TPL Communications RC31FE RF Power Amplifier User Manual PA3 1AC USER

TPL Communications Inc RF Power Amplifier PA3 1AC USER

Users Manual

L-RC3-1FE-U/K6USER MANUALMOBILE VHFRF POWER AMPLIFIERRC3-1FE3370 SAN FERNANDO RD., #206LOS ANGELES, CA 90065TEL: (323)256-3000 FAX: (323)254-3210www.tplcom.com
Page 1TABLE OF CONTENTSPRODUCT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................... 2GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................... 2OPERATING PRECAUTIONS..................................................................... 4INSTALLATION ........................................................................................... 5WARRANTY ................................................................................................ 6
PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONThe RC3-1FE model is a VHF broad band amplifier intended for use in mobile applications. Thisamplifier can deliver 100W when driven with 25W and it will cover the frequency range form 136-174MHz. The amplifier’s dimensions are: 6.73"L x 1.94"H x 6.0" W, including tabs (see figure 1) and theweight is 2 lbs.Figure 1. Package dimension for RC3-1FE amplifier GENERAL SPECIFICATIONSThe general specifications for the RC3-1FE amplifier are shown in this section.TABLE 1OPERATION MODE: FM / CWOPERATING VOLTAGE: Nominal DC operating voltage is 13.8VDC and the specifications aregiven at this voltage. However, the minimum DC operating voltage is 11 Volts and the maximum DCoperating voltage is 15 Volts as measured at the VDC input connector. Reduced DC input voltage willresult in lower output power and efficiency.EIA DUTY CYCLE: WITH NO EXTERNAL COOLING:100 W Output (FM) 30% duty cycleNOTE: Use of TPL Mobile Amplifiers above the recommended duty cycle or in repeaterapplications is not recommended and voids the warranty.Page 2LEDOMTUPNIREWOPTUPTUOREWOPLANIMONTNERRUCLANIMONEGATLOVESUFEF1-3CRW52W001A51CDV8.31A52
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS(Continued)HARMONIC AND SPURIOUS ATTENUATION: Meets or exceeds FCCrequirements.IMPEDANCE: Input: 50Ù.Output: 50 Ù.RF INTERFACE CONNECTORS: Input: Mini - UHFOutput: Mini - UHFDC INPUT CONNECTOR Pig Tail (3pin)RECEIVER PATH INSERTION LOSS (136-174 MHZ): 1 dB maximum.OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE: -30 to +50 C / Ambient.STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -40 to +85 C.OPERATING HUMIDITY: 0 to 85% RH (non-condensing).STORAGE HUMIDITY: 0 to 95% RH (non-condensing).OPTIONSTPL Communications’ VHF Mobile Power Amplifiers are available with several options: input,output, frequency ranges and configurations, special logos, etc., when specified at the time of order.We work closely with you, our customer, to develop products that are in complete compliance withyour needs and specifications.CAUTION!Inspect the amplifier thoroughly upon receipt for visible damage. If any is noticed, please call TPLCommunications at 800 HI - POWER to request an RMA (Return Material Authorization) number. Ifpurchased through a dealer or distributor, ask them to also follow this procedure for best results.EXPENSIVE COMPONENTS MAY BE DESTROYED IF THE AMPLIFIER IS TURNED ONIN A DAMAGED CONDITIONPage 3
OPERATING PRECAUTIONSCAUTION:This amplifier produces RF voltages that can cause painful and dangerous burns. Use caution!Connect and disconnect all RF connections with the drive power and DC power off.DRIVE POWER:RF power transistors, although quite rugged in most respects, are easily damaged byoverdrive. Be careful not to overdrive the amplifier even momentarily (before applying anydrive signal please check table 1 for details). Higher-than-rated drive power may destroy thetransistors and VOID ANY WARRANTY.SUPPLY VOLTAGE:The maximum operating voltage is 15VDC. When using the DC power supply make surethat it is not adjusted above 15 volts. If it is possible for the voltage to go above 15 Volts forany reason, including failure of the power supply, install a “crowbar” circuit to prevent damageto the amplifier in the event of excess voltage.CASE TEMPERATURE:High power can mean high temperatures. Mount the amplifier where air can freely circulateover it and where clothing, blankets, etc. will not accidentally be placed over it. Keep dutycycle below limits.TERMINATIONS:The efficiency of this amplifier will degrade if it is operated into anything but a 50 Ù load.Lowered efficiency may mean any or all of the following: lower power output, increasedcurrent drain, higher operating temperature, and reduced life time.FCC CERTIFICATIONTPL Communications commercial amplifiers are FCC certified for the use in Land mobile/fixedservices. The technician installing this amplifier must hold a General Radio Telephone permit and befamiliar with the pertinent FCC rules and regulations.Harmonics, and other spurious, signals from this amplifier are attenuated according to or beyondFCC requirements. For further details consult the appropriate publications.Page 4
INSTALLATIONThe RC3-1FE amplifier installation is accomplished by the use of the flanges provided (see figure1) to attach it to a radio transceiver. Keep coaxial cable runs short, avoiding sharp bends andpinching. Avoid loose connectors at the ends of the coaxial cables. The antenna should bematched to an SWR better than 1.5:1 for best results. Higher SWR will degrade the performanceof the amplifier.1. Mount the amplifier away from the sources of heat, and where air can freely circulate around it.Avoid mounting the amplifier in the engine compartment or near the exhaust pipe system.It is also important to securely fasten the unit. An improperly mounted piece of equipment issubjected to damage as it moves about and can cause serious injuries in an accident. Use boltsthrough the holes in the amplifier flanges to fasten the unit to a radio transceiver.Page 52. Wire the DC power connector (Pig Tail female) directly to the battery if possible. Do not use thepresent vehicle wiring. Use supplied cable harness only. (see figure 2). To avoid a possible fire, orother possible damage, make sure a fuse or circuit breaker is installed at the battery end of thewire. Use an external fuse listed in table I.Attach DC input wires in accordance to the diagram in figure 2.Figure 2. DC connector wiring3. Connect the antenna to the “RF OUT” terminal with a 50Ù coaxial cable with a Mini UHFmale connector.4. Turn off your radio transceiver. Connect it to the “RF IN” terminal with a 50Ù coaxialcable with Mini UHF male connector.
WARRANTYTPL COMMUNICATIONS has tested and found this unit to function properly and to operatewithin the parameters of its stated specifications.TPL COMMUNICATIONS warrants that this product is free from defects in material andworkmanship. If found to be defective within two (2) years from the date of purchase, thefactory will, at its discretion, either repair or replace the unit at no cost, provided the unit isdelivered by the owner to the factory intact. The warranty does not apply to any product whichas been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation or used in violation ofthe instructions furnished by TPL, nor does it extend to units which have been repaired oraltered outside our service department, nor where the serial number has been removed,defaced or changed.SERVICEFor service on this amplifier, contact:TPL COMMUNICATIONSCustomer service departmentPhone: (323) 256-3000(800) HI POWERFAX: (323) 254-3210EMAIL: sales@tplcom.comFor information on otherTPL products visit our web site at:www.tplcom.comPage 6

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