Acom 1006 - User Manual

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Acom 1006 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction and Description

Overview of the ACOM1006 linear amplifier's purpose, band coverage, and key features.

Owner Assistance

Contact information and procedures for obtaining assistance from ACOM specialists.

Equipment Supplied

Details on the items included with the ACOM1006 amplifier shipment.

Features

Highlights of the ACOM1006 amplifier's capabilities and design optimizations.

Safety Considerations, Explicit Definitions

Essential safety precautions, warnings, and definitions for operating the amplifier safely.

INSTALLATION

Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Procedure for carefully unpacking and inspecting the amplifier for any shipping damage.

Line Voltage Selection

Guide to selecting the correct mains voltage for the amplifier based on local supply.

Amplifier Location Selection

Recommendations for choosing an optimal and safe location for the amplifier installation.

Connections

Step-by-step instructions for connecting the amplifier to the transceiver and grounding system.

Installation of External Fan

Guidance on installing an optional external fan for enhanced cooling during demanding operations.

POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

OPERATION

Turning ON and OFF

Detailed procedure for powering the amplifier on and off, including warm-up sequence.

Changing Operate and Standby Modes

How to switch between operate and standby modes, and manage Auto-Operate function.

Tuning

Procedure for tuning the amplifier using the TRI aid for optimal impedance matching.

ON LINE Information Screens and Control Functions

Description of various operational screens and control functions available when online.

Auto-Protection System

Explanation of the amplifier's automatic protection mechanisms and trip types.

OFF LINE OPERATION

Contrast and Back-lighting control

Instructions for adjusting LCD contrast and back-light settings in off-line mode.

Auto-Operate enabling and disabling

How to enable or disable the Auto-Operate feature for automated operation.

Reading Auto-protection Signatures

Method for accessing and interpreting stored auto-protection trip signatures for diagnostics.

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the external surfaces and air filter of the amplifier.

Fuses Replacement

Procedure and specifications for replacing the main fuses of the amplifier.

Tube Replacement

Information and recommendation for replacing the amplifier's main vacuum tube.

The ACOM1006 Simplified Schematic Diagram

A simplified schematic diagram illustrating the internal circuitry of the ACOM1006 amplifier.

Troubleshooting

Guide to decoding auto-protection signatures and resolving operational issues.

SPECIFICATIONS

Parameters

Detailed technical specifications for the ACOM1006 amplifier's performance and capabilities.

Functions

Overview of the key functions and features provided by the ACOM1006 amplifier.

Storage and Shipment

Guidelines for proper storage and safe shipment procedures for the ACOM1006 amplifier.

The ACOM1006 is a self-contained linear amplifier designed for the amateur 6-meter band (50-54 MHz). It provides over 1000W output power with less than 60W exciter drive and can handle antenna VSWR up to 3:1 at full power. The amplifier features a plate-load True Resistance Indicator (TRI) and an automatically-controlled input attenuator to simplify tuning. Operating parameters are displayed on a multi-functional back-lighted Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and full break-in (QSK) is standard for transmit/receive switching.

Function Description:

The ACOM1006 operates by amplifying an input RF signal from a transceiver to a higher power level for transmission. Its core function is to provide significant power output for amateur radio communication on the 6-meter band. The amplifier incorporates several features to make its operation user-friendly and robust.

Important Technical Specifications:

Frequency Coverage: 50-54 MHz amateur band.
Power Output: 1000W PEP or continuous carrier, with no mode limit. For continuous carrier modes (RTTY, SSTV, etc.) exceeding 15 minutes, an external auxiliary fan is recommended.
Intermodulation Distortion: Better than 35dB below rated output.
Hum and Noise: Better than 40dB below rated output.
Harmonic Output Suppression: Better than 70dB below rated output.
Input and Output Impedances:
- Nominal value: 50 Ohm unbalanced, UHF (SO239) type connectors.
- Input circuit: VSWR less than 1.3:1, 50-54MHz (no tunings, no switching).
- Bypass path: VSWR less than 1.1:1, 50-54MHz.
- Output (antenna) impedance matching capability: VSWR up to 3:1 or higher.
RF Gain: Typically 12.5dB, with frequency response less than 0.5dB (50 to 60W drive power for rated output).
Primary Power: 85-264V (100, 110, 120, 200, 210, 220, 230 & 240V nominal taps, +10% -15% tolerance), 50-60Hz, single phase, 2200VA consumption at rated output.
Compliance: Meets CE safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well as FCC regulations.
Size & Weight (operating): W422mm x D355mm x H182mm, 22kg.
Operating Environments:
- Temperature range: 0...+50 degs. Celsius.
- Humidity: up to 75% @ +35 degs. Celsius.
- Height: up to 3000m above sea level without output deterioration.
Tube: Single 4CX800A (GU74B) Svetlana high-performance ceramic-metal tetrode with 800W plate dissipation, grid-driven, forced-air cooling.

Usage Features:

Easy Operation: The TRI (True Resistance Indicator) is a powerful tuning aid that, combined with the automatically controlled input attenuator, helps operators quickly and precisely match antennas (typically 5-10 seconds).
Antenna Matching: No heavy outboard antenna tuners are required for antenna VSWR up to 3:1, as the amplifier performs these functions, allowing faster antenna changes and use over a wider frequency range.
Robustness: Designed to safely withstand up to 300W reflected power, drive spikes up to 100 milliseconds, RF "tails" after PTT/KEY release, and operator tuning errors. It can deliver more than half power at 75% of nominal mains voltage, withstand 10-millisecond voltage drops, and +15% line voltage spikes, making it suitable for field days and DX-peditions.
LCD Display: A dot-matrix back-lighted LCD provides detailed text explanations for all amplifier status indications. The upper line of the LCD always shows peak forward power. LED indicators show operate, attenuation-on, and ON/OFF conditions.
Auto-Operate Function: When activated, this function maintains the amplifier in operate mode automatically, saving manual operations and time.
QSK Operation: Full break-in (QSK) is standard, with quiet input bypassing and vacuum antenna relays due to special mounting.
Protection Systems: Permanent monitoring and protection of plate and grid voltages and currents, exhaust air temperature, and output RF-Arc protection. The Bias Optimizer reduces heat dissipation from the tube, and automatic protection against overheating is implemented.
Inrush Current Protection: Safeguards sensitive devices connected to the same power line.
Mains Voltage Configuration: Can be configured for 8 different nominal mains voltages: 100, 110, 120, 200, 210, 220, 230, and 240VAC, 50 or 60Hz.
Parameter Monitoring: Continuous measurement and selectable monitoring of 12 important parameters of the amplifier, exciter, and antennas via the LCD.
Tuning Procedure: Involves applying a continuous CW signal, using the TUNE knob for maximum power, and the LOAD knob to center the "V"-marker on the TRI scale. The attenuator can be temporarily engaged during tuning to reduce drive power.
Off-Center Tuning Hint: Allows operators to tune slightly to the right for more gain and better efficiency (less heat) or to the left for more power (requires more drive and generates more heat), and to compensate for mains voltage variations.
Auto-Protection System: Detects abnormal conditions and applies three degrees of protection: warning messages, soft fault (trip to standby mode), or auto-protection (trip to off mode). Soft faults are correctable by the operator (e.g., reducing drive, improving VSWR). Hard faults store signatures for diagnostics.
LCD Control: Contrast and back-lighting can be adjusted in "OFF LINE" mode.

Maintenance Features:

Easy Maintenance: Signatures of the amplifier's internal status are stored in nonvolatile memory for the 7 most recent auto-protection trips. This information can be used for diagnostics by the dealer or decoded by the user with an EXCEL application.
Cleaning: Outer surfaces can be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth moistened with clean water. The air filter (rear panel) can be removed, washed with water, and re-installed after drying.
Fuses Replacement: The two primary mains fuses (10A/250V for 200-240 VAC, 20A/250V for 100-120 VAC, Quick-Blow type, 1-1/4 x 1/4 inch Cartridge Fuses, Size "0" Ceramic) are located on the rear panel. Other internal fuses (5x20mm, Slow-Blow type F1-200mA, F2 and F3-2A) are not user-replaceable and require a trained service technician.
Tube Replacement: This is a complicated and potentially dangerous operation that requires a trained service technician, as the idling plate current must be adjusted after replacement.
Storage and Shipment: For transport, the amplifier should be packed in its original carton after disconnecting all cables and the mains plug. Storage environments should be dry, ventilated, unheated, and free of chemically active substances, with a temperature range of -40 to +70 degs. Celsius and humidity up to 75% @ +35 degs. Celsius. Shipping environments include all types of transportation, including aircraft baggage sections up to 12000 meters above sea level.