AMERITRON AL-572, Instruction Manual

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Ameritron AL-572 Instruction Manual
7
GENERAL INFORMATION
S
AFETY
I
NTERLOCK
An interlock switch is closed while the amplifier's top cover is in place. This switch completes
the primary circuit of the power transformer. The interlock will open and de-energize the
transformer primary if the top cover is removed.
DANGER: High voltage can kill! Accidental contact with the
voltages in this amplifier can be lethal.
For your personal safety please observe the following precautions:
1. NEVER defeat the interlock.
2. NEVER remove the cover with the amplifier connected to the power line.
3. ALWAYS allow the capacitors to discharge for several minutes after unplugging the
amplifier and before removing the cover.
4. ALWAYS select the high-voltage (HV) function of the Multimeter to check the high voltage
potential. Do not remove the cover if voltage is indicated.
5. ALWAYS ground the tube anode (top metal connector) to the chassis through a low value,
high wattage resistor before touching anything inside the amplifier.
6. ALWAYS be cautious of heat. Many components inside the amplifier operate at high enough
temperatures to cause burns.
7. NEVER make any unauthorized component or circuit modifications to this product. The
only acceptable source for modifications is Ameritron or a source approved by Ameritron.
Unauthorized modifications almost certainly will increase the risk of equipment failure or
personal injury.
P
EAK
E
NVELOPE
P
OWER VS
. A
VERAGE
P
OWER
Peak envelope power (PEP) is often misunderstood by amateurs. PEP is not associated with the
sine wave or root-mean-square (RMS) power, and PEP has no fixed ratio to average power on
any mode except FM, FSK or CW. It is impossible to use a formula or "rule of thumb"
approximation to convert between average and peak voice waveform powers.
PEP is the power at the crest (highest point) of the RF envelope waveform. On SSB, the average
power can vary from a few percent to more than half the PEP produced. Generally, PEP on SSB
is two to five times greater than the average power. A 50 watt average power SSB signal could
produce PEP levels from below 100 watts to more than 250 watts.
On CW and other constant amplitude modes (such as FM or RTTY), the PEP is always equal to
the average power. For example, on CW, FM, or RTTY 1000 watts of average power produces
exactly 1000 watts of PEP.