AMERITRON ALS-600/S 600 WATT NO TUNE TMOS-FET AMPLIFIER INSTRUCTION MANUAL AMERITRON 116 WILLOW ROAD STARKVILLE, MS 39759 USA 662-323-8211 Revision 6a
Table of Contents ALS-600 Specifications…………………… …………………………………………. 4 Optional Accessories…………………………… …………………………………. 5 ALS-600 Features............................................................................................................6 Power Supply Features....................................................................................................8 ALS-600PS..........................................................................................................8 ALS-600SPS................
Power Requirements............................................................................................17 Interconnections...............................................................................................................18 Operation..........................................................................................................................20 Duty Cycle Considerations… …………………………………………..20 ALC Set-Up……………………………………………………………………..20 SSB Operation...............................
ALS-600 SPECIFICATIONS Output Power: 600 Watts PEP SSB, 500 Watts CW typical Frequency Coverage: 1.5 to 22 MHz (10/12 Meters with MOD-10MB) Driving Power Required: 100 watts maximum Input SWR: 1.5:1 maximum Spurious Outputs: Greater than 45 dB down Intermodulation Distortion: Greater than 25 dB down SWR Protection: Amplifier is bypassed if reflected power exceeds 75 watts.
Power Supply: Separate ALS-600PS or ALS-600SPS power supply can be placed conveniently out of the way and plugged into your nearest 120 VAC outlet -- no special wiring needed. Supplies 50 VDC at 25 amps to ALS-600 amplifier. The ALS-600PS includes an exclusive Multi-Voltage Power Transformer to compensate for stressful high line voltage and performance robbing low line voltage. Both the ALS-600PS and ALS-600SPS power supplies can be configured for 120VAC or 240VAC operation.
• ARB-704 Amplifier-to-Transceiver Interface PNP-8D cable for FT-1000, (MP), 900, 767GX, 920, 990, 747GX PNP-8M cable for FT-890, 840, 817, 857/D, 897/D PNP-35 cable for FT-100/D PNP-5M cable for FT-847 PNP-7D cable for TS-440, 690, 450, 180, 140, 950, 130, 870, 2000, 50, 120, 530, 430, 830, 949, 570 PNP-13D cable for IC-706/703/7000 series PNP-7DK cable for TS-930 PNP-8MK cable for TS-480 PNP-5D cable for FT-980 PNP-8DI cable for ICOM ACC Jack Check with Ameritron for additional cabl
Thermal Overload Protection. The transmit relay in the amplifier is disabled if excessive heatsink temperatures are reached. Compact size. The ALS-600 weighs only 12.5 pounds and measures 6"H x 9.5"W x 12"D. Remote Amplifier Operation. The ALS-600 amplifier can be tucked out of the way when used with the optional ALS-500RC Remote Control Head. The ALS-500RC provides band switching, transmit and load fault indicators, output power monitoring, and fault re-setting in a compact control and display unit.
POWER SUPPLY FEATURES ALS-600PS Multi-voltage heavy duty transformer. A unique "buck-boost" winding allows compensation for up to six different power line voltages centered on 115 and 230 volts. This versatile Ameritron feature maintains optimum voltages on the amplifier components for maximum performance and life. Choke input filtering. The ALS-600PS standard power supply uses an input choke to provide a low power factor to the power lines.
GENERAL INFORMATION Amplifier The Ameritron ALS-600 is a 600 watt nominal output, solid state, linear amplifier using state-of-the-art, high voltage, RF TMOS FET devices in the power output section. The ALS-600 provides continuous frequency coverage from 1.5 through 22 MHz with no tuning required. Broad-band 5 pole low pass filters provide output harmonic suppression in excess of all FCC requirements.
/12 Meter Modification A simple modification allows operation on frequencies up to 30 MHz. A parts kit to make this modification is available by sending a written request for the MOD-10MB modification kit, along with a copy of your valid amateur license to Ameritron. There is a nominal charge for this kit. Export models are shipped with this modification installed. The ALS-600(S)Y is the export model for 115-130 VAC operation and the ALS-600(S)X is the export model for 220-240 VAC operation.
adjusted when the "ALC" LED gives a small flash while transmitting on CW. This can be accomplished by adjusting the "ALC SET" control on the front panel so that the "ALC" LED just barely lights when the desired power level (500 watts maximum) is reached with a steady carrier. The ALC circuit can be used to reduce power by any amount on constant amplitude carrier modes such as RTTY or FM. The ALC cannot cause modulation distortion or pumping on these modes.
Load Fault Indicator The "LOAD FAULT" LED indicator will light and the amplifier will be bypassed if the band switch is set on the wrong frequency range, if the load SWR is excessive, or if the output power level is excessive. To reset a "LOAD FAULT" indication: 1. Determine and correct the cause of the problem. 2. Place the amplifier "STANDBY-OPERATE" switch to "STANDBY" and then back to "OPERATE". Note: When the ARI-500 is used, the STANDBY-OPERATE switch is under control of the ARI-500.
The TMOS FET devices used in the ALS-600 have nearly the same momentary overload tolerance as vacuum tubes. The low pass output network in the ALS-600 is much broader in bandwidth and less sensitive to load changes than the networks used in tube type amplifiers. This makes the ALS-600 much less sensitive to frequency and SWR changes than the best "no- tune" tube amplifiers but not as good as adjustable pi-networks.
ALS-600PS Power Supply Board Jumper Pad Diagram For the following line voltages jumper the correct pads. AC LINE VOLTAGE RANGE 95-110 105-120 115-130 200-220 210-230 220-240 PRIMARY A TO B C TO D A TO B C TO D A TO B C TO D B TO C B TO C B TO C BUCK BOOST E TO 2 F TO 1 E TO F E TO 1 F TO 2 E TO 2 F TO 1 E TO F E TO 1 F TO 2 High Voltage Section The high voltage section of the ALS-600PS uses a full wave bridge rectifier.
The primary circuits are fused by two fuses (F1, F2) that are rated at 15 amperes at 100 volts, 12 amperes from 110 to 120 volts or 8 amperes from 220 to 240 volts. Since the current demand and the power factor of this supply are so low Ameritron does not recommend operating this supply on the higher voltage lines (210 to 240 volts) unless lower voltages are unavailable.
SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY CIRCUITRY (ALS-600SPS) Line Voltage The input AC line voltage for the ALS-600SPS can be changed by moving jumpers located at the front of the unit under the current and voltage meter. The ALS-600SPS is factory wired for 120 VAC operation unless otherwise indicated. Warning: Never unplug the power cable from the amplifier while the power supply is connected to the power line. AC power line voltage is present on the power cable connector pins.
High Voltage Section The High voltage section of the ALS-600SPS uses high current switching circuit with superior filtering to produce a high current DC voltage. This line is protected by F1 on the printed circuit board. Primary Circuit A 10 ohm resistor limits the line current during start-up, which lowers the stress on the power supply components. When the –14 volt control line approaches full voltage, a relay bypasses the 10 ohm resistor and applies full line voltage to the primary.
service. Do not obstruct the air inlets at the rear of the power supply and the outlet air holes on the upper right corner of the power supply cabinet. Caution: The choke in the ALS-600PS power supply emits strong magnetic fields. Never place magnetic tapes, computer disks or other magnetic sensitive devices within 18 inches of the cabinet of the ALS-600PS. Grounding The station ground buss should be connected to a good earth and RF ground. Use the heaviest and shortest connections possible.
INTERCONNECTIONS 1. Connect the RF (antenna) output of the exciter to the RF IN (SO-239) of the ALS-600 with a good quality 50 ohm cable capable of handling 100 watts. 2. Connect the station antenna system to the RF OUT (SO-239) connector with good quality 50 ohm coax that will safely carry 600 watts. 3. Use shielded audio-type cable with standard male phono (RCA) connectors to connect the RELAY jack of the ALS-600 to the transceiver or transmitter normally open amplifier relay terminal.
OPERATION Duty-Cycle Considerations The ALS-600PS linear power supply is equipped with a front panel switch labeled Normal/RTTY. This switch is used in the normal position for SSB and CW operation. The RTTY position is used for continuous carrier modes. This position limits the voltage to about 42VDC no load, thereby limiting the output power to 350 watts. In the RTTY position, the amplifier can be operated for 10 minutes key down with a 50% duty cycle.
100 watts peak) until the desired amplifier peak output power occurs. The "ALC SET" control should then be adjusted until the amplifier's RF output power just begins to drop. CW Operation The exciter output should be restricted to a level that limits the amplifier to 500 watts output on a steady carrier or 50 watts reflected power, whichever is greater. Also, the ALC should not be used to control the power level more than a few percent on CW. The ALC LED should just barely flash on CW.
The power supply high voltage output can be reduced to increase the efficiency at lower output levels. At 30 volts the ALS-600 will deliver 275 watts of output power. This allows a 100% duty cycle with any fan delivering more than 40 CFM at .08" of static pressure, or a 5 minute on, two minute off duty cycle with the standard fan. Consult the factory if you wish to reduce the high voltage output.level.
the line voltage with an accurate meter and make sure the power supply primary wiring is correct. The ALS-600SPS should be between 49 to 51 volts at this step. 5. Set the ALS-600 frequency range switch to the same frequency as the exciter. 6. With the amplifier still in STANDBY, transmit into the expected 50 ohm RF load with the exciter. Measure the SWR on the amplifier's SWR scale or with an external SWR indicator. Caution: Do not operate this amplifier at full power with an SWR above 2:1.
either through the normal key jack on the back of the amplifier, or via the RLY jack on the ALS-500RC Remote Control Head. Note: The ALS-500RC power meter double terminates the internal ALS-600 RF power meter resulting in the ALS-600 RF power meter reading approximately ½-power. As the ALS-500RC is normally used with a remotely operated ALS-600 amplifier, the amplifier low meter reading can be ignored. Refer to the ALS-500RC Instruction Manual for more details on remote operation of the ALS-600.
A soft bristled brush and a small amount of alcohol can be used to clean stubborn dust from the fan screen or the other components. Be careful not to get any cleaning compounds on the relay contacts or the switches. Caution: Never remove the cover of the amplifier or the power supply, with the power supply plugged in to the electrical outlet.
ALS-600 PARTS LISTS & SCHEMATICS Meter/ALC Board 50-0600-1 Designator C101,102,104,105,109, 107,112-115,117-123 C103,106 C108,116 C110,111 D101 D102-105,107 D106 IC101 IC102 IC103 J103 J104,105 J106 Q101,102 R101,106,115 R102 R103,107 R104,105,108,113 R109 R110 R111,119,120,123,127 R112 R114 R115 R116 R117,118,125 R121 R122 R124 R126 Description Part number .01 uF 50V disc 2.2 uF 50V radial lead electrolytic 47 uF 50V tantalum not used not used 1N34A diode 5.
PA Board 50-0600-2 Designator C201-203,217 C204-207,209-212 C208 C213,214,220-226 C215 C216 C218,219,232,233 FB201,202 Q201-204 R201,204,214,211 R202,205,212,215 R203,206,213,216,221-224 R207,208,217,218,231-234 R209,210,219,220 R225-230 T201 T202 T203 Description not used .1 uF 50V disc 470 pF 500V DM 15 .33 uF 100V multiplayer 47 uF 100V mylar 100 uF 100V radial lead electrolytic 360 pF 500V ferrite bead w/Teflon sleeving MRF-150 RF TMOS FET 3.
Output Filter Board 50-0600-3 Designator C301,308 C302,307 C303,309 C304,310 C305,311,319 C306,312,317 C313,314 C315,316 C318 C320 C321-341 L301,306 L302,307 L303,308 L304,309 L305,310 J301,302 RLY313 RLY301-312 R01 SW301 • Description not used 180 pF* 1000V SM-19 270 pF* 1000V SM-19 360 pF* 1000V SM-19 680 pF* 1000V SM-19 1500 pF* 1000V SM-19 160 pF* 1000V SM-19 220 pF* 1000V SM-19 2700 pF* 1000V SM-19 100 pF 500V mica .01 uF 100V disc 8.
1 2 1 3 2 W309 3 J401-3 C326 4 5 C337 RLY304 RLY310 12 C334 4 11 J401-2 C338 10 9 J401-4 C339 C333 C325 RLY309 RLY303 5 8 J302 7 6 C328 RLY312 6 RLY306 C336 6 5 7 C340 J401-8 4 C327 RLY311 3 8 C341 J401-6 C335 RLY305 7 2 1 J301 SW101 C329 RLY307 A RLY301 8 C332 C330 SW1 C331 RLY308 RLY310 MOD-10MB RLY301 D301 6T 130pf RLY302 5T 130pf 130pf L301 RLY307 130pf W307 W309 RLY308 L306 C323 W308 C301 C302 C313 C314 C307 C308 C322 C324 RLY303 L
862-ALS600-9 Rev 0 R202 R203 R204 R205 R206 R207 R208 R209 R210, R214, R215 R211 R212 R213 C202 C204 C205 C203, 206-212 Q201 Q202,203 Q204 D201 D202 D203 T101 82 ohm 1/2 watt 3.3K 1/4 watt 2.5K sub horz. Trimpot 2.2K 1/4 watt 10K ohm 1/4 watt 470 ohm 1/4 watt 10 ohm 1/2 watt IK 1/4 watt 10K 1/4 watt 50K trim-pot 3.3K ¼ watt 100 ohm ¼-watt 0.33uf 3-12 pF 500V trim cap 150 pF 500V DM15 0.
F (Red/Blk) To J5-4 E (Red/Wht) To J5-3 G (Green) To J201 Q204 R215 C212 R214 C (Yel) To W309 & J5-5 R213 C211 In from PA RF Bd To R12 C208 C204 T101 C205 D (Wht) R208 R207 D201 Blue To J5-6 Q202 R202 R203 R204 Q203 Q201 D203 C206 R209 C202 C207 R205 R212 R206 C203 35 ohm non-inductive resistor R301 J To W201 (PA) C210 R210 D202 C209 A B C D 1 2 3 4 E F I H C200 100pf 33 Purple To W307 H (Gray) To J4-5
LED Board 50-0600-4 Designator CR401 CR402 CR403 J401 R401 R402 Description Green LED Yellow LED Red LED 10 pin header 470 ohm 1/4 watt 1K potentiometer Fault TX ALC 34 Part Number 320-0500 320-0300 320-0522-1 612-0110 100-2470 105-1301
SWR Detect Board 50-0600-5 Designator C501,502 C503 C504 C505,506 C507 D501,502 R501 R502 R503,504 T501 Description 150 pF 1KV disc cap not used 33 pF 1KV Disc .01 uF 50 Vdc 3-12 pF 500V TrimCap 1N34A or equiv. 3.
ALS-600 Chassis Components Designator B1 for B1 Cl-C5 C6-C7 C8 J1,J2 J3-J5 J6 M1a, M1b R1 R2 SW1,SW2 TM1 Description 4.5" fan, 12VDC fan filter screen .01 50V disc capacitor .01 250Vac capacitor .
• • • • B1 FAN 4 S1 Power ON/OFF 6 • 3 5 8 • • 7 Blk J104 1 2 3 4 5 6 ALC Bias 7 Board 8 Brn Yel Grn Gry • Blu Wht • C3 J105 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 J106 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 • Blk Org J103 1 2 C4 Gnd W203 50VDC G RFO • • W201 Gnd TM1 J4 RLY J5 12V C5 Blk Red/Wht Red/Blk Wht Blu Org Wht Gry Vio Blu Grn Yel Org Red Brn Blk 11 Gnd RF Out W301 W302 W303 W304 W305 W306 W307 W308 W309 OH9 401 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 SWR Detect Board W511 Blk Wht J3 ALC • 9 J6 Power Connector Jack W
ALS-600PS PARTS LISTS & SCHEMATICS Power Supply Board 50-0600-6 Designator C603 C604 D601-603 F601 F602 R601 R602 RLY601 Description 2200 uF 25V radial lead 220 uF 25V radial lead 1N4007 or equiv.
ALS-600PS Chassis Components Designator B2 for B2 C5 Description 3" muffin fan fan guard 27000 uF 75 Vdc capacitor & mounting bracket .
ALS-600SPS Wiring diagram VOLT M1A + CURRENT M1B LAMP + + BLK F6 BLK RED/WHT +B3 RED B5 +14V ORG BLUE BLUE .01 uF ORG J1.2 J1.3 FROM CABLE J1.4 J1.5 J1.6 J1.7 B8 .01 uF BLK WHT YEL BRN BRN B4 GRN RED BLUE J1.8 J1.11 GRN .01uF B6 RELAY 1 F2 WHT WHT WHT B1 AC/N .01uF AC CORD BLK GRN 10 OHM 10 WATT F1 .01uF YELLOW .
ALS-600SPS Schematic 41
DISCLAIMER Information in this manual is designed for user purposes only and is not intended to supersede information contained in customer regulations, technical manuals/documents, positional handbooks, or other official publications. The copy of this manual provided to the customer will not be updated to reflect current data. Customers using this manual should report errors or omissions, recommendations for improvements, or other comments to Ameritron 116 Willow Road, Starkville, MS 39759.
