Acom 1500 User Manual

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Exhibit 6: User’s Manual

External Radio Frequency

Power Amplifier ACOM 1500

Model 1500

Array Solutions

2611 North Beltline Rd

Suite 109

Sunnyvale, Texas 75182

USA
Tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

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Table of Contents

1. GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................... …3

1-1. Introduction and Description ................................................................ 3

1-2. Owner Assistance ................................................................................. 3

1-3. Equipment Supplied ............................................................................. 3

1-4. Features ............................................................................................... 3

1-5.Safety Considerations, Explicit Definitions ............................................. 4

2. INSTALLATION ...................................................................................... 6

2-1.Unpacking and Initial Inspection ............................................................ 6

2-2. Line Voltage Selection .......................................................................... 6

2-3. Amplifier Location Selection ................................................................. 6

2-4. Connections ......................................................................................... 7

2-5. Installation of External Fan ................................................................... 8

3. POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ......................................................... 9

4. OPERATION ......................................................................................... 11

4-1. Turning ON and OFF ........................................................................... 11

4-2. Changing Operate and Standby Modes ................................................ 11

4-3. Antenna charge .................................................................................. 12

4-4. Tuning ............................................................................................... 12

4-5. ON LINE Information Screens and Control Functions............................ 14

4-6. Auto-Protection System ...................................................................... 15

5. OFF LINE OPERATION ........................................................................... 16

5-1. Display brightness control ................................................................... 16

5-2. Auto-Operate enabling and disabling ................................................. 16

5-3. Antenna outputs

assignment...............…………………………………………………..16

5-4. Reading Auto-protection Signatures

…………………………………………………..16

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6. MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................... 17

6-1.

Cleaning………………………………………………………………………………….17

6-2. Fuses

Replacement………………………………………………………………………17

6-3. Tube

Replacement……………………………………………………………………….17

6-4. The ACOM1500 Simplified Schematic

Diagram…………………………………………17

6-5.

Troubleshooting……………………………………………………………………..…..18

7. SPECIFICATIONS……………………………………………………………………..20

7-1.

Parameters………………………………………………………………………………..20

7-2.

Functions………………………………………………………………………………….20

7-3.Storage and

Shipment……………………………………………………………………..21

NOTE

This unit has been set for 240VAC at the factory. Means is provided, however, to
reconnect it for 200/240VAC, as well as for 100/120VAC, in 10-Volt steps.

Please contact your dealer or look at the enclosed schematic diagram whenever a
change is needed.

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1-1. Introduction and Description

This manual explains the installation, operation, and maintenance of the ACOM1500 HF+6
meters linear amplifier.

The ACOM1500 is a complete and self-contained linear amplifier that covers all amateur
bands from 1.8 through 54MHz and provides over 1500W PEP (1200W continuous carrier)
output power with less than 85W exciter drive. Antenna VSWR up to 3:1 is acceptable at full
power. Tuning is substantially simplified by a plate-load True Resistance Indicator (TRI) and
by an automatically controlled input attenuator. Operating parameters are displayed by a
multi-functional high brightness vacuum fluorescent display (VFD). Full break-in
transmit/receive switching (QSK) is standard.

1-2. Owner Assistance

If assistance is needed, you should contact your local dealer first. If you still have an issue
you need to discuss with one of ACOM's specialists, the contact information is as follows: fax
+ 359 2 920 96 56, tel. + 359 2 920 96 55, e-mail [e-mail] or by mail: bul.
Nikola Mushanov Nr.151, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria.

1-3. Equipment Supplied

The ACOM1500 amplifier and this manual are shipped in a cardboard carton.

1-4. Features

• Easy to operate. The TRI is a powerful tuning aid which, together with the automatically

controlled input attenuator, helps the operator to quickly and precisely match antennas
(5-10 seconds typically). The auto-operate function (when enabled) maintains the amplifier
in OPERATE mode for you, thus saving manual operations and time.

• No heavy outboard antenna tuners required for antenna VSWR up to 3:1 (and higher on

some bands). Your amplifier will perform the functions of an antenna tuner, thus enabling
you to change antennas faster and use them over a wider frequency range (saving tuning
time).

• An amplifier that is both user-friendly, and that looks after itself. It is designed to safely

withstand up to 300W reflected power, up to 100 milliseconds duration of drive spikes, drive
RF "tails" after a PTT or KEY release, operator's inadvertent tuning errors etc. It would also not
cease to function with a "soft" AC line and would deliver more than half power at only 85% of
nominal mains voltage. It would withstand up to 10 milliseconds (down to zero) voltage
drops, and up to +15% line voltage spikes, which is important particularly when used at field
days, DXpeditions, and other portable events.

• VFD comment display. All amplifier status indications are explained via detailed text

displayed on the dot matrix high brightness vacuum fluorescent display (VFD). The
upper-line's strip on the VFD always reads peak forward power. LED indicators are provided
for: OPERATE mode, attenuation-on (ATT), transmit request (TX), the selected antenna
output (1, 2, or 3), and ON/OFF conditions.

• Antenna selection. Three antenna outputs are selectable using a button on the front

panel.

• Easy maintenance. Signatures of the amplifier internal status are stored in a nonvolatile

memory for 7 most recent auto protection trips. This information can be forwarded to your
dealer for diagnostics.

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Using an EXCEL APPLICATION (available from ACOM or your dealer free of charge) and a PC
you can decode the signatures by yourself, too.

• Less noise in the shack: the input bypassing and the vacuum antenna relays are virtually

silent even in QSK CW mode due to their special mounting.

• Less QRM and improved Electro Magnetic Compatibility during tuning. Antenna matching

can be achieved in less than 10 seconds at a quarter of nominal output power.

• Operates without special signals from the transceiver - "ground on TX" and 85W RF drive

power are sufficient.

• Broadband input matching circuit resulting in very good load to the transceiver over the

entire spectrum from 1.8MHz up to 54MHz.

• Uses a single 4CX1000A/8168 ceramic and metal radial beam tetrode with plate

dissipation of 1000W (forced air cooled, grid-driven) which is specifically designed for class
AB1 RF linear amplifiers.

• Permanent monitoring and protection of plate and grid voltages and currents, as well as

of the exhaust air temperature. The Bias Optimizer decreases the heat dissipated from the
tube, and there is automatic protection against overheating in accordance with the
specifications of the tube producer.

• An output RF Arc protection is employed. It safeguards the amplifier, antenna, antenna

selector, and tuner against severe damage in case of possible break down.

• High voltage power supply inrush current protection, which eliminates the danger of

affecting sensitive devices, connected to the same mains circuit (important when used
portable). The amplifier can be configured for 8 nominal line voltages: 100, 110, 120, 200,
210, 220, 230, and 240VAC, 50 or 60Hz.

• Continuous monitoring and/or selectable measurement of 12 most important parameters

of the amplifier, exciter, and the selected antenna via VFD.

• The amplifier can be shipped with 10 and 12 meters capability disabled as required by the

FCC for US users. Contact your dealer about enabling those bands.

1-5. Safety Considerations, Explicit Definitions

The ACOMI500 HF + 6 meters Linear Amplifier is a Safety Class I unit. The third grounding
lead of its mains cord (which is colored yellow with two green stripes) 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 international safety standards and complies with CE safety
and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well as FCC regulations.

This operating manual contains information, precautions, indications for cautions and
warnings which must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to keep the
ACOMI500 in safe operating condition.

PRECAUTIONS:

The EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS described below apply to this operating manual:

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W A R N I N G

notes call attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed,

could result in personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock.

C A U T I O N

notes call attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed,

could result in equipment damage, not only in the amplifier.

N O T E

notes call attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed, could

result in inconvenience.

W A R N I N G HIGH VOLTAGE!

The amplifier works with high voltages up to 3000V, which are LETHAL!
Also, for your safety, pull the amplifier power plug out of the mains wall
outlet and WAIT AT LEAST 30 minutes EACH TIME BEFORE you remove the
cover of the amplifier. Do not touch any part inside while the amplifier is
open because some residual voltages may still be present.

W A R N I N G HIGH VOLTAGE!

NEVER ALLOW ANYONE, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, to push anything into
holes in the case - this will cause electric shock. NEVER TOUCH AN
ANTENNA during transmission - this may result in an electric shock or
burn. NEVER EXPOSE the amplifier to rain, snow or any liquids. AVOID
placing the amplifier in excessively dusty environments or in direct
sunlight. DO NOT OBSTRUCT AIR INTAKE (rear panel) and EXHAUST (top
cover) areas of the amplifier. Keep a minimum distance of 10cm (4 inches)
to the intake and 50cm (20 inches) to the exhaust openings.

W A R N I N G

Do not undertake on your own repairs or changes in hardware or software
of the amplifier. Otherwise you may endanger your or other's health and
life or damage the amplifier and the equipment connected with it, not
covered by warranty. The manufacturer is not liable for another's actions
and responsibility shall be assumed by the doer.

C A U T I O N

To avoid damage (not covered under warranty) read the Installation ­Section 2 of this operating manual carefully. If you have any doubts about
the installation, operation or safeties of the amplifier please consult your
dealer.

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2. INSTALLATION

2-1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection

N O T E

Before you start to install the amplifier, thoroughly read this manual.
First, carefully inspect the cardboard carton and its contents for physical
damage. If damage is noticed, notify your dealer immediately. Delay may
infringe carrier's warranty conditions. Keep all packing for possible future
transportation!

2-2. Line Voltage Selection

C A U T I O N

To avoid damage (not covered under warranty), check carefully if the
voltage for which the amplifier is set corresponds to your mains nominal
voltage.

Normally the amplifier is supplied set for a nominal line voltage of 240V. 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).

Voltage Selector

Tube s/n

VAC

AMP s/n

Table 2-1. ACOM 1500 Individual Data

C A U T I O N

The current consumed by the amplifier from the line (mains) supply
should not exceed 16A from 200/240VAC and 20A from 100/120VAC.
Therefore you will have to reduce the output power to about 1000W PEP in
case of operation at 120V or lower line (mains) supply voltage.

2-3. Amplifier Location Selection

C A U T I O N

The weight of the unit is about 26.5 kg, which should preferably be
handled by two persons.

Position the amplifier near the place where it will be used. You'll need an easy access to the
command knobs and indicator's area, as well as to the rear panel cabling.