DRAKE R8A - Front Panel Description

7 Installation
UNPACKING
Carefully remove the receiver from the shipping carton
and examine it for evidence of damage. If any damage
is noted, immediately contact the transportation com-
pany responsible for delivery or return the unit to the
dealer from whom it was purchased. Keep the shipping
carton and all packing material for the transportation
company to inspect. The original carton and packing
material should be retained for repackaging should it be
necessary to return the unit. Inspect the packing material
for any accessories or printed material before storing the
box. Locate the registration card, fill out, and immedi-
ately return to the R. L. Drake Company to insure registra-
tion and validation of warranty.
LOCATION
The location of the receiver is not critical so long as
adequate clearance is provided to allow air circulation in
and around the unit. Do not cover any ventilation slots in
top cover or overheating may result. The ventilation slots
also double as a speaker grill and any blockage may
resultin poor sound quality. Foradded operating conven-
ience, the front bail may be flipped down to elevate the
front of the unit. Refer to Figure 2
Side View of Receiver
FIGURE 2 ADJUSTING FRONT BAIL
FIXED INSTALLATION
After unpacking the unit and checking the voltage select
switch for proper setting and correct fusing, connect
antenna system to the appropriate antenna input. Con-
nect AC cord to mains voltage. Connect ground system
to ground screw on rear panel of radio. Connect any
other external equipment at this time. Refer to Figure 3 for
the diagram of a typical fixed installation.
MOBILE INSTALLATION
For use in a mobile environment, the receiver includes a
fused external DC input connector. This connector is
located on the rear panel. The receiver works well with a
DC input voltage of 11-16 VDC. Typical automotive
systems supply 13.8 VDC. Due to the relatively low current
draw, the receiver may be powered from the vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket. Connect DC power cord observ-
ing the correct polarity. An internal protection device will
protect the receiver from reverse polarity hookup. Con-
nect the mobile antenna(s) to appropriate antenna
inputs). This will typically be a whip antenna with a
coaxial cable thus permitting the cable to be run under
floor mats, etc. Connect a grounding wire from the
grounding screw on the rear panel to the vehicle's chas-
sis. To further reduce current draw from the vehicle’s
battery system, it is recommended the LCD backlighting
be turned off for extended listening periods.
ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS
The receiver incorporates internal switching to allow two
separate antenna systems to be connected simulta-
neously, Refer to Figure 3, Ant 1 isa 50 Ohm , SO-239
coaxial input requiring a mating PL-259 connector. This
input would typically be used as the primary antenna
input. Antennas such as dipoles, trapped dipoles, verti-
cals and beams will provide the best results. Ant 2 is a
compression terminal type connection, providing achoice
of highimpedance (500 Ohms typical) orlow impedance
(50 Ohms typical). Antennas such aslong wires or end fed
Zepps will provide the best results. The best antenna will
depend on the frequency range and time of day for the
particular signal in question, Refer to publications such as
the ARRL Handbook or ARRL Antenna Manual (available
in most public libraries) for help on selection and/or con-
struction of the antennas mentioned above.