OM POWER X8NOM4000A User manual

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Instruction Manual
OM4000A
SHORTWAVE POWER AMPLIFIER
FCC ID: X8NOM4000A
WWW.OM-POWER.COM
OM POWER, s.r.o. 93030 Báč126, SLOVAKIA
Contact : [phone]
e-mail : [e-mail]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION 4
1.1. Introduction 4
1.2. Specification 4
1.3. Parameters 4
1.4. Protection Circuits 5
1.5. Indicators 5
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 6
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION 7
3.1. HF Part 7
3.2. Power Supply 8
3.3. Safety Devices 9
4. INSTALLATION 9
4.1. Grounding 9
4.2. Coaxial Cable 9
4.3. I/O Box and Interface 10
4.4. Mains Supply 13
4.5. Cooling 13
4.6. Remote Control 13
5. OPERATION 13
5.1. Operation Elements 14
5.2. Configuration of Power Amplifier 16
5.2.1. TCVR Support Settings 17
5.2.2. Connection with not supported TCVRs 18
5.2.3. Communication Loss 19
5.2.4. Antenna Switching Menu 19
5.2.5. Bandpass Filter Settings 20
5.2.6. Loading Factory Default Settings 20
5.2.7. Mute Option 21
5.2.8. LCD Settings Menu 22
5.2.9. Operation in Manual Mode 22
5.3. Tuning of Power Amplifier 22
6. MAINTENANCE 26
6.1. Indication of Fault Conditions 26
6.2. Fuse Replacement 27
6.3. Tube Replacement 27
6.4. Cleaning 27

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7. APPENDIX 28
7.1. Example of connection with ICOM 28
7.2. Example of connection with ELECRAFT 29
7.3. Example of connection with YEASU 30
7.4. Example of connection with Antenna Switch and BPF 31
7.5. of connection USB Micro KEYER II
with IC7800 or IC7700 32
7.6. Example of connection USB Micro KEYER II
with another ICOM 33
7.7. Example of connection USB Micro KEYER II
with YAESU or ELECRAFT 34
7.8. Example of connection PA with MicroHAM MKII, (MK2R+ etc.)
CI-V output 35
7.9. Controlling the OM Power automatic amplifiers with Flex 36
Radios Series 6xxx
7.10. Block diagram of the OM4000A 38

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1. Introduction
he OM Power model OM4000A is a fully automatic power amplifier, designed for use on
all short wave amateur bands from 1.8 to 29.7 MHz (including WARC bands) and all
modes. It is equipped with a two pieces of ceramic tetrode FU728F.
THE ADVANTAGES OF OM4000A
Full compatibility with: ICOM, ELECRAFT, KENWOOD, TEN-TEC ORION, YAESU, FLEX RADIO
SERIES 6XXX and Icom transceive protocol using by MicroHAM devices ( CI-V output ).
Automatic switching between bands
Automatic tuning within the band according to segments
Automatic switching of band pass filter
Automatic switching of antenna switches
The possibility to use 2 different antennas within one band or segment
1.2. Specification
1.2.1. Parameters
Frequency Coverage Amateur Bands 1.8 – 29.7 MHz including WARC
Power Output 1500W continuous output – no time limit
Input Power Usually 50 to 70W for full Output Power
Input power can not exceed 100W !
Input Impedance 50 Ohm, VSWR < 1.5 : 1
Power Gain 15 dB
Output Impedance 50 Ohm unbalanced
Maximum Output SWR 2 : 1
SWR protection Automatic switching to STBY, when reflected power
is 350W or higher
Intermodulation distortion 32dB below nominal output
Suppression of harmonics < -50 dBc
Tubes 2x FU728F Ceramic tetrode
Cooler Centrifugal blower + Axial blower
Power supply 240V – 60 Hz
Transformers 2 pcs of toroidal transformer 3kVA
Dimensions 485x200x455mm (width x height x depth) (19”x8”x18”)
Weight 46 kg (101.5 lbs)
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1.2.2. Protection Circuits
There are 11 special protection circuits used in the amplifier. They are activated when one or
more of next parameters exceed defined values or some unwanted occasion occurs.
•VSWR too high
•Input power too high
•Output power too high
•Plate voltage too low
•Anode current too high
•Screen current too high
•Grid current too high
•Mistuning of PA
•Hot switching protection
•Soft start for protecting your fuses
•“switch-on blocking “ at opened amplifier
1.2.3. Indicators
There are couples of LED and bar graph indicators visible on the front panel to inform you
about value of some parameters or operation status:
Bar graph indicators Power output -50 LEDs
Reflected power - 20 LEDs
Ig2 current -10 LEDs
Anode voltage, anode current, tuning -30 LEDs
LED Indicators Current at control grid (Ig1) -2 LEDs
WAIT - preheating of tube (150 sec.)
STBY - standby
OPR - operation mode
FAULT -failure, switching off for abt. 2 sec.
INHIBIT - operating condition
ANT 1 - which ANT is in use
ANT 2 - which ANT is in use
ANT - ANT selection
Buttons UP – DWN - listing in menu
MAN - manual operating
AUTO - automatic operating
TUNE - tuning
SET – confirms selected parameter
OSD Indicator LCD Display 2 x 16 characters

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2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
DANGEROUS HIGH VOLTAGE INSIDE!
The power amplifier is using high voltage up to 3400V DC, which is very dangerous for
human life! Read next safety instructions carefully first, before you will start to install and
operate power amplifier! NEVER VIOLATE NEXT RULES!
WARNING!
NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN to play around PA or to touch power amplifier or connected
cables in working condition, or to push anything into the case holes!
WARNING!
The amplifier contains high voltage circuits. Never turn the amplifier on without the upper
lid in place. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHORT OR BYPASS safety switch under upper lid!
WARNING!
The OM4000A amplifier can be operated ONLY if both of supply cables are connected!
WARNING!
The OM4000A amplifier is neither to be used in a WET or HUMID environment nor to be
exposed to RAINFALL!
WARNING!
Do not turn the amplifier ON without having connected the ANTENNA or properly rated
DUMMY LOAD! A hazardous HF voltage may build up on the antenna connector after turning
the amplifier on with no antenna or dummy load connected!
WARNING!
Before opening the upper lid of the amplifier make sure that power supply has been
disconnected AT LEAST 5 minutes allowing the electrolytic capacitors to discharge fully.
Disconnect power cord from the outlet!

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CAUTION
The amplifier must be installed in such a way that free flow of hot air from the tube is
allowed. The amplifier must not be installed in a constrained surrounding (i.e. tight shelves
etc.). During long time operation ventilation grid can reach high temperature. Do not
touch the top cover of the PA in these places during operation.
CAUTION
The amplifier must be properly grounded during operation.
CAUTION
During operation the amplifier must be installed in such a way that the rear side remains
accessible.
CAUTION
The amplifier is an A category product. In a household it can influence other electric
appliances. In such cases the user is to take proper actions to mitigate this disturbance.
CAUTION
Make sure that all screws holding the case together are properly in place and tightened
before carrying the amplifier with the handles!
CAUTION
Read this manual carefully. Fallow all of instructions during installation and operation to
avoid damage to the amplifier not covered by manufacturer´s warranty! Do not attempt to
perform any change of hardware or software!
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3.1. HF part
his amplifier is using two pieces of ceramic tetrode FU728F in a grounded-cathode circuit (input
into control grids). OM4000A amplifier achieves excellent linearity by the voltage
stabilization of the control grid bias and the screen voltage. The power input is given to
the control grids, using a broadband input circuit with an input impedance of 50 Ohms.
This adaptable input circuitry ensures a good input SWR (better than 1.2:1) on all amateur
bands.
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The output of the amplifier is a Pi-L circuit. The ceramic capacitor for TUNE and LOAD are
divided. This enables the amplifier to be tuned exactly and makes it possible to easily return to
the previously set positions after band changes.
Top view on the opened OM4000A
Tetrode FU728F PWR Meter Blower Switch-ON Board
Output Pi-L Circuit Tuning Capacitor Subpanel Power Supply Board
3.2. Power Supply
ower supply of the amplifier is comprised of two of 3 kVA toroidal transformers. A soft
start is provided using relays and resistors.
The high anode voltage is made by combining 8 x 420 V (total 3360V) @ 2.5A. Each has its own
rectifier and filter. In the high voltage circuit, safety resistors are employed to protect the
amplifier against overload.
The source for screen grid is regulated by parallel stabilization with BU941 NPN Darlington
transistors and delivers a voltage of 350V at 200mA. The -120V for the control grid is regulated
with Zener diodes.
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3.3. Safety Devices
Control and monitoring circuits ensure control and safety during malfunctions of the PA. These
are on the Control board, which is located on the chassis subpanel.
4. INSTALLATION
NOTE
Read this chapter carefully prior you will start installation. Before unpacking inspect shipping
woody container first, if it is not damaged. Keep all of packing parts for possible future
shipment. Check unpacked power amplifier. If you find some damaging, contact your dealer
immediately to keep full warranty.
During installation go step by step according to next parts.
4.1. Grounding
CAUTION
The amplifier has to be grounded properly! Connect the screw on the rear panel of the
amplifier to your local grounding system with a copper cable; use a cross-section of 4 mm2
at least.
Connect your transceiver to the same grounding system of your shack carefully!
Use minimum length cables and make certain that the connections are both physically and
electrically sound. With poor grounding, you may risk damaging your equipment, having
problems with TVI/BCI or your transmitted signal may be distorted.
4.2. Coaxial Cable
The output of the transceiver is to be connected to the input of the amplifier via RG58 or
similar cable. For the connection between the power amplifier and the antenna, RG213 or
similar coaxial cable suited for high power is recommended. Both the INPUT and OUTPUT SO-
239 sockets with Teflon insulation is used.

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Rear view of the amplifier OM4000A
AC Sockets Fuses OUTPUT
REMOTE I / O Interface INPUT
4.3. I/O Box and Interface
Control of Amplifier and communication with TCVR as well as Antennas / BPF switching can be
done via the rear panel I/O Interface.
Control cable maintains TX / RX switching of the PA (TX GND). The cable is shielded. On the
side of the power amplifier a CINCH-socket is used. On the side of your transceiver you have to
use a socket suitable for this transceiver. During transmitting the middle pin is connected to
the ground.
The relays of the OM4000A have to be switched earlier than HF is applied (cold switching).
Modern transceivers they have a time delay between PTT switching and power output.
CAUTION
If you are using and older transceiver or transmitters without time delay, we recommend
to connect the PA in such a way that the transmit/receive switch (foot switch for example)
is connected with the KEY IN socket of the amplifier. The KEY OUT socket is to be
connected with the PTT socket at the transceiver.
The amplifier is equipped with two safety devices, which ensure that the output relay is not
switched under power mistakenly (hot switching).

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KEY IN RCA Phono - Input signal PTT switching voltage / current 5V /2 mA)
KEY OUT RCA Phono - Output signal PTT (maximum switching of 30V / 50mA)
CI-V Mono 3.5mm Jack for connection of ICOM TCVRs or devices that provide
compatible CI-V protocol. Correct baud rate is important.
TCVR DB9 serial port RS232 for KENWOOD, YAESU and ELECRAFT TCVRs.
Correct baud rate and type is required for successful operation. If both
CI-V and TCVR cables are connected then CI-V disables RS232. Otherwise
selection of interface is done via TCVR type.
PC DB-9 RS232 port is used for communication with your PC. Please use
setting you would normally use if using direct TCVR – PC
connection.
ALC RCA Phono – Automatic Level Control is used when tuning the PA to block
drive level.
BYPASS COM Connector (5.5/2.1mm) allows you to connect an external 12V DC power
supply (rated at 200mA max.), which allows independent communication
between the PC and the TCVR. It means the ability to communicate even
if the PA is turned OFF. External source is separated from the internal
supplying; this means that it can remain permanently connected to the
PA.

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CAUTION!
We only recommend using ALC feature while operating RTTY, FM and other 100% duty
modes.
CONTROL The CONTROL socket is a single DB-15 connector that provides many
connections to the amplifier from your transceiver. Use shielded cable
for all connections to this connector. You will need to fabricate a cable with
the proper connector for your transceiver or use individual connectors as
described below.
PIN OUT:
1. ALC Out
2. NC
3. INHIBIT Control voltage
4. TX INHIBIT for Yaesu and Elecraft – this supersedes ALC
output
5. NC
6. KEY OUT
7. NC
8. KEY IN
9. –
15. GND
ANT & BPF SW DB-25 is used for switching of external HP BPF or external Antenna
Switch. Maximum switching of 30V / 0.5A is possible.
PIN OUT:
1. antenna port 1
2. antenna port 2
3. antenna port 3
4. antenna port 4
5. antenna port 5
6. antenna port 6
7. antenna port 7
8. antenna port 8
9. antenna port 9
10. antenna port 10
11. COMMON port of ANT SW
12. NC
13. GND
14. BPF 160m
15. BPF 80m
16. BPF 40m
17. BPF 30m
18. BPF 20m
19. BPF 17m
20. BPF 15m

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21. BPF 12m
22. BPF 10m
23. COMMON BPF port
24. NC
25. GND
4.4. Mains Supply
CAUTION
Be sure you got PA with properly terminated line cable, corresponding with your power
system’s outlet. If not, contact your dealer. In such a case you should make the necessary
changes using a licensed electrician.
CAUTION
Be sure that your power system is correctly wired and properly rated! To use adequately
sized and connected grounding system is also very important.
4.5. Cooling
CAUTION
The amplifier must be installed in such a way that free flow of hot air from the tube is
allowed. Do not obstruct air intake and exhaust areas of the PA.
The centrifugal blowers provide the necessary cooling of the amplifier, even during long
contests. The main blower is activated by switching the PA on and it is turned off when cooling
is finished (approx. 1-5 min after switching off the PA depending on the temperature of the
tube). The supplemental fan is turned on depending on the temperature of the air exiting from
the amplifier. It is switched on at 158°F and switched off at 140°F.
4.6. Remote Control
Control of the amplifier is possible remotely by using REMOTE BOX (optional). Connection is
done by REMOTE socket, maximum cable length should be 10 meters.
5. OPERATION
WARNING!
Before switching PA on, make sure that amplifier is grounded, antenna or dummy load is
connected, and line cord is putted to the outlet.

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CAUTION
Before switching PA on, check all connections between PA and TCVR.
CAUTION
Do not turn PA on for at least 2 hours after unpacking it and locating in its operating
location. Especially when amplifier is moved from a cold place to a warm one because not
visible condensation may develop, and this could result in damage to the high voltage
circuits of the PA.
CAUTION
Never try to change antenna output during a transmission to avoid warranty loss.
NOTE
When you decide to have a short operating break, place the amplifier in the standby mode
rather than switch it off.
5.1. Operation Elements
There is couple of operational elements accessible or visible on the front panel.

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TUNE Anode capacitor for tuning, tuning of higher frequencies to "0", lower
frequencies to “100”.
LOAD Output capacitor tunes antenna load resistance to amplifier.
Capacity is low at „100“ and high at "0" on the scale.
OFF You switch off the amplifier by pressing this button.
ON You switch on the amplifier by pressing this button. After 3 min. of
warm-up delay, amplifier will be ready for operation.
OPR/STBY „OPERATE“ sets the amplifier ready for transmit operation. In STBY, if
WAIT-LED is on or the amplifier is OFF, the amplifier is in bypass-mode
and your transceiver is directly connected to the antenna. Maximum
allowed power in bypass mode is 200W.
RF OUTPUT Bar graph – shows output power .
REFLECTED POWER Bar graph –shows reflected power from the antenna.
Maximum level is 350W otherwise amplifier switches to STANDBY mode.
Ig2 Bar graph – measures the current of the second grid from -80mA to
+120mA.
HV/IP/TUNE Bar graph – measure the anode voltage, anode currency or tuning of the
amplifier.

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INHIBIT Indicates interruption of transmission during the tuning process of the PA.
If indicated by RED LED then PA is in STBY mode. If during a
retune operations within the same BAND, then the PA will retune according to
the frequency of the transceiver. When changing the BAND – INHIBIT will
stay lit until the KEY IN is released and the tuning process will start.
After that PA is automatically ready for operation.
ANT, ANT1, ANT2 The amplifier is capable of automatic antenna switching (ie. 80m CW
and 80m SSB can be split between two antennas). The amplifier will
automatically select desired antenna by selecting last used antenna on a
given frequency.
SET button for: - MAIN MENU
Confirmation of selection
Saving of selected value
Saving of tuning parameters
TUNE Push button for selection of TUNE mode
AUTO Push button for selection of AUTOmatic mode
MAN Push button for selection of MANUAL mode
DWN / UP Push button for selection of band, segment or parameter
5.2. Configuration of Power Amplifier
hen the ON button is pressed the amplifier will start to heat the final amplifier tube. During
the warm-up period, the STBY and WAIT LEDs will be illuminated. If a transceiver is
connected to the correct port and all communication settings are right, the operating
frequency, AUTO, and the type of transceiver will be indicated on the alphanumeric display.
After successful heating of the TUBE you can enter operating mode by pressing the OPR button.
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5.2.1. TCVR Support Settings
mmm Example of Automatic mode with ICOM
TCVR.
Type of supported TCVR and working
frequency is visible on the display.
AUTO LED is ON
mmm Supported transceivers : ICOM, ELECRAFT,
KENWOOD, TEN-TEC, ORION, YAESU.
Press SET button and scroll UP/DWN to
CHOOSE TCVR
mmm Confirm CHOOSE TCVR by pressing SET
again and scroll UP / DWN to your
transceiver type. Confirm the selection by
pressing SET
mmm Continue by selecting Baud Rate.
Press SET button and scroll using UP /
DWN to BAUD RATE. Press SET again.
Baud rate for TCVR – PA communication is
shown on the display.

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By scrolling UP / DWN select desired Baud Rate which must be the same as baud rate used by
your transceiver (please refer to your transceiver user manual). To confirm your selection press
SET.
When using Yaesu TCVR you need to configure the STOP BIT parameter correctly and confirm
selection with SET.
The communication settings menu can be left by pressing the AUTO button. The amplifier will
enter AUTO mode only if all settings are correct and connection has been established with your
transceiver. You can verify that the correct frequency and transceiver type is shown on the LCD
display.
5.2.2. Connection with not supported TCVRs
For communication with TCVRs, that are not supported by OM4000A (for example JST-245 and
older types of Kenwood), an external IF-232 converter is to be used. You can also use devices
from several companies that produce compatible CI-V output which deliver frequency
information in ICOM format through the CI-V output. Then the PA will be connected in the
following configuration:
JST-245 <> DB37- JST-245 cable <> MKII ( or other device which has a CI-V output ) <> PC.
OM4000A is connected to the CI-V output of the CI-V device (MicroHam for example).
mmm Confirm CHOOSE TCVR by pressing SET
again and scroll UP / DWN to your
transceiver type. Confirm the selection by
pressing SET.
mmm
TCVR is connected via CI-V of MKII.
Transceiver frequency is visible on the
display.

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5.2.3. Communication loss
If TCVR is not connected or communication settings are incorrect, the message
“COMMUNICATION LOST” will be displayed. You can still use PA by entering MANUAL mode
(MAN Button) or by correcting the transceiver connection problem.
5.2.4. Antenna Switching Menu
If you have 3rd party external antenna switch connected to your amplifier ( i.e. MicroHAM TEN
SWITCH), you need to configure the assignment of each port to a specific band /or antenna.
mmm
Example of Communication loss message.
mmm
By pressing SET and scrolling to ANTENNA
SETTINGS and confirming by SET you get
current band and its antenna selection.
mmm
By scrolling UP / DWN you can select BAND
which you want to assign to current
ANTENNA selected.

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To finish Antenna switch configuration you
can either press AUTO or MAN.
5.2.5. Bandpass filter switching
Switching of external band pass filters is automatic and needs to follow pin out of BPF
connector. For more details see Example of connection with antenna switch and BPF in the
Appendix.
5.2.6. Loading factory default settings
In the rare case of needing to restore factory default settings press SET and scroll using UP /
DWN to LOAD DEF VALUES and confirm by SET.
mmm
Then select how many antennas you want
per current band (1 or 2) and always
confirm your selection by pressing SET.
mmm By scrolling UP / DWN you assign which
PORT is used on your external antennas
switch for this particular antenna. (ANT 1
ON PORT 01).
Shall you decide to use 2 antennas for this
band, then after confirming that with SET
configuration continue to the other
antenna selection / port selection.
In the rare case of needing to restore
factory default settings press SET and
scroll using UP / DWN to LOAD DEF VALUES
and confirm by SET.