AMERITRON ALS-1306 - Radio and Antenna Connections

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7.) The ALS-1306 has two power supply boards in the power supply. Exceeding safe power
supply current on any supply line will force the overloaded supply into shutdown.
Shutdown is reset by turning the main power switch off for a brief time. If the power
supply has a permanent overload or the supply has failed, it will not reset.
Radio and Antenna Connections
WARNING: Forcing connector engagement can result in permanent connector damage.
Solder on the outside of center pins or bent pins are primary causes of female connector
damage. External solder or bent center pins will permanently damage the female.
Do not use Line Isolators on amplifier RF cables. The chassis of the amplifier should be at
the same RF potential as all other desk equipment. Shield isolators allow equipment to float
to different RF chassis potentials. Different chassis potentials are exactly what we do not
want, and isolators on desk coaxial cables encourage different potentials. It is better to cure
RF problems outside the operating position whenever possible.
1.) RF connections are through standard UHF female connectors. Use good cables with
quality UHF male (PL259) connectors. The output cable must safely handle at least 1200
watts.
2.) Look at the connectors. The amplifier‘s female connectors have notches on the outer
thread edge. The cable males should have protruding tabs on the inner shell beyond the
center pin insulator. These tabs and notches prevent unwanted connector rotation. The
male’s tab or tabs must be aligned with the female’s notches. This interlocking prevents
connector rotation.
3.) With a firm handgrip, gradually tighten RF connectors while making sure the male tab
interlocks with the amplifier’s female connector notch. Do not use excessive force on
connectors. Check for proper tightness and seating by wiggling and flexing the cables
near the connector and watching for any indications of abnormal male connector
movement, and by wiggling the cable while hand tightening the male shell. If done
properly, the connector will be solidly locked without need for pliers or other tools
4.) ALC and Relay (keying) connectors are phono females. The phono males from external
cables should push directly in with a snug fit.
5.) The Relay line has low-voltage (<12V) low current (<20 mA). Transmit is enabled by
pulling the Relay line to ground with a relay contact or transistor. Read your radio
manual. Unless you have a very unusual radio, your radio will directly key the amplifier.
6.) The remote and radio band data connectors are specialized connections. They are for use
with Ameritron supplied cables only.