Alpha 8100 Manuale utente
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ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
www.alpharadioproducts.com
ALPHA 8100
HF LINEAR AMPLIFIER
OPERATING MANUAL
© 2006 Alpha Radio Products, Inc
All rights reserved
Specifications subject to change without notice
ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
www.alpharadioproducts.com
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ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
www.alpharadioproducts.com
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 7
1.1General Description 7
1.2 Amplifier Capabilities 8
1.3 Shipping Information 8
1.4 Safety Information – Installation and Operation 8
1.5 Owner Assistance 9
2 Quick Start Information 11
2.1 Overview 11
2.2 Station Engineering Considerations - Checklist 11
2.3 Preparation 11
2.4 Unpacking 12
2.5 Operation 12
3 Station Engineering Considerations 13
3.1 Overview 13
3.2 AC Power Source 13
3.3 Air Flow 13
3.4 Antennas 14
3.5 Coax and Connectors 15
3.6 RF Safety 15
4 Unpacking & Preparation 17
4.1 Unpacking 17
4.2 Installing the Power Transformer 17
4.2.1 Install the Power Transformer 18
4.2.2 Connecting the Transformer Power Plugs 20
4.2.3 Power Cord Connections 21
4.2.4 Important Information About Operation from 90-130V AC 21
4.3 AC Primary Connections 22
4.4 Complete the Transformer Installation 25
4.4.1 RF Grounding 25
4.4.2 Replacing the Amplifier Cover 25
ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
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4.4.3 Blower Preparation 25
4.5 Amplifier/Station Interconnections 25
4.5.1 Coaxial Cable Types & Connectors 25
4.5.2 T/R Control Cable 26
4.5.3 ALC 26
5 Theory of Operation 29
5.1 Theory of Operation - Overview 29
5.2 Tubes 29
5.3 Output Tank Circuit 30
5.4 Tube Deck 30
5.5 Mains Board 30
5.6 High Voltage Board 31
5.7 Control Board 31
5.8 Display Board 31
5.9 Output Wattmeter Board 31
5.10 Center Partition Board 32
6 Operation & Maintenance 33
6.1 Before Operating Your Alpha 8100 33
6.1.1 Setting Input Drive 33
6.1.2 Dealing with Faults 33
6.1.3 High SWR Considerations 35
6.1.4 Operating at Less Than 1.5 kW Requires Retuning 35
6.1.5 Lightning Protection 36
6.1.6 Operating in Bypass Mode 36
6.1.7 Never Use Transceiver Automatic Antenna Tuner 36
6.2 Transceiver Connections 36
6.3 Initial Setup & Tuning 37
6.3.1 Control Functions 37
6.3.2 Tune-Up 38
6.3.3 Grid Current Information 38
6.3.4 ALC 39
6.3.5 Turning On The Amplifier 39
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ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
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6.3.6 Tuning the Amplifier 40
6.4 Normal Use 43
6.4.1 Tubes 43
6.4.2 Interlocks 43
6.4.3 Fuses 43
6.4.4 Plate Overcurrent Relay 44
6.4.5 Idling Plate Current and Electronic Bias Control (Ebs) 44
6.4.6 RF and Mistuning Protection 44
6.5 Standard Maintenance Tasks 45
7 Troubleshooting Hints 47
7.1 Normal Troubleshooting 47
7.2 Troubleshooting Using the Serial Port 50
8 Glossary 55
ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
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ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
www.alpharadioproducts.com
1 Introduction
1.1 General Description
Congratulations on your purchase of a professional quality Alpha 8100 amplifier! With proper
installation and care, you can expect to enjoy your Amateur Radio hobby with this amplifier
improving your signal for many years to come. Please study this manual carefully before
operating your amplifier for the first time.
The Alpha 8100 is a self-contained manual tune HF linear power amplifier capable of continuous
operation at 1500 W peak power output on SSB, keyed CW, SSTV, RTTY, digital modes or FM, with
no time limit.
Other Alpha products available to enhance your use and enjoyment of the 8100 amplifier include:
• Alpha 2100 full 1500-watt rated 50-ohm dummy loads and
• Alpha 4500 series SWR meters / Wattmeter
See our web site at www.alpharadioproducts.com or call 303-473-9232 for further information.
ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
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1.2 Amplifier Capabilities
CAUTION:
It is extremely important to thoroughly review the Installation and Operation
sections of this manual before attempting to use the Alpha 8100. Failure to do so
could result in serious damage not covered under warranty.
• Continuous RF Output. The 8100 is capable of 1.5 kW continuous RF output on all commonly
used modes and on any authorized amateur frequency from 1.8 to 29.7 MHz.
• Compatibility with popular amateur transceivers and exciters. The 8100 requires approximately
50-65 W peak RF drive for 1.5 kW output.
• Capable of full CW break-in, QSK and all digital modes when used with any appropriate
transceiver.
• Protective functions are built in. The control system incorporates protective functions that
minimize the probability of accidental damage to the amplifier or its power tubes. In most cases,
when one of the protective functions is“tripped,”the amplifier will go to Standby.
1.3 Shipping Information
The Alpha 8100 amplifier ships in two heavy-duty cardboard cartons. One carton holds the power
transformer and weighs 43 lb (20 kg) and the second carton contains the amplifier and weighs 38 lb.(17
kg). Both of these cartons are mounted on a wooden pallet and strapped down for a total weight of 98
lb.(45 kg).
Alpha recommends that you retain the pallet and the cartons after installation in the unlikely
situation that you need to ship the unit later. Contact Alpha at 303.473.9232 for shipping advice
and assistance.
1.4 Safety Information – Installation and Operation
• Make sure the Alpha 8100 is located where there is good air circulation all around and on
top of the cabinet. The unit may become hot during operation.
• The Alpha 8100 weighs approximately 68 pounds when the transformer is installed. Use
proper lifting techniques and two people when moving the amplifier.
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ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
www.alpharadioproducts.com
• The Alpha 8100 is designed to meet international safety standards and FCC regulations.
However, one should always remember that the equipment works with high voltages that
can be LETHAL!
This operating manual holds information, cautions and warnings that must be followed to ensure
safe installation and operation. Read Chapter 1 before attempting to unpack or operate the
Alpha 8100 amplifier.
Warnings: What Not to Do
• Never open the amplifier case without unplugging the unit from the wall outlet.
• Never stick objects into holes in the case.
• Never touch an antenna during transmission.
• Never attempt to turn on the amplifier without the cover securely in place (all
attachment screws reinserted).
• Never turn the amplifier back on after a hard fault without waiting at least 20
seconds.
• Always resist the temptation to immediately hit the ON button after the
amplifier faults to power off.
• Never allow liquids to enter the amplifier through the cover holes.
Warnings posted in this manual should be read and thoroughly understood
by users. Failure to perform procedures properly may result in amplifier
damage, fire hazard, or electric shock.
1.5 Owner Assistance
Technical Assistance from Alpha Radio Products is available from several sources.
• The Alpha Radio Products web site is www.alpharadioproducts.com. Click on Support and
follow the instructions. Many typical problems and their solutions are listed on this site. On
this site you can get the following assistance:
• Technical Support
• Repair Information
• Software Downloads
• Manuals
• Tech Tips
• Legacy Equipment Information
ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL
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• FAQs
• You can e-mail us for customer support at service@alpharadioproducts.com or you can send
your request by fax to 303.473.9660.
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