Alpha Radio Products 8410 User manual

ALPHA 8410
HF LINEAR AMPLIFIER
OPERATING MANUAL
© 2009 Alpha Radio Products, Inc
6185 Arapahoe Ave.
Boulder, olorado 80303
Phone [phone]
All rights reserved
Specifications subject to change without notice - Rev. 102
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Serial Number ______________________
Date Shipped _______________________
Software Version ____________________
Order Number ______________________
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Index
Specifications 4
Introduction 5
Quick Start Information 9
Station Engineering Considerations 11
Unpacking and Preparation 15
Theor of Operation 23
Operation and Maintenance 27
Trouble Shooting Hints 39
Glossar 43
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Specifications
Frequency 1.8-29.7 KHz
Input drive Level 50 Watts Nominal
Power Output 1500 watts
SWR Tolerance 3:1
Duty Cycle 100 %
Tubes 2x VTX-X118 Alpha, (4CX1000A)
Inter Modulation Level 30 dB minimum, Two Exciter
Harmonics -50 dBc
Mode of Operation CW, SSB, FM
Input AC Voltage 100-240 Selectable
AC Current <13 5mps @240 VAC @1500 watts
Input Impedance 50 Ohms
Output Impedance 50 Ohms
RF Connectors SO-239
Cooling Forced Air
Size 17.3 W x 7H x 21.0D Including Fan
Space
Weight 70 lbs., 31.8 kg
T/R Relay Vacuum QSK
Tuning /Band switching Manual
Display Bargraph LED
Interface USB
Protection Against all common faults
RF Bypass Level Less than 500 watts
This amplifier meets or exceeds all technical specifications listed above.
Technician ____________________________ Date ____________________
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1 Introduction
1.1 General Description
ongratulations on your purchase of a professional quality Alpha 8410 amplifier! With
proper installation and care, you can expect to enjoy your Amateur Radio hobby with this
amplifier improving your signal for many years to come. Please study this manual
carefully before operating your amplifier for the first time.
The Alpha 8410 is a self-contained manual tune HF linear power amplifier capable of
continuous operation at 1500 W peak power output on SSB, keyed W, SSTV, RTTY,
digital modes or FM, with no time limit.
Other Alpha products available to enhance your use and enjoyment of the 8410 amplifier
include:
 Alpha 2100 full 1500-watt rated 50-ohm dummy loads and
Alpha 4500 series SWR meters / Wattmeter
See our web site at www.alpharadioproducts.com or call 303-473-9232 for further
information.
1.2 Amplifier Capabilities
CAUTION:
It is extremely important to thoroughly review the Installation and
Operation sections of this manual before attempting to us the Alpha
8410. Failure to do so could result in serious damage that may not be
covered under warranty.
ontinuous RF Output. The 8410 is capable of 1.5 kW continuous RF output on
all commonly used modes and on any authorized amateur frequency from 1.8 to
29.7 MHz.
ompatibility with popular amateur transceivers and exciters. The 8410 requires
approximately 50-65 W peak RF drive for 1.5 kW output.
apable of full W break-in, QSK and all digital modes when used with any
appropriate transceiver.
Protective functions are built in. The control system incorporates protective
functions that minimize the probability of accidental damage to the amplifier or
its power tubes. In most cases, when one of the protective functions is “tripped,”
the amplifier will go to Standby.
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1.3 Shipping Information
The Alpha 8410 amplifier ships in two heavy-duty cardboard cartons. One carton holds
the power transformer and weighs 43 lb (20 kg) and the second carton contains the
amplifier and weighs 38 lb.(17 kg). Both of these cartons are mounted on a wooden pallet
and strapped down for a total weight of 98 lb.(45 kg).
Alpha recommends that you retain the pallet and the cartons after installation in the
unlikely situation that you need to ship the unit later. ontact Alpha at 303-473-9232
for shipping advice and assistance.
1.4 Safety Information  Installation and Operation
Make sure the Alpha 8410 is located where there is good air circulation all around
and on top of the cabinet. The unit may become hot during operation.
The Alpha 8410 weighs approximately 70 pounds when the transformer is
installed. Use proper lifting techniques and two people when moving the
amplifier. Note that amplifier should NEVER be transported with the transformer
in place.
The Alpha 8410 is designed to meet international safety standards and F
regulations. However, one should always remember that the equipment works
with high voltages that can be LETHAL!
This operating manual holds information, cautions and warnings that must
be followed to ensure safe installation and operation. Read Chapter 1
before attempting to unpack or operate the Alpha 8410 amplifier.
Warnings: What Not to Do
Never open the amplifier case without unplugging the unit from
the wall outlet.
Always resist the temptation to immediately hit the ON button after
the amplifier faults to power off.
Never touch an antenna during transmission.
Never attempt to turn on the amplifier without the cover
securely in place (all attachment screws reinserted).
Never turn the amplifier back on after a hard fault without
waiting at least 20 seconds.
Never allow liquids to enter the amplifier through the cover holes.
Never stick objects into holes in the case.
Warnings posted in this manual should be read and thoroughly
understood by users. Failure to perform procedures properly may
result in amplifier damage, fire hazard, or electric shock.
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1.5 Owner Assistance
Technical Assistance from Alpha Radio Products is available from several sources.
The Alpha Radio Products web site is www.alpharadioproducts.com. lick
on Support and follow the instructions. Many typical problems and their
solutions are listed on this site. On this site you can get the following
assistance:
Technical Support
Repair Information
Software Downloads
Manuals
Tech Tips
Legacy Equipment Information
FAQ’s
Alpha Forum
You can email us for customer support at [e-mail] or
you can send your request by fax to 303-473-9660, or call us at 303-473-
9232
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2 Quick Start Information
2.1 Overview
This section explains in brief the items you need to consider when setting up your
Alpha 8410 amplifier.
If you already have a well-designed shack and have used an amplifier before, please
review the items below to make sure you have considered all the critical items for
proper installation and operation.
If you are using an amplifier for the first time, please skip this section and go to sections
3, 4, and 5 for a more detailed explanation of how to set up your shack for maximum
safety and operating enjoyment.
If you have installation questions, do not hesitate to contact ustomer Support. We
much prefer to address questions prior to power up.
2.2 Station Engineering Considerations - Checklist
Make sure you have properly addressed the following concerns (Section 2.3 below)
before installation of your Alpha 8410 amplifier. If you are unsure of any of these
items, please read the noted sections carefully.
2.3 Preparation
__ 240V A Power in shack? (Section 3.2)
__ Amplifier placed with proper airflow? (Section 3.3)
__ Antenna ready for 1,500W? (Section 3.4)
__ Adequate RF cabling? (Section 3.5)
2.4 Unpacking
__ Unit hecked for Damage?
__ Transformer Installed? (Section 4.2.1, 4.2.2)
__ Power ord onnector Attached? (Section 4.2.3)
__ A Primary Voltage Set? (Section 4.3.6)
___Amplifier Grounded Properly? (Section 4.4.1)
__ Amplifier over Replaced and Secured? (Section 4.3.6)
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2.5 Operation
__ All Exciter Interconnections Set? (Section 6.2)
__ Exciter Drive orrectly Set? (Section 6.1.1)
__ Amplifier Tuned to Antenna System? (Section 6.3.6)
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