| The ARPRO AC Line Voltage Regulator is intended to protect computer, audio, video and other electronic equipment from problems caused by AC line voltage irregularities sags, brownouts, or overvoltages that can cause sensitive digital equipment to malfunction, or, in extreme cases, to sustain damage. It accepts single phase input AC voltages anywhere within two capture ranges, 88 to 134 or 170 to 264 volts, and converts them to the North American standard 120 volts (or, if desired, 100V). Voltages outside the ranges may be converted to usable levels, depending on how far out of range they are and what is considered usable. For example, any voltage from 80 to 267 will be converted to 120V +9, 11. The ARPRO can handle loads totalling up to 30 amperes as long as the input voltage is equal to or above 120V (low range) or 240V (high range). For voltages below that level, its capacity must be derated at approximately 250 mA per volt. Because the ARPRO requires no switching to discriminate between a nominal 120V or a nominal 240V source, it can protect against a catastrophic error in AC mains wiring (for example, in live performance situations, where each act requires a special AC configuration, accidental connection to 220V occurs surprisingly often). This feature also makes the ARPRO ideal as a component of a power distribution scheme suitable for worldwide use, accommodating national voltages of 100, 120, 220, 240, or others with equal ease and without need for readjustment. The ARPRO uses a design based on a 25tap toroidal autoformer. The toroidal design assures minimal leakage of stray magnetic fields and a highly efficient, compact package. The ARPRO's circuitry monitors the incoming line voltage with each cycle. If a voltage change requires that a different tap be selected, the new tap is electronically switched in precisely at the zerocrossing, to avoid distorting the AC waveform. If necessary, the ARPRO can switch taps as often as once each cycle. Most commercial voltage regulators using multipletapped transformers switch taps with relays at uncontrolled times, thereby creating voltage spikes! And unlike voltage regulators that employ ferroresonant transformers, the ARPRO is not sensitive to small errors in line frequency, making it ideal for use with generators. The ARPRO has twelve convenience outlets on its rear panel, and two on the front panel. All outlets are regulated, spikesuppressed, and filtered against RFI with a 3pole filter. There are no controls except a master circuit breaker, which serves as an onoff switch. Two bargraph meters each comprised of 21 LED's each indicate input voltage and output current, while three other LED's indicate proper function (i.e., that the output voltage is within ±5% of the selected voltage, or above or below that range). One or more units may be turned on remotely, either simultaneously or in sequence, with a simple low voltage switch closure. The ARPRO is housed in a double space (3.5" high and 16" deep) rackmount chassis, and weighs only 50 lbs (23 kg). It is made of extremely rugged heavygauge black powdercoated steel. Optional adjustable rear rack ears (order part number RRM2) allow it to be secured in the rear for extra stability in mounting. It is supplied with a mating female twistlock connector ready to terminate your custom supply cable. |
