SPE Expert 1.3K-FA Quick-Start Guide
17
Protecting the SPE 1.3K-FA (Alarms)
o
The 1.3K-FA protection system monitors and controls the amplifier’s most important parameters, temperature of
the heat-sink; maximum /minimum voltages on the PA; maximum PA current; SWR; reflected power; maximum
voltage RF on the tuner; input power. The protection system is carried out in two different ways:
- Through hardware circuits to ensure a minimum intervention time.
- Through software, with a combined action of the two CPU’s, to ensure the maximum precision.
o
The two results get constantly compared
;
most every difference produces a protection trip and a consequent
alarm.
There are three types of protections/alarms:
o
SIMPLE - This is the most common case. An acoustic warning beep sounds, but no operator intervention is
required, as the control system automatically restores the correct operating conditions.
o
SERIOUS - When automatic system recovery is not possible (e.g., the temperature climbs over the limits due to
obstruction of the fans; SWR is too high; etc.). In this case the amplifier switches back to standby state and the
alarm message gets stored. Normally transmission can continue with the exciter only.
o
FATAL - If the amplifier is in the b) state, but one CPU has a fault or it can’t continue operating or some fault
appears in the power-supply module, then the amplifier gets turned OFF with no further warning. To restart the
amplifier, the main switch in the rear panel has to be switched to [O], and then to the [I] position.
It is possible to read the alarm history in the standby mode by pressing the [SET] and then [ALARMS LOG] keys. To empty
the alarm stack press the [TUNE] and [OPERATE] keys together.
o
If the acoustic alarm is very frequent during transmission, the possible causes should be investigated.
o
Before the temperature limits are reached (75°C), the output power will change from MAX to MID automatically and then
possibly from MID to LOW, so that transmission with the amplifier may continue with reduced power.
