ACOM 2100 | HF + 6 m Linear Valve Amplifier

Description

Usage
The ACOM2100 is a complete and self-contained linear amplifier that covers all amateur bands from 1.8 through 54 MHz and provides over 1500W PEP or continuous carrier output power with less than 85W exciter drive.

Easy to operate
The TRI (True Resistance Indicator) is a powerful tuning aid that, together with the 2:1 TUNE and LOAD caps verniers and 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 avoiding unnecessary manual operations.

No antenna tuner needed
No heavy outboard antenna tuners required for antenna SWR up to about 3:1 (and higher on some bands). 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 400 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 high brightness and contrast OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display. The upper line on the OLED 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

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

Less noise in the shack
The input bypassing and vacuum antenna relays are virtually silent even in the CW QSK mode thanks to specially designed mounting hardware.

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
Resulting in a very good load to the transceiver 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 and protection of plate and grid voltages and currents, reflected power as well as of the 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. 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 OLED display.

Easy maintenance
Data regarding amplifier internal status is stored in a nonvolatile memory for 7 of the 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.

Frequency Coverage

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

Power Output

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

Intermodulation Distortion

• Better than 32 dB below rated output;

Hum and noise

• Better than 40 dB below rated output;

Harmonic Output Suppression

• 1.8-29.7 MHz – better than 50 dB below rated output;
• 50-54 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 at reduced output levels;

RF Gain

• 13 dB typically, frequency response less than 1 dB (50-85 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

• 3500 VA at rated output;

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: 445x375x205 mm, 29.3 kg (17.6×14.8×8.1 inches, 64.6 lbs.);

Shipping Size & Weight

• Amplifier carton, WxDxH: Approx. 610x490x380 mm, 17.0 kg (24.1×19.3×15.0 inches, 37.5 lbs.);
• Transformer carton, WxDxH: Approx. 330x390x370 mm, 16.5 kg (13.0×15.4×14.6 inches, 36.4 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.