Specifications

Let’s Fire-Up the ALS-600 with all the options
The ALS-600 power supply comes wired for 120VAC operation so it is ready to plug
into your wall outlet. However, you should plug the amplifier into a separate AC branch
than the one your transceiver is connected to unless you have a 20-amp AC branch circuit
(transceivers typically draw 3-4 amps, and the ALS-600 typically draws 11-14 amps).
Connect a ground wire from the amplifier to your station’s single-point ground, and an
ALC cable between the ALS-600 and your transceiver. Finally, connect the two RJ45
cables between the ARI-500 and the ALS-600, the RJ45 cable between the ALS-500RC
and the ARI-500, and the transceiver interface cable between your transceiver and the
ARI-500. Both the ALS-500RC and the ARI-500 are powered through the ALS-600
RJ45 interface cables, so no external DC voltage is required.
The only set-up required is to set the ALS-600 band switch to REMOTE, and strap the
ARI-500 for either auto- or manual fault re-set. There is also a strapping option in the
ARI-500 to enable 10/12 meter operation if the ALS-600 is equipped with the optional
10/12 meter MOD10-MB kit. Once you turn on your ALS-600 and transceiver, the
POWER and LINK LEDs on the ARI-500 will glow, indicating everything is connected
properly and data is being received from your transceiver.
ARI-500 on author’s transceiver. Amplifier interface cables connect
If used, the ALS-500RC.plugs into to these ports on the rear of the ARI-500.
REMOTE A on the ARI-500.
While the ALS-500RC is very convenient for manual remote control of the ALS-600, the
real “cat’s meow” is the ARI-500 Automatic Band Switch. It is very nice to change
bands on my transceiver and have the amplifier follow. I really like this, especially since
I’ve forgotten to manually change bands on my “old” ALS-600 more times than I’d care
to admit – especially in the heat of a contest or trying to snag that rare DX. Fortunately
the amplifier’s fault circuitry always protects the amplifier, as it has when I’ve
accidentally transmitted into disconnected or shorted antenna runs! I should be more
careful, but I have been spoiled by the effectiveness of the protection circuits.
Performance Measurement
I ran some basic performance measurements to check amplifier power and power meter
accuracy using an external PowerMaster digital peak-hold wattmeter. For the peak SSB
readings, I found that sending “dits” at about 10 WPM gave me similar readings as when