Mirage B-320-G User manual

Mirage B-320-G Instruction Manual
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Mirage B-320-G
The Mirage B-320-G is a VHF power amplifier designed for 2
meters covering 144-148 MHz. The “Hi” and “Lo” input selector
switch makes this amp useable for both handheld and mobile
transceivers. Features include all mode compatibility
(FM/SSB/CW), wrap-around heat sink, high gain GaAsFET
preamplifier, and user selectable input:
--”Lo” for Handheld radios-- 250 mW to 10 Watts
--”Hi” for Mobile radios-- 10 Watts to 50 Watts
FEATURES
1. High output power of 200 watts
200 watts is achieved with 250 mW to 10 Watts input
on “Lo” or 10 Watts to 50 Watts input on “Hi”.
2. All mode compatibility (FM/SSB/CW)
In the SSB mode the time constant of the Voice
Operated Transmit (VOX) relay is set to approximately
one second to prevent annoying relay chatter
during conversation, and achieving smooth SSB
transmission.
3. Wrap-around heat sink
The heat sink and combined case, by original design
is used for excellent heat dissipation as well as a
new smart appearance.
4. “Lo” Input power from 250 mW to 10 Watts
With an input power of 10 Watts maximum on “Lo” , the
Mirage B-320-G is compatible with most modern
handheld and mobile transceivers.
5. “Hi” Input power from 10 Watts to 50 Watts

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With an input power of 50 Watts maximum on “Hi” , the
Mirage B-320-G is compatible with most modern mobile
transceivers.
6. GaAsFET receive pre-amplifier
A built-in low noise GaAsFET receive pre-amp enables you
to enjoy a more comfortable VHF QSO with weak
stations.
SPECIFICATIONS
FREQUENCY : 144 TO 148 MHz
“Low” RF INPUT : 250 mW - 10 Watts
“Hi” RF INPUT : 10 Watts - 50 Watts
RF OUTPUT : 200 WATTS TYPICAL
DUTY CYCLE : INTERMITTENT (ICAS)
MODES : FM/SSB/CW
RECEIVE PRE-AMP : 15db TYPICAL
KEYING : AUTOMATIC SENSING
SUPPLY VOLTAGE : 12 - 15 VOLTS DC
RF CONNECTORS : TWO (2) SO-239 UHF
SUPPLY CURRENT : 15 AMPS or better
FUSE :30AMP
INPUT/OUTPUT IMPEDANCE : 50 OHMS

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EXPLANATION OF FEATURES
FRONT PANEL
1. OUTPUT POWER LED
2. MODE LED
3. PRE-AMP LED
The PRE-AMP LED will illuminate when the pre-amp is
engaged. The pre-amp can be used independently even
if the amplifier's power is off.
4. PWR LED
If the LED is in the off position the amplifier will pass the
RF in a straight through mode. This means that both
the receive and transmit signal will bypass the internal
circuitry of the amplifier. If the LED is illuminated then
the amplifier is in the standby mode and will amplify any
signal that is supplied to its input of more than 250 mW.
5. SWR Fault LED
6. MODE (SSB/FM) SWITCH
When in the SSB mode the amplifier will delay the
change over time of the carrier operated transmit relay
to 1 second before disengaging. This will prevent relay
chatter as a result of working SSB or CW. In the FM
mode the relay will operate normally and disengage once
the transmit signal is dropped.

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7. PRE-AMP (ON/OFF) SWITCH
When engaged the amplifier's pre-amp will be switched
into the circuit for receive. A sensing circuit will
disengage the pre-amp when a transmitted signal is
applied to the amplifier's input. The pre-amp may also
work independently if the amplifiers main power
switch is off.
8. POWER (ON/OFF) SWITCH
When engaged, the amplifier is ready to amplify any
signal applied to its input of the proper frequency.

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BACK PANEL
9. INPUT POWER SWITCH
10. RADIO
The coax from your radio or exciter is connected to
this connector.
11. +13.8V DC
This connection has two wires. The RED wire is for
positive. The BLACK wire is for negative.
12. FUSE
13. ANTENNA
The coax from your antenna is connected to this port.

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INSTALLATION
The Mirage B-320-G may be mounted using the bracket supplied
or simply placed in a convenient operating position. In either
case, there must be adequate ventilation for the finned heat-sink.
This generally means at least 1 inch clearance from the heat-sink
to any surrounding enclosure and an unobstructed flow from the
front to back of the heat-sink. Do not operate the amplifier in
places where it will be exposed to the direct rays of sun or a
nearby heat source such as heaters, radiators, etc.
CAUTION: With extended use the heat-sink may become very hot.
Wiring and Operation
If it is necessary to extend the DC power leads use wire of the
same gauge in order to avoid a voltage drop on your power leads.
Be careful that the DC power supplied is no higher than 15 volts
or damage may result. A source voltage of 13.8 volts is
recommended and should be used whenever available. Some
automobiles will generate a high current surge when started. It
is recommended that the amplifier be place in the off position
when starting your vehicle.
Use a minimum length of good quality 50 ohm cable between the
radio and the amplifier. The antenna system should have a
VSWR of 1.5:1 or better for the best performance. If used in a
mobile installation, choose a good mobile antenna which will
withstand the power of this amplifier. Be sure to check the SWR
for any degrading once the antenna has been heated by a few
minutes of operation. An antenna with a rating of 200 watts is
recommended.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
The Mirage B-320-G is designed for long, trouble-free
performance and should not require extensive troubleshooting in
the field. If difficulty is encountered, check the following before
assuming the amplifier has a malfunction:
1. Loose antenna or power supply connections
2. SWR of the antenna system
3. Coaxial cables form radio to amplifier, and amplifier to
antenna
4. Output voltage of power supply
5. Power output of radio
6. Improper fuse rating

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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
If you have any problem with this unit, first check the appropriate
section of this manual. If the manual does not reference your
problem or your problem is not solved by reading the manual you
may call MIRAGE at 601-323-8287. You will be best helped if
you have your unit, manual and all information on your station
handy so you can answer any questions the technicians may ask.
You can also send questions by FAX to 601-323-6551. Send a
complete description of your problem, an explanation of exactly
how you are using your unit, and a complete description of your
station.

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MIRAGE
COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
300 Industrial Park Road
Starkville, MS 39759 USA
Tel: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Any Mirage Communications product found to be defective in materials or workmanship will be
repaired or replaced (at Mirage’s option) for a period of one year from the date of original purchase.
During the warranty period Mirage Communications will provide, free of charge, both parts and
labor necessary to correct defects in material or workmanship.
To obtain such warranty service, the original purchaser must:
(1) Provide “proof of purchase”
(2) Ship the product in its original container or equivalent, fully insured and shipping
charges prepaid, to Mirage, as addressed below.
All internal adjustments are factory set for best performance consistent with reliable operation.
Changing internal adjustments may void this warranty.
Improper maintenance or repair may also void this one year warranty. We recommend that units
requiring repair during the warranty period be returned to the factory.
This unit was not designed for repeater operation, and its use in such service is at your own risk.
Mirage assumes no responsibility for any item connected to or used in conjunction with this product.
The foregoing constitutes Mirage’s entire obligation with respect to this product and the original
purchaser and any user or owner shall have no remedy and no claim for incidental or consequential
damages.
All Mirage products to be serviced, in-warranty or out-of-warranty, should be shipped, freight paid
to: Mirage, 921 Louisville Road, Starkville, MS 39759, USA. Product must be accompanied by a
letter describing the problem in detail. Be sure to include YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND
TELEPHONE NUMBER!
This warranty gives specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.
WARNING: This unit should not be operated with the cover removed. The cover confines RF
radiation. The harmonic filters contained in the circuit will not suppress direct radiation that may
result if the cover is removed.

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SCHEMATIC