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ACOM600S
OPERATING MANUAL
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Acom ACOM600S OPERATING MANUAL

HF + 6 m LINEAR AMPLIFIER
ACOM600S
OPERATING MANUAL
Outstanding HF Power Products
Table of Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................3
2. INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................6
2-2. Amplier location selection; cooling. ............................................................................6
2-4. Installing options and connecting to external devices
(transceiver, computer etc) ........................................................................................10
3. INITIAL POWER ON AND SETTING INTO OPERATION ...........................................12
3-2. Front panel - controls and indication...........................................................................13
3-3. Initial turning on – activation of the main power supply .............................................13
4. OPERATION WITH THE AMPLIFIER ..........................................................................21
4-1. Change of modes RX / TX and Operate / Stand-by; option
4-6. Automatic protection system ......................................................................................24
5. MENUS – USEFUL INSTRUMENTS AND OPTIONS .................................................26
5-3. Menu “Selection of CAT/AUX interface” – CAT/AUX SETTINGS ..............................28
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6. REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL ..................................................................33
7. MAINTENANCE ...........................................................................................................34
7-3. Simplied schematic diagram; theory of operation ....................................................35
8. SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................40
9. DISCLAIMER of LIABILITY ........................................................................................42
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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1. Inroduction and description
This manual describes the installation, operation, and maintenance of the HF+6m solid-state
linear power amplier ACOM 600S.
ACOM 600S is a state-of-the art linear amplier which covers all amateur bands from 1.8
through 54MHz and provides more than 600 W output power (PEP or continuous carrier)
with less than 30W of drive. The working parameters of the amplier are indicated on a multi­functional, high resolution color display. The amplier control is performed with only six buttons
from the front panel, directly by CAT interface from the transceiver or remotely – by RS232 interface.
1-2. Owner assistance
If technical or operating assistance is needed, please contact your local dealer rst. In the
unlikely event you need further information, you may get in touch with ACOM as follows: fax: + 359 2 920 96 56, telephone +359 2 920 97 80, e-mail: acom@acom-bg.com, acom@mail.
orbitel.bg or by mail to: blvd. Nikola Mushanov 151, 1330 Soa, Bulgaria. The ACOM Internet
page is: www.acom-bg.com.
1-3. Equipment supplied and options
The amplier is supplied in single box, which includes:
- the amplier ACOM 600S;
- this manual with a CE declaration of compliance;
- four pieces of spare fuses;
Directly from ACOM or from your dealer you can also buy some of the following options:
- CAT interface cables for connecting the supported transceiver models (please specify
the wanted one);
1-4. Features
• 5“ (108x65mm) high resolution color display, 800x480 pixels, and 24-bits colors.
• The nal stage uses eld effect (MOSFET) transistors type MRFE6VP6300H, which,
according to their manufacturer - Freescale Semiconductor - are designed to withstand high mismatch (SWR) at the output and are intended for operation in aerospace, industrial, mobile, and radio broadcast applications.
• Compatible with all transceiver models available on the market - does not need any
special signals: „ground on transmit“ (PTT) and 30W of RF drive power is sufcient.
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• Broadband input circuit providing a perfect transceiver load with SWR below 1.2:1 (typically 1.1:1), without retuning throughout the whole frequency range from 1.8 to 54MHz.
• The overall operation of ACOM 600S is extremely simplied: the screen menus are
intuitive and easy to follow and no special skill is required from the operator when changing frequency bands.
• Possibility of automatic control – when connected to a transceiver with a CAT interface,
the amplier monitors constantly, duly follows the operating frequency, and changes
the bands accordingly.
• Even if not connected with CAT interface, the amplier monitors the frequency of the
input signal through the built-in frequency counter and automatically switches over the bands.
• Remotely controlled by RS232 interface.
• Takes care of itself during operation due to the continuously working protection circuits
in all modes.
• The operator can monitor digitally more than 10 parameters concerning the working
regime of the amplier.
• Easy maintenance – detailed data (55 parameters) about each of the last 28 hard-fault
protection trips is stored in the amplier’s nonvolatile memory.
• Convenient for expeditions and eld operation: extremely compact and light construction, extended mains voltage range 93-265VAC and 170-265VAC through changing only
the main fuses - no internal switching), limited inrush current and purely sinusoidal
consumed mains current, automatic Power Factor Correction (PFC) – all signicant
parameters in operation from unstable mains, generators etc. features achieved thanks to the built-in switching-mode power supply (SMPS).
• Perfect electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) both with the highly sensitive as well as
with the powerful appliances in the radio station (receivers, computers, more ampliers)
exceeding the standard EMC requirements due to the use of PFC and the built-in
additional radio-frequency lters.
1-5. Safety considerations, explicit denitions
The linear amplier ACOM 600S is a device. Class I of protection against electric shock, i.e.
the third grounding lead of its mains cord (colored yellow with two green stripes) and the
grounding stud on the rear panel, marked GND (Fig. 2-1), must be connected to the grounding
system of the shack for safe operation.
The ACOM 600S amplier 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 an assortment of precautions, indications for cautions, and warnings that MUST BE FOLLOWED by the user to ensure safe operation and always maintain
the ACOM 600S amplier in a safe working condition.
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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, re hazard or electric shock or lightning.
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 ACOM 600S amplier.
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 mains power voltage plus a high DC voltage up to 500V inside the ACOM 600S amplier are LETHAL! For your safety, pull the amplier power plug out of the mains wall outlet and WAIT AT LEAST three minutes EACH TIME BEFORE you remove the cover of the
amplier.
W A R N I N G HIGH VOLTAGE!
NEVER ALLOW, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, to push anything into holes in the case - this will cause ELECTRIC SHOCk! Never touch an antenna or antenna
isolators during transmission or tuning - this may result in an electric shock or burn. Never expose the amplier
to rain, snow or any liquids. Avoid placing the amplier in excessively dusty environments or in direct sunlight. DO NOT OBSTRUCT COOLING AIR movement areas.
W A R N I N G
Do not undertake your own repairs or changes in hardware or rmware of your ACOM 600S amplier. Doing so will endanger your or others‘ health or life or damage the amplier and the equipment connected to it. Such repairs or changes are not covered by warranty
and may void the warranty. The manufacturer is not
liable for any such repairs or changes. Any such repairs or changes are strictly the responsibility of the person or persons engaging therein.
C A U T I O N
To avoid damage (not covered by the warranty) please read the INSTALLATION - Section 2 of this operating manual carefully. If you have any doubts or questions regarding the installation, operation or safety of the ACOM 600S amplier, please consult your dealer immediately.
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2. INSTALLATION
2-1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection
C A U T I O N
Before you start any work on installing the ACOM 600S
amplier, please thoroughly read through this manual. First
carefully inspect the shipped carton and Its contents as described below for anything missing from the set (S. 1-3) or mechanical damages. If anything is missing or is obviously damaged (scratched, bent, smashed or something is rattling inside or moving freely when turning over, notify immediately your dealer! The delay may Infringe the warranty conditions of the carrier.
N O T E
Keep the original packing for possible future transportation.
Take out and inspect carefully the contents of the cardboard carton for possible transportation
damages. On the amplier check the chassis, the front panel, the display and the buttons
below it and on the rear panel – all connectors, the main power switch, the fuses, and the integrity of the power cable - especially at the area where it comes out from the panel.
Check in the same way the options if such have been ordered.
2-2. Amplier location selection; cooling.
Locate the amplier close to the place where it will be used. You will need an easy access to
the rear panel for connecting cables, and of course, to the buttons and the screen on the front
panel of the amplier.
The ACOM 600S operates with forced air cooling. Locate the amplier so that there are no objects or devices closer than 10cm (4”). At an ambient temperature of 40ºC (104ºF) the exhaust air can reach 65ºC (150ºF), this is why if nearby items are sensitive to heating from
outside or use forced air cooling, increase the distances accordingly.
C A U T I O N
Do not leave free papers, cloth or other light materials
around and under the amplier. They may be drawn in by
the cooling air stream and block some ventilation apertures.
Thus the amplier will get easily and frequently overheated
which may age prematurely the materials in its construction and lead to damages, not covered by the warranty.
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2-3. Connecting the amplier within the shack
W A R N I N G
Before you connect the amplier to external grounding, you should advise with a licensed electrician and check­up whether such kind of connection is allowed by the
national and local electrical code, safety rules, and
regulations in force. Simultaneous connection to the earth grounding and bonding may be inadmissible or
may fall under special requirements in some countries!
W A R N I N G
Never use the gas installation tubing as grounding.
This can cause an EXPLOSION!
W A R N I N G
Do not use the steam-heating or water-supply network tubing as grounding! Thus, you may involuntarily expose to dangerous voltage not only yourself but also other people using the same installation.
C A U T I O N
Have in mind that the grounding installation will have to withstand emergency currents above 15A with minimal voltage drop on it thus it may be necessary to improve its conductivity using heavier leads and lower-resistive grounding path. The grounding lead should be at least 4mm2 (AWG 11 or SWG 13).
For details and recommendation on the grounding and RF counterpoise system concerning the electromagnetic compatibility see also S. 3-6(g).
a) GND stud - external grounding connection of the amplier. After having made strictly all
check-ups described above, rst connect the grounding stud of the amplier (located on the rear panel and marked GND – Fig. 2-1) to the grounding system of the shack.
b) KEY-IN jack - amplier input for receive/transmit control from the transceiver.
The transceiver switches the amplier from receive mode into transmit mode (RX/TX) via grounding of the KEY-IN input.
Connect a shielded cable from the respective control output of your transceiver, providing
“ground on transmit” (PTT), to the KEY-IN input on the amplier rear panel (RCA PHONO jack socket – Fig. 2-1). Use a standard “RCA PHONO” jack plug for connection to the amplier.
The manufacturers of transceivers give different names to this output, for example: TX-GND, SEND, T/R LINE, RELAY, PTT, and others. At some transceivers “ground on transmit” output
should be activated by a software command, a menu or via changing a switch on the rear panel or inside the transceiver. See instructions in the manual of your transceiver.
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C A U T I O N
Before connecting the KEY-IN input verify the electrical specications of the transceiver control output (from its
own manual) to make sure of their compatability. The signal voltage applied by the amplier KEY-IN jack to the transceiver control output “ground on transmit” does not exceed +12.6V against ground and its closed-circuit current is below 6mA. See also S. 8-2(a).
N O T E
Your amplier will not work if the KEY-IN input is not
connected correctly. If you experience any difculty consult your dealer.
Fig. 2-1 Rear panel connections
c) KEY-OUT jack - transmit-enabling control output from amplier to the transceiver.
The KEY-OUT jack on the rear panel provides an additional control signal from amplier toward
transceiver. It can be used for improving reliability of the receive/transmit (RX/TX) switching.
When the amplier is not powered up, KEY-OUT is connected internally to KEY-IN through the contacts of a relay inside the amplier, thus always enabling transceiver transmission. Also, in Stand-by mode KEY OUT unconditionally follows the state of the KEY-IN input. When in Operate mode however, KEY-OUT follows KEY- IN only when all conditions for safe transmission have been found OK by the amplier control circuit. At detection of any risk, transmission is quickly disabled by means of opening the KEY-OUT circuit constrainedly.
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C A U T I O N
KEY-OUT is a low-powered output, this is why make sure that the signal voltage coming to it from the respective transceiver connection does not exceed 50VDC (open circuit) and that its closed-circuit current is below 20mA.
If your transceiver has a suitable input, which disables transmission unless it is grounded
externally, we recommend that you connect it to the KEY-OUT jack of the amplier. Use
shielded cable terminated with а standard “RCA PHONO” jack plug.
The manufacturers of transceivers give different names to this transceiver input, for example:
TX-INHIBIT, MUTE, LINEAR, and others. Check the manual of your transceiver. Approach
your dealer for details. If your transceiver has no such input, do not worry – ACOM 600S will
operate normally without it as well – then KEY-OUT jack can remain not connected.
d) RF INPUT – should be connected to the antenna input/output of the
transceiver.
Connect a 50-Ohm coaxial cable with a connector type PL-259 from the transceiver output
(antenna jack) to the RF INPUT jack on the rear panel of the amplier.
N O T E
When operating with the amplier, do not turn on the transceiver built-in antenna tuner (if present).
e) RF OUTPUT – should be connected to the antenna, antenna switch or tuner.
Connect a 50-Ohm coaxial cable with a connector type PL-259 from RF OUTPUT on the rear
amplier panel to the antenna switch, tuner or antenna intended for the respective frequency
band.
C A U T I O N
If you use an amplier for the rst time in your shack, pay serious attention to the size of coaxial cable from your amplier output to the antenna. The cable must be capable of handling the increased power safely, particularly on the 10m and 6m bands. This warning refers equally to the antenna switch, tuner, and the whole antenna system, for example, for multi-band antennas with resonance circuits (traps etc).
We recommend that you use coaxial cable sized as a minimum similarly to the following types:
RG8x, RG8MINI, RK50-4-11, RK50-4-13 or better still - RG213 or RK50-7-11. Consult your
local supplier of coaxial cables to make the right choice.
f) Preparation of the mains outlet for the amplier, requirements for the installation
and the mains voltage.
C A U T I O N
Before connecting your amplier to the mains, check-up
with a licensed electrician if it is properly wired and if your mains is adequate for the current which the amplier can consume at an emergency (up to10A from 200/240VAC
mains and up to 15A from 100/120VAC mains). Also, make
sure that the grounding lead is connected properly in the
wall mains outlet intended for the amplier. If subsequently you connect the amplier to a different outlet, make sure
about it as well.
It is preferable for the amplier to use the closest mains outlet. Make sure that the respective
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fuses, the voltage, and the frequency of your power mains match the ACOM 600S amplier specications (see S. 8-1(g)).
g) Mains cord – installation of mains plug and main fuses suitable for your nominal mains
voltage.
C A U T I O N
If your amplier has only one mounted mains fuse (Fig. 2-1
/ S. 7-2), it is suitable ONLY for power mains networks of the type 0-220/240VAC, which are standard in the EU.
C A U T I O N
Make sure you check whether the main fuses installed in your amplier correspond to your mains nominal voltage and if necessary replace them as described in Section 7-2!
Because of differences among standards in the different countries, the mains plug is supplied and mounted by your dealer. He connects a standard mains plug for device Class I of protection against electric shock corresponding to the national and local electrical code, safety rules, and regulations in force in your country.
C A U T I O N
The lead colored in yellow with two green stripes in the mains cord is the grounding, while the blue and brown
leads are active. When the amplier is only tted with one
mains fuse, then the fuse is connected in series with the brown lead, which must be the active.
If you have any doubt if the mains-cord leads are connected correctly in your mains plug, please consult your dealer immediately. Using a licensed electrician, the user must implement
the checks mentioned above each time the amplier is to be connected to a mains network
outside the country in which it was purchased.
2-4. Installing options and connecting to external devices (transceiver, computer
etc)
a) CAT/AUX interface - connecting and operation with various transceiver models (see
table 2-1 below and the respective menu in S. 5-3 and Fig. 5-3).
Most of the modern transceivers that provide output data of their working frequency by a
serial or parallel port or as an analogue signal (0 to 8V depending on the frequency) can be connected to the CAT/AUX interface connector of ACOM 600S. This will allow the amplier to
follow the changes of the frequency bands automatically and without any transmission, while the operator is operating with the transceiver.
For control of the amplier through the CAT/AUX interface you need a special cable between the transceiver and CAT/AUX connector (type HD-15) on the rear panel of the amplier – Fig. 2-1. Such a cable can be supplied as an option along with the amplier or you can buy it from
your dealer additionally, but you can assemble it yourself as well, using information from table
2-1 and your transceiver’s manual.
Schematics of cables for connecting to many transceiver models are readily available on the ACOM Internet page (S. 1-2).
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Table 2-1 shows the signals and the pin out of the CAT/AUX connector - rear panel of the
amplier.
Table 2-1
CAT/AUX
interface
PIN NO.
PIN NAME DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS
1 RxD Received Data TTL input 2 RxD Received Data RS232 input 3 TxD Transmitted Data RS232 output 4 TxD Transmitted Data TTL output 5 GND Ground 0 Volt
6
BAND
voltage
Analogue input 0 to +8V
7 B. data 0 Bit 0 TTL input 8 B. data 1 Bit 1 TTL input 9 B. data 2 Bit 2 TTL input
Rear panel
view
11 ON RMT Remote Pwr On
12
Debug
mode
CPU only Power
Input
+4.5 to +15V / 3mAmax
1 to 2 seconds pulse
+8 to + 15V / 0.4A
Rx/Tx control input
10 B. data 3 Bit 3 TTL input
13 kEY-IN Transmit Request
Less than +12.6V
Less than 6mA
14 kEY-OUT Transmit Enable
O.C. output, 0 to +50V
20mA maximum
15 GND Ground 0 Volt
N O T E
Due to the variety of existing CAT protocols for different
transceivers, the amplier response may be different for
some transceiver models, as described below.
- Some older transceivers employ a rather slow protocol or send frequency data with a
delay of several seconds – then the amplier response will be delayed respectively;
- In some cases, when the transceiver is powered on after the amplier, you may need to press and hold up for one second the button BAND of the amplier, up or down (Fig. 3-2), to make the transceiver inform the amplier about its frequency; in other
occasions, the transceiver transmits its frequency only on changes and you may need to move slightly the main frequency dial knob or change it in another way in order to
announce it to the amplier after an initial power turn on;
- in “split” operation, not all transceivers provide frequency data of VFO A and VFO B correctly; if your receive and transmit frequencies fall in different frequency bands (Cross Band Operation) and the amplier unnecessarily switches between them at
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each transition receive/transmit (RX/TX), you may deactivate the amplier’s CAT/AUX interface control while operating “split” (S. 5-3 and Fig. 5-3).
b) RS232 Interface. Table 2-2 shows signals and pin out of the RS232 connector on the
rear panel of the amplier.
This connector can remain unconnected until you decide to use the amplier with remote
control.
Table 2-2
RS 232 interface
PIN NO.
PIN
NAME
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS
1 - Not connected ­2 TxD Transmitted Data RS232 level output 3 RxD Received Data RS232 level input 4 - Not connected ­5 GND Ground 0 Volt 6 DSR Data Set Ready RS232 level input 7 - Not connected -
Rear panel view
8 CTS Clear To Send RS232 level input
9 - Not connected -
3. INITIAL POWER ON AND SETTING INTO OPERATION
C A U T I O N
Do not turn on the amplier for at least two hours after it
is unpacked and installed in its operating position. Pay
particular attention whenever the amplier is moved from
a very cold place to a very warm one because unseen condensation may develop and this could result in damage
to the high voltage circuits of the amplier. Under these circumstanves, do not turn on the amplier for at least 4
hours. A similar effect could occur following a rapid warming of the room, such as winter use of a powerful electric heater.
After having mounted and connected the amplier according to the instructions in Section 2 INSTALLATION and have followed all requirements, check whether mains switch on the rear panel is in turned-off position – in Fig. 2-1 the rocker of the POWER ON switch must be protruding from the side of the “ON” inscription. Afterwards insert the mains plug of the amplier into the mains outlet prepared for it. For now the amplier remains turned off.
3-1. Low-energy (waiting) mode of the power supply
Now you can put the mains switch on the rear panel in a turned-on position, pushing its rocker so that it sinks from the side of the “ON” inscription (Fig. 2-1). This will activate only the low­energy (waiting) mode of the power supply and will illuminate the red LED above button ON/
OFF on the front panel, while the main power supply is still inactive and the display is dark.
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3-2. Front panel - controls and indication
a) ON/OFF button – serves for manual (local) start up of the power supply from low-energy
(waiting) mode of the power supply (S. 3-1) into working mode, i.e. for activating of the
main power supply and starting operation with the amplier. The same button is used
also for main power supply deactivation – return into the low-energy (waiting) mode of
the power supply at ceasing operation with amplier.
b) LED indicator above the ON/FF button. The red LED indicator glowing above the ON/
OFF button at a dark display shows that mains voltage is fed from the plug, the POWER
ON switch on the rear panel (Fig 2-1) is in a turned-on position, but the power supply
is in its low-energy (waiting) mode (S. 3-1). In this mode activation of the main power
supply is expected to start operation with the amplier.
Fig. 3-1 Front panel
During operation with the amplier the display is illuminated and the red LED above the ON/
OFF button indicates the button location which can be very useful in case of fast switching off in poor light conditions.
c) Keyboard with 6 buttons for manual (local) control of the amplier. The function of each
button is prompted on the display above it. Depending on the menu displayed, the buttons may have different functions.
d) The color display shows all the relevant information about the status of the amplier.
3-3. Initial turning on – activation of the main power supply
In order to activate the main power supply at starting amplier operation, press and hold on the ON/OFF button on the front panel for one or two seconds - аbout three seconds later the display will ash and show the basic screen showing the amplier status and operation - Fig.
3-2.
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