AM ERI TRON ALS-600 600 WATT NO TUNE TM OS-FET AM PLIFIER I NSTRUCTION M ANU AL The Ameritron ALS-600 is a 600 watt output, solid state, linear amplifier using stateof-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 adjustments. Broad band 5 pole low pass filters provide output harmonic suppression in excess of all FCC requirements.
Table of Contents Amplifier Features .....................................................................................................…2 Power Supply Features………………………………………………………………...3 General Information .................................................................................................…..3 Amplifier........................................................................................... ……...…..3 Power Supply ...................................................................
Amplifier Features Rugged devices. The ALS-600 uses four rugged RF power FET Fast warm-up time. The ALS-600 has no vacuum tubes to warm No tune operation. Tuning adjustments are not necessary. A simple one knob selector switch permits operation on frequencies between 1.5 and 22 MHz. ALC protection. The output and reflected powers are monitored and control the exciter ALC voltage. This helps prevent damage to the amplifier. Front panel ALC control.
Power Supply Features 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.
Export Modifications A simple modification will allow operation on frequencies up to 30 MHz. A parts kit to make this modification is available by sending a written request for the export modification kit, item no. 19-10600, along with a copy of your valid amateur license to Ameritron. There is charge for this kit. Export models are shipped with this modification installed. The ALS-600Y is the export for 115-130vac operation and the ALS-600X is the export model for 220-240 operation.
when the reflected power is deducted from the forward power readings. The average and peak envelope power values are EQUAL on CW, FSK and FM ( modes that do not have amplitude changes in the carrier). The average power level of voice or other complex waveform signals has NO SET RATIO of peak to average power. ALC (Automatic Level Control) The ALC circuit functions by using a comparator (IC103A) to reduce the exciter drive power if the output power of the ALS-600 exceeds a preset value.
Caution: There are no industry standards for transceiver or exciter ALC input voltage levels, input resistance, or attack and decay times. While every attempt has been made to make the ALC circuit in this amplifier compatible with various exciters, the exact operation of the ALC circuit will vary with the exciters response to external ALC control voltages. This ALC circuit will function with negative voltage ALC control systems requiring less than 10 volts.
SWR Considerations A high SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) causes higher voltages and/or currents to appear at the output connector of the amplifier. This problem occurs with all amplifiers regardless of whether tubes or semiconductors are used in the output stage. Vacuum tube amplifiers have the reputation of handling high SWR's quite well. This reputation probably exists for two reasons. First, most vacuum tube amplifiers use adjustable output networks.
Refer to the chart on below for the proper location of the primary wiring. This chart lists the proper jumper connections for different ranges of MAXIMUM line voltage. The standard line voltage in the USA is NOT 110 and 220 volts. It is almost ALWAYS above 120 volts or 240 volts. Caution: Never exceed the voltage in this chart for each wiring configuration. If the output voltage of this supply exceeds 65 volts damage to the amplifier may occur.
A separate 10 volt transformer winding can be connected either to either oppose or add to the power line voltage. This allows the 115 volt maximum voltage primary windings to be adjusted to provide the proper voltage. Use of the buck-boost winding allows maximum primary voltages of either 100, 110, and 120 volts maximum voltage or 210, 220, and 230 volts maximum voltage at either 50 or 60 hertz.
power supply cabinet Caution: The choke in the 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. The best ground leads are smooth and have a large surface area.
Interconnections 1. Connect the RF output (ant) 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 50 ohm coax that will safely carry 600 watts. This is where the Low-Pass filter, antenna tuner, antenna switch and other accessories connect. 3.
Operation This amplifier is equipped with a switch on the front of the Amplifier's Power Supply 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 will limit the voltage to about 42Vdc no load. This will limit the output power to 350 watts. In the RTTY position, the amplifier can be operated with 10 minute key down with 50% duty cycle. The Amplifier's back panel has an ALC limit control.
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. The ALC should not be used to control the power level more than a few percent on CW. The "ALC" LED should just barely light or flash on CW.
Proper modulation AM is indicated by observing the ratio of unmodulated carrier power to the power indicated on voice modulation peaks. This rotation should be approximately 4:1. Never use the ALC to control the power on AM. The "ALC SET" control should be set in the maximum clockwise position. Drive Power Requirements The ALS-600 requires less than 100 watts of drive to produce full output power. Exceeding 100 watts of drive for long periods of time may cause component failures.
8. The ALC control is usually properly adjusted if the ALC LED just flashes when the desired peak output power is reached. The audio or power output control on the exciter can be adjusted to control how "heavily" the ALC is used. The higher the exciter power (gain) control is adjusted the more compression the ALC circuit provides. The best signal quality occurs when the ALC LED occasionally flashes. The most SSB signal "punch" will occur if the LED continuously flashes.
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 7103 7104,105 7106 Q101,102 8101,106,115 8102 8103,107 8104,105,108,113 8109 RI 10 8111,119,120,123,127 8112 8114 R115 R116 RI 17,118,125 R121 8122 8124 R126 Description 0luF 50v disc 2.2uF 50v radial lead electrolytic 47uF 50v tantalum not used not used 1N34A diode 5.
18
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 8201,204,214,211 8202,205,212,215 8203,206,213,216,221-224 8207,208,217,218,231-234 8209,210,219,220 8225-230 T201 T202 T203 Description not used 1 uF 50V disc 470 pF 500V DM 15 .33 uF 100V multilayer 47 uF 100V mylar 100 uF 100V radial lead electrolytic 360 pF 500V ferrite bead w/ Teflon sleeving MRF-150 RF TMOS FET 3.3k 1/4 w 5k trim pot lk 1/2w 18 ohm 1/2w .
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 C321-323,326-328 C324 C325,329 C330 D301 D302,303 D304 L301,306 L302,307 L303,308 L304,309 L305,310 RLY301 R301 R302 R303 R304 R305 R306 R307 R308 R309 R310 SW301 Description not used 180 pF* 1000v CDV-30 270 pF* 1000v CDV-30 360 pF* 1000v CDV-30 680 pF* 1000v CDV-30 1500 pF* 1000v CDV-30 160 pF* CDV-30 220 pF* CDV-30 2700 pF* CDV-30 27 pF 500 v mica 01 uF 50 v disc 3-12 pF 50
LED Board 50-0600-4 Designator Description CR401 CR402 CR403 J401 R401 R402 Green LED Yellow LED Red LED 10 pin header 470 ohm 1/4 watt 1k Potentiometer Part Number 320-0500 320-0300 320-0522-1 612-0110 100-2470 105-1301
SWR Detect Board 50-0600-5 Designator Description C501,502 C503 C504 C505,506 C507 D501,502 R501 R502 R503,504 T501 150 pF 1kV disc cap not used 33 pF 1 kV Disc .01 uF 50 Vdc 3-12 pF 500V TrimCap 1N34A or equiv. 3.
ALS-600 Chassis Components Designator Description Part Number B1 for B 1 Cl-C5 C6-C7 C8 J1,J2 J3-J5 J6 Mla, Mlb RI R2 SW1,SW2 TMl 4.5" fan fan filter screen .01 50v disc capacitor .01 250Vac capacitor .
ALS-60OPS Parts Lists & Schematics Power Supply Board 50-0600-6 Designator C603 C604 D601-603 F601 F602 R601 R602 RLY601 Description 2200uF 25v radial lead 220uF 25v radial lead 1N4007 or equiv.
ALS-600PS Chassis Components Designator B2 for B2 C5 C3,4 D1 F601 F602 F1,2 F3 for F3-5 M2a, M26 P1 R3,4 R5,6 T1 T2 Description 3" muffin fan fan guard 15000 uF 80 We capacitor & mounting bracket 0luF 250 Vac disc capacitor 50 amp bridge rectifier 2 amp slowblow IvIDL type 2 amp AGC 15 amp fuses for 95-110 Vac, 12 amp fuses for 105-130 Vac or 8 amp fuses for 200-240 Vac operation 25 amp high voltage chassis mount fuse holders dual needle 60 volt / 25 ampere scale Power supply plug 150 K 1/4 watt resistor
116 Willow Road Starkville, MS 39759 USA 662-323-8211 LIMITED WARRANTY Ameritron warrants to the original purchaser that this product shall be free from defects in material (except tubes and RF output transistors) or workmanship for one year from the date of original During the warranty period, Ameritron (or an authorized Ameritron service facility) will provide free of charge both parts (except tubes and RF output transistors) and labor necessary to correct defects in material or workmanship.
