Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Alpha Radio Products www.alpharadioproducts.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Prepared for Alpha Radio Products by: MRH/LJW Technical contact: service@alpharadioproducts.com To obtain copies of this document, go to www.alpharadioproducts.com Copyright © 2007–2009 Alpha Radio Products, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Contents Contents 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1.1 Product Description 1-1 1.2 Product Capabilities 1-2 1.3 Safety Considerations 1-2 1.4 Related Products 1-3 1.5 Assistance 1-4 2. Amplifier Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 2.1 Cathode (Input-Match) Board 2-2 2.2 Center-Partition Board 2-3 2.3 Connections 2-3 2.4 Controls and Display 2-3 2.5 Display Board 2-5 2.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Contents Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 6.4 Tune the Amplifier 6-5 6.5 Program the Amplifier Memory 6-9 7. Operating the Amplifier from a PC Interface 7.1 Set Up to Operate from a PC 7-2 7.2 Operate from the PC 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 8. Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 8.1 Clean the Chassis 8-1 8.2 Retune the Amplifier 8-2 8.3 Replace the Tube and Fuses 8-3 8.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 List of Procedures List of Procedures Procedure 4-1, “Prepare your station,” page 4–1 Procedure 5-1, “Unpack the amplifier and transformer,” page 5–1 Procedure 5-2, “Install the transformer,” page 5–3 Procedure 5-3, “Connect the transformer,” page 5–4 Procedure 5-4, “Connect the cables,” page 5–7 Procedure 5-5, “Set the input drive,” page 5–10 Procedure 5-6, “Connect the transceiver,” page 5–10 Procedure 6-1, “Operate the amplifier,” page 6–1 Procedure 6-2, “Tuning t
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual List of Procedures vi Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 DOCNUMBER 9500 Document Issue 1, Revision 7 June 2009
1 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 1 Introduction 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Product Description 1–1 Product Capabilities 1–2 Safety Considerations 1–2 Related Products 1–3 Assistance 1–4 Congratulations on your purchase of a professional-quality Alpha 9500 HF linear amplifier. 1.1 Product Description The ALPHA 9500 (see Figure 1-1) is a self-contained auto-tune HF linear power amplifier.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Introduction 11 1 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Figure 1-1 ALPHA 9500 1.2 Product Capabilities Product capabilities include: • Continuous RF output. The ALPHA 9500 is capable of 1.5 kW continuous RF output on all commonly used modes and on any authorized amateur frequency from 1.8 to 29.7 MHz (other than the 60-MHz band). • Compatibility with popular amateur transceivers and exciters.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Introduction • Use proper lifting techniques and two people when moving the ALPHA 9500. The ALPHA 9500 weighs approximately 69 pounds when the transformer is installed.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Introduction Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 11 1 1.5 Assistance Technical assistance from Alpha Radio Products is available from several sources. • Go to our website at www.alpharadioproducts.com and click Support. On this site you can get the following assistance: • FAQs • Legacy equipment information • Manuals • Repair information • Software downloads • Tech tips • Technical support • E-mail us at service@alpharadioproducts.com.
2 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 2 Amplifier Components 2.1 Cathode (Input-Match) Board 2–2 2.2 Center-Partition Board 2–3 2.3 Connections 2–3 2.4 Controls and Display 2–3 2.5 Display Board 2–5 2.6 Firmware 2–5 2.7 Master-Control Board 2–6 2.8 Output-Tank Circuit 2–6 2.9 Power Supply 2–7 2.10 Tube and Tube Deck 2–8 The ALPHA 9500 uses a single 3CX1500 (8877) high-mu external-anode triode ceramic tube for amplification.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Amplifier Components Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 22 Figure 2-1 Amplifier front and interior 2 Figure 2-2 Amplifier back 2.1 Cathode (Input-Match) Board The cathode board, housed in the tube deck, consists of a set of Pi filters controlled by a set of five relays that are enabled based on the band-switch setting.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Amplifier Components 2.2 Center-Partition Board The center-partition board contains the RF decoupling circuit on the B+ line as well as the crowbar safety circuit. When you remove the top cover of the ALPHA 9500, the spring metal of this safety device shorts out the B+ line. 2.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Amplifier Components 22 IMPORTANT Note that the front panel has, in the upper-right corner, a 7-segment LED display (so named because one can, by individually turning on or off each of just 7 simple bars, display any single digit 0 to 9). The display contains 4 such digits. ! 2 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 The buttons below the display control what kind of value is displayed: FLT, Fwd, Ig, Ip, SWR, or Vp.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Amplifier Components Table 2-1 Amplifier Buttons (listed alphabetically) Button Purpose MEMORY Selects one of three sets of segment memories: 2 • DEF — factory-default settings and user memories • 1 or 2 • AUTO — autotune ON (AMP) Turns the amplifier tube and voltage on. ON/OFF (ANT SEL) Turns the antenna select on; the amplifier tube is not on. OPER Sets the amplifier to the operate position.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Amplifier Components Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 22 The time for the master to cycle through one round of communications with all slaves and perform its own tasks defines the natural “heartbeat” for the amplifier. This heartbeat is 10 ms, which is faster than the response time of the human eye. 2 You can upgrade the master firmware via a serial or USB connection to a Microsoft Windows PC.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Amplifier Components 2.9 Power Supply The power supply has two major sections: a switch-mode supply for the logic circuitry and a conventional transformer supply for all other voltages. When the amplifier is plugged into the AC line, the switch-mode supply is always on and all the microprocessors are active. It is usual for some of the front panel LEDs to blink momentarily when the unit is first plugged in.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Amplifier Components Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 22 If you install your amplifier in a location where the line voltage is not steady, you can force the tap selection via the serial or USB port. For information on how to force tap selection, contact ALPHA technical support. 2 Also on the mains board is a step-start circuit.
3 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 3 Installation Overview 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Prepare Your Station 3–1 Unpack the Amplifier and Transformer 3–2 Install the Transformer 3–2 Connect the Transformer 3–2 Connect the Cables 3–3 Set the Input Drive 3–3 Connect the Transceiver 3–3 This chapter provides a brief overview of the ALPHA 9500 installation process.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Installation Overview Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 33 3.2 Unpack the Amplifier and Transformer SEE . . . 3 Section 5.1, “Unpack the Amplifier and Transformer,” page 5–1 Step 1 Remove the amplifier and transformer from their cartons. Step 2 Inspect the amplifier and transformer for shipping damage. Step 3 Remove the blower screw from the bottom of the amplifier. 3.3 Install the Transformer SEE . . . Section 5.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Installation Overview 3.5 Connect the Cables SEE . . . Section 5.4, “Connect the Cables,” page 5–7 3 Step 1 Connect the power cord. Step 2 Adjust the 8877 tube and exhaust chimney. Step 3 Replace the amplifier cover and all attachment screws.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Installation Overview Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 33 3 Page 3–4 DOCNUMBER 9500 Document Issue 1, Revision 7 June 2009
4 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 4 Preparing Your Station 4.1 Prepare Your Station 4–1 4.2 Limitations of Operation at 90–130 VAC 4–4 4.1 Prepare Your Station The ALPHA 9500 is capable of dramatically improving the performance of your amateur station. It is important that you observe good engineering practices to achieve all the benefits of such a station in a safe and reliable manner. This chapter provides a few important operational considerations.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Preparing Your Station 44 4 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Although the amplifier can run when connected to a 110 VAC outlet, you WILL NOT achieve full-legal-limit output in this case. Rather, you should not expect more than 1000 W output. For more information on the limitations of operation when connected to a 110 VAC outlet, see 4.2, “Limitations of Operation at 90–130 VAC,” page 4–4.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Preparing Your Station Many antennas that are suitable for general use are unsuited for operation with a full 1500 W of power. At this power level in a 50-ohm circuit, the RMS current is 5.5A and the peak RF voltage is 387 V. With a 2:1 SWR, these values double to 11 A and 775 V. The actual voltage and current at various points in or on your antenna may actually be many times these values.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Preparing Your Station Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 44 NOTE: The FCC requires users to check their installations for compliance with published values for allowable exposure to RF fields. This information is available in ARRL publications, FCC printed rules, and on the web. We strongly recommend that you do this for any installation, both fixed and at an expedition or contest site.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Preparing Your Station If your line voltage is below 110 V under load, do not expect to be able to get 1500 W output (see Table 4-1). Table 4-1 Amplifier behavior with nonstandard line voltages Line voltage Expected behavior Low: 90–110 V Power outputs above 1000 W are not expected.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Preparing Your Station Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 44 4 Page 4–6 DOCNUMBER 9500 Document Issue 1, Revision 7 June 2009
5 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 5 Setting Up the Amplifier 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 IMPORTANT ! Unpack the Amplifier and Transformer 5–1 Install the Transformer 5–3 Connect the Transformer 5–4 Connect the Cables 5–7 Set the Input Drive 5–10 Connect the Transceiver 5–10 The ALPHA 9500 is extremely easy to set up, tune, operate, and maintain.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 55 3b Remove the cover screws (Figure 5-1) and the cover. Figure 5-1 Cover screws 5 3c Rotate the amplifier onto its right hand side. 3d While looking at the bottom, locate and remove the screw (labeled BLOWER SCREW, Figure 5-2) that holds the blower in place during shipping. Figure 5-2 Blower screw NOTE: Before shipping, reinsert the screw to prevent damage to the blower.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier 5.2 Install the Transformer NOTE • The transformer is very heavy. When moving it, use due caution and handle only by the lifting handle. • The extra piece of wood shipped with the amplifier is the transformer shim, which was cut to specific dimensions to aid in this installation.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 55 Figure 5-4 Securing transformer 5 Step 4 Carefully rotate the amplifier back to its standard orientation. 5.3 Connect the Transformer Procedure 5-3 Connect the transformer Step 1 Connect the transformer to the chassis. Figure 5-5 Connecting transformer to chassis 1a Align the transformer’s Molex plug with the connector at the back of the amplifier.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier Figure 5-6 Transformer’s 7-pin HV connector (top) and 2-pin mains connector (bottom) 5 2b Carefully route the transformer’s HV connector below all of the other bundled wires. NOTE: • Do not bump or bend components on either board. • Do not allow the HV wiring to touch any of the upper circuit board.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 55 2c Align the transformer’s HV connector with the amplifier’s HV board connector, with all pins in their appropriate slots, then gently but firmly push the connectors together so that they are fully mated. Figure 5-8 Connecting transformer to the HV board 5 Step 3 Connect the transformer to the amplifier’s mains board (the upper of the two boards).
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier 3c Align the connectors with both pins in their appropriate slots, then gently but firmly push the connectors together so that they are fully mated. Figure 5-10 Connecting transformer to mains board 5 5.4 Connect the Cables Procedure 5-4 Connect the cables Step 1 Connect the power cord.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier 55 ! Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 CAUTION CAUTION! We strongly recommend that you operate the amplifier on 240 VAC current. If you choose not to heed this recommendation, see a discussion of the limitations of doing so in 4.2, “Limitations of Operation at 90–130 VAC,” page 4–4.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier Step 4 Place the amplifier in its operating position on a stable surface with sufficient space to the rear, sides, and top to allow good air flow and safe placement of cables. Step 5 Connect the amplifier RF INPUT to the transceiver RF OUTPUT. Use 50-ohm coaxial cable-RG-58C/U or equivalent. A 6-ft. cable is supplied for this purpose. Step 6 Connect the amplifier RF OUTPUT to the antenna.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 55 5.5 Set the Input Drive You must set the transceiver output power properly. Virtually all damage to date has resulted directly from severe overdrive. The amplifier requires 50-W drive for full rated output. Damage caused by applying several-times-rated drive power to the amplifier is not covered under warranty.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier Table 5-1 Popular transceivers Transceiver Connection and keying information Kenwood RF — T/R — For information on connecting to external amplifiers, see the transceiver user manual. Yaesu RF — T/R — Connection with the RCA “TX GND” connector and/or DIN “Band Data” connector. For information, see the transceiver user manual.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Setting Up the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 55 5 Page 5–12 DOCNUMBER 9500 Document Issue 1, Revision 7 June 2009
6 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 6 Operating the Amplifier 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Operate the Amplifier 6–1 (Optional) Set Up to Operate from a PC 6–3 Put the Amplifier into the Desired State 6–3 Tune the Amplifier 6–5 Program the Amplifier Memory 6–9 Before you operate the amplifier, follow procedures in the previous chapters to install it, set it up, tune it, and save the tune/load/antenna values. 6.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 66 • If the value is <3300 V, check your outlet, the wiring of the plug, and the grounding of the equipment in your shack. If you have variable or unstable power, you can force the amplifier to always choose a particular tap setting. For information on how to force tap selection, contact ALPHA technical support. • If the value is >3800 V, ensure that the correct primary tap is being selected.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier At maximum output and efficiency, the red grid LEDs should not be illuminated. If they are illuminated before the desired value of plate current and/or power output is reached, readjust amplifier loading before continuing. Step 7 Ensure that exhaust air is detectable from the exit vent holes above the tube. If exhaust air is not detectable: 7a TURN OFF the amplifier immediately.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier 66 Table 6-1 Amplifier states State 0 (OFF) 6 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 State Amplifier Status 1 ON 1: Amplifier is being used with exciter only. No tube heater or HV 2 ON 2, warmup: Tube is warming up. HV present. 3 Standby: Tube is ready; amplifier is in bypass mode (exciter only). 4 Operate, unkeyed: Key-in has not been asserted. 5 Keyed, no RF: Key-in has been asserted, but no RF sensed.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier We recommend that you check the plate voltage. To do this, tap the Vp button and watch the digital meter. It should be in the range 3400 to 3650. State 3 (Standby) To enter this state from State 2, wait until the three-minute timer reaches 0. In this mode, the exciter is able to use the antenna, but the amplifier is not amplifying the signal.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier 66 REMEMBER Remember Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 If you need to retune, key the amplifier and press the MEMORY/AUTO button once. If the amplifier does not retune, with the amplifier keyed, press the TUNE (down) button once or twice, which forces the amplifier to recheck the gain and retune. Procedure 6-2 Tuning the amplifier Action Result Step 1 Set the transceiver to the desired band/segment frequency.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier Action Step 8 Press the MEMORY/AUTO button again to turn off autotune. Step 9 (Optional) Verify the saved settings by returning to each frequency and confirming the power output. Make any necessary adjustments and save as before. Step 10 Result If you get a gain fault (fault 1) while following this procedure, assist the autotune as follows: 6 1.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier 66 6 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Action Step 11 Result To change the default antenna to a The new antenna port value is now different port for all User 2 spread across all bands and memory bank settings: segments on User 2. 1. Press User 2 so that the memory light is on. 2. Press the desired antenna port twice. 3. While the antenna light is blinking, press the SAVE button.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier 6.5 Program the Amplifier Memory The ALPHA 9500 has 5 memory settings per band per user (default, User 1, and User 2). Each memory setting holds 3 values: frequency, tune, and load. These capacitor settings are made at the factory by tuning into a 50-ohm load, saving the settings, and migrating them to the appropriate memory bank.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 66 Procedure 6-3 Program the memory Action Step 1 Result Tune the amplifier to the desired frequency in the User 1 or User 2 position and the correct antenna port to be saved. Remember that you cannot store in the default position. Example: Tune to 14.025 MHz in User 1 segment 1. Step 2 Press the SAVE button (to the left of the User 1/2 buttons).
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier 6 DOCNUMBER 9500 Document Issue 1, Revision 7 June 2009 Page 6–11
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 66 6 Page 6–12 DOCNUMBER 9500 Document Issue 1, Revision 7 June 2009
7 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 7 Operating the Amplifier from a PC Interface 7.1 Set Up to Operate from a PC 7–2 7.2 Operate from the PC 7–2 The Alpha Remote (AR) AR9500 PC application allows you to access all functions and features of the ALPHA 9500 from your PC.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier from a PC Interface Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 77 7.1 Set Up to Operate from a PC Procedure 7-1 Set up to operate from a PC • You can also establish communications with the amplifier via any NOTE communications program such as hyperterminal.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier from a PC Interface Main window 7 From the main window you can: • View a list of available COM ports from the drop-down menu labeled COM Port. Scroll through the list until the port connected to your amplifier is highlighted. • View the text editor box at the bottom of the window, which shows messages about the data being received from the amplifier. • View the drop-down windows at the top.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier from a PC Interface Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 77 Simulated front panel 7 From the simulated front panel you can click any button just as you would press the button from the amplifier itself. Tools menu From the Tools menu you can obtain various types of information. Clicking this selection sends a telemetry request to the amplifier asking for that type of data.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier from a PC Interface Whether or not any of this data is displayed is controlled by options selected in the Options menu. Options menu From the Options menu, if you Select Windows, the following menu appears. 7 From this window you can select which parameters to display.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Operating the Amplifier from a PC Interface Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 77 7 Page 7–6 DOCNUMBER 9500 Document Issue 1, Revision 7 June 2009
8 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 8 Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 IMPORTANT Clean the Chassis 8–1 Retune the Amplifier 8–2 Replace the Tube and Fuses 8–3 Upgrade Firmware 8–4 • The ALPHA 9500 is extremely easy to set up, operate, and ! maintain. However, failure to carry out each procedure exactly as described in this manual is likely to lead to amplifier damage, which is not covered under warranty. Damage to other station equipment may also result.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier 88 Step 6 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Replace the cover and reconnect the AC line cord to the power source. 8.2 Retune the Amplifier Normally you need retune the amplifier only if you change radios, antennas, or some other aspect of your shack.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier When you first install the amplifier, you must save the tune and load settings for your setup and antennas to the User 1 memory. Note that, for each band, there are five segment values, representing five different frequencies across that band. The tune and load settings that are saved in each location provide a good starting place for the autotune algorithm to begin.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier 88 IMPORTANT ! Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 The amplifier is equipped with a cover interlock switch that removes primary power from the amplifier, and a crowbar that short-circuits high voltage to the chassis when the cover is lifted. These interlocks protect against electric shock resulting from accidental contact with the lethal voltages inside the amplifier.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier On the Primary Board Procedure 8-4 Upgrade firmware on the primary board Step 1 With the amplifier plugged into the power supply, turn the amplifier off. Step 2 Connect a USB cable (Figure 8-1) between the amplifier and the PC. Figure 8-1 USB cable If the PC cannot see an additional COM port when the cable is plugged into the amplifier, run the VCP installer software.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 88 NOTE: The bootloader menus for setting the COM port and the baud rate are a little quirky. Although it may look as if there are no other options from which to choose, there is a little area on the dropdown menu where you can click to show the other choices. If you have trouble with this, contact ALPHA directly. The bootloader recognizes only COM ports 1 to 9.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier Upgrading the firmware on these boards requires a few more simple steps. The biggest difference with these upgrades is that you must remove the cover and front panel to access these boards. In addition, you must install a special cable between the USB/serial board underneath the powersupply stack and the processor that is being upgraded. You also need a processor reset cable.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 88 Figure 8-4 Sound generator board Figure 8-5 Stepper motor board 8 Procedure 8-5 Upgrade firmware on the secondary boards IMPORTANT ! Page 8–8 Before you start, review all steps. If you are unsure of any step, call Alpha Radio Products. Step 1 Ensure that the amplifier is connected to the PC via the USB cable. Step 2 Power down the amplifier.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier ! WARNING WARNING! Disconnect the AC line cord from the power source before lifting the cover for any reason. Step 4 Remove the transformer and front panel assembly. Place a towel or a soft cloth in front of the amplifier so as not to scratch the panel. Step 5 Connect: the programming cable’s end 1 (Figure 8-6) to the USB/serial board (Figure 8-7).
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 88 Figure 8-8 Programming cable, end 2 Figure 8-9 3-pin header 8 Step 7 Connect the reset-push-button cable to the 5-pin connector. Step 8 Plug the amplifier in but DO NOT turn it on.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier Step 10 On the bootloader, choose the correct filename for the board to be upgraded. Board Filename1 Display Display_Controller_FP_Vx_xx.HEX Mains High_Voltage_Mains_Board_Vx_xx.HEX Sound generator Sound_Generator_FP_Vx_xx.HEX Stepper motor Stepper_Motor_FP_Vx_xx.HEX 1. x_xx is the current version number.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Maintaining and Upgrading the Amplifier Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 88 8 Page 8–12 DOCNUMBER 9500 Document Issue 1, Revision 7 June 2009
9 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 9 Diagnosing Faults 9.1 Overview 9–1 9.2 Fault Codes and Resolutions 9–1 9.1 Overview One of four situations typically results in a fault: Table 9-1 Fault situations Fault description Incorrect gain (output too low or too high for the input power supplied) Fault type Soft The OPR switch turns OFF and the STBY switch turns ON. Hard The amplifier shuts OFF completely.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults 99 9 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Table 9-2 Fault code summary Number Description 5 Vp under voltage 6 Output relay closure fail 7 Output relay may be stuck 8 Bandswitch set failure 9 Tune cap zero failure 10 Load cap zero failure 11 Over-temperature 12 Reflected power too high 13 Clear over-temperature 14 Plate voltage too high 15 Grid current too high 16 Autotune failure 17 Plate current too high with
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults As noted previously, this fault (and several others) are inhibited (disabled) if the drive power into the amplifier from the exciter is less than 20 W. The amplifier is generally safe at this drive power level, and it provides a window for you to exercise the various controls to either get the amplifier tuned to within the nominal gain range or determine the underlying cause of the problem.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults 99 9 Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 To ease initial installation of the amplifier, it is shipped with automatic tap selection enabled. This is appropriate for most situations, but it is possible that a particular situation may fake the voltage estimation circuitry out, and cause the amplifier to select an inappropriate tap. This can result in off-nominal conditions for the plate and heater voltages.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults Fault code 3 Description Soft Ip trip. Explanation The current in the high voltage (HV) circuit is greater than 1.6 A. Normal plate current for the amplifier at 1.5 kW output power is in the range 0.8 to 1.1 A. Above this value, the tube may be at or above its rated plate dissipation. This trip is set so that, if the plate current exceeds 1.6 A for a short time, it trips and goes into bypass mode.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults 99 Resolution Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 1. Ensure that the mains board is selecting the correct primary transformer tap. See fault code 2 for information on how to do this. 2. If the correct primary tap is being selected, then the problem is elsewhere. Unplug the amplifier, remove the top cover, and inspect the mains board and high voltage board. Unplug each of the transformer connectors and inspect them for problems.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults The tune capacitor has an opto-interrupter that is actuated by a small vane on the drive shaft. When the amplifier is turned to the ON2 or ON/AMP position, the stepper controller attempts to move the vane until it just occludes the opto-interrupter. This position is registered as a 0 (zero) for the tune capacitor, and represents the minimum attainable capacitance for that capacitor.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults 99 Resolution Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 1. Unplug the amplifier, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back ON to the ON2 or ON/AMP setting. 2. Even if the last fault is still fault 10, attempt to turn the load capacitor from the buttons on the front panel or from the AR9500 PC application. If the capacitor responds, the fault may have cleared. 3. If the fault persists, contact ALPHA technical support.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults 5. Ensure that amplifier is being operated with a tuning condition that does not result in poor efficiency. 6. Ensure that the tube standing bias (keyed, with no RF) is not greater than 500 mA. Key the amplifier with the meter set to Ip to make this measurement. If Ip is greater than 500 mA, then there may be a problem in the cathode bias circuitry, on the cathode board, or in the tube itself.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Diagnosing Faults 99 Resolution Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 • Reduce the drive or retune. Fault code 16 Description Autotune failure. Explanation The autotune algorithm has encountered a problem that causes it to go through a large number of iterations without being able to find an acceptable tune condition, and has been stopped. Resolution • Reduce the drive and restart the auto-tune.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Terminology Terminology NOTE: For detailed explanations of the following terms, see various publications including the latest American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Handbook. A AC — Alternating current. Electric current whose magnitude and direction vary with time. ALC — Automatic Level Control. Technology that automatically controls output power. ampere — Unit of electric current. ARRL — American Radio Relay League.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Terminology Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 F FCC — Federal Communications Commission. For more information, go to www.fcc.gov. FM — Frequency modulation. Modulation scheme in which information is conveyed over a carrier wave by variations in frequency. FSK — Frequency-shift keying. Type of frequency modulation in which information is conveyed by shifts in the output frequency between predetermined values. H HF — High frequency.
Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Terminology M mA — Milliampere. 10-6 A. MHz — Megahertz. 106 Hz. O OPR — Operate. PCB — Printed circuit board. Board that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components. P PSK — Phase-shift keying. Digital modulation scheme in which information is conveyed by changes, or modulations, in the phase of a reference signal. Q QSK — Quadrature-shift keying.
Alpha 9500 HF Linear Amplifier Operating Manual Terminology Alpha Radio Products Product Release 1 adjacent node (minimum). Measure of antenna and feedline efficiency. T T/R — Transmit /receive. transceiver — Device that has both a transmitter and a receiver within the same circuitry or chassis. U UHF — Ultra-high frequency. Radio frequency US — United States. within the range 300–3000 MHz (3 GHz). V VAC — Volts of alternating current. VDC — Volts of direct current.
