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PM5K WATTMETER
1-800-773-7931 WWW.PALSTAR.COM
QUICK SETUP
If you are currently using a wattmeter in your setup, you have eve-
rything you need for a test. If you are not using a wattmeter, then
you will need a suitable jumper to connect the Directional Coupler
to your station.
Connect the Directional Coupler as follows:
Using RG-8, RG213, or RG-58 or other 50 ohm coaxial cables
SOURCE
goes to your transmitter or linear amplifier (directly)
ANTENNA
goes to your antenna (or tuner)
For the 5 kW PM5K or 10 kW PM10K, plug the ¼
” connector into
the Directional Coupler and Display Enclosure. Supply 12V DC
power by connecting a standard 2.1 mm coaxial plug to the DC
jack in the back of the Display Enclosure. The center pin is
“+”
12V DC.
The PM5K is protected against polarity reversals, but be careful
just the same. Apply 12-15 volt DC power. You should observe
that the Vacuum Fluorescent Display becomes active and the firm-
ware version number will be displayed for a few seconds, then the
unit will display the operational mode screen. You are now ready
for a test.
Simply use your normal procedure to transmit. The PM5K will give
you an instant indication of your power and VSWR. If your trans-
mitter has an internal tuner, you might want to turn it off. The in-
ternal tuner will cause a 50 ohm impedance to be presented to the
finals of your transmitter, thereby changing the characteristic im-
pedance present at the antenna jack on the transmitter. This will
affect the accuracy of the PM5K (just as it would any other meas-
uring device).
If the PM5K is functioning with a display of your forward power and
VSWR number with a bar graph to indicate relative power, you
may now proceed to program it from the front panel buttons or the
control software. If you are having other problems, refer to the
Trouble Shooting section of this manual.
PM5K WATTMETER 19
1-800-773-7931 WWW.PALSTAR.COM
IN CASE OF TROUBLE
The PM5K is well designed and should give you many
years of trouble-free service. Most of the problems you
will encounter usually occur during installation and startup.
If the items below aren't sufficient to help you solve your
problem, please give us a call.
Unit will not come on
Check power connections. Is the unit on? DC Polarity
OK?
High VSWR displayed; no forward power displayed
Be sure that the SOURCE input to the Directional Coupler
goes to your transmitter (or amplifier).
Be sure your interconnection cable is fully seated in both
the display and coupler.
VSWR doesn't change when adjusting a tuner
Be sure that you have installed the Directional Coupler
AHEAD OF
the tuner. If your rig has an internal tuner,
you should turn it off to make the most accurate measure-
ments.
