Array solutions Powermaster ii User manual

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

PowerMaster II

Digital RF Power &VSWR Measurement System

Array Solutions · 2611 N Belt Line Rd · Sunnyvale, TX 75182 · USA

http://www.arraysolutions.com · phone +1 214 954-7140 · e-mail [email protected]om

Manufactured in the U.S.A.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Array Solutions PowerMaster II RF

Power/VSWR Indicator. The PowerMaster II represents a breakthrough

in features for measurement of the performance of your transmitting

system. Microprocessor control insures fast capture time and low power

consumption. With the ability to monitor your VSWR and power levels

at all times, you will know that your transmitter, RF source, and load, or

antenna systems are operating effectively and safely. In addition, the

power and VSWR relay alarms can quickly shut down your power

amplifier system and alert you to the alarm condition. This places an

additional layer of protection in yourtransmittingsystem to help preserve

expensive tubes and finals. The PowerMaster II also features the ability

to be monitored and controlled from a PC using the software

downloadable from our website, and the unique ability to be monitored

and controlled over a LAN or from theinternet.PowerMaster II firmware

updates will be posted for download from the Array Solutions websiteas

they become available. This means that the user can take full advantage

of features or enhancements just by installing the firmware update. No

need to return the meter to the factory for updates.

There are many features introduced in the PowerMaster II that have not

been seen before –even in the original Power Masterthat was introduced

back in 2005! We are veryproud of our latest product and are interested

in learning about your experiences with this meter. We also want to

know if you have ideas about new features we can develop for the meter.

We think you will agree that this is a totally new concept in an RF

Wattmeter, and one that should extend its lifetime for a long time to

come.

So, what’s new in the Power Master II?

The Power Master II is a refinement of the original Power Master and is not a completely new model. After 5 years of success with the original, it was

difficult to make changes since so much of the original meter is still appropriate and it works almost perfectly as it was originally envisioned. The new

capabilities of the Power Master II enhance the capabilities of the original meter and don’t remove any of the original capabilities whatsoever. There are

four key differences and they are:

1) Larger LCD Display –lower energy use, larger and therefore somewhat easier to read, newest display technology*.

2) Support for two couplers** –two coupler input jacks on the back panel (see page 11)

3) USB Connectivity

4) New Menu Options (these will be covered later in this manual)

There is no difference in performance or accuracy –these defining features of the original are retained.

* The original Power Master was intended to use an LCD display, but at that time, LCD technology was not capable of meeting the requirements for speed and

appearance. The new LCD units are fast enough and look even better than the older VFD technology in the original Power Master.

** The Power Master II can work with any type of coupler –3kW, 10kW, VHF, UHF, QRP, etc. This is a new capability.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Coupler Calibration Table

Forward Power 30MHz

Reverse Power 30 MHz

Forward Power 50 MHz

Reverse Power 50 MHz

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS

We want you to be satisfied with your purchase. If you have anytype of

problem, please check the Trouble Shooting section of this manual. If

your problem persists, call our Customer Service Department at

+1 214-954-7140. Please have the PowerMaster and thismanualat hand

when you call.

Write your new PowerMaster serial number and calibration data for your coupler here (see coupler cover)

Serial Number _________________

Date of purchase _________________

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the

limits for Class B digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 ofthe FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against

harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment

generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not

installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause

harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no

guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If

this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television

reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and

on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or

more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different

from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult a qualified radio/TV technician for help.

Properlyshielded and grounded cables and connectors must be used in

order to meet FCC emission limits. Array Solutions is not responsible

for any radio or television interference caused by using other than

recommended cables or connectors or by unauthorized changes or

modifications to this equipment. Unauthorized changes or

modifications could void the user's authorityto operate theequipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is

subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause

harmful interferences, and (2) this device must accept anyinterference

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Responsible Party: Array Solutions, Telephone 1(214) 954-7140

Industry Canada Compliance Statement

This Class B digital apparatus meets the requirements of the Canadian

Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Avis de conformité à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement

sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

PowerMaster RF Wattmeter Series

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC) Statement

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Council Directive --- 89/336/EEC; EMC Directive

Standards: EN 55022 Class B

EN61000-4-2

EN61000-4-3

TYPE OF EQUIPMENT: ITE

EQUIPMENT CLASS: B

WE,THEUNDERSIGNED,HEREBYDECLARETHATTHEEQUIPMENTSPECIFIEDABOVE

CONFORMS TO THE ABOVE STANDARDS PER 89/336/EEC:

Array Solutions Date of testing March 1, 2012

Array Solutions, Power Master, and PowerMaster II are trademarks of Array Solutions

European Union Declaration of Conformity

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Unpacking and Setup Page 7

Quick Setup Page 8

Installation Page 9

Using the PowerMaster –Front Panel Page 10

Rear Panel Connections Page 11

Remote Coupler Mounting Page 19

Accuracy and Calibration Page 20

Options Page 22

In Case of Trouble Page 23

Specifications Page 24

Warranty Page 25

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

UNPACKING AND SETUP

INITIAL SETUP

Unpack the PowerMaster II. The package should contain:

One Power Master II Display –Black enclosure

RF Coupler –Gold colored box with connectors (3 kW or 10 kW) [VHF couplers are different]

–6 feet long (attached to VHF/UHF)

–6 feet long (We recommend using a separate PS for this cable, not your TXCVR’s)

This Manual

Please note that we do not ship a software CD ROM with the PowerMaster II. Please go to the Array Solutions website and download the latest

version of the software for your PowerMaster II. .

If anything is missing, give us a call and we'll remedy the problem.

The PowerMaster consists of two major components: The Display and the RF Coupler. The RF Coupler is installed between the output of your

transmitter and your antenna (or antenna tuner input). A six-foot (1.8m) cable is provided for connection between the Display and the Directional

Coupler. You may use a longer cable if you wish (consult the Special Applications section later in this manual).

The PowerMaster uses a standard 2.1mm coaxial power plug, center pin is + V.

Make sure your power source can supply at least 500 mA of current. (800 mA min for the original Power Master)

Please do not use a cheap “wall wart”. These devices are usually not regulated and may cause RFI.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Quick Setup

If you arecurrently usinga wattmeter in your setup, you have everything

you need for a test. If you are not using a wattmeter, then you will need

a suitable coaxial jumper to connect the RF Coupler to your transmitter.

Connect the RF Coupler as follows:

SOURCE - connects to your transmitter (or amplifier output)

LOAD - connects to your antenna (or antenna tuner input)

For the 3 or 10 kW HF* PowerMaster, plug the ¼” connector into the

Directional Coupler and the opposite end into the Coupler 1 jack on the

back of the display. Supply12 V DC power byconnectingastandard2.1

mm coaxial plug to the DC jack in the back of the Display Enclosure.

The center pin is “+” 12 V DC, which is connected to the white stripe

cable. (See page 10 for display rear panel details).

Connect your 12 volt DC power source. NOTE: It is recommended

that a separate power supply is used to power the unit. Using the

same power supply connected to thetransceiver may cause RFI and

malfunction. You should observe that the display illuminates and the

firmware version number will be displayed initially, then the unit will

display the operational mode screen as in the image on the cover of this

manual. You are now ready for a test.

Simply use your normal procedure to transmit. The PowerMaster will

give you an instant indication of your power and VSWR.

If the PowerMaster is functioning with a displayof your forward power

and VSWR number with a bargraph to indicaterelative power,youmay

now proceed to program it from the front panel buttons or the control

software.

If you are having other problems, refer to the Trouble Shooting

section of this manual.

*Note: VHF and UHF Couplers have their connection cord

permanently attached to the coupler. Insert the plug from the loose

end of the coupler cord into either Coupler 1 or Coupler 2 jack on the

rear panel of the display. (See Page 10 for details).

VHF

UHF

3 kW or 10 kW HF Coupler

VHF and UHF Couplers

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

INSTALLATION DETAILS –DISPLAY AND

COUPLER LOCATION

The DisplayEnclosure is designed to be either table-top or 19-inch rack

mounted with the optional rack mounting plates. You can mount one or

two meters side by side in a standard 19-inch rack with the available

mounting plates in a 2U high space. If using the Display Enclosure as a

table top or shelf mount, simply place it into a position that is easily

seen, but be careful not to place it on top of an amplifier in a waythat it

blocks the cooling vents of your amplifier. Choose a suitable location

for the Directional Coupler and mount it aswell. We suggest mounting it

with a coaxial adapter right at the output of your transmitteror amplifier.

Be sure that you mount the Directional Coupler close enough to the

Display so that the supplied cable can reach. If you require a longer

cable, any shielded ¼” “Stereo” jumper cable will suffice. If you use a

longer cable, test it for accuracy and RF immunity.

Connect a 12-15 V DC power supply cable with 2.1mm plug to the

Display. The center pin is the “+” side of the DC power plug. Wire your

cable to a clean DC power source. Remember that some switch-mode

power supplies or cheap “wall warts”are RF noisy. The Display is

protected against polarity reversal with a fuse, but the fuse will need to

be replaced if you connect it wrong. Spare fuses are not supplied.

NOTE: We recommend the use of a separate power supply for the

unit and not the samePS feeding your transceiver, to avoidRFIand

potential malfunction of the PowerMaster II.

DIRECTIONAL COUPLER WIRING - Since the purpose of the

PowerMaster is to provide an indication of the match of your antenna

system to your transmitter, it is critical that the Directional Coupler be

installed as the first element after the antenna jack on your transmitter or

amplifier and before an antenna tuner. Connect from your transmitter

antenna jack to the SOURCE connector on the Directional Coupler.

The standard Directional Coupler comes with SO-239 connectors. You

can order optional “N” connectors or 7/16 DIN connectors for higher

power operation.

If you are using an amplifier, install the Directional Coupler on the

output of your amplifier. Connect the cable that goes to your antenna

system to the LOAD jack on the Coupler..

Turn on the power to the Display. You should initially see the firmware

version number displayed, and then the PowerMaster will go to its

normal operational state.

Note that the displaywill become dimmer after 2 minutes of not sensing

power, and completely dark (sleep) after 10 minutes of not sensing

power. This feature allows you to keep the meter on all the time and not

reduce the lifetime of the displayas well as save energy. Themeter uses

very little energy when in “sleep” mode but remains ready to measure

power instantly for you. If you want, you may disconnect or turn off the

DC power supply to the Power Master II to completely shut it down.

There is no harm to the Power Master II unit either way.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

USING THE POWERMASTER II –Front Panel Controls - General Operation

In addition to the large (4x1”) LCD display, VSWR and Power Alarm LEDs,

there are two buttons on the front of the PowerMaster II: “Menu” and “Mode

Select.”

These buttons are used to select the operational mode and to program the

meters’ many functions such as VSWR Alarm, Power Monitor Alarm, Auto

Ranging Bar Graph Scales, etc.

The following discussion shows you how to operate the meter. As we add

more features, you will be able to download more options foryour meterfrom

the Array Solutions Website. You are invited to join the Array Solutions

User’s Group which can be found on the Array Solutions website.

Operation Menus - A tour of how to operate your Power Master II

After Power-Up the meter enters the Normal Operation Mode –see

upper left character for mode selection

Push the mode select button to scroll through the 5 modes of operation:

F –Fast release of peak hold, ~0.2 second

M –Medium retention of peak hold, ~1 second

S –Slow release of peak hold, ~2 seconds

L - Long peak hold - ~5 seconds

V –Reflected Power is displayed on the Bar Graph –see next image

Peak power in digits is always displayed in the upper right corner and SWR

is displayed in the middle of the upper line of the display (V _.__)

VSWR Bar graph Mode

Used to allow easy adjustment of a tuner for minimum VSWR. In this mode,

the bar graph is displaying reflected power. Reduce the amount of deflection

(or “dip”) for minimum VSWR. (Original Power Master Image)

Note:The VSWR is still displayed in digits herein the middle of thetoprow–

in this photo the SWR is 1.33:1, displayed as (V 1.33).

Note: Along with the image directly above, some of the illustrations in this manual are of the original Power Master and where it is not critical, we have not

used photos of the Power Master II. In these cases, the menus and displays shown are virtually identical in both the Power Master and the Power Master

II.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

The Power Master II Rear Panel

From left to right the connectors are:

Coupler 1 input

Coupler 2 input

Power Monitor Alarm Connection (1/8”phone jack)

2.1 mm coaxial DC input connector (12 to 15 V DC @ 500 mA typ.)

PTT In (From your radio)

PTT Out (To your amplifier)

RS232* You may use this if you have an RS232 connector on your computer

USB* USB Mini B connector to connect to a USB port on your computer

*Note: You may not use both the RS232 and USB connections at the same time. Only connect one to your computer. The RS-232 port is

disabled by the firmware when the USB port is active.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

To go from one menu to the next, push the MENU button.

VSWR Alarm Limit Menu (C1 –Coupler 1)

Push the mode select button to select the VSWR alarm trip

point:

Off

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

Push the mode select button to reset the VSWR alarm and

LED

Coupler Type (Coupler 1 shown)

Push the mode select button to select the type of coupler

connected to Coupler 1 input:

3KW

10KW

VHF-1

VHF-2

UHF

QRP-HF

Note: If Coupler 2 was active, you would see the same

options for Coupler 2. More on couplers selection later.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Alarm Polarity Menu

(This option only displays if VSWR Alarm Limit is set ON )

Select by pushing the mode select button:

ALARM OPENS Relay

ALARM CLOSES Relay

This applies to the PTT/ALC relay only –not the Power Monitor relay.

Low Power Alarm Menu

Push the mode select button to choose trip point in watts:

Off

100

250

500

1,000

2,000

Note: the 10 kW coupler

will show higher ranges;

VHF, UHF and QRP

couplers will show lower

ranges

If the peak power remains below this setting for a few seconds the

power alarm LED will light and the power monitor relay will actuate.

Push the mode select button to reset the alarm and LED

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

High Power Alarm Menu

Push the mode select button to choose trip point in watts*:

Off

175

225

700

1,100

1,600

2,600

3,000

Note:

The yellow

POWER

ALARM LED

will flash on and

off

*(See the note about ranges for other couplers in the Low Power Alarm

Menu on the previous page).

If the peak power exceeds this setting the power alarm LED will flash

and the power monitor relay will cycle on and off. If the “Alarm Trips

Amp”, next menu, option is selected then the VSWR alarm LED will

also flash and the PTT/ALC relay will actuate but will not cycle.

Push the mode select button to reset the alarm and LED

Auto Alarm Reset Menu

This will automatically reset the both the VSWR and Power Alarms or

if “Off” will force a manual reset only.

Select by pushing the mode select button:

Off

1 second

2 seconds

5 seconds

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Bargraph Ranges Menu

Select with mode select button:

3 kW Coupler

10 kW Coupler

250

1000

100

500

2500

100

500

1250

200

2500

5000

200

1000

1700

400

2000

10000

1000

2000

3000

1000

5000

10000

Show Call Text Menu

Select with mode select button:

Yes

This will display your call letters or any other text you programmed

into the meter via the software application program. You must use the

software to program the call text.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Forward & Reverse Power Trim Menu

This is where you enter the numbers written on the coupler into the meter to make it read accurately.

Select with mode select button to scroll from:

0%, then 1% thru 15% then -15% down to -1% and back to 0 (zero)

Set the Forward Power Trim factor to the settings indicated on your coupler for HF (30 MHz setting) or if you

will be using 50 MHz, you should use the setting in the calibration table for 50 MHz.

Pushing the menu button again takes us to the next menu.

Set the Reverse Power Trim factor in the same manner as the forward power trim.

Some couplers have the same trim factor for both HF and 50 MHz.

Power Display Menu

There are new options in the Power Master II. Select with mode select button:

Net Power ( Forward Power –Reverse Power)

Forward Power only ( Reverse power is not subtracted)

Rev & Fwd (Shows both Forward and Reverse power in digits) [new!]

Select your preferred method to displaypower on the digital power readoutandbar

graph. Seethe different displayformats for 1328 W forward, 26.9 reverse and 1.33

SWR depending on the selected display mode.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Use 2 Couplers? Menu

Select with mode select button:

No –Use one coupler (Optional: with two identical couplers –see page 22 for details)

Yes –Use any two couplers.

This changes the first menu you will see when pressing the Menu Button to the “Coupler Input

Menu” where you select either Coupler 1 or Coupler 2. Press MODE SELECT to switch from

Coupler Input 1 to Coupler Input 2. The next menu resumes as normal where you can define the

coupler type (See Page 12). Note: The unique settings for each coupler are stored in the Power

Master II’s non-volatile memory.

RS232 Port / USB Virtual Port Baud Rate Menu

Select with mode select button:

9,600

19,200

38,400

It is recommended to use the highest speed available.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Mode Option Toggle / Sequential

This is a new feature of the Power Master II which is primarily of benefit to users of manual

antenna tuners.

Before implementation of this option, one would have to sequentially step throughall 5 modes

of operation each time one would want to switchfroma normalmode(forward) toVSWRmode

(reflected power bar graph) which makes the adjustment of a tuner very short work.

In operation, when in Toggle Mode, Pressing the MODE SELECT button will “toggle” directly

from your preferred forward mode to “V” mode and back again. With a manual tuner, this

feature is incredibly useful and a real time saver.

This menu is only enabled if you have the Menu Option set to “Toggle”

The Mode Option Toggle feature allows you to identify a preferred Forward Mode (Return

to Mode) in this menu. M is shown selected here. ([M]edium retention of peak hold, ~1

second)

You can select any of the four Forward Modes when in this menu: F, M, S or L (see page 10

for details).

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

Using two identical couplers.

With two identical couplers (3 kW & 3 kW) (10 kW & 10 kW) etc., you can connect the two couplers to the Power Master II and be able to read

the power from either one automatically without switching between them.

The Power Master II wattmeter has the ability to have two couplers connected to it, and it has provision to allow switching very

easily between the two couplers through only two button presses on the front panel.

When operating SO2R, you do not want to have to toggle from one coupler to another. We make matched couplers available for

SO2R users and due to the nature of these couplers being high impedance devices, we can actually connect the two coupler

inputs in parallel and instead of toggling between the two couplers, they will both be connected and active at the same time.

The first step is to disconnect all connections to the rear panel of your Power Master II and remove the two #6-32 philips screws

on either side of the cabinet.

Then locate JP1 on the right side of the board.

PowerMaster II RF Wattmeter www.arraysolutions.com Rev 4.1 - February 23, 2017

JP1 is supplied with two “dip” jumpers as shown above.

Move the two jumpers so that they match the pattern above

After moving the jumpers as shown above, carefully place the cover back on the meter and reinstall the 4 screws (2 on either side).

At this point what you have done is connected the two coupler input jacks together as if they were one. So, we need to program the meter as if you only

have one coupler –not two! This will allow you to transmit through either coupler and the meter will display that transmitter’s output instantly without