Array Solutions Array Solutions X8NOM2500A Amateur Radio High Frequency Linear Amplifier User Manual V eobecn popis KV zosilnovaca OM2500

Array Solutions dba Array Solutions Amateur Radio High Frequency Linear Amplifier V eobecn popis KV zosilnovaca OM2500

Contents

OM2500 Manual version of OM2500A

                                             Instruction Manual        OM2500 HF  SHORTWAVE POWER AMPLIFIER  OM POWER,  s. r. o.     930 30  Báč 126 SLOVAKIA                                                E-mail: om-power@om-power.com
 2  TABLE OF CONTENTS   1.      GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1.     Introduction   ………………………………………………………………..      4 1.2.     Specification   ……………………………………………………………....    4 1.2.1. Parameters   ………………………………………………………………….     4 1.2.2. Protection Circuits   …………………………………………………………      4 1.2.3. Indicators   …………………………………………………………………..      5  2.       SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS   ………………………………………………     5  3.       GENERAL DESCRIPTION ……………………………………………….     6 3.1.      HF part   …………………………………………………………………….     6 3.2.      Power Supply    ……………………………………………………………..     7 3.3.      Safety Devices   …………………………………………………………….     8  4.       INSTALLATION   …………………………………………………………     8 4.1.      Grounding   …………………………………………………………………     8 4.2.      Coaxial Cable   ………………………………………………………….......     8 4.3.      Control Cable   ………………………………………………….…………...    9 4.4.      Main Supply   ……………………………………………………………….    10 4.5.      Cooling   …………………………………………………………………….    10  5.       OPERATION   ………………………………………………………………   10 5.1.      Operation Elements   ………………………………………………………..    11 5.2.     Tuning of Power Amplifier      ……………………………………………..      12  6.       MAINTENANCE     ……………………………………………………….     14 6.1.      Indication of Fault Conditions     ………………………………………….      14 6.2.      Fuse Replacement      . .…………………………………………………....      15 6.3.      Tube Replacement     ………………………………………………….......      16 6.4.      Cleaning     ……………………………………………………………......       16
 3  7.        APPENDIX    ……………………………………………………………...      16 7.1.      Band Blocking   ……………………………………………………………      16 7.2.      Block Diagram of OM2500 HF Power Amplifier (USA version) ………...      17
 4  1.      GENERAL INFORMATION  1.1.    Introduction The OM Power model OM2500HF is a manual tuning, full legal limit amplifier, designed for heavy duty use on all short wave amateur bands from 1.8 to 29.7 MHz (including WARC bands) and all modes with no time limit. It is equipped with one GU84b ceramic tetrode.   1.2. Specification 1.2.1. Parameters  Frequency Coverage        Amateur Bands 1.8 – 29.7 MHz including WARC Power Output         1500w PEP continuous output all modes - *no time                                                                         limit* Input Power          40 to 60W for full output power Input Impedance        50 Ohm,  VSWR < 1.5 : 1 Power Gain          typically 15 dB Output impedance                                         50 Ohm unbalanced Maximum output SWR                                 2:1 SWR protection:                                            automatic switching to STBY , when reflected power is                  350W or higher Intermodulation distortion       36 dB below nominal output Suppression of harmonics       < -52 dBc second, < -65 dBc third Tube             GU84b Ceramic tetrode Cooler                               Centrifugal blower + axial blower Power supply                    240 V - 60 Hz  Transformers          2 pcs of toroidal transformer 2,0 kVA Parameters                                                     485 mm x 200 mm x 455 mm [19.1” x 7.9” x 17.9”]               (width x height x depth) Weight                               38 kg ( 84 lb )     1.2.2. Protection Circuits  There are 8 special protection circuits used in the amplifier. They are activated when one or more of next parameters exceed defined values or some unwanted occasion occurs.   VSWR too high  Anode current too high  Screen current too high  Grid current too high  Mistuning of PA  Hot switching protection  Soft start for protecting your fuses  “switch-on blocking “ at opened amplifier
 5 1.2.3. Indicators  There are couples of LED and bar graph indicators visible on the front panel to inform you about value of some parameters or operation status:  Bar graph indicators    Power output -  50 LED         Reflected power – 20 LED         Current at screen Ig2 – 10 LED         Anode voltage, anode current, tuning – 30 LED  LED Indicators    Current at control grid (Ig1 – 2 LED)         WAIT – preheating of tube (180 sec)         STBY – standby         OPR – operation condition         FAULT – failure, switching off for abt. 4 sec            2.     SAFETY   INSTRUCTIONS  WARNING! DANGEROUS HIGH VOLTAGE!   The  power  amplifier  is  using  high  voltage  up  to  close  3000V  DC,  which  is  very dangerous for human life! Read next safety instructions carefully first, before you will start to install and operate power amplifier!    NEVER VIOLATE NEXT RULES!   WARNING!      NEVER ALLOW  CHILDREN to play  around  PA  or to  touch  power amplifier or connected cables in working condition, or to push anything into the case holes!   WARNING!  The amplifier contains high voltage circuits. Never turn the amplifier on without the upper lid in place.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHORT OR BYPASS safety switch under upper lid!   WARNING!   The OM2500 HF amplifier is neither to be used in a WET or HUMID environment nor to be exposed to RAINFALL!   WARNING!  Do not turn the amplifier on without having connected the ANTENNA or properly rated DUMMY LOAD! A hazardous HF voltage may build up on the antenna connector after turning the amplifier on with no antenna or dummy load connected!
 6 WARNING!  Before opening the upper lid of the amplifier make sure that power supply has  been  disconnected  AT  LEAST  10  minutes  allowing  the  electrolytic  capacitors  to discharge fully. Disconnect power cord from the outlet!    CAUTION!  The amplifier must be installed in such a way that free flow of hot air from the tube is allowed. The amplifier must not be installed in a constrained surrounding (i.e. tight shelves etc.)   CAUTION! The amplifier must be properly grounded during operation.   CAUTION! During operation the amplifier must be installed in such a way that the rear power supplies are accessible.   CAUTION!  The  amplifier  is  an  A category  product.  In  a household  it  can  influence other electric appliances. In such cases the user is to take proper actions to mitigate this disturbance.   CAUTION!  Make sure that all screws holding the case together are properly in place and tightened before carrying the amplifier with the handles.   CAUTION!  Read  this  manual  carefully.  Fallow  all  of  instructions  during  installation and  operation  to  avoid  damage  to  the  amplifier  not  covered  by  manufacturer´s warranty!  Do not attempt to perform any change of hardware or software!     3.     GENERAL DESCRIPTION  3.1.  HF part In this amplifier a tetrode GU 84b is used in a grounded-cathode circuit (input into control grid). This amplifier  achieves  excellent linearity by the  voltage  stabilization of the  control grid  bias  and  the  screen  voltage.  The  power  input  is  given  to  the  control  grid,  using  a broadband input circuit with an input impedance of 50 Ohms. This adaptable input circuitry ensures a good input SWR (better than 1.5:1) on all amateur bands.  The output of the amplifier is a Pi-L circuit. The ceramic capacitor for TUNE and LOAD are divided. This enables the amplifier to be tuned exactly and makes it possible to easily return to the previously set positions after band changes.
 7 Top view on the opened OM2500 HF    Tetrode GU84B                 PWR meter            Blower            Switch-on board                                                                                                   Output Pi-L Circuit     Tuning capacitor    Power supply board                                                                                                            Subpanel   3.2. Power Supply  Power supply of the amplifier is comprised of two of 2,0 kVA toroidal transformers. A soft start is provided using relays and resistors.  The high anode voltage is made by combining 8 x 350 V (total 2800V) @ 2A. Each has its own rectifier and filter. In the high voltage circuit, safety resistors are employed to protect the amplifier against overload.   The source for screen grid  is regulated by  parallel stabilization with BU508 transistors and delivers a voltage of  360V at 100mA.   The -120V for the control grid is regulated with zener diodes.
 8 3.3. Safety Devices  Control  and  monitoring  circuits  ensure  control  and  safety  during  malfunctions  of  the  PA. These are on the Control board, which is located on the chassis subpanel.     4.       INSTALLATION   NOTE Read this chapter carefully prior you will start installation. Before unpacking inspect shipping woody  container  first,  if  it  is  not  damaged.  Keep  all  of  packing  parts  for  possible  future shipment. Check unpacked power amplifier. If you find some damaging, contact your dealer immediately to keep full warranty.  During installation go step by step according to next  parts.    4.1.    Grounding  CAUTION The amplifier has to be grounded properly! Connect the screw on the rear panel of the amplifier to your local grounding system with a copper cable, use a cross-section of  4 mm2 at least.   Connect your transceiver to the same grounding system of your shack carefully!  Use minimum length cables and make certain that the connections are both physically and electrically sound. With poor grounding, you may risk damaging your equipment, having problems with TVI/BCI or your transmitted signal may be distorted.    4.2.     Coaxial Cable  The output  of the transceiver is  to  be connected to the input  of the  amplifier via  RG58 or similar cable. For the connection between the power amplifier and the antenna,  RG213 or similar coaxial cable suited for high power is recommended. Both the INPUT and OUTPUT SO-239 sockets with Teflon insulation is used.
 9 Rear view of the amplifier OM2500 HF                                                                                                                                       MAINS CABLE                    FUSES                          OUTPUT               CONTROL                                                                                              INPUT       4.3.     Control Cable  Control cable maintains TX / RX switching of the PA  (TX GND). The cable is shielded. On the side of the power amplifier a CINCH-socket is used. On the side of your transceiver you have  to  use  a  socket  suitable  for  this  transceiver.  During  transmitting  the  middle  pin  is connected to the ground.  The relays of the OM2500 HF have to be switched earlier than HF is applied (cold switching).  Modern transceivers they have a time delay between PTT switching and power output.   CAUTION If  you  are  using  and  older  transceiver  or  transmitters  without  time  delay,  we recommend to connect the PA in such a way that the transmit/receive switch (foot switch for  example)  is  connected  with  the  KEY  IN  socket  of  the  amplifier.  The  KEY  OUT socket is to be connected with the PTT socket at the transceiver.  The amplifier is equipped with two safety devices, which ensure that the output relay is not switched under power mistakenly (hot switching).             KEY IN    RCA Phono - Input signal PTT  switching voltage / current   5V /2 mA) KEY OUT    RCA Phono - Output signal PTT (maximum switching of  30V / 50mA)
 10  4.4.     Main Supply   WARNING! Power Amplifiers OM2500 HF are manufactured for several different power systems.  For US territory only one mains cable is used for two phases (2x120V) system.  Cord is not removable from PA.  Amplifier is equipped with two mains fuses (see rear panel).    CAUTION Be sure you got PA with properly terminated line cable, corresponding with your power system’s outlet. If not, contact your dealer. In such a case you should make the necessary changes using a licensed electrician.  WARNING! Be  sure  that  your  power  system  is  correctly  wired  and  properly  rated!  To  use adequately sized and connected grounding system is also very important.    4.5.     Cooling  CAUTION The amplifier must be installed in such a way that free flow of hot air from the tube is allowed. Do not obstruct air intake and exhaust areas of the PA.  The  centrifugal  blowers  provide  the  necessary  cooling  of  the  amplifier,  even  during  long contests.  The  main  blower  is  activated  by  switching  the  PA  on  and  it  is  turned  off  when cooling is finished (approx. 1-5 min after switching off the PA depending on the temperature of the tube). The supplemental fan is turned on depending on the temperature of the air exiting from the amplifier. It is switched on at 70°C and switched off at 60°C.     5.      OPERATION  WARNING! Before switching PA on, make sure that amplifier is grounded, antenna or dummy load is connected, and line cord is putted to the outlet. Do not allow children or unauthorized person to go close to PA, to touch cables or connectors, to push anything into the case holes!  CAUTION Before switching PA on, check all connections between PA and TCVR.  CAUTION Do not turn PA on for at least 2 hours after unpacking it and locating in its operating location. Especially when amplifier is moved from a cold place to a warm one because
 11 not  visible  condensation  may  develop,  and  this  could  result  in  damage  to  the  high voltage circuits of the PA.   CAUTION Never try to change antenna output during a transmission to avoid warranty loss.  NOTE When you decide to have a short operating break, place the amplifier in the standby mode rather than switch it off.     5.1.     Operation Elements  There is couple of operational elements accessible or visible on the front panel.     BAND-  Band selector switch  TUNE -   Anode capacitor for tuning, tuning of higher frequencies to "0", lower frequencies to „100“.  LOAD -          Output capacitor tunes antenna load resistance to amplifier.                          Capacity is low at „100“ and high at "0" on the scale.  OFF -            You switch off the amplifier by pressing this button.  ON -             You switch on the amplifier by pressing this button.                        After 3min of warm-up delay, the amplifier will be ready for operation.  OPR/STBY      „OPERATE“  sets the amplifier ready for transmit operation.
 12 In STBY, if WAIT-LED is on or the amplifier is OFF,  the amplifier                 is  in  bypass-mode  and  your  transceiver  is  directly  connected  to  the     antenna. Maximum allowed  power in bypass mode is 400 Watts!                             RF OUTPUT   Bar graph – shows output power .  REFLECTED POWER           Bar graph –  shows reflected power from the antenna.              Maximum level is 350W  otherwise  amplifier switches to             STANDBY mode.  Ig2  Bar  graph  –  measures  the  current  of  the  second  grid  from  -20mA  to +80mA.  HV/IP/TUNE           Bar graph – measure the anode voltage, anode currency or tuning of  PA.    5.2. Tuning of Power Amplifier  The OM2500 HF amplifier is operated in class AB. Thus it’s possible to obtain a maximum output power at excellent linearity. For this purpose the amplifier has to be tuned carefully.   WARNING! Before  starting  tuning  you  have  to  check  if  the  right  antenna  or  a  50  Ohms  load resistance is connected at the antenna output!  CAUTION The operation of a mistuned PA will cause malfunctions, the increase of grid current (the GRID-MAX-LED will light up) and problems with TVI/BCI.   CAUTION The grid-current is shown with 2 LED diodes. It’s normal if the green LED is flashing or may  be  shining  a  little  bit  during  peak  operation.  If  you  overload  the  amplifier  the output power increases the grid current at very small rates and the red GRID-MAX-LED is shining and the safety devices switch the PA to STBY. You must decrease the input power.  CAUTION In SSB mode you will have good output power if the green LED lights up a bit. The current of screen grid is measured and shown in a Bar graph Indicator. The amplifier has  to be  tuned  in  such  a  way  that  the  current  is  between  -  20  mA  to  +50  mA.   At currents beyond these values the operating point will be shifted and IM-products will be rapidly increased. If a value of + 70mA is exceeded, the safety devices will switch the amplifier to STBY mode.   1.  Set the multimeter switch to  the HV  position 2. Set the OPR/STBY switch to  the STBY position 3. Press the  ON button The amplifier is prepared for operation with the following automatic steps:
 13   The toroidal transformers are switched on step by step.  The cooling blower for the final tube is switched on.  The multi-meter bar graph measures the high voltage; the normal value is 2.8 kV   The WAIT LED lights up   CAUTION After switching on, please confirm that the blower is operating properly.  Air must be flowing from the ventilating aperture above the tube. If there is any concern, or no air flow, press the “OFF”-button immediately !  Heating the tube takes about 150 seconds. After this time the WAIT LED goes out and the amplifier is ready for operation.  4. Reduce the power output of your transceiver to the minimum! 5. Switch OPR/STBY to OPR position (OPR LED lights up) 6. Choose the  TUNE position of multimeter 7. Transmit (mode CW) and increase driver power to 10W    (OUTPUT power will be abt. 500W)  CAUTION If the input power is higher than 15W and the power amplifier is not correctly tuned, the safety devices will switch to STBY.  After switching the amplifier to STBY, the amplifier will automatically reset and switch back to OPR mode after approximately 2 seconds.  A  tuning  table  is  delivered  with  the power  amplifier. Select  a  band  with  band  switch  and choose the setting of  “TUNE” and “LOAD” according to the table.  NOTE Delivered tuning table was made for 50 Ohm loading of PA (dummy load). Each amplifier should have different values depending on used frequency and used type of antenna. Make your own table valid for your real conditions.   Band Tune Load 1.8 70 40 3.5 75 30 7 30 85 10 25 45 14 70 70 18 32 50 21 25 60 24 60 66 28 40 70
 14 8.   Set TUNE  knob in such a way, that the TUNE-LED lights up maximum left. 9.   Set LOAD in such a way, that the TUNE LED on the TUNE scale lights up under         the “V” sign. If it is possible to obtain the LOAD in 2 positions, set the position         that is father to the right 10.  Repeat tuning several times according to 8 and 9 11.  Increase the input power until an output power of approximately 1500 W is reached.  12.  Repeat steps 8 and 9 13.  Set TUNE to maximum output power  After this procedure the amplifier is tuned correctly and ready to give 1500W output power in all operation modes.  At optimal tuning and full  output  power a  positive 50mA  current goes through the second grid. On 24 and 28 MHz bands optimal tuning can be achieved when one or two LEDs are lit up to the left from the position “V”. If less output is desired you can simply decrease the load of the transceiver.   CAUTION Should  the  amplifier  demonstrate  any  malfunctions  during  tuning  or  should  it  not behave in accordance witch the description, interrupt the tuning procedure immediately and check the amplifier! Be sure to have not done any mistakes in choosing bands or TUNE/LOAD  values! Be  sure  that  VSWR  is  not  higher  than  2:1  and  input power  is LOW!  After excluding possible  human mistakes you will be able to work for long time with this amplifier!   6. MAINTENANCE 6.1.     Indication of fault conditions  OM2500 HF has the following indication LED on the front panel:   GRID MIN    - indication of first gird current GRID MAX    - max. First grid current exceeded  HV      - measuring of anode voltage by bar graph IP      - measuring of anode currency by bar graph  FAULT    - fault OPR      - amplifier in operation mode STBY     - amplifier in standby mode WAIT     - heating of tube after switching on the amplifier     NOTE Should  a  fault  condition  appear  during  the  tuning or  operation  of  the amplifier,  the  safety circuits of OM2500 HF will react. The amplifier will be turned to STBY mode. After approx. 2 sec the control circuits will switch the amplifier back to OPR.
 15  CAUTION If the fault will repeat 3 times after each other the control circuits will turn the amplifier to STBY. Bringing the amplifier to OPR is enabled by using the OPR/STBY switch only.   After reaction of safety circuits, the FAULT LED will be lit up for approx. 5 sec, depending on the nature of the fault.     Flashing LED signalizes:  IP      - anode currency exceeded HV      - low anode voltage FAULT    - reflected output exceeded GRID MAX    - first grid currency exceeded - screen grid currency exceeded GRID MAX + HV  - maximum load power exceeded GRID MAX + IP  - zero output power during tuning  HV + IP    - tuning fault, incorrect tuning of the Pi-L output circuit    In  case  your  OM2500  HF  amplifier  is  not  working  correctly,  please  contact  the manufacturer or your dealer.    Manufacturer’s contacts:        OM POWER,  s.r.o.                                          930 30 Báč 126                                                    SLOVAKIA                  Email: om-power@om-power.com   Dealer in USA:  Array Solutions 2611 North Belt Line Road Suite # 109 Sunnyvale, TX 75182  Tel: (214)954-7140 Email: sales@arraysolutions.com     6.2. Fuse  Replacemeent  The user is allowed to change mains fuses (6,3 x 32mm),  accesible from the rear panel, only. In the case of interrupted fuse (fuses) inside the power amplifier, contact your dealer, please.
 16  6.3. Tube Replacement  In the case of vacuum tube damaging, contact the manufacturer or your dealer for ordering new one. You will get instructuions how to change tube and how to preset proper parameters, too.  If you are not comfortable to replace vacuum tube itself, contact your Service Center, please.  In the USA call or write to:   Array Solutions 2611 North Belt Line Road Suite # 109 Sunnyvale, TX 75182  Tel: (214)954-7140 Email: sales@arraysolutions.com   6.4. Cleaning  To  prevent  damage  of  amplifier  surfaces  and  plastic  components  do  not  use  aggressive chemicals for cleaning. Do not open the amplifier for cleaning. Outer surface may be safely accomplished  by  using  piece  of  soft  cotton  cloth  moistured  with  clean  water  or  window cleaner.   7.  APPENDIX 7.1.  Band  blocking  For  US  market,  manufacturer  supplies    power  amplifiers  with    24Mc  and  28Mc  band mechanically  blocked.  For licensed HAMs dealer will release the lock upon request and on presentation of a valid license.
 17  7.2.  Block Diagram of OM2500 HF Power Amplifier (USA version)

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