Palstar HF-2500_HF-2500_Magnum User guide

COMMANDER HF-2500

COMMANDER HF-2500 MAGNUM

Owner’s Manual

PALSTAR, INC.

Command Technologies Division

9676 N. Looney Road

Piqua, Ohio 45356

U.S.A.

Customer Service and Sales Telephone: [phone]

International: 937-773-6255

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Rev. 2.5 28 June 2010

2

Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Specifications 4

Unpacking Instructions 5

Vacuum Tube Installation 5

HV Transformer Installation 6-8

Safety Warnings and Precautions 9

Connections 10

Rear Panel View 11

Front Panel View & Tuning Procedure 12

Theory of Operation & Adjustments 14

Warranty, Service, and Returns 16

RF Deck View 17

HF-2500 HV Power Supply Schematic 18

Access Plate Illustration 19

MAGNUM HV Power Supply Schematic 20

AC Mains & Step-Start Schematic 21

Control Board Schematic 22

Tuned Input & T/R Switch Schematic 23

RF Deck Schematic 24

Amplifier Test Card 25

PHOTO APPENDIX:
Dual Meters Diagram 26
Meter Board 27
Step-Start Board 28
Power Supply 29

Introduction

The Commander HF-2500 and Commander HF-2500 MAGNUM are class AB2 linear power
amplifiers. They have been designed for operation on all amateur frequencies from 1.80 MHz
to 29.7 MHz, excluding the 30 meter band.

Two Eimac 3CPX800A7 pulse rated ceramic-metal triodes configured in a grounded grid
circuit allow for conservative operation at 1500 watts continuous carrier output. A pressurized
forced air cooled chassis, including the high voltage supply insures cool operation with high
duty cycle emission modes.

The output circuit utilizes extra heavy duty components with vernier reduction drives on all
tuning controls. Easily accessed rear panel controls allow for operator adjustment of input
VSWR and ALC.

An automatic time delay circuit, insures proper cathode conditioning before RF drive can be
applied. A protective circuit shuts down the amplifier in the event of excessive grid current. A
resistor located in the high voltage B+ circuit protects the tube in the event of an internal tube
arc. Metering function includes plate voltage, plate current, grid current and relative output.

3

4

Specifications

COMMANDER HF-2500/HF-2500 MAGNUM

HF Linear Power Amplifier

• Band Coverage: 160, 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meter amateur radio bands.

• Types of Emissions: SSB, FM, CW, AM, RTTY, SSTV.

• Driving Power Required: 20 to 60 Watts nominal at rated continuous carrier output.

• Maximum Output Power: 1500 Watts Continuous Carrier.

• Duty Cycle: 100 percent in Amateur service at 1500 watts output power

• Input impedance: 50 Ohm unbalanced

• Output Impedance: 50 Ohm unbalanced: SWR 2:1 or less

• Harmonic Suppression: Exceeds all FCC requirements

• Keying: Requires contact closure of sinking +5 VDC at 15 mA.

• Metering: Plate voltage, plate current, grid current, and relative power

• A.L.C.: Negative going, adjustable from rear panel

• Front Panel Controls: Plate metering switch; On/Off switch; Standby/Operate switch;

Tune; Load; Band selector switch.

• Rear Panel Controls: Tuned input adjustment; ALC adjustment; RF input; RF output;

ALC output; Keying; ground connection; AC power inlet.

• Tube Complement: Two Eimac 3CPX800A7 pulse rated ceramic/metal triodes.

• Cabinet Size: 18.25" W x 8.5" H x 20.75" D (46.3cm x 21.6 cm x 52.7 cm)

• Power Requirement: 200/234 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 20 Amperes

5

UNPACKING

Carefully remove the Commander HF2500/HF-2500 MAGNUM Amplifier from its shipping
carton making sure there is no damage evident from shipping. If there is any damage, notify the
delivering shipper immediately, fully describing the damage.

The HV power transformer was shipped separately, as its weight would damage the cabinet
in transit.

Do not destroy the packing material since it may be reusable later, should you require fac­tory service or need to transport the Amplifier for any other reason.

TRANSFORMER INSTALLATION

Remove the top cover from the amplifier chassis. Install the transformer following the illus­trated procedure beginning on next page (page 6).

SHIPPING BLOCK

The 3CPX800A7 tubes are shipped installed in the amplifier, held in place by a Styro­foam block. Remove the block before use.

200/234 VAC Operation

The Commander HF2500/HF-2500 MAGNUM come factory wired for 234 VAC operation.
For best operation, you should use a dedicated 234VAC main capable of supplying 20 Amps of
peak AC current.

Commander Amplifiers manufactured for export are wired for 234 VAC or 200 VAC de­pending on the final destination.

6

HF-2500 Transformer

Installation Procedure

Here is the transformer and its mounting screws

Lift the transformer into amplifier chassis

Position the transformer over the mounting holes in
the chassis and insert the provided 1/4-20 Phillips
head screws through the transformer mounting tabs
and into the threaded inserts in the chassis plate and
tighten.

Plug the connector on the transformer into the mating
one on the wiring harness. It is keyed so that it can­not be plugged in backwards. Make sure that the
connector halves are pressed together until the lock
tabs snap in place.

Plug the second connector on the transformer into the
mating one on the AC Mains PCB. It is keyed so that
it cannot be plugged in backwards. Make sure that
the connector is pressed in until the lock tabs snap in
place. Re-install top cover.

This completes HF-2500

transformer installation.

HF-2500 Magnum

Transformer Installation

7

Procedure

Here is the transformer and its mount­ing screws

Lift the transformer into amplifier chassis

Position the transformer over the mounting holes
in the chassis and insert the provided 1/4-20
Phillips head screws through the transformer
mounting tabs and into the threaded inserts in the
chassis plate and tighten.

Plug the first connector on the transformer into
the mating one on the chassis wiring harness. It
is keyed so that it cannot be plugged in back­wards. Make sure that the connector halves are
pressed together until the lock tabs snap in place.

8

Plug the second connector on the transformer
into the mating one that comes from the AC
control board. It is keyed so that it cannot be
plugged in backwards. Make sure that the
connector halves are pressed together until the
lock tabs snap in place.

Dress the wires and connectors down out of
the way

This completes HF-2500 Magnum

transformer installation.

9

!! WARNING !!

CONTACT WITH VOLTAGES IN THIS AMPLIFIER CAN BE

!!! FATAL!!!

CAUTION:

• DO NOT attempt any type of service or repair on this amplifier without first removing the

AC power and allowing AT LEAST 10 MINUTES FOR THE HIGH VOLTAGE CAPACI-

TORS TO BLEED OFF !

• DO NOT operate this amplifier with the top or bottom covers removed. THE VOLTAGES

INSIDE THE CABINET ARE DEADLY ! EXPOSURE TO UNSHIELDED RF AT

THESE POWER LEVELS IS HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH !

• Never attempt operation without first connecting your amplifier to an appropriate antenna or

dummy load. The antenna SWR should not exceed 2:1. The dummy load should have an

impedance of 50 Ohms with sufficient power handling capability. DAMAGE TO THE AM-

PLIFIER MAY RESULT IF OPERATED WITHOUT A CONNECTION TO A PROPER

LOAD.

• NEVER OPERATE THIS AMPLIFIER WITHOUT AN EARTH GROUND CON-

NECTED TO THE REAR PANEL GROUND TERMINAL.

• Do not obstruct the ventilation holes located on the top, bottom, and sides of the cabinet.

These holes provide sufficient intake and exhaust of cooling air. SEVERE OVERHEAT-

ING AND SERIOUS DAMAGE WILL RESULT IF SUFFICIENT VENTILATION IS

NOT PROVIDED.

• Never operate any amplifier using an extension cord.