Mirage B-34-G Instruction Manual
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Mirage B-34-G
The Mirage B-34-G is a VHF power amplifier designed for
the 144-148 MHz band. New features make it the most
useful and versatile amplifier available for the handheld
transceiver. Features include all mode compatibility
(FM/SSB/CW), wrap-around heat sink, high gain GaAsFET
preamplifier, and 1 to 8 watts input.
FEATURES
1. High output power of 30 to 35 watts.
30 to 35 watts is achieved with 1 - 8 watts input.
2. All mode compatibility (FM/SSB/CW)
In the SSB mode the time constant of the Carrier
Operated Transmit (COX) relay is set to
approximately
one second to prevent annoying relay chatter
during conversation, and achieving smooth SSB
transmission.
3. Wrap-around heat sink
The heat sink and combined case, by original design
is used for excellent heat dissipation as well as a
new smart appearance.
4. Input power from 1 to 8 watts
With an input power of 8 watts maximum, the Mirage
is
compatible with most modern handheld transceivers.
5. GaAsFET receive pre-amplifier
A built-in low noise GaAsFET receive pre-amp
enables you to enjoy a more comfortable VHF QSO with
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weak stations.
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SPECIFICATIONS
FREQUENCY : 144 TO 148MHz
RF INPUT : 1 - 8 WATTS
RF OUTPUT : 35 WATTS TYPICAL
DUTY CYCLE : INTERMITTENT
(ICAS)
MODES : FM SSB CW
RECIEVE PRE-AMP : 18db TYPICAL
KEYING : AUTOMATIC SENSING
SUPPLY VOLTAGE : 12 - 15 VOLTS DC
RF CONNECTORS : TWO (2) SO-239 UHF
SUPPLY CURRENT : 4 AMPS TYPICAL
FUSE : FAST BLOW, 8 AMP
INPUT/OUTPUT IMPEDANCE : 50 OHMS
EXPLANATION OF FEATURES
FRONT PANEL
1. ON AIR PILOT LAMP
The ON AIR pilot lamp indicates the amp is
transmitting
on the air.
2. PRE-AMP PILOT LAMP
The RX pilot lamp will illuminate when the pre-amp is
engaged. The pre-amp can be used independently
even
if the amplifier's power is off.
3. POWER ON PILOT LAMP
If the lamp is in the off position the amplifier will pass
the RF in a straight through mode. This means that
both the receive and transmit signal will bypass the internal
Mirage B-34-G Instruction Manual
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circuitry of the amplifier. If the lamp is illuminate then
the amplifier is in the standby mode and will amplify
any
signal that is supplied to its input of more than 1 watt.
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4. SSB/FM SWITCH
When in the SSB mode the amplifier will delay the
changeover time of the carrier operated transmit relay
to 1 second before disengaging. This will prevent relay
chatter as a result of working SSB or CW. In the FM
mode the relay will operate normally and disengage
once
the transmit signal is dropped.
5. PRE-AMP SWITCH
When engaged the amplifier's pre-amp will be
switched
into the circuit for receive. A sensing circuit will
disengage the pre-amp when a transmitted signal is
applied to the amplifier's input. The pre-amp may
also
work independently if the amplifiers main power
switch is off.
6. POWER ON SWITCH
When engaged, the amplifier is ready to amplify any
signal applied to its input of the proper frequency.
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BACK PANEL
7. ANT (RF OUTPUT)
The coax from your antenna is connected to this port.
8. RADIO (RF INPUT)
The coax from your radio or exciter is connected to
this port.
9. DC PWR (13.8V)
This port has two wires. The RED wire is for positive
and incorporates a FUSE holder. The BLACK wire is for
negative. The Mirage B-34-G amplifier will accept
voltages of 12 to 15 volts DC.
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INSTALLATION
The Mirage B-34-G may be mounted using the bracket
supplied 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 heat-sink to any surrounding enclosure
and an unobstructed flow from the front to back of the heatsink. Do not operate the amplifier in places where it will be
exposed to the direct rays of sun or a nearby heat source
such as heaters, radiators, etc.
CAUTION: With extended use the heat-sink becomes very
hot.
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Wiring and Operation
If it is necessary to extend the DC power leads use wire of
the
same gauge in order to avoid a voltage drop on your power
leads. Be careful that the DC power supplied is no higher
than 15 volts or damage may result. A source voltage of
13.8 volts is recommended and should be used whenever
available. Some automobiles will generate a high current
surge when started. It is recommended that the amplifier be
place in the off position when starting your vehicle.
Use a minimum length of good quality 50 ohm cable
between the radio and the amplifier. The antenna system
should have a VSWR of 1.5:1 or better for the best
performance. If used in a mobile installation, choose a good
mobile antenna which will withstand the power of this
amplifier. Be sure to check the SWR for any degrading once
the antenna has been heated by a few minutes of operation.
An antenna with a rating of 100 watts is recommended.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
The Mirage B-34-G is designed for long, trouble-free
performance and should not require extensive
troubleshooting in the field. If difficulty is encountered, check
the following before assuming the amplifier has malfunction:
1. Loose antenna or power supply connections
2. VSWR of the antenna system
3. Coaxial cables form radio to amplifier, and amplifier to
antenna
4. Output voltage of power supply
5. Power output of radio
6. Improper fuse rating
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
If you have any problem with this unit, first check the
appropriate section of this manual. If the manual does not
reference your problem or your problem is not solved by
reading the manual you may call MIRAGE at 601-323-8287.
You will be best helped if you have your unit, manual and all
information on your station handy so you can answer any
questions the technicians may ask.
You can also send questions by FAX to 601-323-6551.
Send a complete description of your problem, an explanation
of exactly how you are using your unit, and a complete
description of your station.
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B-34-G BOOSTER AMP. BLOCK CIRCUIT
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SCHEMATIC
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