10
-
G2
- when illuminated, a screen-grid overload condition exists; reduce the drive power and/or refresh
the tuning (Section 4-5) for safe operation;
-
IP
- when illuminated, a plate current overload condition exists; reduce the drive power and/or refresh
the tuning (Section 4-5) for safe operation;
-
F
– when illuminated, the amplifier automatic protection has tripped. If
F
is accompanied with one of
the
G1
,
G2
, or
IP
condition indicators, the cause of the protection trip will be evident. When
F
alone is
illuminated, check the keying wiring, Section 2-4(d). See Section 4-6 for details about the auto-protection
system.
4. OPERATION
Operation of the amplifier is simplified through ACOM’s innovative TRI tuning aid, Auto-Operate function,
and automatic protection systems. To make full use of the amplifier’s potential and to configure it to
local conditions, the following information should be read carefully.
4-1. Turning ON and OFF
In order to turn on the amplifier, press the power switch
ON
at the bottom-right corner of the front
panel. The LED indicator above the switch will glow green and the audible cooling fan will start. Following
a series of automatic self-tests, the
OPER
LED will begin to flash green and will continue to do so during
the 30-second warm-up period. Throughout this period, the amplifier will remain in the standby mode,
and the transceiver may continue to be used. Also during this period, the
A1-A2
button may be pressed
to change antennas, i.e., between the antennas connected to the
ANT1
and
ANT2
terminals on the rear
panel of the amplifier. Switching between the antennas does not affect the warm-up process.
CAUTION
To avoid damage not covered under warranty, do not change the antenna output
during a transmission, i.e., never press the
A1-A2
button when transmitting.
NOTE
When you intend to have a short operating break, it is better to place the amplifier
in the standby mode rather than turning it off. Tubes life is shortened by repeatedly
turning it on and off.
NOTE
A minimum 30 seconds cathode warmup time is required but 60 seconds is
recommended by the tube producer. If you are not in a hurry, wait another 30 seconds
after the green
OPER
LED has stopped flashing.
4-2.
Changing Operate and Standby Modes
The
OPER
button changes between two modes. When the green light above the button is illuminated, the
amplifier will remain ready to operate, even automatically returning from standby after a high-drive protection
trip. That is, after a protection trip, e.g., from an overdrive event, the amplifier will normally shift to the
STBY
mode for several seconds, but it will automatically return to the
OPER
mode after that. This is the Auto-
Operate feature. Alternatively, the
OPER
button may be depressed manually to go to and remain in the
STBY
mode, such as when you leave the station for a while. The green LED goes off and the Auto-Operate
function is suppressed temporarily. Pressing the
OPER
button again restores the Auto-Operate feature.
