SG-500 SMARTPOWERCUBE™ LINEAR POWER AMPLIFER User’s Manual
SGC, 13737 SE 26th Street Bellevue, WA 98005 USA • Ph: 425-746-6310, Fx: 425-746-6384, Email: sgc@sgcworld.com www.sgcworld.com
SGC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Copyright SGC 2007
Table of Contents
Warning and Safety Guidelines |
Page 1 |
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1.0 |
Introduction |
Page 2 |
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2.0 |
Specifications |
Page 2 |
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3.0 |
Cautions |
Page 3 |
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3.1 |
DC Power Supply Considerations |
Page 3 |
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3.2 |
Safety Considerations |
Page 3 |
4.0 |
Antenna Feedline Tips |
Page 4 |
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4.1 |
Antenna Characteristics |
Page 4 |
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4.2 |
Transmission Feed Lines |
Page 4 |
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4.2.1 Coaxial Cable and Routing Tips |
Page 5 |
5.0 |
Power Supplies |
Page 5 |
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5.1 |
Battery Power Supplies |
Page 5 |
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5.2 |
Alternative Power Sources |
Page 5 |
6.0 |
Front Panel Description |
Page 6 |
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6.1 |
RF Out and RF In Jacks |
Page 6 |
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6.2 |
Power On/Off Switch |
Page 6 |
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6.3 |
Power LED |
Page 6 |
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6.4 |
Power Connector |
Page 6 |
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6.5 |
Status LED Descriptions |
Page 7 |
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6.6 |
Access Connector |
Page 8 |
7.0 |
Amplifier Operation |
Page 9 |
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7.1 |
Test Transmission |
Page 9 |
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7.2 |
PTT Keying |
Page 10 |
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7.3 |
Mobile Installation |
Page 10 |
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7.4 |
SG-500 and SG-235 Interconnection |
Page 10 |
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7.5 |
Domestic vs. Export |
Page 11 |
8.0 |
Troubleshooting Guide |
Page 12 |
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8.1 |
Fault Analysis |
Page 12 |
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8.2 |
Troubleshooting Guidelines |
Page 12 |
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Test Procedure |
Page 13 |
SGC, 13737 SE 26th Street Bellevue, WA 98005 USA • Ph: 425-746-6310, Fx: 425-746-6384, Email: sgc@sgcworld.com www.sgcworld.com
SGC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Copyright SGC 2007
SGC SG-500 SmartPowerCube™ User’s Manual, Page 1
Warning!
Safety First!
The SG-500 SmartPowerCube™ is a high power amplifier capable of producing output power levels which can cause serious RF burns to anyone coming in contact with exposed antenna or feedline during transmission. These RF power levels can also cause fire, explosion, injury or even death resulting from improper or unsafe operation or installation. Observe all rules and precautions of electrical safety and adhere to the operating and installation guidance provided in this manual.
Never operate the unit with hits protective cover removed, nor attempt to modify its original circuit design and construction. Doing so may cause malfunctions and void the warranty. Ensure that any work performed on the unit be done in the presence of another person who is thoroughly trained in first aid techniques, including CPR.
Power Supply Warning!
SGC strongly advises against the use of any switched-mode or analog regulated power supply with the SG-500 amplifier, and doing so may void the product warranty. Regulated analog supplies not designed for use in the high RF fields may experience regulator circuit instability, producing damaging overvoltage conditions, or oscillation between supply and amplifier.
To remedy the power supply issue, SGC recommends the use of an unregulated 14 VDC, 50 Amp supply. A lower cost option is to use a 100-Ah lead-acid automotive/RV battery floated with a low cost charger.
SGC, 13737 SE 26th Street Bellevue, WA 98005 USA • Ph: 425-746-6310, Fx: 425-746-6384, Email: sgc@sgcworld.com www.sgcworld.com
SGC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Copyright SGC 2007
SGC SG-500 SmartPowerCube™ User’s Manual, Page 2
1.0 Introduction
The SGC SG-500 SmartPowerCube is a professional grade HF amplifier designed to provide a maximum of 500 watts PEP RF output when driven from virtually any HF transceiver – up to 150 W PEP input. This provides on the air signal levels within 3 dB of a full kW amplifier at a much lower cost. The unit has an operational frequency range of 1.6 to 24 MHz (to 30 MHz for Export version). This amplifier is the result of extensive research and design to create an affordable unit, which provides dependable operation with a minimum of controls and operator interface.
The SG-500 is ‘bullet-proof’ – fully protected by microprocessor control. This circuitry dynamically monitors all amplifier parameters and provides adjustments and protection against high VSWR, undervoltage, over-current, and high-temperature conditions. Amplifier status is visible from a row of LED indicators on the front panel. Professional-grade design and construction is utilized through the unit, with all circuit assemblies encased within the massive die-cast alloy chassis/heatsink.
PTT Keying Mode and Band Output Filter Selection can be enabled automatically, or by manual control. Band switching time is typically 15 msec or less. This automated capability is ideal for remote or unattended operating site applications. SGC’s conservatively rated amplifier design uses 8 final power transistors for full power output with minimal component stress. The small case dimensions (less than 1 cubic foot) and footprint size allow convenient desktop, mobile, and maritime installation. When used with the matching SG-235 antenna coupler, it forms the heart of an automatic all-band 500 Watt HF system.
2.0 Specifications |
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Power Output: |
500 W PEP SSB, 500 W CW 10 min. maximum without fan |
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500W CW no time limit with fan (at 50% duty cycle) |
Frequency Range: |
1.6 to 24 MHz (1.6 to 30 MHz in export version) |
Power Input: |
50 to 90 Watts (auto) 150 Watts maximum |
Band Switching: |
Manual (automatic in export version) |
Input Voltage: |
14.0 VDC (input range 10.0 to 18.0 VDC) |
Input Current: |
40A average (SSB), 90A peak (CW) |
Cooling: |
Natural air convection (optional cooling fan available) |
T/R Switching: |
10 msec. nominal |
Keying: |
PTT line (manual) or RF sensed (automatic) |
Protection: |
Input overdrive, under-voltage, out-of-band frequency input, current imbalance, |
|
over-current, over-temperature, high VSWR |
Built-In Testing: |
Microprocessor controlled LED fault indicators |
SGC, 13737 SE 26th Street Bellevue, WA 98005 USA • Ph: 425-746-6310, Fx: 425-746-6384, Email: sgc@sgcworld.com www.sgcworld.com
SGC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Copyright SGC 2007
SGC SG-500 SmartPowerCube™ User’s Manual, Page 3
Operating Modes: SSB, CW, RTTY, SITOR, ALE, SSTV, AM at 250 W
Dimensions: |
4.9” H x 12.0” D x 10.8” W |
|
(6.1” H and 13.2”D with feet) |
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(9.75” H with optional fan kit) |
Case: |
Solid cast aluminum with matte black powder coat finish |
Weight: |
21 Pounds (9.5 Kg) |
3.0 Cautions and Safety Considerations
Although you are probably anxious to get your SG-500 amplifier installed into your station and operating, we highly recommend first taking a few moments to review the information presented in this manual. It will help familiarize you with the proper preparation, installation, and operation of your new equipment. The few minutes spent now will save you much time later when you begin the more involved process of installation and getting on the air.
3.1 DC Power Supply Considerations
This amplifier is designed to be powered only from a high quality 14.0 VDC power supply providing adequate reserve current capability for the desired operational application. At 500 Watts RF power, high RF and DC current levels are present in and around equipment. We only recommend the use of high quality linear power supplies designed for RF applications. We strongly advise against the use of a switched-mode power supply for high RF application. Permanent damage to the power supply or other station equipment may occur if an improperly designed switched-mode supply is used. It is also best to use a separate, dedicated power supply for the exciter (transceiver).
A minimum of 40A, 14VDC is needed for SSB operation and 90A or better for carrier modes (AM, FM, RTTY) or high duty cycle operation. In many cases, a battery can be paralleled or “floated” with a charger or power supply for extended current reserve. However, please check with the manufacturer of the power supply because high-current diodes are sometimes needed to accomplish this. SGC recommends that only a 100-Ah, deep cycle marine/RV battery be used for this application. For commercial or high duty-cycle operation, we recommend installing the optional SGC cooling fan kit for continuous operation.
3.2 Safety Considerations
While all SGC equipment is designed with safety and ease of operation in mind, all safety and protective considerations need to be adhered to. Follow the recommended installation instructions outlined later in this manual. The 500 Watt RF energy can cause a painful burn to anyone coming into contact with a radiating antenna element, whip or open transmission line. Ensure that no person or animal comes into direct contact with the antenna or transmission line of your station.
SGC, 13737 SE 26th Street Bellevue, WA 98005 USA • Ph: 425-746-6310, Fx: 425-746-6384, Email: sgc@sgcworld.com www.sgcworld.com
SGC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Copyright SGC 2007