Mirage B2516-G User Manual

MIRAGE B-2516-G

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................2

INSTALLATION ...........................................................................................................................3

Front Panel Switches/LED's............................................................................................3

Rear Panel Connectors...................................................................................................3

Internal Adjustments.......................................................................................................4

TUNING PROCEDURE...............................................................................................................4

Visual Inspection & Initial Settings..................................................................................4

Setting the Idling Current................................................................................................5

Measurement of Insertion Loss.......................................................................................5

Tuning the Amplifier........................................................................................................6

Setting the Trip Points.....................................................................................................7

Adjusting The Receive Preamp.......................................................................................8

TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................................9

Technical Assistance ......................................................................................................9

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM..............................................................................................................10

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GENERAL INFORMATION

MIRAGE B-2516-G

The Mirage B-2516-G is the next generation of Power Amplifiers for 144-148 MHz. New
features make it the most useful and versatile amplifier available. Features include automatic
power shut-down circuitry for protection against high antenna VSWR, high temperature and
excessive R.F. power input. A newly designed GaAsFET receive pre-amp provides high gain and
low-noise amplification for weak signal applications. The pre-amp includes an attenuator to
reduce signal output level. This is useful in preventing Receiver Overload and subsequent
Intermodulation Distortion caused by strong signals. Provision is made for automatic or remote
(external) keying, and for remote control of all front panel functions using the Mirage RC-1 Remote
Control Unit. The Mirage B-2516-G is capable of FM, SSB, and CW operational modes.

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Range: 144 to 148 MHz
R. F. input power (Drive): 1 to 40 Watts
R. F. output power: 160 Watts with 25 Watts drive.
Duty Cycle: Intermittent (ICAS)
Modes: FM, SSB, CW
Receive Pre-amp: GaAsFet, Gain 21/15 dB-Nominal. Noise

figure less than 0.6 dB. 1 dB compression

point greater than -13 dBm input (Nominal)
VSWR Power Shut-down point: 3:1 Approximately
R.F. input Power Shut-down point: 40 Watts Nominal
Temperature Power Shut-down point: 175 Degrees F
Keying: Automatic (R.F. sensing) or

remote (external).
Input/Output Impedance: 50 ohms
R.F. connectors: SO-239 (UHF)
Remote keying connector: RCA phono
Remote control connector: 6 pin Molex
Supply voltage: 13.8 VDC (for full R.F. power output)
Supply current: 25 amps (nominal)
Fuse: Low voltage, fast blow, 35 amps
Physical Dimensions: 12 x 3 x 5 1/2 inches
Weight: 5 pounds

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MIRAGE B-2516-G

for the mode of operation.

INSTALLATION

The Mirage B-2516-G may be mounted using the brackets (supplied when request is returned
via warranty card) or simply placed in a convenient operating position. In either case, there must
be adequate ventilation for the finned heat-sink. This generally means at least 1 inch clearance
from the sink to any surrounding enclosure and an unobstructed flow from the front to the back of
the sink. CAUTION: With extended use, the heat sink becomes very hot. If it is necessary to
extend the D.C. power leads, use a minimum #8 gauge wire. Use a minimum length of qood
quality 50 ohm cable between the radio and the amplifier. The antenna system should have a
VSWR of 1.5:1 or better for best performance. The receiving pre-amp gain is set to the high value
at the factory. To switch to minimum gain, move the DIP switch located under the left side cover
near the power supply leads to the "up" position. The switch may be accessed through the twelfth
slot from the rear using an appropriate small tool. If desired, the transmit relay hold-in (hang-time)
may be changed by adjusting the potentiometer located behind the seventh slot from the rear on
the right side of the amplifier. If external amplifier keying is desired, a switched ground connection
must be provided to the center pin of the RCA phono jack.

Front Panel Switches/LED's

POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: Turns the D.C. power on or off.
SSB/FM SWITCH: Selects relay time delay

The relay drop time is lengthened for the SSB mode

of operation.
PRE-AMP ON/OFF SWITCH: Turns Pre-Amp power on or off.
POWER LED: Indicates that D. C. power is applied.
PRE-AMP LED: Indicates that the pre-amp is turned on.
TX LED: Indicates that the amplifier is keyed on.
SWR/OVERLOAD LED: Indicates amplifier shut-down due to excessive

VSWR, temperature, or R. F. drive power.

Rear Panel Connectors

RADIO (SO-239): R. F. input from radio.
ANT (SO-239): R. F. output to antenna.
RCA phono (Unmarked): Remote keying.
Molex (Unmarked): Remote control.

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