Acom 1010-HF Owners manual

Table of Contents

. GENERAL INFORMATION		3
-1. Introduction and Description		3
-2.	Owner Assistance	3
-3.	Equipment Supplied	3
-4.	Features	3
-5.	Safety Considerations, Explicit Definitions	4

2. INSTALLATION	5
2-1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection	5
2-2. Line Voltage Selection	6
2-3. Amplifier Location Selection	6
2-4. Connections	6
3. POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS	8
4. OPERATION	0
4-1. Turning ON and OFF	0
4-2. Changing Operate and Standby Modes
4-3. RTTY Mode
4-4. Antenna change
4-5. Tuning	2
5. MAINTENANCE	5
5-1. Cleaning	5
5-2. Fuse Replacement	5
5-3. Tube Replacement	6
5-4. Simplified Schematic Diagram	6
5-5. Service Functions	6
6. SPECIFICATIONS	7
6-1. Parameters	7

6-2.	Functions	8
6-3.	Storage and Shipment	8

. GENERAL INFORMATION

Congratulations on purchasing one of the finest HF amplifiers in the world today. ACOM is pleased that you have chosen one of our products, and we will endeavor to provide you with the information and support you need to enjoy your purchase for many years. We urge you to read all of the following materials before you embark on operating your new amplifier.

-1. Introduction and Description

This manual explains the installation, operation, and maintenance of the ACOM1010 HF linear amplifier.

The ACOM1010 is a self-contained linear amplifier that covers all amateur bands, from 1.8 through 29.7 MHz. It provides over 700-W PEP of output power (or 500 W in continuous-duty operation) with less than 60-W of drive. The amplifier is designed to tolerate VSWR levels of up to 3:1 throughout its operating range, and tuning is simplified by ACOM’s exclusive True Resistance Indicator (TRI). Also, a built-in antenna selector switch with two outputs is included to provide instant choice of antennas. Importantly, a variety of system parameters are continuously monitored and available to the operator to assure safe and efficient amplifier operation.

-2. Owner Assistance

If technical or operating assistance is needed, your local dealer should be contacted first. In the unlikely event you need further information, you may get in touch with ACOM by facsimile, telephone, email or standard mail. Fax: + 359 2 920 9656; telephone: + 359 2 920 9655; e-mail: [e-mail]; standard mail: ACOM, Bul. N.Mushanov 151, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria.

-3. Equipment Supplied

The ACOM1010 amplifier and this manual are shipped in a cardboard carton.

-4. Features

Easy operation. The plate-load True Resistance Indicator (TRI) is an ACOM innovation that provides quick and precise tuning, typically in less than 10 seconds. The auto-operate function will return the amplifier to the OPERATE mode automatically after each protection trip, saving time and avoiding manual switching.

No tuner needed. No external antenna tuner is required as long as the antenna VSWR is 3:1 or lower.

The amplifier will perform the functions of an antenna tuner, enabling you to change antennas faster and use them over wide frequency ranges.

A durable amplifier. This amplifier is both user-friendly and self-monitoring. It is designed to safely withstand up to 240 W of reflected power, up to 100 milliseconds of drive spikes (RF “tails” after a PTT or KEY release), and even operator tuning errors. It is also capable of operating at more than half its designed output power at only 75% of nominal line (mains) voltage. Because it can tolerate deep voltage drops (down to zero for 10 milliseconds) and 15% line voltage spikes, it is particularly suited for use in portable environments, such as field days and DXpeditions.

LED bar-graph display. The upper LED bar-graph always reads peak forward power while the lower LED bar-graph is for the reflected power. LED warning indicators are provided for abnormal conditions of grid 1, grid 2, and plate parameters.

Antenna selection. Two antenna outputs are selectable on the front panel of the amplifier.

Efficient tuning. Antenna matching can be achieved in less than 10 seconds and at a quarter of nominal output power, which produces lower risk of interference to other stations and greater safety to the amplifier components.

Transceiver-independent. The amplifier operates without special signaling from the transceiver; it needs only “ground on TX” and 60 W RF drive power to operate at full output power.

Input matching. Broadband input matching circuitry offers excellent loading characteristics for the driving transceiver, from 1.8MHz to 30MHz.

Single tube operation. A single Svetlana 4CX800A (GU74B) high-performance ceramic-metal tetrode with plate dissipation of 800W (forced air cooling, grid-driven) is used for maximum efficiency.

Permanent monitoring and protection of the plate and grids currents. The Bias Optimizer minimizes heat dissipated by the tube, assuring tube longevity.

High voltage protection. Design of the high-voltage power supply eliminates the danger of turn-on transientsaffectingsensitivedevicesconnectedtothesameline(mains)circuit.Moreover,theamplifiercan be configured to accommodate any of 8 nominal line voltages between 100 and 240 V, 50 or 60 Hz.

Band inclusion. The amplifier can be shipped with 10 and 12-meter capability disabled as required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for United States users. Contact your dealer about enabling those bands.

-5. Safety Considerations, Explicit Definitions

The ACOM1010 HF Linear Amplifier is a Safety Class I unit. The grounding lead (yellow with 2 green stripes) of the power cable and the ground stud on the rear panel of the amplifier (marked GND) must be connected to the station’s grounding system for safe operation. The amplifier is designed to meet internationalsafetystandardsandcomplieswithCEsafetyandelectromagneticcompatibilityrequirements, as well as FCC regulations. This operating manual contains an assortment of precautions and warnings that MUST BE FOLLOWED BY THE USER to ensure safe operation of the amplifier.

The safety definitions below apply to this operating manual:

AWARNINGis associated with a procedure that, if not properly performed, could result in a fire hazard or electric shock, with resulting injury or death to the user.

ACAUTION is associated with a procedure that, if not properly performed, could result in damage to the amplifier or other equipment.

ANOTE is associated with a procedure that, if not properly performed, could result in inconvenience or physical injury to the user.

WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE!

The amplifier works with voltages up to 3000 V dc, which are potentially LETHAL! You must unplug the amplifier from the line (mains) wall outlet and WAIT AT LEAST 30 minutes before removing the cover of the amplifier. Do not touch any part inside while the amplifier is open because dangerous voltages may remain present.

WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE!

NEVER ALLOW ANYONE, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, to push anything into the case holes or to otherwise touch the amplifier or its connecting cables. There is grave danger of fatal electrical shock. NEVER TOUCH AN ANTENNA during transmission as this may result in an electric shock or burns. NEVER EXPOSE the amplifier to rain, snow or any liquids. AVOID placing the amplifier in excessively dusty environments. DO NOT OBSTRUCT AIR INTAKE (bottom) or EXHAUST (top cover) areas of the amplifier. Keep a minimum distance of 50cm (20 inches) clear of the air exhaust opening.

WARNING

Do not undertake or perform any repair or adjustment of your amplifier yourself, including any attempt to change hardware or firmware. Doing so creates a potentially fatal shock hazard and may damage the amplifier or equipment connected to it. ACOM is not responsible for any such personal injury or equipment damage, whether caused by accident or as a result of good faith efforts at repair or adjustment.

CAUTION

To avoid damage to the amplifier not covered by ACOM’s warranty, the user is expected to read and comply with the installation instructions contained in Section 2 of this operating manual. If there are any doubts or questions concerning installation, operation or safety of the amplifier, the user should contact ACOM.

2. INSTALLATION

2-1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection

NOTE

The first step to installation is to fully read this manual. Then, carefully inspect the shipping cartons for any physical damage. ACOM ships amplifiers in highly protected containers, but it cannot assure that mistreatment by shippers will not occur. If there is any such damage, notify your ACOM dealer immediately. Failure to do so may invalidate your warranty. In any case, be sure to keep all packing materials for possible future amplifier shipment.

2-2. Line Voltage Selection

CAUTION

To avoid damage to your amplifier and to maintain your warranty coverage, be certain that the amplifier line (mains) voltage setting corresponds to your nominal line (mains) voltage.

Normally, the amplifier is delivered with the Voltage Selector set for a nominal line voltage of 240 V. If your line voltage is not 240 V, you must contact your dealer for instructions on how to change the voltage selector inside the amplifier. The only exception to this is if the unit has been custom ordered, in which case the voltage selection will be noted in the Table of Individual Data (Table 2-1, below).

AMP s/n

Tube s/n

Voltage Selector

VAC

Table 2-1. ACOM 1010 Individual Data

2-3. Amplifier Location Selection

Locate the amplifier as close as possible to where it can be used conveniently. Access to the command knobs and indicator’s area, as well as to the rear panel cabling, will be necessary.

No device that is sensitive to magnetic fields, including dynamic microphones, should be located adjacent to the right side of the amplifier, where the power transformer is mounted. The amplifier should generally be placed to the right of your transceiver. No temperature-sensitive devices should be located above the air exhaust ports. This means the amplifier should not be located under a shelf or other structure that could impede the free movement of air away from the amplifier.

DO NOT OBSTRUCT AIR INTAKE (bottom) and EXHAUST (top cover) areas of the amplifier. Keep a minimum clear distance of 50cm (20 inches) above the exhaust opening.

2-4. Connections

Before applying line (mains) voltage to your amplifier, follow the steps listed below in the order they are presented.

WARNING

Note that your grounding system may have to handle a current of more than 15 Amperes. This requires an adequately sized and well-maintained conductor of at least 4 mm2 (AWG 11 or SWG 13). If this is not the case at your operating location, you should make the necessary changes using a licensed electrician.

Fig. 2-1 Connections

a)Connect the station’s grounding system to the wing-nut ground stud of the amplifier (on the rear panel, marked GND in Fig. 2-1).

b)Connect a suitable coaxial cable between the transceiver output to the amplifier (rear panel) RF INPUT SO-239 connector, using PL-259 connector.

CAUTION

The coaxial cable from the amplifier’s output must be capable of handling the amplifier’s output power safely, particularly on the 10-meter band. It is suggested that, at a minimum, RG8X (including RG8MINI, RK50-4-11, RK50-4-13) or, even better, RG213 (including RK50-7-11) coaxial cable be used.

c)Connect a suitable coaxial cable from the antenna to the appropriate amplifier output (on the rear panel, marked ANT ANT2), using a PL-259 plug.

d)Run a shielded cable from the “ground on transmit” socket or terminal on your transceiver to the amplifier rear panel KEY-IN socket. The KEY-IN socket uses a standard RCA phono plug

NOTES

Your amplifier will not work if KEY-IN is not connected properly.

Transceiver producers assign different names to their “ground on transmit” output terminals, e.g., TXGND, SEND, T/R-LINE, etc. Some transceivers may require that “ground on transmit” be implemented by a software command, or by changing the setting of a switch on the rear panel or inside the transceiver.

Check your transceiver’s manual for more information on keying amplifiers.

e) Preparation of the wall outlet for the amplifier.