Acom 700S User manual

ACOM700S
Outstanding HF Power Products
HF + 6 m LINEAR AMPLIFIER
OPERATING MANUAL

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION .........................................................................................................................3
1-1. Inroduction and description.......................................................................................................3
1-2. Owner assistance .....................................................................................................................3
1-3. Equipment supplied and options...............................................................................................3
1-4. Features....................................................................................................................................4
1-5. Safety considerations, explicit denitions .................................................................................4
2. INSTALLATION...........................................................................................................................................5
2-1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection ...............................................................................................5
2-2. Amplier operating location selection; cooling..........................................................................6
2-3. Connecting the amplier within the shack ................................................................................6
2-4. Installing options and connecting to external devices, computer, etc. ......................................9
3. POWERING AND OPERATION................................................................................................................10
3-1. Low energy stand-by mode of the power supply ....................................................................10
3-2. Front panel - controls and indication.......................................................................................10
3-3. Initial turning on ...................................................................................................................... 11
3-4. Basic screen ........................................................................................................................... 11
3-5. Control system – buttons and menus .....................................................................................13
3-6. Test transmission ....................................................................................................................13
4. AMPLIFIER OPERATION .........................................................................................................................16
4-1. Change of modes, RX / TX and Operate / Stand-by; option AUTO OPERATE ......................16
4-2. Band change, standard and expanded frequency coverage ..................................................17
4-3. Operation with an external antenna tuner...............................................................................18
4-4. Automatic protection system...................................................................................................18
5. MENUS – SETTINGS AND OPTIONS .....................................................................................................19
5-1. Menu “Measurements in the amplier” – AMP MEASURE.....................................................20
5-2. Menu “Service functions in the amplier” – AMP SERVICE. ..................................................21
5-3. Menu CAT/AUX SETTINGS....................................................................................................21
5-4. Menu “USER PREFERENCES” .............................................................................................23
5-5. FAULTS LOG ..........................................................................................................................24
5-6. RESTORE DEFAULT SETTINGS...........................................................................................24
6. REMOTE CONTROL................................................................................................................................25
6-1. General information ................................................................................................................25
7. MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................................................25
7-1. Periodic maintenance; general checks and cleaning..............................................................25
7-2. Replacement of fuses .............................................................................................................27
7-3. Using the fault codes (signatures) for diagnostics ..................................................................27
7-4. FIRMWARE UPDATES...........................................................................................................28
8. SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................28
8-1. Parameters .............................................................................................................................28
8-2. Functions ................................................................................................................................29
8-3. Storage and shipment.............................................................................................................29
9. DISCLAIMER............................................................................................................................................30

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1.
Inroduction and description
This manual describes the installation, operation, and maintenance of the HF+6m solid-state linear
power amplier ACOM 700S.
ACOM
700S is
a state-of-the art linear amplier, covering the amateur bands from 1.8 to 54MHz with
700W output power
(PEP or continuous carrier)
with less than 40W of drive. The amplifier operating
information is shown on a multi-functional, high resolution color display. ACOM 700S may by controlled
either by the six front panel buttons or remotely – via an RS232 port.
NOTE
ACOM 700S
is designed to work with the ACOM 04AT Remote
Automatic Antenna Tuner. The connection of ACOM04AT will make
accessible the features that are inactive onthe amplier display when
ACOM
700S operates without
ACOM 04AT. The operation of ACOM 700S with ACOM 04AT
is described in the ACOM 04AT Operation Manual.
1-2.
Owner assistance
If technical or operating assistance is needed, please contact your local dealer rst. In the unlikely
case of you needing further information, you may get in touch with ACOM via: fax (+ 359 2 920 96 56),
telephone [phone]), e-mail ([email protected], [email protected]) or by post (blvd.
Nikola Mushanov 151, 1330 Soa, Bulgaria). Website: www.acom-bg.com.
1-3.
Equipment supplied and options
The amplier is supplied in a single box including:
-
amplier ACOM 700S;
- power cord;
- this manual with a CE declaration of compliance;
-
four pieces of spare fuses
1-4.
Features
• 5“ high resolution color display (108x65mm), 800x480 pixels, and 24-bit color.
• The nal PA stage uses a rugged LDMOS transistor - BLF188XR.
• Compatible with all transceiver models available on the market - does not need any special
signals: „ground on transmit“ and less than 40W of RF drive power is sufcient.
• Broadband input circuit, providing a perfect transceiver load with SWR below 1.2:1 (typically
1.1:1), without retuning throughout the whole frequency range from 1.8 to 54MHz.
•
The overall operation of ACOM 700S is extremely simplied
: the screen menus are intuitive
and easy to follow, no special skill is required from the operator when changing frequency
bands.
3

44
• Automatic control – when connected to a transceiver with CAT capability, the amplier will track
the operating frequency, and will change bands accordingly.
• Even if not CAT connected, the amplier monitors the input signal frequency through the built-in
frequency counter and automatically switches bands.
• Remotely controlled by RS232 port.
• Takes care of itself during operation via continuously working protection circuits in all modes.
• The operator can monitor more than 10 parameters of the amplier in operation.
• Easy maintenance – detailed data (55 parameters) about each of the last 28 hard-fault protection
trips is stored in the amplier’s memory.
• Convenient for expeditions and eld operation due to the extremely compact and lightweight
construction and the built-in switching-mode power supply (SMPS) that operates with extended
mains voltage range of 93-265VAC, with no internal switch over. The consumed current is
purely sinusoidal, Power Factor Corrected (PFC) andinrush limited. This makes the operation
from unstable mains and generators easy and troublefree.
• Perfect electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) with both highly sensitive devices and the powerful
devices in the radio station (receivers, computers, other ampliers) exceeding the standard
EMC requirements due to the used PFC and built-in radio-frequency lters.
1-5.
Safety considerations, explicit denitions
The ACOM 700S linear amplier is a Class I apparatus regarding protection against electric shock, i.e.
the third grounding lead of its mains cord (colored yellow with two green stripes) and the grounding stud
on the rear panel, marked GND (Fig. 2-1), must be connected to the grounding system of the shack for
safe operation.
The ACOM 700S amplier is designed to meet international safety standards and complies with the CE
electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well as the FCC regulations.
This operating manual contains precautions, cautions, and warnings that MUST BE CОMPLIED TO
by the user to ensure safe operation and maintaining of the ACOM 700S amplier in a safe working
condition.
PRECAUTIONS:
The EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS described below apply to this operating manual:
W A R N I N G notes call attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed,
could result in personal injury or re hazard by electric shock or lightning.
C A U T I O N notes call attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed, could result
in equipment damage, not only in the ACOM 700S amplier.
N O T E notes call attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed, could result in
inconvenience.

5
W A R N I N G HIGH VOLTAGE!
Both the mains voltage and the high DC voltage up to 500V
inside the ACOM 700S amplifier are LETHAL! For your
safety,
disconnect the power plug from the mains and WAIT
AT LEAST three minutes EACH TIME, BEFORE removing the
cover of the amplier.
W A R N I N G HIGH VOLTAGE!
NEVER ALLOW, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, to insert
anything into holes in the case - this may cause
ELECTRIC SHOCK!Never touch an antenna or
antenna isolators duringtransmission or tuning - this
may result in an electric shockor burn. Never expose the
amplier to rain, snow or anyliquids. Avoid placing the
amplier in excessively dustyenvironments or in direct
sunlight. DO NOT OBSTRUCTCOOLING ducts or vents.
W A R N I N G
Do not undertake repairs or changes in hardware or rmware
of your ACOM 700S
amplier. Doing so will endanger your
or others‘ health or life, or damage the amplier and
the equipment connected to it. Such repairs or changes
are not covered by the warranty and may void the
warranty. The manufacturer is not liable for any such
repairs or changes. Any such repairs or changes are sole
responsibility of the person or persons engaging in them.
C A U T I O N
To avoid damage (not covered by the warranty) please read the
INSTALLATION - Section 2 of this operating manual carefully.
If you have any doubts or questions regarding the installation,
operation or safety of the ACOM 700S amplifier, please consult
your dealer immediately.
2. INSTALLATION
2-1.
Unpacking and Initial Inspection
C A U T I O N
Before you commence
installing the ACOM 700S amplifier,
please read this manual thoroughly. Carefully inspect the
shipping carton and its contents as described below for missing
items (S. 1-3) or mechanical damages. If anything is missing or
is damaged (scratched, bent, crushed or something is rattling
inside or moving freely when turning the amplier over, notify
your dealer immediately! Delaying this notication may infringe
the warranty conditions of the carrier.

66
N O T E
Keep the original packing for possible future transportation.
Unpack and inspect carefully the contents of the cardboard carton for possible transportation damages.
On the amplier, check-up the chassis, front panel, display, buttons, rear panel connectors, main power
switch and fuses.
2-2. Amplier operating location selection; cooling.
Locate the amplier close to the place where will be used. You will need an easy access to the rear panel
for connecting cables, and of course, to the buttons and screen on the front panel.
The ACOM 700S is forced air cooled. Locate the amplier so that there are no objects or other devices
closer than 10cm (4”). The exhaust air can reach 65ºC (150ºF) and if the surrounding devices are
sensitive to heating from outside or use forced air cooling themselves, increase the distances accordingly.
C A U T I O N
Do not leave free paper, cloth or other light materials around
and under the amplier. They may be drawn in by the cooling
air stream and block the vents. This will lead to overheating and
accelerated material aging, not covered by the warranty.
2-3. Connecting the amplier in the shack
W A R N I N G
Before you connect the amplier to external grounding,
you should advise with a licensed electrician and conrm
such kind of connection is allowed by your national and
local electrical code, safety rules, and regulations in force.
Simultaneous connection to the earth grounding and
protective earth may be inadmissible or may fall under
special requirements in some countries!
W A R N I N G
Never use the gas installation pipes for grounding. This can
cause an EXPLOSION!
W A R N I N G
Do not use the steam-heating or water-supply network pipes
for grounding! You may expose to dangerous voltage not only
yourself but also other people using the same installation.
C A U T I O N
Bear in mind that the grounding installation may have to withstand
emergency currents over 15A with minimal voltage drop on it.
Therefore it may be necessary to improve its conductivity using
heavier leads and lower-resistance grounding path.The grounding
lead should be at least 4mm2(AWG 11 or SWG 13).
For details and recommendations on the grounding and RF counterpoise system concerning the
electromagnetic compatibility see also S. 3-6(f).
a) GND stud - First connect the grounding stud of the amplier (located on the rear panel and
marked GND – Fig. 2-1) to the grounding system of the shack.

7
b) KEY-IN jack - amplier input for receive/transmit control from the transceiver.
The transceiver switches the amplier from receive mode into transmit mode (RX/TX) by grounding of
the KEY-IN input.
Run a shielded cable from the output of your transceiver, providing “ground on transmit”, to the KEY-IN
input on the amplier rear panel (RCA PHONO jack – Fig. 2-1). Use a standard RCA PHONO plug for
connection to the amplier.
Transceiver manufacturers give different names to this output, for example: TX-GND, SEND, T/R LINE,
RELAY, and others. In some transceivers “ground on transmit” output should be activated by a menu
or via changing a switch on the rear panel or inside the transceiver. See instructions in your transceiver
manual.
N O T E
Voltage on the KEY-IN jack does not exceed 12V and the current
is below 6mA. See also S. 8-2(a).
N O T E
Your amplier will not work if the KEY-IN input is not connected
correctly. If you experience any difculty consult your dealer.
Fig. 2-1 Rear panel connections
c) KEY-OUT jack - transmit-enabling control output from amplier to the transceiver.
The KEY-OUT jack on the rear panel provides an extra control signal from the amplier to the transceiver.
This can be used for improving the receive/transmit (RX/TX) switching safety.
C A U T I O N
KEY-OUT is a low-powered open-collector output, make sure
that the signal voltage coming from the respective transceiver
connection does not exceed 50VDC (open circuit) and the closed-
circuit current is below 20mA.
If your transceiver has a suitable input, that disables transmission unless grounded externally, we
recommend this to be connected to the KEY-OUT jack of the amplier. Use shielded cable terminated
with а standard RCA PHONO plug.

88
The transceiver manufacturers give different names to this input, for example: TX-INHIBIT, MUTE,
LINEAR, and others. Check the manual of your transceiver. Approach your dealer for details. If your
transceiver has no such input, do not worry – ACOM 700S will operate normally with KEY-OUT
unconnected.
d) RF INPUT - Connect a coaxial cable with a PL-259 plug from the transceiver output
(antenna jack) to the amplier RF INPUT jack.
C A U T I O N
In order to avoid at damage, turn off your transceiver’s internal antenna tuner.
e) RF OUTPUT - Connect a suitable coaxial cable with a PL-259 plug from the RF OUTPUT
on the rear amplier panel to the antenna switch, tuner or antenna intended for the
respective frequency band.
C A U T I O N
If you use an amplier for the rst time in your shack, pay serious
attention to the size of coaxial cable from your amplier output
to the antenna. The cable must be capable of handling the
increased power safely, particularly on the 10m and 6m bands.
This warning applies equally for the antenna switch, tuner, and
the whole antenna system, especially when using multi-band trap
antennas.
We recommend using RG213 or better. Consult your local coax cable supplier.
f) Preparation of the mains outlet for the amplier, requirements for the installation and
the mains voltage.
C A U T I O N
Before connecting your amplier to the power grid, be sure
that the outlet is correctly wired and is capable of providing the
required current i.e. (up to 10A from 200/240VAC mains and up to
16A from 100/120VAC mains). Also make sure that the grounding
lead is connected properly in the outlet, intended for the amplier.
If subsequently you connect the amplier to a different outlet,
check it as well.
It is preferable to use the mains outlet closest to the source. Make sure that the respective fuses and
voltage, of your power mains match the ACOM 700S amplier’s specications (see S. 8-1(g)).
g) Main fuses.
C A U T I O N
Make sure you check whether the main fuses installed in
your amplier correspond to your local mains nominal voltage
and if necessary replace them as described in Section 7-2!
h) Power cord inlet. Due to different mains standards in different countries, the
ACOM 700S is delivered without a power plug for the mains cable. You dealer might
be able to provide the correct Safety Class I plug. The ground lead of the power cable
is colored yellow with two green stripes. If you have any doubts about the correct way
to connect these wires, consult your dealer.

9
2-4. Installing options and connecting to external devices (transceiver,
computer, etc.)
a) CAT/AUX interface – used for connecting and operating with various transceiver models (see
table 2-1 below and the respective menu in S. 5-3, table 5-1 and Fig. 5-3).
Most of the modern transceivers can be connected by CAT to the ACOM 700S. This will allow the
amplier to track the transceiver frequency without any transmission and change the bands automatically
when in Operate mode. The cable can be supplied optionally, ordered separately or home brewed
according to table 2-1 and the transceiver’s manual.
The CAT connection requires a cable made especially for the ACOM 700S and your transceiver. Wiring
diagrams of such cables can be found at www.acom-bg.com.
Note that some of the connections - to the transceiver’s BCD band data outputs and Band Voltage
outputs do not provide an exact frequency data, but only band data. Those connections cannot be
used when ACOM 700S works together with ACOM 04AT because the tuner needs to know the exact
frequency, not the band.
Table 2-1 shows the signals and the pin out of the CAT/AUX connector - rear panel of the amplier.
Table 2-1
CAT/AUX
interface
PIN
NO. PIN NAME DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS
Rear panel
view
1 RxD Received Data TTL input
2 RxD Received Data RS232 input
3 TxD Transmitted Data RS232 output
4 TxD Transmitted Data TTL output
5 GND Ground 0 Volt
6 BAND voltage Analogue input 0 to +8V
7 Band data 0 Bit 0 TTL input
8 Band data 1 Bit 1 TTL input
9 Band data 2 Bit 2 TTL input
10 Band data 3 Bit 3 TTL input
11 ON RMT Remote Pwr On +4.5 to + 15V / 3mA max
12 Debug mode CPU only Pwr Input +8 to + 15V / 0.4A
13 KEY-IN Tx Request Less than +12V / 6mA
14 KEY-OUT Tx Ready O.C. output, up to
+50V / 20mA
15 GND Ground 0 Volt
b) RS232 port. Table 2-2 shows signals and pinout of the RS232 port on the amplier’s rear panel.
This connector may remain unused until you decide to control the amplier remotely.