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9. PROTECTIONS / ALARMS
The SPE EXPERT 1.3K-FA has a sophisticated protection system that constantly
monitors and controls the amplifier’s most important parameters.
The main parameters are:
Temperature of the heatsink: max. / min. voltage on the PA; max. PA current; SWR;
reflected power; max voltage RF on the tuner; input power.
The protection system is carried out in two different ways:
1) Through hardware circuits to ensure a minimum intervention time.
2) Through software, with a combined action of the two CPU’s, to ensure the
maximum precision.
The two results get constantly compared; every difference produces a protection trip
and a consequent alarm.
There are three types of protections/alarms:
a) SIMPLE This is the most common case. An acoustic warning beep
sounds, but no operator intervention is required, as the control
system automatically restores the correct operating conditions.
b) SERIOUS When automatic system recovery is not possible (e.g. the
temperature climbs over the limits due to obstruction of the fans,
SWR is too high, etc.). In this case the amplifier switches back to
the standby state and the alarm message gets stored.
Normally transmission will continue with the exciter only.
c) FATAL If the amplifier is in the b) state, but one CPU has a fault or it
can’t continue operating or some fault appears in the power-
supply module, then the amplifier will be turned OFF with no
further warning. To restart the amplifier, the main switch in the
rear panel has to be switched to [O], and then to the [I] position.
Note: It is possible to read the alarm history in the standby mode using [SET] and then
[ALARMS LOG] keys.To empty the alarm stack press [TUNE] and [OPERATE]
keys together.
For further details, please consult the next paragraphs..
Note: If the acoustic alarm is very frequent during transmission, the possible causes
should be investigated.
Note: Before the temperature limits are reached (75°C), the output power will change
From MAX to MID automatically and then possibly from MID to LOW, so that
transmission with the amplifier may continue with reduced power.
If the temperature, in LOW, is allowed to rise further, a “SERIOUS“ alarm will
eventually be activated and the linear amplifier switches back to STANDBY.
Note: During a SERIOUS alarm, there is an acoustic alarm for 10 sec. Pressing the
[DISPLAY] key, the system switches back to ‘STANDBY’ state immediately
and the sound stops.
Note: ATTENTION : when a “FATAL” alarm occurs, immediately contact your reseller.
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