Acom 1000 User manual

ACOM 1000
HF + 6m
Linear Amplifier
User's Manual
Installation, Operation
and Maintenance
August 2020
OUTSTANDING HF POWER PRODUCTS

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 2of 36 | S e c t i o n ABOUT DOCUMENTATION
August 2020
This manual is for electronic distribution mainly.
If you have it on paper and you no longer need it, please, recycle it!
The latest versions of our User's Manuals are available at
www.acom-bg.com

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n ABOUT DOCUMENTATION | Page 3of 36
ABOUT DOCUMENTATION
All ACOM documentation (including manuals, brochures, specifications, descriptions, presentations, video
materials, etc.) are based on the latest available information at the time of creation of our documents.
As we always strive to constantly improve and update our products, ALL PRODUCTS, PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS AND DATA ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ACOM reserves the right to make changes and
improvements at any time without further notice or obligation to notify any person or organization of such
revisions or changes, made in order to improve the reliability, function, quality and design, and/or
performance of the ACOM products and services.
Further, this User's Manual is provided AS IS and ACOM shall not be liable for possible errors contained
herein.
This manual supersedes all previous editions, which thereby become invalid.
The cover images used in the manual are illustrative only.
We are continuously striving to improve our documentation, but nobody is perfect.
And our documentation is not an exception of this rule.
Have you found any errors or would you like to suggest changes in our documentation?
Please help us by sending your suggestions to the following e-mail address:
documentation@acom-bg.com
The latest versions of our User's Manuals are available at
www.acom-bg.com
We highly recommend you to use this manual in electronic form as PDF-file instead of printed version. The
PDF-file is easy to read on any computer, tablet, smart phone or other similar device. In the PDF file you
will find the necessary information very fast due to context-oriented links (marked in orange) inside the file,
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User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 4of 36 | S e c t i o n ABOUT DOCUMENTATION
August 2020
Title of Documentation
ACOM 1000 HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
User's Manual
Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Type of Documentation
User's Manual
Purpose of Documentation
This manual explains Installation, Operation and Maintenance of the
ACOM 1000 HF + 6m Linear Amplifier.
Record of Revisions
Description
Release Date
Notes
ACOM 1000 User's Manual
11.08.1998
First edition
ACOM 1000 User's Manual
16.10.2007
Second edition
ACOM 1000 User's Manual
18.05.2017
Third edition
ACOM 1000 User's Manual
28.08.2020
Fourth edition
Validity
The specified data is for product description purposes only and may not be
deemed to be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in the contract. All
rights are reserved with respect to the content of this manual and the
availability of the product.
Copyrights
© 2020 ACOM Ltd.
Copying this document, giving it to others and the use or communication
of the contents thereof without express authority, are forbidden.
Offenders will be held liable for infringement of any intellectual property
of ACOM Ltd. and all damages which may rise as a result.
Published by
ACOM Ltd.
Bulgaria | Bozhurishte 2227
Sofia-Bozhurishte Economic Zone | 6 Valeri Petrov Str.
GPS coordinates: 42.748616о| 23.209801о
Web: www.acom-bg.com
E-mail: documentation@acom-bg.com
Note
This manual has been printed on chlorine-free bleached paper.

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n ABOUT DOCUMENTATION | Page 5of 36
Contents
ABOUT DOCUMENTATION................................................................................................................................. 3
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................... 7
1.1. Introduction and Description .......................................................................................................... 7
1.2. Owner Assistance ............................................................................................................................ 7
1.3. Equipment Supplied ........................................................................................................................ 7
1.4. Features........................................................................................................................................... 8
1.5. Safety Considerations, Explicit Definitions...................................................................................... 9
2. INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection ................................................................................................... 11
2.2. Line Voltage Selection ................................................................................................................... 11
2.3. Amplifier Location Selection.......................................................................................................... 12
2.4. Connections................................................................................................................................... 12
2.5. Installation of External Fan............................................................................................................ 15
3. POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS .............................................................................................. 16
4. OPERATION.............................................................................................................................................. 18
4.1. Turning ON and OFF ...................................................................................................................... 18
4.2. Changing Operate and Standby Modes......................................................................................... 19
4.3. Tuning............................................................................................................................................ 19
4.4. ON LINE Information Screens and Control Functions ................................................................... 23
4.5. Auto-Protection System ................................................................................................................ 24
5. OFF LINE OPERATION............................................................................................................................... 25
5.1. Contrast and Backlighting control................................................................................................. 25
5.2. Auto-Operate enabling and disabling............................................................................................ 25
5.3. Reading Auto-protection Signatures............................................................................................. 26
6. MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................................................... 27
6.1. Cleaning......................................................................................................................................... 27
6.2. Fuses Replacement........................................................................................................................ 27
6.3. Tube Replacement......................................................................................................................... 27
6.4. ACOM 1000 Simplified Schematic Diagram .................................................................................. 28
6.5. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................ 30

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
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August 2020
7. SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................................................................... 32
7.1. Parameters.................................................................................................................................... 32
7.2. Functions....................................................................................................................................... 33
7.3. Storage and Shipment................................................................................................................... 34
Figures
Figure 2-1 Connections................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 3-1 ACOM 1000 Display and Control................................................................................................... 16
Figure 3-2 Information Screens and Control Functions Structure.................................................................. 17
Figure 6-1 ACOM 1500 Simplified Schematic Diagram .................................................................................. 29
Tables
Table 2-1 ACOM 1000 Individual Data............................................................................................................ 11
Table 4-1 Approximate tuning preset............................................................................................................. 21
Table 4-2 Using TRI tuning aid........................................................................................................................ 22

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n GENERAL INFORMATION | Page 7of 36
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Congratulations on purchasing one of the finest HF amplifiers in the world today.
ACOM is pleased that you have chosen one of our products, and we will endeavor to provide you with the
information and support you need to enjoy your purchase for many years.
We urge you to read all of the following materials before you embark on operating your new amplifier.
1.1. Introduction and Description
This manual explains:
•Installation
•Operation and
•Maintenance
of the ACOM 1000 HF + 6 meter linear amplifier.
The ACOM 1000 is a complete and self-contained linear amplifier that covers all amateur bands from 1.8
through 54MHz and provides over 1000W output power with less than 60W exciter drive. Antenna VSWR
up to 3:1 is acceptable at full power. Tuning is substantially simplified by a plate-load True Resistance
Indicator (TRI) and by an automatically controlled input attenuator. Operating parameters are displayed by
a multi-functional OLED. Full break-in transmit/receive switching (QSK) is standard.
1.2. Owner Assistance
If assistance is needed, you should contact your local dealer first. If necessary, your dealer will contact
ACOM for additional guidance.
If you still have an issue you need to discuss with one of ACOM's specialists, the contact information is as
follows:
ACOM Ltd.
E-mail: support@acom-bg.com
Bulgaria | Bozhurishte 2227
Sofia-Bozhurishte Economic Zone | 6 Valeri Petrov Str.
GPS coordinates: 42.748616о| 23.209801о
1.3. Equipment Supplied
The ACOM 1000 amplifier and this User's Manual are shipped in a cardboard carton.

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 8of 36 | S e c t i o n GENERAL INFORMATION
August 2020
1.4. Features
•Easy to operate. The TRI is a powerful tuning aid which, together with the automatically controlled
input attenuator, helps the operator to quickly and precisely match antennas (5-10 seconds typically).
The auto-operate function (when enabled) maintains the amplifier in OPERATE mode for you, thus
saving manual operations and time.
•No heavy outboard antenna tuners required for antenna VSWR up to 3:1 (and higher on some bands).
Your amplifier will perform the functions of an antenna tuner, thus enabling you to change antennas
faster and use them over a wider frequency range (saving tuning time).
•An amplifier that is both user-friendly, and that looks after itself. It is designed to safely withstand up
to 500W reflected power, up to 100 milliseconds duration of drive spikes, drive RF "tails" after a PTT or
KEY release, operator’s inadvertent tuning errors etc. It would also not cease to function with a "soft"
AC line and would deliver more than half power at only 75% of nominal mains voltage. It would
withstand up to 10 milliseconds (down to zero) voltage drops, and up to +15% line voltage spikes,
which is important particularly when used at field days, DXpeditions, and other portable events.
•OLED comment display. All amplifier status indications are explained via detailed text displayed on the
dot matrix display OLED. The upper-line’s strip on the OLED always reads peak forward power. LED
indicators are provided for OPERATE, attenuation-on, and ON/OFF conditions.
•Easy maintenance. Signatures of the amplifier internal status are stored in a nonvolatile memory for 7
most recent auto protection trips. This information can be forwarded to your dealer for diagnostics.
Using an EXCEL APPLICATION (available from ACOM or your dealer free of charge) and a PC you can
decode the signatures by yourself, too.
•Less noise in the shack: the input bypassing and the vacuum antenna relays are virtually silent even in
QSK CW mode due to their special mounting.
•Less QRM and improved Electro Magnetic Compatibility during tuning. Antenna matching can be
achieved in less than 10 seconds at a quarter of nominal output power.
•Operates without special signals from the transceiver - "ground on TX" and 60W RF drive power are
sufficient.
•Broadband input matching circuit resulting in very good load to the transceiver over the entire
spectrum from 1.8MHz up to 54MHz.
•Uses a single 4CX800A (GU74B) Svetlana high-performance ceramic-metal tetrode with plate
dissipation of 800W (forced air cooling, grid-driven).
•Permanent monitoring and protection of plate and grid voltages and currents, as well as of the exhaust
air temperature. The Bias Optimizer decreases the heat dissipated from the tube, and there is
automatic protection against overheating in accordance with the specifications of the tube producer.
•An output RF Arc protection is employed. It safeguards the amplifier, antenna, antenna selector, and
tuner against severe damage in case of possible break down.
•High voltage power supply inrush current protection, which eliminates the danger of affecting sensitive
devices, connected to the same mains circuit (important when used portable). The amplifier can be
configured for 8 nominal line voltages: 100, 110, 120, 200, 210, 220, 230, and 240VAC, 50 or 60Hz.

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n GENERAL INFORMATION | Page 9of 36
•Continuous measuring and/or selectable monitoring of 12 most important parameters of the amplifier,
exciter, and antennas via OLED.
•The amplifier can be shipped with 10- and 12 meters capability disabled as required by the FCC for US
users. Contact your dealer about enabling those bands.
1.5. Safety Considerations, Explicit Definitions
The ACOM 1000 HF + 6 meters Linear Amplifier is a Safety Class I unit. The third grounding lead of its mains
cord (which is colored yellow with two green stripes) and the ground stud on the rear panel of the
amplifier (marked GND) must be connected to the station's grounding system for safe operation. The
amplifier is designed to meet international safety standards and complies with CE safety and
electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well as FCC regulations.
This User's Manual contains information, precautions and indications for cautions and warnings which
must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to keep the ACOM 1000 in safe operating
condition.
The EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS described below apply to this operating manual:
D A N G E R
These notes call attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed, could result
in serious personal injuries and even death, fire hazard, electric shock and/or in
substantial material damage.
W A R N I N G
These notes call attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed, could result
in injuries and equipment damage, not only in the ACOM products, but also to other
systems.
NOTE
These notes call attention to technical tips, as well as to important information for
better understanding of ACOM products.
ORA N G E T E X T a s L I N K S
marks all internal links in the document between Sections, Figure, Tables, etc. for your
convenience.
Внимание!
Danger!
Забележка!
Note!
Внимание!
Danger!

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 10 of 36 | S e c t i o n GENERAL INFORMATION
August 2020
PRECAUTIONS:
D A N G E R ! H I G H V O L T A G E !
The amplifier works with high voltages up to 3000V, which are LETHAL!
For your safety, pull the amplifier power plug out of the mains wall outlet and WAIT AT
LEAST 30 minutes EACH TIME BEFORE you remove the cover of the amplifier. Do not
touch any part inside while the amplifier is open because some residual voltages may
still be present.
D A N G E R ! H I G H V O L T A G E !
Never allow anyone, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, to push anything into holes in the case -
this will cause electric shock. NEVER TOUCH AN ANTENNA during transmission - this
may result in an electric shock or burn. NEVER EXPOSE the amplifier to rain, snow or any
liquids. AVOID placing the amplifier in excessively dusty environments or in direct
sunlight. DO NOT OBSTRUCT AIR INTAKE (rear panel) and EXHAUST (top cover) areas of
the amplifier. Keep a minimum distance of 10cm (4 inches) to the intake and 50cm (20
inches) to the exhaust.
D A N G E R !
Do not undertake on your own repairs or changes in hardware or software of the
amplifier in order not to endanger your or other's health and life and not to damage the
amplifier and the equipment connected with it, not covered by warranty. The
manufacturer is not liable for another's actions and responsibility shall be assumed by
the doer.
W A R N I N G
To avoid damage (not covered under warranty) read the Section 2INSTALLATION of this
User's Manual carefully. If you have any doubts about the installation, operation or
safety of the amplifier, please consult your dealer.
Внимание!
Danger!
Внимание!
Danger!
Внимание!
Danger!
Внимание!
Danger!

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n INSTALLATION | Page 11 of 36
2. INSTALLATION
2.1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection
NOTE
Before you install your amplifier, thoroughly read this manual. First, carefully inspect
the cardboard carton and its contents for physical damage. ACOM ships amplifiers in
highly protected containers, but it cannot assure that mistreatment by shippers will not
occur. If damage is evident, notify your dealer immediately. Delay may void the carrier's
warranty.
Keep all packing materials for possible future amplifier shipment.
2.2. Line Voltage Selection
W A R N I N G
To avoid damage, which will not be covered under your warranty, check carefully to be
certain that the voltage for which the amplifier is set corresponds to your mains
nominal voltage.
Normally, the amplifier is supplied set for a nominal line voltage of 240V. If your mains voltage is not 240V,
you must contact your dealer for instructions. The only exception to this is if the unit has been custom
ordered, in which case the voltage selection will be noted in the Table of Individual Data (see Table 2-1
ACOM 1000 Individual Data).
AMP SN:
Tube SN:
Voltage Selector Position
VAC
Table 2-1 ACOM 1000 Individual Data
Внимание!
Danger!
Забележка!
Note!

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 12 of 36 | S e c t i o n INSTALLATION
August 2020
2.3. Amplifier Location Selection
NOTE
The weight of the unit is about 22kg, which should preferably be handled by two
persons.
Position the amplifier near the place where it will be used. You will need an easy access to the command
knobs and indicator's area, as well as to the rear panel cabling.
No magnetic-field sensitive devices (such as microphones) should be located next to the right side of the
amplifier because its power transformer is located there. It is advisable to position the amplifier to the
right of your transceiver.
No temperature-sensitive devices should be located above the exhaust hot air area. This means that the
amplifier should not be located under a shelf or other structure that could impede the free movement of
air away from the amplifier. You may prefer to use the bottom scales of both variable capacitor knobs
(TUNE and LOAD) if you install it on a shelf.
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES OBSTRUCT the AIR INTAKE (rear panel) or EXHAUST (top cover)
areas of the amplifier. Keep a minimum clearance distance of 10cm (4 inches) from the intake and 50cm
(20 inches) from the exhaust openings.
2.4. Connections
Connection to your station must be accomplished in the order described below, before you apply mains
voltage to the amplifier.
W A R N I N G
Note that the grounding system may have to withstand currents over 10A with
insignificant voltage drop on it. Therefore, it may be necessary to improve it
considerably, i.e. to become less resistive, with heavier leads and lower-resistive ground
path. The grounding leads should be at least 4mm² (AWG 11 or SWG 13).
Внимание!
Danger!
Забележка!
Note!

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n INSTALLATION | Page 13 of 36
Figure 2-1 Connections
a) First, connect the ground stud of the amplifier (on the rear panel, marked GND) to the
station’s grounding system (see Figure 2-1 Connections).
b) Connect a coaxial cable with a PL-259 plug from the transceiver output to the amplifier rear
panel RF INPUT socket.
W A R N I N G
If this is the first time you will use a power amplifier in your station, pay attention to the
coaxial cable type from the amplifier's output. It must handle the increased power
safely, particularly on the 10- and 6 meters bands. We recommend that you use RG213
or better. Check the same for the antenna selector and tuner as well as the antenna
itself (especially multi-band trap antennas).
c) Connect a coaxial cable from the amplifier output (on the rear panel, marked RF OUTPUT)
with a PL-259 plug to the antenna selector or tuner or to the antenna for the respective
band.
d) Run a cable terminated in a Phono (RCA) connector from the transceiver socket providing
"ground on transmit" to the amplifier rear panel KEY-IN socket.
Внимание!
Danger!

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 14 of 36 | S e c t i o n INSTALLATION
August 2020
NOTE
Your amplifier will not work if KEY-IN is not connected properly.
Transceiver producers give different names to this output and they are for instance TX-
GND, SEND, T/R-LINE, etc. Some transceivers require that "ground on transmit" is
implemented via a software command, or by changing the setting of a switch on the
rear panel, or interior of the transceiver. Check your transceiver's manual.
e) The KEY-OUT socket on the rear panel provides an extra control signal from the amplifier to
the transceiver. It could be used to improve the transmit/receive switching safety.
If your transceiver has a suitable input that disables transmission, we recommend that you connect it with
a cable terminated in a Phono (RCA) connector to the KEY-OUT socket of the amplifier. Transceiver
producers give different names to this input and they are for instance TX-INHIBIT, MUTE, LINEAR, etc.
Check your transceiver’s manual or consult your dealer.
If your transceiver does not have such input, don't worry - the amplifier will function normally as well, and
then the KEY-OUT may remain unused.
f) Preparation of wall outlet for the amplifier.
W A R N I N G
If your amplifier is only fitted with one mains fuse, it is suitable for 0-220...240 VAC
electricity supplies ONLY (these supplies are standard in the European Community).
Your dealer will check that your amplifier is correctly fused before it is shipped to you.
Customers should check with a qualified electrician if the amplifier is to be used outside
the country in which it was purchased.
Due to the different standards in different countries, the mains plug is supplied and mounted by the
dealer. He connects to the mains cord end a standard mains supply plug which meets the Safety Class I unit
standard in your country. The ground lead of the amplifier's power cord is colored yellow with two green
stripes and the blue and brown leads are active. When the amplifier is to be used with only one mains fuse,
it is connected in series with the brown lead, which must be the active. If you have any doubts about the
correct way of connecting the wires, consult your dealer.
W A R N I N G
Before connecting the amplifier to your mains supply, be sure that the supply is
correctly wired, and is adequate for the current drawn by the amplifier (up to 10A).
Make certain that the grounding lead is connected properly in the wall outlet for the
amplifier.
Внимание!
Danger!
Внимание!
Danger!
Забележка!
Note!

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n INSTALLATION | Page 15 of 36
It is preferable that you use the wall outlet closest to the source. The installation leads should be at least
1.5mm² (AWG 15 or SWG 17). Check if the respective fuses can handle current up to 10A as well, and
whether the voltage corresponds to the voltage for which the amplifier is set (see Section 2.2 Line Voltage
Selection). If you connect the amplifier to a different mains outlet, be sure that you check it, too.
Make sure the main Power Switch on the rear panel is in OFF position and insert amplifier's mains plug into
the wall outlet prepared for it. The amplifier remains switched off.
2.5. Installation of External Fan
This fan (see Figure 2-1 Connections) is not necessary in SSB and CW modes, nor in continuous carrier modes
(RTTY, SSTV etc.) with carrier down times of maximum 15 minutes and a subsequent pause of 3 minutes.
For higher duties or increased ambient temperatures the fan is recommended. The auxiliary fan
(92x92mm) must be brushless type, 2...5W/24VDC. It may be installed by your dealer or by the
manufacturer on request.

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 16 of 36 | S e c t i o n POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
August 2020
3. POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
D A N G E R
Do not turn the amplifier on for at least 2 hours after unpacking it in the room where it
will be used. Pay particular attention when you move it from a very cold into a warm
place - condensation is likely and this could result in damage to the high voltage circuits.
In such a case, wait at least 4 hours. A similar effect can occur after a rapid warming of
the operating room (for instance after switching on a powerful heater in a cold shack).
W A R N I N G
To avoid damage (not covered under warranty) carefully check that the voltage for
which the amplifier is set corresponds to your mains nominal voltage (see Section 2.2
Line Voltage Selection and Table 2-1 ACOM 1000 Individual Data).
After following all instructions in Section 2INSTALLATION, you can turn ON the main power switch marked
"LINE" on the rear panel (see Figure 2-1 Connections). The LED indicator above the red ON/OFF button
located on the front panel must light red and "ACOM 1000" will appear on the OLED (see Figure 3-1 ACOM
1000 Display and Control):
Figure 3-1 ACOM 1000 Display and Control
You'll note that the upper line of the OLED always reads the peak forward power, even in STBY mode. The
1200W scale resolution is 10W per bar, dots division weight is 60W, and figures are multiple to 300W. Note
also that levels below 20W may be not detected.
Внимание!
Danger!
Внимание!
Danger!

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n POWER ON, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS | Page 17 of 36
In this position (called OFF LINE hereafter) only the micro-controller is operational, while the amplifier
itself is still turned off (the tube is not powered at all).
The control of the amplifier is accessible during OFF LINE and ON LINE states, each having several
information screens and control functions (see Figure 3-2 Information Screens and Control Functions Structure):
Figure 3-2 Information Screens and Control Functions Structure
The OPER button alternatively changes operate and standby modes (see Section 4.2 Changing Operate and
Standby Modes) while ON LINE. Please note that Auto-Operate might be enabled. The same button
activates signature list while OFF LINE.
The PREV and NEXT buttons change information screens or select control functions (see Section 4.4 ON
LINE Information Screens and Control Functions) for both OFF LINE and ON LINE.
The ON/OFF button alternatively switches OFF LINE and ON LINE states of the amplifier.
You can proceed in one of two directions:
a) You can use the OFF LINE information screens and control functions. They refer to the auto-
protection signatures list, LCD contrast and backlighting control, as well and the Auto-
Operate feature. This is described in (see Section 5OFF LINE OPERATION).
b) You can turn on the amplifier and start the warm-up sequence. After 2.5 minutes you may
tune and begin operating the amplifier and you can use the ON LINE information screens or
control functions (see below).

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 18 of 36 | S e c t i o n OPERATION
August 2020
4. OPERATION
Operation of the amplifier is simplified due to the TRI tuning aid, Auto-Operate function, and automatic
protection system, so you'll be able to begin using the amplifier immediately after the installation.
However, to make full use of amplifier's potential and to fully configure it to your local conditions, we
recommend that you thoroughly read the following information.
There are 14 ON LINE information screens, which can be selected by pressing repeatedly the NEXT or PREV
buttons (see Figure 3-2 Information Screens and Control Functions Structure). Their purpose and method of use
are described in next Sections 4.1 Turning ON and OFF through 4.5 Auto-Protection System.
4.1. Turning ON and OFF
In order to turn on the amplifier, while the Main Power Switch (located on the rear panel) is on, press the
ON/OFF button (on the front panel right-bottom corner) and hold it on for about one second. The ON/OFF
LED indicator above the button will change from red to green. You'll hear the blower start first at high
speed, then slow down.
After successfully passing the initial self-tests, the ON/OFF LED begins flashing green while the following
inscription on the OLED remains lit:
WARMING UP: nnn s
(nnn above is the number of seconds remaining to readiness for operation)
A tube warm-up period of 2.5 minutes follows. During this time the amplifier remains in standby mode, so
you can continue operating with the transceiver.
Pressing either the PREV or NEXT buttons during this period will result in changing the screen to one of the
14 available information screens described in (see Section 4.4 ON LINE Information Screens and Control
Functions)below. This action will not influence the warming-up process, so you may pass through all
information screens, for instance to monitor the High Voltage value or the Exhaust Air temperature. You
can also return to the old one to see how many seconds are still needed for the tube's heater.
NOTE
When you intend to have a short operating break, it is better to leave the amplifier in
standby mode instead of turning it off. Tube life is shortened by repeatedly turning on
and off the tube heater supply. However, if you unintentionally power-off the amplifier,
it is best to switch it on again immediately. When the pause is short (up to one minute)
and the cathode is still warm, the warm-up period is shortened significantly, which
reduces the waiting time and prolongs the tube's expected life.
Забележка!
Note!

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
August 2020
S e c t i o n OPERATION | Page 19 of 36
After the indicated period expires, the ON/OFF button stops flashing and lights green constantly. If the
auto-operate function is selected to ON (see Section 5.2 Auto-Operate enabling and disabling), the green
OPER LED lights too. The last used (one out of 14) information screen appears on the OLED, for instance:
"WARMING UP: Ready".
The bar graph on the upper line always indicates the peak forward power (as well as during OFF LINE).
In order to turn the amplifier OFF press shortly the ON/OFF button. If you are not going to use the
amplifier for a long time, it is best to turn it off using the Main Power switch (on the rear panel) as well.
4.2. Changing Operate and Standby Modes
With the Auto-Operate function disabled (see Section 5.2 Auto-Operate enabling and disabling), the OPER
button changes two modes alternatively.
When Auto-Operate is enabled, the amplifier will be maintained to operate mode by default, unless you
use the OPER button manually to go to standby (then Auto-Operate is suppressed temporarily). Pressing
OPER again would restore the Auto-Operate feature.
4.3. Tuning
Tuning is possible only in operate mode, so press the OPER button in order to illuminate its LED (unless
Auto-Operate is active).
a) Preliminary information
Tuning the amplifier involves a procedure of matching the impedance of the currently used antenna to the
tube’s optimum load resistance. This will ensure maximum plate efficiency and optimum RF gain at
nominal output power, with minimal distortion and spurious output.
Note that REFLECTED POWER readings depend on the antenna and transmission line impedances only, and
not on amplifier tuning. If the load impedance is not a nominally resistive 50-Ohms, the REFLECTED POWER
indicator will always show a reading, no matter what the tuning settings. Proper tuning is always
necessary, however, and will allow you to operate at a high-power level, without distortion or any danger
to the amplifier. Note also that the real OUTPUT POWER presented to the load is equal to the difference
between the FORWARD and REFLECTED power readings.
For instance, with a 2.4:1 VSWR, readings of 1200W and 200 W FORWARD POWER and REFLECTED POWER
respectively, the real OUTPUT POWER is 1000W. At very high VSWR levels, such as when no antenna is
connected or a badly mismatched antenna is used, the FORWARD and REFLECTED readings will be almost
equal, while the real OUTPUT POWER (the difference between them) will be nearly zero.

User's Manual | ACOM 1000 | HF + 6m Linear Amplifier
Page 20 of 36 | S e c t i o n OPERATION
August 2020
The amplifier can operate safely as long as the REFLECTED POWER is LESS THAN 300W. Also, impedance
matching is assured for loads presenting a VSWR of up to 3:1. Although for some loads and bands,
matching is possible at even higher VSWR levels, the drive power must be reduced to prevent the
REFLECTED POWER from exceeding 300W. Failure to comply with these guidelines will cause the
**REFLECTED POWER** soft-fault protection to trip.
For example, if the antenna VSWR were 4.5:1, the maximum attainable forward power would be 750W,
300W of reflected power and real output to the antenna of only 450W. In the event your antenna cannot
be adjusted to produce a lower VSWR, an external antenna tuner may be deployed.
D A N G E R
Using a feeder of coaxial cable at VSWR > 3:1 on HF, and particularly on the 10- and 6
meters bands, is not recommended. At such high values of VSWR, the high voltages,
high currents, and heat associated with line losses, risk to permanently damage your
coaxial cable or antenna switch.
Update tuning periodically, even if you have not changed band or antenna, in particular when a significant
change in the environment occurs (snow, ice, newly appeared or removed massive objects, alien wires
nearby etc.) that would cause significant changes in the antenna impedance.
NOTE
If you use more than one antenna per band, it is necessary that you select the proper
antenna BEFORE the next step. Retune after selecting a different antenna for the same
band, since both impedances may differ substantially (unless their VSWR is excellent,
i.e. below 1.2:1 for both).
W A R N I N G
Do not switch the BAND switch knob while transmitting with the amplifier! Hot
switching (while transmitting) will eventually destroy the band switch, not covered by
the warranty!
W A R N I N G
When tuning, do not apply continuous drive longer than 3 minutes and after that pause
1-2 minutes for tube cooling.
Внимание!
Danger!
Забележка!
Note!
Внимание!
Danger!
Внимание!
Danger!
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