Palstar COMMANDER II User manual

COMMANDER II
2 METER VHF LINEAR AMPLIFIER
—————————————————————
Owner’s Manual
PALSTAR, INC.
Command Technologies Division
9676 N. Looney Road
Piqua, Ohio 45356
U.S.A.
Custo er Service and Sales Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E- ail: [e-mail]

2
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Inside View 4
Specifications 5
Unpacking Instructions 6
HV Transfor er Installation 6-8
Safety Warnings and Precautions 9
Front & Rear Layout 10
Installation Preparation 11
Operating Procedure 12
Operating Hints 13
Typical Operating Conditions Table 13
Warranty, Service, and Returns 14
RF Deck Sche atic 15
Control and Bias Board Sche atic 16
High Voltage Power Supply Sche atic 17

3
INTRODUCTION
The Co ander II is a grounded grid class AB2 linear power a plifier that operates
on the A ateur 2 eter band (144 to 148 MHz).
A single CPI/Ei ac 3CPX800A7 pulse-rated external anode triode with forced air
cooling and odern stripline circuitry ensures efficient and conservative operation.
The 6:1 ratio vernier reduction drives on all tuning controls allow s ooth and easy
tune up, while the front panel input tuning control allows a higher input circuit "Q" for
excellent linearity and to present a low input VSWR to the exciter all across the entire 2
eter band.
An auto atic delay circuit, for proper cathode conditioning before RF drive can be
applied, extends tube life. A 200 oh resistor in the plate supply negative lead protects
the tube in the event of an arc.
The Co ander II features a full co pli ent of control and etering functions for
easy on-air operation.
A dual pri ary power transfor er allows 117VAC, 200VAC or 234VAC operation.

4
High Voltage
Transfor er
T/R Relay
Board
Cooling
Blower
Load Tuning
Capacitor
Input Tuning
Piston Capacitor
Multi eter
Switch
3CPX800A7
Triode Tube
Fila ent
Transfor er
High Voltage
Interlock
Switch
Control
Board
Multi eter High Voltage
Board
(underneath)
Commander II Inside Layou

5
Specifications
Co ander II
2 Meter VHF Linear Power A plifier
• Frequency Range: 144 to 148 MHz.
• Modes: USB, LSB, RTTY, FM, CW.
• Power Require ents: 117/200/234VAC 50/60 Hz.
• RF Drive Power: 10 to 15 Watts no inal; 30 Watts axi u , for full 1 KW (CW) output.
• RF Output: +15db gain; > 650 Watts (USB, LSB); 450 Watts axi u . (FM or RTTY).
• Input I pedance: 50 Oh s unbalanced, front panel adjustable.
• Output I pedance: 50 Oh s no inal.
• Antenna Load (VSWR): 2:1 axi u .
• Har onic Suppression: better than 60db down at rated output.
• Inter odulation Distortion: better than 35 dB down at rated output.
• Weight (with transfor er): 60 lbs. (27.3 Kg).
• Cabinet Size: 14.5'' x 14.5'' x 6'' (36.8c x 36.8 c x 15.2 c ).
• Tube Co pli ent: one 3CPX800A7 cera ic etal triode.
• Cooling: pressurized chassis forced air.
• Antenna Relay: DPDT; .1 dB insertion loss.
• Fuse: Type SFE; 234VAC and 200VAC operation: 15 A p; 117VAC operation: 30 A p.

6
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Carefully re ove your Co ander II fro its shipping carton aking sure there is no da -
age evident fro shipping. If there is any da age, notify the delivering shipper i ediately,
fully describing the da age.
Do not destroy the packing aterial, since it ay be reusable later, should you require fac-
tory service, or need to transport the A plifier for any other reason.
TRANSFORMER INSTALLATION
Due to its weight, the power transfor er is shipped separately to prevent da age to the a -
plifier cabinet, and it ust be installed by purchaser.
In order to install the HV transfor er, both the top and botto covers a plifier covers ust
be re oved. The s all plastic bag (shipped with a plifier) contains the transfor er ounting
hardware.
The following photographs illustrate the proper HV transfor er installation:
This is the area the transfor er
ounts in. Pay attention to the
wiring harness (1) at the rear and
be careful not to pinch any of the
wiring under transfor er during
installation. Note that the con-
nector (2) has been oved to the
side, out of the way
Position the HV transfor er with
the wires and connector as
shown.
1
2

7
Lift the HV transfor er and tilt
it as shown in the picture. Gently
lower the transfor er until the
side with the connector is resting
on the a plifier chassis.
Make sure that none of the wir-
ing is pinched under the trans-
for er.
While supporting the raised side of
the transfor er, gently lower it in
place until it, too, is resting on the
chassis. The large opening in the
side of the chassis allows access to
do this.
The transfor er is now in place
and can be fastened to the chassis.
Insert the provided carriage bolts
in fro the top, through the trans-
for er ounting tabs and chassis
slots. Next, slightly lift the chas-
sis and place a flat washer and
KEPS nut on the botto side of
each bolt and tighten.
Caution: before tightening,
be sure that none of the wir-
ing harness is pinched under
the transfor er!

8
Be sure to read the safety cautions
on the next page before operating!
Plug the connector on the trans-
for er into the one on the wiring
harness. It is keyed so that it
cannot be plugged in backwards.
Make sure that the connector
halves are pressed together until
the lock tabs snap in place.
Dress the wiring down out of the
way, as shown. Re-install the
top and botto covers and the
unit is ready for use.

9
CAUTIONS:
• DO NOT atte pt any type of service or repair on this a plifier without first re oving the
AC power and allowing AT LEAST 60 MINUTES FOR THE HIGH VOLTAGE CAPACI-
TORS TO BLEED OFF !
• DO NOT operate this a plifier with the top or botto covers re oved. DO NOT operate
this a plifier with the internal RF tube co part ent covers re oved. Never place any ob-
jects into the top ventilation holes. CONTACT WITH VOLTAGES IN THE CABINET
CAN BE FATAL ! CLOSE QUARTERS EXPOSURE TO UNSHIELDED RF AT THESE
POWER LEVELS IS HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH !
• Never atte pt operation without first connecting an appropriate antenna (2:1 VSWR Max)
or a 50 oh du y load with sufficient rating or SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE AMPLI-
FIER MAY RESULT.
• Never operate the a plifier with ore drive than required to produce the rated output for
the operating ode used.
• Do not place the Co ander II in repeater operation. This a plifier is not designed for un-
attended service. Extensive odification would be required for this type of service.
• Never operate any a plifier using an extension cord.
• Never cover the top of the a plifier cabinet with books, papers or other equip ent as
OVERHEATING MAY RESULT.
IF ANY SITUATION YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT OCCURS,
PLEASE CONTACT MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE.
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E- ail: [e-mail]
!! WARNING !!
CONTACT WITH VOLTAGES IN THIS AMPLIFIER CAN BE
!!! FATAL!!!

10
Ground Lug
Multi eter TUNE Control
Multi-turn Piston Capacitor
Preset at Factory—
do not adjust, see pages 12 & 13
Multi eter
Selector
Switch
LOAD
Control
INPUT
Control
STANDBY/
OPERATE
Switch
ON/OFF
Switch
Power Ready
Light
Voltage Selection
Ju per Cover
RF In RF Out
Operate Enable
Connector
Rear Panel Layou
Fron Panel Layou
Fuse Post Accessory
Power

11
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
The Co ander II is factory wired for operation fro an 234VAC line. Operation at the full
rated output should not be atte pted unless this line is capable of supplying at least 15 a ps of
peak current. It is strongly reco ended that you operate this a plifier fro a 234VAC line.
The a plifier ay be operated fro a 117VAC power source capable of supplying at least 30
A peres.
To configure the a plifier for 117VAC or 200VAC operation, re ove the voltage selection
ju per cover on the rear panel of the a plifier and install appropriate ju pers (see illustration
below). CAUTION.... BE SURE YOU HAVE REMOVED THE LINE CORD PLUG FROM
YOUR WALL SOCKET BEFORE REMOVING THE JUMPER COVER. IF YOU FAIL TO
UNPLUG YOUR AMPLIFIER, YOU WILL EXPOSE YOURSELF TO LETHAL VOLT-
AGES. Install an appropriate plug on the power cord to ate with your wall receptacle.
If you change the operating voltage as described above, be sure to install the proper fuse.
The fuse is a type SFE, 15 A p for 234 VAC & 200 VAC operation, 30 A p for 117 VAC op-
eration
All Co ander II a plifiers anufactured for export are wired for 200 or 234VAC, 50 or
60 Hz, depending on the final destination. No plug is supplied.
Location of your Co ander II requires that no equip ent be placed directly above it, as air
expelled fro the tube exhaust can beco e quite hot. Allow at least 3 inches clearance on either
side of the unit and between other equip ent. Extending the tilt bail located on the botto of
the chassis i proves the cooling airflow.
To switch fro trans it to receive the Co ander II requires a contact closure or keying
circuit capable of sinking 55 a of positive voltage (12 VDC open circuit) to ground. This con-
nection is ade to the RCA jack on the rear panel arked RELAY. Read the anual that ca e
with your transceiver to deter ine the proper external connections. On so e transceivers, this
is not provided, and an alternate circuit will be required. Always use shielded cable for these
connections.
Connect a good quality thruline Watt eter between the a plifier output jack and the an-
tenna or du y load using RG8 or better coax.
Connect the exciter (transceiver) RF output to the a plifier input using 50 oh coax.
Connect a ground lead, as short as possible, fro earth ground to the Co ander II’s rear
panel ground ter inal.

12
OPERATING PROCEDURE
After reading this anual and co pleting the Installation/Preparation Instructions, position
the Co ander II front panel controls as follows:
• ON/OFF — OFF
• OPERATE/SSTANDBY — STANDBY
• MULTIMETER SWITCH — Vp (PLATE VOLTAGE)
• INPUT — CENTER ON SCALE
• LOAD — MINIMUM (COUNTER-CLOCKWISE)
• TUNE — LEAVE AT FACTORY SETTING (NOTE: the TUNE control is a ulti-turn
piston capacitor and was factory preset for operation at 144.200 MHz. See page 13 for ore
infor ation.)
After presetting these controls, switch the ON/OFF switch to the ON position. The eter
la ps will illu inate, the blower will be running and plate voltage will be approxi ately 2700
VDC.
The 3CPX800A7 used in this a plifier requires a war up period before RF drive ay be
applied, to prevent da age to the tube. A 2 inute war up is provided by a solid state ti er
circuit. At the end of the war up period, the green POWER LED on the front panel illu inates
and the unit is ready for operation.
Switch the eter switch to the Ip (plate current) position.
Switch the OPERATE/STANDBY switch to the OPERATE position and key the exciter with
ZERO RF drive applied. The Red Trans it light should illu inate, the tube will be biased
“on”, and plate idling current should approxi ately 80 a. as displayed on the Ip eter.
Apply a very low RF drive (less that 5 watts) and adjust the INPUT control for a peak in the
plate current (Ip) on the eter. Next adjust the TUNE control for axi u output as indicated
on an external Watt eter. DO NOT adjust the LOAD control at this ti e. COMPLETE
THESE ADJUSTMENTS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID STRESSING THE
TUBE.
Place the eter switch in the Ig (grid) position. Key the exciter, and while increasing the RF
drive, adjust the LOAD control clockwise in order to keep the grid current below 40 a. and to
obtain a peak in output power on an external watt eter (see chart: Typical Operating Condi-
tions chart on the next page).
Re-peak the TUNE control for axi u output.
Return the eter switch to the Ip position and the Co ander II is ready for SSB or CW on
the air operation. Nor al SSB operation is indicated by plate current readings on voice peaks of
approxi ately 1/3 to 1/2 of the CW key down value.
For FM or other high duty cycle odes, li it drive to 15 watts axi u .

13
OPERATING HINTS
The Co ander II TUNE control is a high "Q" piston-type tuning capacitor with a 6:1 ratio
vernier reduction drive. This control requires about 15 revolutions to tune the unit fro 144 to
148 MHz. No pointer or logging scale is provided.
Unless you have specified another band seg ent, the unit is factory tuned at 144.200, the na-
tional SSB calling frequency. If you use the Co ander II ainly for CW and SSB, and after
having tuned the unit to your antenna, you will be able to QSY up or down the CW/SSB band
seg ent without aking any tuning adjust ents. Unless so eone changes these adjust ents,
it will not be necessary to retune the a plifier each ti e you operate it. Just turn the unit on,
wait for the green light and begin trans itting.
If you decide later to operate in the FM portion of the band, it is best done by tracking up the
band about 500 KHz at a ti e. To do this, key the exciter with low drive (5 watts or less), re-
tune INPUT for a peak in plate current (Ip), and readjust TUNE control for axi u output,
repeating this procedure as you ove up the band. This is also useful if you happen to forget
where you left it tuned. The scale for the TUNE control on the front panel is correct in that
clockwise is increasing frequency and counter-clockwise is decreasing frequency.
TYPICAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
DRIVE GRID CURENT PLATE CURENT POWER OUTPUT
12.5 Watts 15 a 400 a 450 Watts
18.5 Watts 25 a 500 a 650 Watts
30 Watts 35 a 600 a 1000 Watts

14
Limi ed Warran y
Palstar Inc. warrants the Co ander II to be free fro defects in aterial and work anship
under nor al use and service for a period of one (1) year from he da e of delivery o he
firs buyer (the “Warranty Period”). Palstar Inc.’s obligation under this warranty is li ited to
repair or replace ent of the product at it’s option at the Palstar factory in Piqua, OH.
This warranty is effective only when the product is returned to the factory with all transpor-
tation charges prepaid and exa ination of the product discloses, in Palstar’s judg ent, to have
been defective during the Warranty Period.
The Warranty Period shall not extend beyond its original ter with respect to interi in-
warranty repairs by Palstar. This Warranty Period shall not apply to any product which has been
repaired or altered by anyone other than Palstar without prior written authorization. Warranty
does not extend to any products which have been subject to da age fro i proper installation,
application or aintenance in accordance with the operating specifications. Palstar neither as-
su es nor authorizes any person to assu e for it any obligation or liability other than herein
stated.
Shipping Your Amplifier Back o he Fac ory
Due to the necessity of shipping the a plifier with the HV transfor er re oved, please
contact the factory for instructions before sending an a plifier back to us. There are circu -
stances in which it ay not be necessary to return the HV transfor er, thereby saving you ship-
ping charges. When you call, Palstar will infor if transfor er return is necessary. If trans-
for er return is necessary, re ove it fro the a plifier cabinet and ship it separately, prefera-
bly in its original crate.
Repair Policy
When sending in a product for service, see the section above. If not using the original pack-
ing aterials, please “double” box it carefully and ship it insured for your protection. Please
include a note clearly describing the proble , how you wish the ite returned and how you
wish to pay for the service. Package your unit properly. Palstar, Inc. is not responsible for er-
chandise da aged in ship ent. Our service rate is $30 per hour (1/2 hr. ini u ).
Re urn Policy
All returns ust receive prior authorization fro Palstar. Returned ite s ust be received in
original—AS SHIPPED—condition including the original box, anuals, accessories, and copy
of sales receipt. Returns ust be within 14 days of purchase. Returned ite s are subject to a
25% restocking fee. Shipping is not refundable.

15

16

17