Acom AA1000 Users Manual

Exhibit 8 1 -17

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International, Inc.

Exhibit 8: User’s Manual

External Radio Frequency

Power Amplifier ACOM 1000

Model 1000

157 Horse Pond Road, Sudbury, MA 01776

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Exhibit 8 2 -17

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 2

1-1. INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................................2

1-2. OWNER ASSISTANCE......................................................................................................................................... 2

1-3. EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED....................................................................................................................................... 3

1-4. FEATURES......................................................................................................................................................... 3

1-5. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS, EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS............................................................................................. 3

2. INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................4

2-1. UNPACKING AND INITIAL INSPECTION................................................................................................................4

2-2. LINE VOLTAGE SELECTION................................................................................................................................4

2-3. AMPLIFIER LOCATION SELECTION .....................................................................................................................4

2-4. CONNECTIONS ..................................................................................................................................................5

2-5. INSTALLATION OF EXTERNAL FAN.....................................................................................................................6

3. POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS .................................................................................................6

4. OPERATION......................................................................................................................................................8

4-1. TURNING ON AND OFF.....................................................................................................................................8

4-2. CHANGING OPERATE AND STANDBY MODES......................................................................................................9

4-3. TUNING ............................................................................................................................................................9

4-4 ON LINE INFORMATION SCREENS AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS. .........................................................................11

4-5 AUTO-PROTECTION SYSTEM.............................................................................................................................11

5. OFF LINE OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................11

5-1 CONTRAST AND BACKLIGHTING CONTROL ........................................................................................................12

5-2 AUTO-OPERATE ENABLING AND DISABLING ......................................................................................................12

5-3. READING AUTO-PROTECTION SIGNATURES ......................................................................................................12

6. MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................................12

6-1. CLEANING ......................................................................................................................................................12

6-2. FUSES REPLACEMENT .....................................................................................................................................12

6-3. TUBE REPLACEMENT.......................................................................................................................................13

6-4. THE ACOM1000 SIMPLIFIED SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM........................................................................................14

6-5. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................................15

7. SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................................................................15

7-1. PARAMETERS.................................................................................................................................................. 15

7-2. FUNCTIONS..................................................................................................................................................... 16

7-3. STORAGE AND SHIPMENT ................................................................................................................................16

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1-1. Introduction and Description

This manual explains the installation, operation, and maintenance of the ACOM1000 HF+6 meters linear amplifier.
The ACOM1000 is a complete and self-contained linear amplifier that covers all amateurs bands from 1.8 through
54MHz and provides over 1000W-output power with less than 60W-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 backlighted Liquid Crystal Display.
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 2 230 116, tel. + 359 2 229 147, e-mail
[e-mail] or by mail: bul. Gornobanski Nr.151, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria.

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1-3. Equipment Supplied

The ACOM1000 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 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 500W
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 75% 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.

• LCD comment display. All amplifier status indications are explained via detailed text displayed on the dot matrix
backlighted liquid crystal display (LCD). The upper-line’s strip on the LCD always reads directly peak forward power. For
OPERATE, attenuator-on, and ON/OFF conditions are provided LED indicators.

• 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. 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 60W 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 4CX800A (GU74B) Svetlana high-performance ceramic-metal tetrode with plate dissipation of 800W
(forced air cooling, grid-driven).

• 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 5 nominal line
voltages: 200, 210, 220, 230, and 240VAC, 50 or 60Hz (100, 110, and 120VAC on request).

• Continuous measuring and/or selectable monitoring of 12 most important parameters of the amplifier, exciter and
antennas via LCD.

• 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 ACOM1000 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 ACOM1000 in safe operating condition.
PRECAUTIONS:
The EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS described below apply to this operating manual:

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.

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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.

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.

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. There might be exceptions in cases of special
delivery and then the voltage set is noted in the Table of Individual Data (Table 2-1). If your power line has a different
nominal voltage, it will be necessary for you to contact your dealer.

AMP s/n
Tube s/n

Voltage Selector VAC

TABLE 2-1. ACOM 1000 INDIVIDUAL DATA

2-3. Amplifier Location Selection

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C A U T I O N

The weight of the unit is about 18kg, 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.
No magnetic-field sensitive devices should be located next to the right side of the amplifier as its power transformer is
located there. It's best to position it to the right of your transceiver. No temperature sensitive devices should be located
above the exhaust hot air area, so don't push it under a shelf. You may prefer to use the bottom scales of both variable
capacitor knobs (TUNE and LOAD) if you install it on a shelf. 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.

2-4. Connections

Connection to your station must be accomplished in the order described below, before you apply mains voltage to the
amplifier.

W A R N I N G

Note that the grounding system may have to withstand currents over 10A with insignificant voltage drop on it. Therefore,
it may be necessary to improve it considerably, i.e. to become less resistive, with heavier leads and lower-resistive
ground path. The grounding leads should be at least 4mm2 (AWG 11 or SWG 13).

Fig.2-1 Connections

a) First, connect the ground stud of the amplifier (on the rear panel, marked GND) to the station's grounding system
(Fig.2-1).
b) Connect a coaxial cable with a PL-259 plug from the transceiver output to the amplifier rear panel RF INPUT socket.

C A U T I O N

If this is the first time you will use a power amplifier in your station, pay attention to the coaxial cable type from the
amplifier's output. It must handle the increased power safely, particularly on 10 and 6 meters bands. We recommend
you use RG213 or better. Check the same for the antenna selector and tuner as well as the antenna itself (especially
multi-band trap antennas).

c) Connect a coaxial cable from the amplifier output (on the rear panel, marked RF OUTPUT) with a PL-259 plug to the
antenna selector or tuner or to the antenna for the respective band.
d) Run a cable terminated in a Phono (RCA) connector from the transceiver socket providing "ground on transmit" to the
amplifier rear panel KEY-IN socket.

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N O T E

Your amplifier will not work if KEY-IN is not connected properly.
Transceiver producers give different names to this output and they are for instance TX-GND, SEND, T/R-LINE, etc.

Some transceivers require that "ground on transmit" is implemented via a software command, or by changing the setting
of a switch on the rear panel, or interior of the transceiver. Check your transceiver's manual.
e) The KEY-OUT socket on the rear panel provides an extra control signal from the amplifier to the transceiver. It could
be used to improve the transmit/receive switching safety.
If your transceiver has a suitable input that disables transmission, we recommend that you connect it with a cable
terminated in a Phono (RCA) connector to the KEY-OUT socket of the amplifier. Transceiver producers give different
names to this input and they are for instance TX-INHIBIT, MUTE, LINEAR, etc. Check your transceiver's manual or
consult your dealer.
If your transceiver does not have such input, don't worry - the amplifier will function normally, as well and then the KEY­OUT may remain unused.
f) Preparation of wall outlet for the amplifier.

W A R N I N G

If your amplifier is only fitted with one mains fuse, it is suitable for 0-220...240 VAC electricity supplies ONLY (these
supplies are standard in the European Community). Your dealer will check that your amplifier is correctly fused before it
is shipped to you. Customers should check with a qualified electrician if the amplifier is to be used outside the country in
which it was purchased.

Due to the different standards in different countries, the mains plug is supplied and mounted by the dealer. He connects
to the mains cord end a standard mains supply plug which meets the Safety Class I units standard in your country. The
ground lead of the amplifier's power cord is colored yellow with two green stripes and the blue and brown leads are
active. When the amplifier is to be used with only one mains fuse, it is connected in series with the brown lead, which
must be the active. If you have any doubts about the correct way of connecting the wires, consult your dealer.

W A R N I N G

Before connecting the amplifier to your mains supply, be sure that the supply is correctly wired, and is adequate for the
current drawn by the amplifier (up to 10A). Make certain that the grounding lead is connected properly in the wall outlet
for the amplifier.

It is preferable that you use the wall outlet closest to the source. The installation leads should be at least 1.5mm2 (AWG
15 or SWG 17). Check if the respective fuses can handle current up to 10A, as well, as if the voltage corresponds to the
voltage for which the amplifier is set (S.2-2). If you connect the amplifier to a different mains outlet, be sure that you
check it, too.
Make sure the main Power Switch on the rear panel is in OFF position and insert amplifier's mains plug into the wall
outlet prepared for it. The amplifier remains switched off.

2-5. Installation of External Fan

This fan (Fig. 2-1) is not necessary in SSB and CW modes, nor in continuous carrier modes (RTTY, SSTV etc.) with
carrier down times of maximum 15 minutes and a subsequent pause of 3 minutes. For higher duties or ambient
temperatures the fan is recommended. The auxiliary fan (92x92mm) must be brushless type, 2...5W/24VDC. It may be
installed by your dealer or by the manufacturer on request.

3. POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

C A U T I O N

Do not turn the amplifier on for at least 2 hours after unpacking it in the room where it will be used. Pay particular
attention when you move it from a very cold into a very warm place - condensation is likely and this could result in
damage to the high voltage circuits. In such a case, wait at least 4 hours. A similar effect can occur after a rapid
warming of the operating room (for instance after switching on a powerful heater in a cold shack).

C A U T I O N