Remote Audio Meon LiFe Cart Power System

Key Features

• All-in-one, rack mountable power system
• Single rack unit saves valuable cart space
• 20 Amp-hours
• 18 Amps of 12 V DC when plugged into 110 to 240 V AC mains
• Power ON/OFF mirrored from front for reverse-mount applications
• Convection cooling - no fan noise
• DC input for external Lead Acid battery or "EXTRA LiFe" battery modules

Internal LiFePO4 Battery

Lithium-Iron-Phosphate batteries are a relatively new technology and share common properties with all Li-Ion technologies like lower weight and smaller size than equivalent capacities in other chemistries (such as Lead Acid and NiMH). However, a key advantage of LiFePO4 when compared to other Li-Ion types is its superior thermal and chemical stability. LiFePO4 cells are virtually incombustible (even when mishandled during charge/discharge), and they can handle much higher temperatures without degrading in performance. LiFePO4 also offers a longer calendar life and higher peak-power rating than other Li-Ion designs, and it contains no toxic heavy metals

The MEON LiFe's internal battery is polyfuse-protected for a maximum output of 14A, and is protected from over-charge and over-discharge conditions

Output Connectors

There are ten DC power outlets on the back of the MEON LiFe each wired in the standard 4-pin XLR configuration of PIN 4 +, PIN 1 -. Each outlet has auto-resetting breakers to protect against overload. Three of the outlets are heavy-duty connectors each capable of supplying 9A. The remaining seven output connectors are rated for 5A each. A master 18A breaker protects against combined overload when multiple outlets are used. An entire sound cart (drawing 9A or less) can be powered through a single XLR outlet if desired. For example, if power distribution to the devices on a cart is done through a Remote Audio BDS or HOT BOXv2, a single 9A XLR outlet on the MEON LiFe can power multiple devices. Alternatively, each device being powered can be cabled directly to the MEON LiFe's ten outlets

The MEON LiFe is programmed to shut down when the output voltage reaches approximately 10V as indicated on the front display. This is to prevent over-discharge of external supplemental Lead Acid batteries that may not have their own built-in protection.

USB Connectors

Two USB connectors are available on the front of the MEON LiFe to charge or power 5VDC USB devices (such as smartphones, digital transcription recorders, etc). The two ports have a total combined capacity of 2A @ 5V (10W) and are regulated and protected from short circuits. These USB jacks are configured in such a way to charge Apple devices at the fastest rate (highest current) available

Supplemental Batteries & Charging

A supplemental battery can be used to extend runtime when AC is unavailable. An input connector (4-pin XLR Male) is provided on the back panel for connecting an external Lead Acid battery or to the MEON LiFe's supplemental "EXTRA LiFe" battery modules (available soon in 20Ah and 40Ah versions). The XLR is wired in the configuration of PIN 1&2 -, PIN 3&4 +. (To improve reliability and reduce voltage drop, the contacts are doubled.) The XLR connector is wired in parallel with the internal LiFePO4 battery, and thus is connected to the internal charger when AC is present. The internal charger is a "smart charger," and will not over-charge a Lead Acid battery. Note: Adding a supplemental battery in this fashion will increase the necessary overall charge time of the system

The indicator labeled "Charge Status" verifies that charging is taking place at either the full rate (red) or topping rate (green). A fully discharged MEON LiFe will recharge fully in approximately 3 hours. The MEON's charge/discharge controller circuitry allows it to remain connected to AC power indefinitely without fear of overcharging

Voltage Meter & Battery Testing

The MEON LiFe includes an illuminated voltmeter on the front panel which indicates the voltage at the output connectors when the MEON LiFe is turned ON. The meter is calibrated at the factory for accuracy. However, there may be some temporary drift in readings based on ambient and internal temperature (typically less than 5%). Additionally, if an RM is connected for remote metering, there may be slight differences (less than 10mV) between the MEON LiFe and the RM voltage readings, depending on the load present at the output connectors

When the MEON is turned OFF, pushing the TEST button on the front panel will show the voltage of the battery on the display panel. If AC is present, TEST will show the voltage of the internal battery charger. If AC is not present, TEST shows the voltage of the battery itself (including any connected supplemental batteries). This is a handy way to check the status of your batteries without having to power on the entire cart

Connecting The RM/RS

The MEON LiFe can be used in conjunction with Remote Audio's RM (Remote Meter) or RS (Remote Switch). The RM allows remote monitoring of voltage and current (Amps), as well as remote ON/OFF control of the MEON LiFe. The RS provides remote ON/OFF control and a low voltage indicator. Connect either device's 6-pin connector via the "Remote" port on the rear of the MEON LiFe

Noise & Shared Power Systems

It is possible to have unwanted audible noise induced into audio systems by a common (shared) power source. To optimize your system, it is recommended to use line level signals instead of mic level signals whenever practical. Also, turn phantom voltage off of all preamp inputs that are connected to non-microphone devices. If noise is still heard, unplug one device at a time from the MEON, noticing any change in noise associated with the removal of each device. If the noise goes away after unplugging a particular device, try powering that device with a separate battery. If using a separate battery causes the noise to go away, then the problem is a ground loop associated with the combination of a common power source and audio grounding schemes. Be aware that this noise will not be removed with "LC" filters found in some cart power supplies