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BDS
v3
/ BDS
v3 - N
REMOTE AUDIO
220 Great Circle Road, Suite 114, Nashville, TN 37228-1737
Phone: 615.256.3513 | Fax: 615.259.2699
www.remoteaudio.com
The Remote Audio BDS (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 more
complex. The BDS system accommodates this need with
a reliable, convenient, and robust design.
Description
Remote Audio's BDS system consists of a reverse-
polarity protected and overload protected distribution box
with 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
BDSv3/BDSv3-N may be used exactly like the older
BDSv2 that it replaces. The input and output connections
are the same, so all former BDS input and output cables
made by Remote Audio are compatible with the
BDSv3/BDSv3-N. The capacity of the box is limited to 5
Amps.
The BDSv3* design takes the system to a new level of
refinement and functionality with the addition of an
optional 6-pin connector for the RM (remote meter)
accessory. The RM can turn on and off the BDSv3
remotely, and can display the voltage of the power source
and the amperage draw of the equipment. The BDSv3
can be used without the RM remote meter. In this case,
the toggle switch turns the unit on and off.
When turned on, the switch illuminates.
*The BDSv3-N does not include an RM port, but is upgradable
via Remote Audio.
Using the BDSv3 with the optional RM remote meter
When connected to the RM remote meter, and the BDSv3
toggle switch is in the OFF position, the RM controls the
on/off circuit of the BDSv3. This allows the BDSv3 box to
be placed deep in the bag, out of the way. To turn the
BDSv3 on or off with the RM, press and hold both buttons
of the RM for three seconds. 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 BDSv3 toggle switch is in
the on position, the RM will not turn off the BDSv3. 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 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 with the BDS system. The
polarity of the outlets is "center positive". "Y" cables are
available for connecting more than six devices. Input
cables, battery adapters and AC-DC adapters by
Remote Audio are also available.
The input connector on the BDS box is a common TA4M
(miniature 4-pin male XLR) with the standard scheme of
"pin-1 NEG, pin-4 POS". To improve reliability and reduce
voltage drop, the contacts are doubled 1-2 and 3-4 at the
circuit board. Therefore, if the user wires their own input
cables, it is recommended to connect pins 1-2 and 3-4.
The power indicator built into the BDS box switch can be
used to confirm proper polarity of the input cable
(if it illuminates, the polarity is correct).
Rev. 11/10