power out of his rig.
If you're not using one, get one today!
73
Gary, K2GW
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AH6FC
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Rating: 3/5
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May 8, 2005 19:00
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RIGrunner good/power poles JUNK
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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The rigrunner works fine. Seems to be well built, does what it's suposed to. The "power poles," i.e. connectors, are not so hot. After a little work I got the connections made, everything "clicked" like it was suposed to. But I'm still having some difficulty keeping the power poles inserted into the Rigrunner. The Rigrunner is mounted horizontally on the end of my operating desk. I almost need to tape the power poles in to keep them in place. Even the screw-down banana plugs would be better. Had I known of this problem, I would not have purchased the unit. It's too bad. Looks good, sounds good, but doesn't work so great.
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W2NSF
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 19, 2004 08:44
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Great! Even the powerpoles...
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I've been using this system for six months, now and I find the RigRunner and PowerPoles an extremely useful and efficient way to manage your DC power hookups. I love the way you wind up with both a plug and a socket with just one type of component. No more fishing around for males and females. There is a learning curve with the connectors, but when you're done, it's well worth it. Some tips from my experience: 1) make adapters for your "lug" needs, by using short pieces of stiff, solid-conductor wire and soldered-on wire terminals; 2) after crimping AND soldering the powerpole inserts, use the smooth jaws of your crimping tool to reshape the insert back to a round shape - that will make it easier to insert into the plastic holder; 3) keep a picture of the correct insert/plastic holder configuration handy when soldering up new plugs/sockets; 4) use a large jeweler's screwdriver to assist inserting the inserts into the sockets, especially when connecting smaller, braided wire; 5) once you're happy with your completed plug configuration, put a drop of contact cement on the groove before final assembly; 6) when making free-standing plugs and sockets (I have one on my small gel cell battery as a charging adaptor) use a piece of stiff wire to make a movable plug/socket lock, by inserting it into the little holes in between the black and red sides. (Send me an email and I'll send you a photo of this.) Anyhow, I'm sold on this setup and I haven't even used the RigRunner or PowerPoles outside my shack, yet. Can't wait 'til good WX and field day. In the meantime, the DC power management inside the shack is very organized, safe, and neat.
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AE6OX
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Rating: 4/5
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Apr 17, 2004 16:52
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Nice product, but ...
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The Rigrunner is an excellent concept and well made. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Anderson Power Poles (I know, I know, there're the RACES/ARES standard, etc.). Wish West Mountain Radio would make a Rigrunner equipped with standard lug connectors instead of the power poles.
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