PS Unit ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
RCK1000 Main Technical Characteristics ........................................................................................... 7
Familiarization with RCK1000 Equipment ........................................................................................... 9
General ................................................................................................................................................... 29
Preparations for Operation ............................................................................................................ 29
Before putting a new RCK1000 into operation, it is necessary to calibrate
the system to obtain the correct transmit power (this calibration must
also be performed after either the exciter, or the amplifier is replaced).
Calibration instructions for the recommended exciter, RM125/RM125R,
appear in the Publication 2072-09538-00, “Radio Service Software (RSS), User’s Guide” for RSS version V3.0 or higher.
This manual covers the installation and operation of the MICOM RCK1000 1KW system. The
MICOM RM125 or RM125R, part of the MICOM-3 line of HF-SSB radio sets, is used as exciter and
controller to for the 1KW amplifier . The amplifier is powered by a separate power supply unit .
The complete 1KW transceiver system is installed in a 19” rack.
1KW System Description
The RCK1000, expands the MICOM-3 product line by offering higher transmit power (up to 1KW,
PEP and average), and thus longer reach and improved communications under bad propagation
conditions and/or strong interference.
The RCK1000 consists of three units placed in rack mounting: RM-125/RM-125R transceiver ,
1KW RF linear power amplifier and an AC-powered PS unit. The equipment is well suited for
base station applications, and can be directly connected to a wide range of broadband or tuned
antennas, including whip, dipole, traveling wave, delta, and semi-delta antennas.
The 1KW amplifier is optimized for operation in conjunction with the RM125 or RM125R radio
set as exciter and controller, using a dedicated communication interface and a flexible
handshaking protocol (interface cable kit, option G156, for connecting the 1KW amplifier to the
RM125/RM125R). The RM125/RM125R controls the 1KW amplifier operation, enables the
operator to select the nominal transmit power, and the 1KW amplifier provides ALC feedback to
adjust the RM125/RM125R drive power to the optimum level.
Protection circuits monitor the various operating conditions, and prevent damage to the 1KW
system by taking appropriate action, in accordance with the detected problem.
The RCK1000 has several status indicators, and a front-panel LCD that enables the operator to
monitor the operation of the subunits: active frequency , actual forward and reflected power (or
VSWR), report problems such as the activation of protection circuits or technical malfunctions.
A serial RS-232 asynchronous interface can be used for maintenance and calibration, using any
data communication terminal , and the micom radio programming application.
The 1KW amplifier is active only in the transmit mode: when not powered, in the receive mode,
and also after the protection circuits are activated, the 1KW amplifier switches to the bypass
mode, and directly connects the radio set to the antenna system.
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Functional Description
RM-125/125R radio
RM-125/125R radio functions as an exciter in the RCK1000 system.
The RM125/RM125R radio set includes a standard MICOM-3 transceiver, with a 110/220 VAC,
50/60 Hz power supply contained in a compact chassis, suitable for installation in a 19” rack or
desktop. Internal cooling fans allow for continuous-duty data transmission and operation over a
wide temperature range. The radio set features four accessories connectors located on the rear
panel to facilitate the connection of optional accessories.
The AC input voltage range (110/220VAC, 50/60Hz) is automatically switched allowing operation
in the United States of America as well as in other countries. As a backup, the RM125/RM125R
can also operate on 13.8 VDC power from an external lead-gel or lead-acid battery, which can be
automatically charged by the internal AC power supply. When an external battery is connected,
the RM125/RM125R can continue operating on battery power during an AC mains failure. This
feature allow the RCK1000 system to continue working in lower transmit power, with the 1kw
amplifier automatically bypassed , in case of power fail.
Features :
Automatic Link Establishment per FED-1045 & MIL-STD-188-141B standards (JITC
certified).
Full interoperability with other manufacturers' radios complying with the same ALE
standards.
ISB (Independent Side Band) option (option G191).
Remote control option (options G420, G422).
A built-in voice quality system utilizes proprietary algorithms to filter out background
noises, giving users exceptional communication clarity.
Selectable bandwidth allows fine tuning for optimal voice and data communications.
Voice-activated digital squelch.
New control head features a large LCD, full-dot matrix digital display and an enhanced
keypad for programming and set-up.
Multiple language display available.
Transceiver can be controlled using PC and programming application.
Remote control configuration, allows the transceiver to be operated from a remote
location. The optional 2-wire remote control head (option G420) provides control at a
distance of up to 5 km; the G422 6-wire option enables remote control over leased lines,
optical fibers or microwave links, and thus the control range is virtually unlimited.
6888882V04
RCK1000 Owners-Guide-v4.doc
5
1KW Amplifier
The 1KW amplifier consists of the following main functions:
Linear RF power amplifier covering the HF band. The RF amplifier consists of 4
independent amplification modules, whose outputs are combined to obtain the required
RF output power. The RF drive signal, applied to the RF IN connector, is amplified to the
appropriate level, as selected on the RM125/RM125R.
Harmonic filter. This is a low-pass filter whose purpose is to attenuate harmonics and
other undesired signals at frequencies above the actual operating frequency, before the
amplified output signal is applied to the RF OUT connector. The filter has 8 sub-bands:
the filter that fits the operating frequency is automatically inserted in the transmit path.
The required frequency information is received from the RM125/RM125R; in addition, the
1KW amplifier measures the actual frequency of the RF drive signal as part of its tuning
process (if the frequency cannot be measured, the highest band is selected).
Bypass circuits. These circuits automatically bypass the 1KW amplifier and establish a
direct path between the RF IN and RF OUT connectors when power is not available, or a
critical malfunction is detected.
Control circuits. These circuits control 1KW amplifier operation, interface with the
exciter/controller unit (RM125/RM125R), and take action to protect the amplifier when
necessary.
Cooling subsystem, includes internal fans that enable operation over a wide range of
temperatures.
Overdrive Protection
The input power is automatically adjusted by an automatic level control to achieve
optimal operating conditions for the amplifier. However, if the input drive power exceeds
about 80W the protection circuits prevent damage to the 1KW amplifier by bypassing it.
High VSWR Protection
To obtain maximum forward power, the amplifier should be connected to a low VSWR
antenna system. In case of excessive VSWR, for example, because of mismatch or damage
to antenna system and/or feed cables, the ALC circuits prevent damage by reducing the
transmit power to safe values.
However, in case of excessive mismatch (for example, short or open circuit), the protection
circuits switch the 1KW amplifier to the bypass mode: in this case, the transceiver is
directly connected to the antenna.
Overheating Protection
Special circuits protect the 1KW amplifier against overheating. If the temperature is too
high to enable full-power operation, the output power is automatically halved, until the
temperature returns to normal. However, if the temperature exceeds the maximum
allowed limit and damage may be caused, the protection circuits are activated and
bypass the amplifier.
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6888882V04
Imbalance Protection
When a fault, power failure or other type of failure prevents normal operation of one or
more of its internal amplification modules, the 1KW amplifier is automatically bypassed.
PS Unit
The PS unit is a custom design that includes 6 JWS-600-48 standard power supply modules
manufactured by Lambda Inc. (see manufacturer’s manual for complete information on these
modules), contained in a compact chassis suitable for installation in 19” racks. The individual
modules automatically share the load, without any special alignments. The assembled PS unit
has been assigned a custom-design manufacturer number (YM-02-670B).
The PS unit operates on 110/220 VAC, 50/60 Hz. The AC input voltage range is automatically
switched between 110 and 220 VAC, and therefore the equipment can be used in the United
States of America as well as in other countries. Internal cooling fans enable operation over a
wide range of temperatures. The PS unit includes two independent power supply subsystems,
each providing +45V to two of the four amplification modules in the 1KW amplifier. Protection
circuits monitor each output, and provide indications on front panel indicators in case the output
voltages deviate by more than 25% from the nominal value; if an output voltage increases
beyond the maximum limit, the corresponding power supply subsystem is turned off, to prevent
damage to the 1KW amplifier.