WARNING –READ THE MANUAL
CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
ALPHA 99.
The ALPHA 99 is extremely easy to operate, but failure to carry out each
procedure exactly as described in the manual is likely to lead to amplifier damage
which is not covered under warranty. Damage to other station equipment also
may result.
Before Operating Your Alpha 99
1. You must set transceiver power output properly. Virtually all damage to date has resulted
directly from severe overdrive. The ALPHA 99 requires about 50 watts drive for full
rated output. Damage caused by applying several times rated drive power to the
ALPHA 99 will not be covered under warranty. Fortunately, most modern
transceivers maintain quite consistent output from band to band and mode to mode if set
up properly.
Setting only the transceiver POWER or RF PWR control IS NOT SUFFICIENT.
Several popular transceivers can generate RF spikes of 200-300W or more unless the
transceiver’s internal ALC (drive level) is also adjusted carefully according to its
manufacturer’s instructions. This typically is done with a knob labeled DRIVE (IC-781,
FT-1000) or PROCESSOR OUT (TS-940, TS-950). On SSB, when speech processing is
not, adjust the MIC or MIKE controls.
2. The ALPHA 99 “faults” into STBY or OFF when unsafe operating conditions
occur. If this occurs, the fault will clear after 30 seconds and if you are certain that you
have taken care of the problem that caused the fault, you may turn the amplifier back to
operate and proceed with use.
3. On any frequency where your antenna VSWR exceeds 1.5:1, it’s important to
carefully tune the ALPHA 99 for a proper match. The Alpha 99 does not contain an
antenna tuner. The SWR will need to be tuned via the antenna or an external tuner
connected to the output of the Alpha 99.
4. If you tune the amplifier for maximum power output and then decide to operate the
ALPHA at power output much different from 1.5kW, it must be re-tuned for efficient
and RF-clean operation.
5. Induced energy from nearby electrical storms or other power transients may damage
components. Such damage is not covered under warranty. It is important to use a
Radio Alpha Products Inc. ® Alpha 99
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