Icom AT-141 User manual

2001 NEW
HF AUTOMATIC
ANTENNA TUNER
AT-141
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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i
2001 NEW 2001 NEW
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing the AT-141 HF AUTO-
MATIC ANTENNA TUNER.
The AT-141 is designed, primarily for use with Icom HF
transceivers.
Refer to your HF transceiver instruction manual for op-
eration. If you have any questions, contact your dealer.
IMPORTANT
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and com-
pletely before using the AT-141.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This in-
struction manual contains important safety and instal-
lation instructions.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
PRECAUTIONS
RDANGER HIGH VOLTAGE! NEVER touch
the antenna terminal, ground terminal, antenna or
counterpoise while transmitting. Place the AT-141, an-
tenna and counterpoise in positions where no one can
touch them.
NEVER use without a ground connection.
NEVER transmit during internal adjustment. This may
cause an electric shock.
USE the ground terminal for ground connection.
The mounting plate is not connected internally.
DO NOT operate your HF marine transceiver without
running the boat’s engine.
AVOID using the AT-141 in areas where the temper-
ature is below –30°C or above +60°C.
Ground terminal
Mounting plate
Word Definition
RWARNING Personal injury, fire hazard or electric
shock may occur.
CAUTION Equipment damage may occur.
NOTE
If disregarded, inconvenience only. No
personal injury, fire hazard or electric
shock.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
The following accessories are supplied with the AT-141. Qty.
qU-bolts ……………………………………………… 2
wU-bolt plates ……………………………………… 2
eFlat washers (M6 large) ………………………… 8
rFlat washers (M6 small) ………………………… 4
tSpring washers (M6) ……………………………… 8
yNuts (M6) …………………………………………… 8
uHex head bolts (M6×50) ………………………… 4
iSelf-tapping screws (A0 6×30) …………………… 4
oWeatherproof cap ………………………………… 1
!0 4-pin connector …………………………………… 1
!1 Connector pins …………………………………… 4
!2 Ground cable (OPC-412) ………………………… 1
q
w
e
r
t
y
u
i
o
!0 !1
!2
Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United King-
dom, Germany, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries.
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ii
2001 NEW
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
The following parts are additionally required for instal-
lation, but are not supplied with the AT-141.
Purchase these parts locally.
qAWG 14×4-conductor shielded cable
*Icom offers an optional OPC-1465 CONTROL CABLE .
Length: 10 m; 32.8 feet
w50 Ωcoaxial cable
ePL-259 connectors
FEATURES
Matches all bands
The AT-141 matches any frequency on every HF ma-
rine band. For example, the tuner matches a 7 m; 23 ft
long-wire antenna across 1.6–30 MHz.
Full automatic tuning
Just push the [TUNE] key on the transceiver, and the
AT-141 adjusts immediately to the minimum SWR of
any frequency on any HF marine band.
HF operation on any size ship
The AT-141 allows you HF operation where antenna
element length is restricted due to space.
Weather resistant
The AT-141 is housed in a durable, completely weather
resistant ASA case with a rubber gasket. The antenna
tuner can be conveniently installed both on the deck or
in the cabin near the antenna element.
Simple installation
Installation is simple. Just connect the control and an-
tenna cables. You never need to open the cover.
45 memories for shorter tuning time
To decrease the tune-up time, the AT-141 automatically
stores the matching conditions for up to 45 frequencies.
Re-tuning for a memorized frequency takes approx. 1
sec.
Super capacitor for memory backup
Even if the AT-141 is not used for approx. 1 week, the
built-in super capacitor backs up contents of the 45
memories.
Low power tune up
The AT-141 emits low output power during tuning. This
feature reduces the possibility of causing interference
to other stations.
Tuner through function
The tuner through function is built into the AT-141. This
function helps improve receiver gain, depending on the
antenna element length used, and operating fre-
quency.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD …………………………………………… i
IMPORTANT …………………………………………… i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ……………………………… i
PRECAUTIONS ……………………………………… i
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ………………………… i
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ………………………… ii
FEATURES …………………………………………… ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………… ii
1 ANTENNA SYSTEM …………………………… 1–2
■Antenna for ship ………………………………… 1
■Coaxial cable …………………………………… 2
■Ground and counterpoise ……………………… 2
2 INSTALLATIONS ………………………………… 3–5
■Installation outline ……………………………… 3
■Control cable……………………………………… 3
■PL-259 connector………………………………… 4
■Mounting ………………………………………… 4
■Cable connections ……………………………… 5
3 CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS …………………… 6
■Terminal information …………………………… 6
4 UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS … 7
■Unit description…………………………………… 7
■Specifications …………………………………… 7
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1
1
ANTENNA SYSTEM
2001 NEW
■Antenna for ship
Required antenna element length
Required antenna element length to achieve full per-
formance varies according to the lowest frequency:
The longer the antenna element, the better the an-
tenna efficiency.
Undesirable antenna element lengths
AVOID multiples of 1⁄2λ (half wavelength) for an-
tenna element lengths, since tuning becomes difficult.
L : Antenna element length to be avoided [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
n : Natural number (n = 1, 2, 3, ...)
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, avoid the fol-
lowing antenna element lengths:
For example, if 15 m is selected for an antenna ele-
ment length, you have no problem in the 1.6–25 MHz
marine bands range.
NOTE: Keep antennas as far away from other objects
as possible, especially metal objects.
Insulator
Backstay operates as
a long-wire antenna.
Insulator
Whip antenna
L=300
16 ×1
2n
×9.4, 18.8, ...
1 m 39 inches
L=300
f
×1
2n
×
The lowest frequency Required antenna element length
1.6 MHz band 7 m; 23.0 feet or longer
4 MHz band 3 m; 9.8 feet or longer
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1
ANTENNA SYSTEM
■Coaxial cable
Insulate the lead-in cable of the AT-141 antenna ter-
minal and antenna element from other metal objects.
To prevent interference, keep cables as far as possi-
ble from an antenna, electric pump and other elec-
tronic equipment.
To prevent erroneous indications, keep cables as far
away as possible from the flux gate compass.
Use suitable noise filters for alternators, fluorescent
lights, etc. Ask your Dealer for details.
■Ground and counterpoise
Why a ship’s ground is required
The AT-141’s ground terminal MUST be connected
to your ship’s ground. Grounding prevents electric
shocks, interference to other equipment and other
problems. Grounding also ensures effective signal
transmission.
DANGER! NEVER connect the ground terminal to
the following points. These connections may cause
an explosion or electric shocks:
–Gas or electrical pipe
–Fuel tank or oil-catch pan
IMPORTANT! The mounting plate is NOT con-
nected to the AT-141’s internal ground.
Ideal ground points
One of following points is ideal:
–External ground plate
–External copper screen
–External copper foil
Good ground points
If electrically connected to sea water, one of the fol-
lowing points is usable:
–Stainless steel stanchion
–Through mast
–Through hull
–Metal water tank
Undesirable ground points
AVOID the following points, if possible. These con-
nections may cause noise or electrolysis:
–Engine block
–Ship’s DC battery ground
Electrolysis
All ground cables from the AT-141, HF transceiver,
etc. on your ship should be connected to only 1 ship’s
ground.
AVOID connection to 2 or more points. Voltage dif-
ference between 2 or more ship’s grounds may cause
electrolysis.
AVOID connection between dissimilar metals where
an electric current is present. These connections may
cause electrolysis.
Counterpoise
If your ship is made of FRP, etc. and a good ship’s
ground is not available, connect a counterpoise.
1⁄4λ(quarter wavelength) radial for each band is suit-
able for a counterpoise. Install the counterpoise di-
rectly below the AT-141’s ground terminal. Insulate
the ends of each radial from other metal objects. Lay-
out the radial horizontally and as straight as possible.
L : Counterpoise length for the operating frequency [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
[Example]
At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, use a counter-
poise with the following length:
Ground cable
For best results, use the heaviest gauge wire or metal
strap available. Make the distance between the AT-
141’s ground terminal and ship’s ground as short as
possible.
Supplied ground cable can be used for ground con-
nection to a through mast. Confirm that the through
mast is electrically connected to sea water.
RWARNING!— When grounding to metal hull
Use a Zinc anode to protect the hull from electroly-
sis.
Ask your technical dealer, installer or refer to a tech-
nical book, etc., for RF ground details.
L=300
16 ×1
44.7 [m]
1 m 39 inches
L=300
f×1
4
Ground terminal
AT-141
1⁄4λradial for
each band
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3
INSTALLATIONS
2001 NEW
■Installation outline
qConnect a control cable and 4-conductor shielded
cable.
•Refer to “Control cable”below.
wConnect and solder the PL-259 connector to the
coaxial cable.
•Refer to p. 4 “PL-259 connector.”
eMount the AT-141 in the desired location.
•Refer to p. 4 “Mounting.”
rConnect the control and the coaxial cables be-
tween the transceiver and the AT-141.
•Refer to p. 5 “Cable connections.”
tConnect an antenna, ship’s ground or counter-
poise.
•Refer to p. 1 “Antenna for ship”and p. 2 “Ground and
counterpoise.”
■Control cable
Between the AT-141 and HF marine transceiver, con-
nect 4 control signal lines as shown below. To prevent
RF feedback, use a 4-conductor shielded cable. Con-
nect the shield line to the [GND] terminal on the trans-
ceiver. Icom offers 10 m (32.8 ft) long optional control
cables as at right.
OPC-1465 : for IC-M801E
Refer to p. 6 “Terminal information”for details.
DWhen connecting to Icom IC-M801E
[GND]
To AT-141
[ANTC] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
Use the optional OPC-1465, or assemble the desired length 4-con-
ductor shielded cable and the connector kits supplied with the trans-
ceiver and the tuner.
[ANTC] : Black
[13.6] : Red
[STAR] : White
[KEY] : Green
To transceiver
[GND]
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2
INSTALLATIONS
■PL-259 connector
qSlide the coupling ring over the coaxial cable. Strip
the cable jacket and pull back to reveal 10 mm of
braid.
• Soft solder the exposed braid and then pull out the jacket.
wStrip the cable as shown below. Soft solder the cen-
ter conductor the entire length of the exposed braid.
eSlide the connector body over the cable and sol-
der as shown below.
rScrew the coupling ring onto the connector body.
Solder Solder
1–2 mm
10 mm soft solder
10 mm 3⁄8inches
Coupling 30 mm
10 mm (soft solder)
■Mounting
Attach the AT-141 either horizontally or vertically with
one of the water drains facing downwards. After
mounting, remove the screw in the water drain.
Mounting on a Mast/Metal pole
Mounting on a flat surface
Nut
Spring
washer
Flat
washer(L)
Flat
washer(L)
Hex head
bolt
Drill a hole here
Diameter:7–8 mm; 9⁄32–5⁄16 inches
Weatherproof cap
Flat
washer(S)
Using self-tapping
screws
Using nuts and bolts
WARNING: Mount the AT-141 securely with the
supplied nuts and bolts. Otherwise, vibrations and
shocks due to waves, etc. could loosen the antenna
tuner making if fall, causing personal injury.
Using U-bolts
U-bolt
U-bolt plate
Flat washer(L)
Spring washer
Nut
Mast/
Metal pole
Flat washer(S)
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5
2INSTALLATIONS
2001 NEW
■Cable connections
qConnect the coaxial cable and the control cable to
the AT-141 as illustrated below.
wCover both the antenna and the control cable con-
nectors with rubber vulcanizing tape and fix it with
a vinyl tape to prevent water seeping into the con-
nector.
eFix both of the coaxial and control cables to pro-
tect the inside connections.
DO NOT pull the antenna and control cable re-
ceptacles. This may cause disconnection (in the
AT-141), internal connector damaged or bad
connection.
rConnect the coaxial cable and the control cable to
the transceiver as illustrated below.
tGround the transceiver, AT-141 and shield cable of
the control cable via the ground terminal.
•See p. 2 for grounding details.
IMPORTANT!—AT-141
NEVER ground the AT141 via the mounting
plate. It is not connected to ground internally.
Ground terminal
Mounting plate
Rubber vulcanizing tape
AT-141
Icom’s HF transceiver
Grounding
Grounding
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3
6
CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS
2001 NEW
■Terminal information
Consider the following points when using a non-Icom
transceiver.
Start voltage [STAR]
When a start voltage (less than 1 V) is received, the
AT-141 begins automatic tuning.
Key voltage [KEY]
During automatic tuning, the AT-141 grounds the key
voltage line, and the HF transceiver reduces output
power.
8
6
4
2
0
Time
Key
voltage
[V]
Grounded
Approx. 7.5 V
During automatic tuning
8
6
4
2
0
Time
More than
350 msec.*
Approx. 7.5 V
Less than 1 V to
start tuning
Start
voltage
[V]
*For tuner through operation; Less than 250 msec.
[KEY]
[STAR]
[13.6]
[ANTC]
Terminal Description
[KEY] Key voltage. Grounded during tuning.
Max. current drain 100 mA.
[13.6] 13.6 V DC +input terminal.
Max. current drain 2 A
[STAR] Receives start voltage.
Max. current drain 1 mA
[ANTC] Antenna current detector output.
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7
UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
2001 NEW
Antenna terminal
Mounting plate
Control cable receptacleAntenna cable receptacle
Mounting plate
Water drain screw
Ground terminal
340 mm
230 mm
80 mm
91.5 mm
■Specifications
■Unit description
•Frequency coverage : 1.6–30 MHz (with 7 m or longer antenna element)
•Power supply requirement : 13.6 V DC (supplied from HF transceiver)
•Current drain : Max. 2 A
•Operating temperature range : –30°C to +60°C
•Weight (approx.) : 2.5 kg
•Antenna connector : SO-239 (50 Ω)
•Max. Input power : 150 W (PEP) 100 W (continuous)
•Automatic tuning time : Approx. 2–3 sec. (general condition) Max. 15 sec.
Approx. 1 sec. (re-tuning for a memorized frequency)
•Automatic tuning accuracy : SWR 2.0:1 (after tuning, except for multiples of 1⁄2λ)
All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.
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1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003, Japan
A-6472H-1EU
Printed in Japan
© 2005 Icom Inc.
2001 NEW
Icom America Inc.
<Corporate Headquarters>
2380 116th Avenue N.E., Bellevue, WA 98004, U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http//www.icomamerica.com
E-mail: [email protected]
<Customer service>
Phone: [phone]
Icom (Europe) GmbH
Communication Equipment
Himmelgeister Str. 100,
D-40255 Düsseldorf, Germany
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http//www.icomeurope.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Icom Canada
Glenwood Centre #150-6165 Highway 17, Delta,
B.C., V4K 5B8, Canada
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http//www.icomcanada.com
E-mail: [email protected]
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Ctra. Rubi, No. 88 “Edificio Can Castanyer”
08190, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, Spain
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http//www.icomspain.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Icom (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
A.B.N. 88 006 092 575
Unit 1/103, Garden Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168,
Australia
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http//www.icom.net.au
E-mail: [email protected]
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Unit 9, Sea St., Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 8LD, U.K.
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http//www.icomuk.co.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
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146A Harris Road, East Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http//www.icom.co.nz
E-mail: [email protected]
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BP 5804, 31505 Toulouse Cedex, France
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.icom-france.com
E-mail: [email protected]
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6F No. 68, Sec. 1 Cheng-Teh Road, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
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E-mail: [email protected]
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Room C01, 10th Floor, Long Silver Mansion, No.88
Yong Ding Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100039,
China
Phone: +86
[phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http//www.bjicom.com
E-mail: [email protected]
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Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
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