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onePower CQ-1500 Soft-Start Module
by WIll James
onePower is a subsidiary of Whitenton Industries, which manufactures many of the power-related widgets (including those from Juice Goose) we all see in many outboard racks. Its newest entry is the CQ series soft-start (sequential) power modules.
Features/In use
The three models in this line are the CQ-1500, the CQ-2000 and the CQ2200. I tested the CQ1500 ($293), which is one rack space high and 7" deep. It features nine standard 15 amp outlets. The outlets start-up in groups of three at two second intervals. There is also a single unswitched 15-amp outlet. All outlets are located on the rear of the unit.
The CQ-1500 also features state-of-the-art power filtration that keeps hum and buzz from outside power sources and equipment to a minimum. A voltage spike protection circuit and a current overdraw protection breaker cannot be reset. If a major spike is encountered it can be replaced at a very small charge. The overload protection can be rest by pushing the button on the overload protector (a.k.a. circuit breaker).
The CQ-1500 has a unit-on LED in green, as well as three red LEDs that display the on status of a given bank of three outlets. The module is basically a black-box-type device with the four LEDs and the on/off switch on the front. An optional remote keyed start (RC-5) for electronics can be located in a secured/locked location - eliminating the need to switch on each or all CQ-1500s individually. You can actually connect any number of them in a daisy chain to operate a sequencing of any number of electronic devices.
I wired up the onePower to one of my outboard racks, which contained some Lexicon effects processors, PreSonus compressor/gates and Klark-Teknik EQs. As the manufacturer promised, they came on in banks of three, every two seconds. The on/off switch was solid and operated quite easily, illuminating the green LED. The red LEDs showed the presence of each bank of three quite nicely.
Summary
The onePower CQ-1500 is a nice addition to any installation or studio that requires sequential start-up to avoid current over-draw and tripping of breakers. It is a rugged, well-constructed device that should provide years of service.
Contact Whitenton Industries (onePower and Juice Goose product lines) at 713-772-1404.
Will James, owner and chief engineer of Atlantis Audio and Lighting, is a contributor to Pro Audio Review.
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