Palomar SSB-500 - User Manual

PÀLOlilAR ЪЬ3 500
spécifications
GENERAL
Channels
Frequency Range
Frequency Control
Frequency Tolérance
Frequency Stability
Operating Température Range
Microphone
Input Voltage
Current Drain
Size
Weight
Antenna Connector
Semiconductors
Meter
Power Bandswidth
TRANSMUTER
Power
Modulation
Modulation Capability
Harmonie Suppression and
Spurious Emmissions
40 - AM/Single Sideband
26.965 to 27.405 MHz
Phaselock Synthesizer
±0.005%
± 0.002%
-30°C to +50°C
Plug-in type dynamie with volume control
13.8V DC (Positive or Negative ground)
Receive 1.5A at maximum audio output
0.5A standby (no signal).
10 -6/10” L. X 8”W. X 2-1/2” H.
6 lbs.
Standard American type
41 Transistors, 7 FETS,60 Diodes, 7 ICs
Illuminated, indicates relative power out
put and received signal strength
10.5 to 16V
: 4 Watts - AM (max. allowed by FCC)
12 Watts PEP-SSB (max. allowed by
FCC)
: High and low level Class B amplitude
modulation (AM)
: 95% Typical (AM)
: Better than FCC requirement

Summary

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Channels and Frequency Range

Specifies the 40 AM/Single Sideband channels and operational frequency range (26.965-27.405 MHz).

TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS

Power Output

States power ratings: 4 Watts AM (max. allowed by FCC) and 12 Watts PEP-SSB.

Emissions Quality

RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS

Sensitivity and Selectivity

Details AM/SSB sensitivity, selectivity (6 db at 4.2 kHz), and image rejection.

FCC REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

Service Operation and Requirements

Designed for Class D operation, outlines FCC rules and required forms (505, 555-B).

Transmitter Adjustment Warning

Emphasizes that only licensed technicians may adjust transmitter sections.

INSTALLATION GUIDE

Location and Mounting

Guidance on selecting a convenient location and securely mounting the unit.

Electrical Connections

Details antenna cable and power cord connections for vehicle systems.

Ground System Connections

Antenna Considerations

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Front Panel Overview

Core Controls

Mode and Feature Switches

Tuning and Indicators

OPERATING PROCEDURES

Microphone Operation

Receiving Procedure Steps

Step-by-step guide for setting up the transceiver and listening to signals.

Transmitting Procedure Steps

Instructions for transmitting on AM and SSB, including safety warnings.

FCC Transmitter Requirements

Outlines license, identification card, and rule understanding for transmitting.

Transmission Mode Selection

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

Transmitter Adjustment Restrictions

Warning about FCC regulations restricting transmitter tuning to licensed personnel.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. General
4. Transmitter
5. Receiver
6. Public Address (PA) System
7. Usage Features
8. Indicators
9. Microphone
10. Installation
11. Maintenance Features
12. Adjustment
13. Warranty Service

The Palomar SSB-500 is a Citizens Band (CB) transceiver designed for use in the 27 MHz band, offering both Amplitude Modulation (AM) and Single Sideband (SSB) modes of operation. It is engineered for mobile installations, featuring solid-state circuitry for high reliability and a lightweight design.

Function Description:

The SSB-500 serves as a two-way radio for communication within the Citizens Band Service. It allows users to transmit and receive on 40 designated CB channels. The transceiver supports three modes: Lower Sideband (LSB), Upper Sideband (USB), and standard AM, providing flexibility for various communication needs. A key feature is its Public Address (PA) system capability, allowing the unit to function as a PA system when an external speaker is connected.

Important Technical Specifications:

General:

• Channels: 40 (AM/Single Sideband)
• Frequency Range: 26.965 to 27.405 MHz
• Frequency Control: Phaselock Synthesizer
• Frequency Tolerance: ±0.005%
• Frequency Stability: ±0.002%
• Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to +50°C
• Microphone: Plug-in type dynamic with volume control
• Input Voltage: 13.8V DC (Positive or Negative ground)
• Current Drain: 1.5A (receive at maximum audio output), 0.5A (standby, no signal)
• Size: 10-6/10" L. x 8" W. x 2-1/2" H.
• Weight: 6 lbs.
• Antenna Connector: Standard American type
• Semiconductors: 41 Transistors, 7 FETs, 60 Diodes, 7 ICs
• Meter: Illuminated, indicates relative power output and received signal strength.
• Power Bandwidth: 10.5 to 16V

Transmitter:

• Power Output:
  • 4 Watts AM (max. allowed by FCC)
  • 12 Watts PEP-SSB (max. allowed by FCC)
• Modulation: High and low level Class B amplitude modulation (AM)
• Modulation Capability: 95% Typical (AM)
• Harmonic Suppression and Spurious Emissions: Better than FCC requirement

Receiver:

• Frequency Response: 400 Hz to 2.5 kHz (AM and SSB)
• Output Impedance: 50 Ohms, unbalanced
• Sensitivity:
  • AM: 0.7µV for 10 dB S/N
  • SSB: 0.25µV for 10 dB S/N
• Selectivity:
  • 6 dB at 4.2 kHz
  • 60 dB at 7 kHz (AM and SSB)
• Image Rejection: More than 50 dB
• Automatic Gain Control (AGC): Change in audio output less than 10 dB from 10µV to 0.5 volts
• Squelch: Adjustable – threshold less than 0.5µV
• Distortion: Less than 10% at 3.0 watts output
• Adjacent Channel Rejection: AM: -60 dB, SSB: -65 dB
• Cross Modulation: More than 55 dB
• IF Frequency: AM and SSB, 7.8 MHz
• Clarifier: ±1 kHz
• Noise Blanker: RF type, effective on AM and SSB
• Audio Output Power: More than 3 watts into 8 ohms
• Built-in Speaker: 8 ohms, dynamic
• External Speaker (optional): Disables internal speaker when connected

Public Address (PA) System:

• Power Output: 3 watts into external speaker

Usage Features:

The Palomar SSB-500 offers a user-friendly interface with ten controls and four indicators on the front panel.

• OFF/ON VOLUME: Controls power and listening level.
• SQUELCH: Eliminates background noise when no signal is present, adjustable for optimal sensitivity.
• CHANNEL SELECTOR: A switch to select any of the 40 CB channels, with the selected channel displayed digitally on an LED indicator. Channel 9 is reserved for emergency communications.
• LSB-USB-AM MODE SWITCH: Allows selection between Lower Sideband, Upper Sideband, or standard AM modes.
• NB-OFF SWITCH: Activates the Noise Blanker circuit for RF noise reduction, particularly effective against ignition noise.
• ANL-OFF SWITCH: Engages the Automatic Noise Limiter circuit.
• CB-PA SWITCH: Toggles between CB operation and Public Address mode. The PA function requires an external speaker.
• RF GAIN-OFF SWITCH: Adjusts RF gain for normal operation or receiving weak stations; can be turned off for strong signals.
• BRITE-DIM SWITCH: Controls the brightness of the LED channel indicator for optimal visibility in different lighting conditions (day/night).
• CLARIFIER: Provides fine-tuning for receiver adjustment, useful for clarity on SSB reception and precise tuning on AM.

Indicators:

• SIGNAL STRENGTH/POWER OUTPUT METER: Displays incoming signal strength during reception and relative transmit power during transmission.
• TX (TRANSMIT) LAMP: Illuminates when transmitting.
• RX (RECEIVE) LAMP: Illuminates during receive or PA mode.
• CHANNEL INDICATOR: An LED display showing the selected channel.

Microphone:

The transceiver includes a plug-in dynamic microphone with a Push-to-Talk switch and a remote volume gain knob to adjust modulation level.

Installation:

The SSB-500 comes with a universal mounting bracket for mobile installation. It requires a 13.8V DC power source and a properly matched 50-ohm antenna for optimal performance. Instructions are provided for both negative and positive ground systems. For boat installations, proper grounding and electrolysis prevention are emphasized. An external speaker can be connected for remote monitoring or for the PA system.

Maintenance Features:

The Palomar SSB-500 is designed for high reliability with solid-state circuitry. In case of failure, parts should only be replaced with identical components.

Adjustment:

The transceiver is factory-aligned and generally does not require adjustments when used with a 50-ohm antenna. However, if an antenna with different impedance is used, the transmitter output circuit may need adjustment to optimize power transfer. This adjustment must be performed by qualified personnel holding a valid first or second class FCC Radiotelephone License, using a high-quality in-line RF watt meter. Federal law prohibits citizens band operators from adjusting the radio frequency section of the transceiver.

Warranty Service:

The manual provides instructions for warranty service, including checking common electrical parts, sending defective parts to the factory, and securely packaging the product for repair if necessary. Users are advised to consult the instruction manual for applicable adjustments and to ensure proper operating procedures are followed.

Palomar SSB-500 Specifications

General

Brand	Palomar
Model	SSB-500
Category	Transceiver
Language	English