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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1. Introduction and Description
This manual explains the installation, operation, and maintenance of the ACOM1500 HF+6 meter
linear amplifier.
The ACOM1500 is a complete and self-contained linear amplifier that covers all amateur bands from
1.8 through 54MHz and provides over 1500W PEP (1200W continuous carrier) output power with less
than 85W exciter drive. Antenna VSWR up to 3:1 is acceptable with 1200W forward power. Tuning is
substantially simplified by a plate-load True Resistance Indicator (TRI) and by an automatically
controlled input attenuator. Operating parameters are displayed by a multi-functional high brightness
vacuum fluorescent display (VFD). Full break-in transmit/receive switching (QSK) is standard.
1-2. Owner Assistance
If assistance is needed, you should contact your local dealer first. If you still have an issue you need to
discuss with one of ACOM's specialists, the contact information is as follows: fax + 359 2 920 96 56,
tel. + 359 2 920 96 55, e-mail acom@mail.orbitel.bg or by mail: ACOM OOD, Blvd. Nikola Mushanov
151, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria.
1-3. Equipment Supplied
The ACOM1500 amplifier and this manual are shipped in a cardboard carton.
1-4. Features
Easy to operate. The TRI is a powerful tuning aid that, together with the automatically controlled
input attenuator, helps the operator to quickly and precisely match the antenna impedance to the
optimum tube load impedance (5-10 seconds typically). The auto-operate function (when enabled)
maintains the amplifier in the OPERATE mode for you, thus avoiding unnecessary manual operations.
No heavy outboard antenna tuners required for antenna VSWRs up to about 3:1. Your amplifier
will enable you to change antennas virtually instantaneously and allow you to use your antennas over
wider frequency ranges.
An amplifier that is both user-friendly and that looks after itself. It is designed to safely withstand up
to 300W reflected power, up to 100 milliseconds duration of drive spikes, drive RF "tails" after a PTT or
KEY release, operator's inadvertent tuning errors etc. The amplifier also will not cease to function with
a "soft" AC mains and will deliver more than half power at only 85% of nominal mains voltage. It can
withstand voltage drops (down to zero Volts) for up to 10 milliseconds and can tolerate 15% mains
voltage spikes, which is especially important on Field Day, during DXpeditions, and at portable
operating events where emergency power is relied upon.
VFD information display. All amplifier status indications are explained via detailed text displayed
on the dot matrix, high brightness vacuum fluorescent display (VFD). The upper line on the VFD
always reads peak forward power. LED indicators are provided for: OPERATE mode, attenuation-on
(ATT), transmit (TX), selected antenna output (1, 2, or 3), and ON/OFF conditions.
Antenna selection. Three antenna outputs are selectable using a push-button on the front panel.
Easy maintenance. Data regarding amplifier internal status is stored in a nonvolatile memory for 7
of the most recent auto protection trips. This information can be forwarded to your dealer for
diagnostics.
Using an Excel application, available from ACOM or your dealer free of charge, and a PC you can
decode the status data by yourself.
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