ACOM 1500 | HF + 6 m Linear Valve Amplifier

Description

Usage
The ACOM 1500 is a complete and self-contained linear amplifier that covers all amateur bands from 1.8 through 54 MHz and provides over 1500 W PEP (1200 W continuous carrier) output power with less than 85 W exciter drive.

Easy to operate
The TRI (True Resistance Indicator) is a powerful tuning aid that, together with the automatically controlled input attenuator, helps the operator to quickly and precisely match the antenna impedance to the optimum tube load impedance (5-10 seconds typically). The AUTO-OPERATE function (when enabled) maintains the amplifier in the OPERATE mode for you, thus saving manual operations and time.

No antenna tuner needed
No heavy outboard antenna tuners required for antenna SWRs up to about 3:1. Your amplifier will enable you to change antennas virtually instantaneously and allow you to use your antennas over wider frequency ranges.

User-friendly and durable
An amplifier that is both user-friendly and that looks after itself. It is designed to safely withstand up to 300 W reflected power, up to 100 milliseconds duration of drive spikes, drive RF “tails” after a PTT or KEY release, operator’s inadvertent tuning errors, etc. The amplifier also will not cease to function with a “soft” AC mains and will deliver more than half power at only 85% of nominal mains voltage. It can withstand voltage drops (down to zero Volts) for up to 10 milliseconds and can tolerate 15% mains voltage spikes, which is especially important on Field Day, during DXpeditions, and at portable operating events where emergency power is relied upon.

OLED comment display
All amplifier status indications are explained via detailed text displayed on the OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) Display. The upper line on the OLED display always reads peak forward power. LED indicators are provided for: OPERATE mode, attenuation-on (ATT), transmit (TX), selected antenna output (1, 2, or 3), and ON/OFF conditions.

Easy antenna selection
Three antenna outputs are selectable using a push-button on the front panel.

Easy maintenance
Signatures of the amplifier internal status are stored in a nonvolatile memory for 7 most recent auto protection trips. This information can be forwarded to your dealer for diagnostics. Using an EXCEL application (available from ACOM or your dealer free of charge) and a PC you can decode the signatures by yourself, too.

Less noise in the shack
The input bypassing and the vacuum antenna relays are virtually silent even in the QSK CW mode due to their special mounting.

Efficient tuning
Less QRM and improved Electro Magnetic Compatibility during tuning. Amplifier tuning can be achieved in less than 10 seconds at a quarter of nominal output power.

Transceiver-independent
The amplifier operates without special signals from the transceiver – “Ground on TX” (PTT) and 85 W RF drive power are sufficient.

Broadband input matching
Broadband input matching circuit design provides excellent transceiver loading over the entire spectrum, from 1.8 MHz up to 54 MHz.

Single tube operation
Uses a single 4CX1000A/8168 ceramic and metal radial beam tetrode with plate dissipation of 1000 W (forced air cooled, grid-driven), which is specifically designed for class AB1 RF linear amplifier operation.

Tube protection
Permanent monitoring includes protection of plate and grid voltages and currents, as well as exhaust air temperature. The Bias Optimizer decreases the heat dissipated from the tube, and there is automatic protection against overheating in accordance with specifications of the tube manufacturer.

Output RF arc protection
Output RF arc protection is employed. This important feature safeguards the amplifier, antenna, antenna selector, and tuner against severe damage in case of possible breakdown.

High voltage protection
High voltage power supply inrush current limitation. This feature reduces the risk to sensitive devices connected to the same mains circuit (important when used portable) when the amplifier is turned on. Moreover, the amplifier can be configured for 8 different nominal line voltages: 100, 110, 120, 200, 210, 220, 230, or 240 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz.

Continuous monitoring and/or selectable measurement
Continuous monitoring and/or selectable measurement of the 12 most important parameters of the amplifier, exciter, and the selected antenna via the OLED display.

Frequency Coverage

• All amateur bands 1.8-54 MHz;
• Extensions and/or changes on request;

Power Output

• 1500 W PEP or 1200 W continuous carrier, no mode limit;

Intermodulation Distortion

• Better than 35 dB below PEP rated output;

Hum and noise

• Better than 40 dB below rated output;

Harmonic Output Suppression

• 1.8-21.5 MHz – better than 50 dB below rated output;
• 24-54 MHz – better than 66 dB below rated output;

Input and Output Impedances

• Nominal value: 50 Ohm unbalanced, UHF (SO-239A) type connectors;
• Input circuit: broadband, SWR less than 1.3:1, 1.8-54 MHz continuously (no tunings, no switching);
• Bypass path SWR less than 1.1:1, 1.8-54 MHz continuously;
• Output (antenna) impedance matching capability: SWR up to 3:1 or higher;

RF Gain

• 13 dB typically, frequency response less than 1 dB (60-85 W drive power for rated output);

Mains Power Supply Voltage

• 85-132 VAC / 170-264 VAC (100, 110, 120, 200, 210, 220, 230 & 240 V nominal taps, +10% -15% tolerance), 50-60 Hz, Single phase;

Mains Power Consumption

• Up to 3500 VA at rated output from 200/240 VAC mains supply;
• Up to 2400 VA at 1000 W output from 100/120 VAC mains supply;

Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility

• Complies with CE safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well  as with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations;

Size & Weight (operating, excluding connected cables)

• WxDxH: 422x355x195 mm, 26.5 kg (16.7×14.0x7.7 inches, 58.5 lbs.);

Shipping Size & Weight

• WxDxH: Approx. 590x490x380 mm, 30.0 kg (23.3×19.3×15.0 inches, 66.2 lbs.);
• Please, contact us for shipment details;

Operating environments

• Temperature range: 0 to +50 degrees Celsius (32 degrees F to 122 degrees F);
• Relative air humidity: up to 95% @ +35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees F);
• Height above sea level: up to 3050 m (10000 ft) without output deterioration.