ACOM 2000A HF Amplifier

The ACOM 2000A automatic HF linear amplifier is the world's most advanced HF amplifier designed for amateur use. The ACOM 2000A is the first amateur HF amplifier to include both fully automatic tuning and sophisticated digital control capabilities. This revolutionary new amplifier delivers maximum legal power in all modes and operates on all HF amateur bands.

A New Standard in Amplifier Features and Performance

The ACOM 2000A represents a major advance in the state-of-the-art HF amplifier design. It changes forever the way radio amateurs employ HF power amplifiers in their stations.

• Instantaneous and automatic tuning makes slow, cumbersome band changes a thing of the past.
• A built-in, wide-range antenna tuner matches loads with high VSWR (up to 3:1), often eliminating the cost and complexity of an external, high-power antenna tuner.
• RS-232 digital control permits full integration into any computer-driven station configuration.
• Advanced protection circuits ensure amplifier safety under every potential combination of operating conditions.
• Remote diagnostic features and modular design ease fault isolation and repair.

Cutting-Edge Technology Enhances a Classic Design

At the core of the ACOM 2000A is a classic HF amplifier design, employing two Svetlana 4CX800A (GU74B) high performance ceramic metal tetrodes operating in a grid-driven configuration. This design was chosen for its inherent stability and extremely low production of spurious emissions. ACOM coupled this tried-and-true configuration with today's most advanced digital control technology to create an amplifier with outstanding performance, features and reliability.

Clean Signal

Grid-driven tetrodes, cathode negative feedback, excellent transceiver loading (typically below 1.2:1 input VSWR), and regulated SG voltage result in an extremely low distorted output. Measured typical IMD are 40dB (3rd order) and 45dB (5th order). Classical Pi-L networks, all-air coils (no ferrite), and carefully designed layout of the output tank offer typical harmonic emissions as low as 55dBc (2nd order) and below 70dBc (3rd order and above). This means probability of QRM, BCI or TVI is dramatically minimized.

Fully Automatic Tuning

The automatic tuning features in the ACOM 2000A represent a real breakthrough in HF amplifier design. Never think about an ATU for VSWR up to 3:1 (2:1 on 160 m). Matching the actual antenna impedances to the optimum tubes load is completely automated. Typically one second and no skill is required.

By completely eliminating time-consuming tune-up procedures, the ACOM 2000A has gives contesters a real edge. It is now possible to change bands without a moment's thought. You can work every multiplier spotted using software point-and-shoot—regardless of band. And you always know the amp is properly tuned and operating safely. The amplifier follows your transceiver's band and frequency automatically in less than a second. No special cables are required. Just a dot on CW or "Ah" on SSB are enough.

The ACOM 2000A breaks every amateur band into multiple frequency segments. The user can store up to ten sets of tuning adjustments for every frequency segment—allowing individual settings for multiple antennas on each band. VSWR can increase considerably when an antenna is operated away from its resonant frequency. Unlike other amplifiers on the market today, the ACOM 2000 output matching network allows the amplifier to operate at full power, even with VSWR as high as 3:1 (2:1 on 160m).

Advanced Digital Control

Microprocessor control improves performance and makes possible a wide range of new, advanced features.

QSK

Full break-in (QSK) based on a built-in vacuum relay. The transmit and receive switching sequence is secured by a dedicated microprocessor.

Remote Control Unit

Only the Remote Control Unit needs to be placed near the operator. The main unit can be installed up to 3 metres (10 feet) away (10metres/30 feet with optional kit). RCU features include: amplifier status shown on LCD display, control of all functions, measuring and/or monitoring of the 20 most important parameters, on-board technical assistance, troubleshooting suggestions, record of power-on hours, password provided. RCU Size: 167x130x25mm

Easy Maintenance

The protection system makes damaging the amplifier a difficult job. Information on the 12 most recent protection trips is stored in an INFO BOX for remote diagnostics via phone line, PC, and Internet.

RS232 and Network

All functions are accessible from a PC via RS232 serial port. Local network may include more than one amplifier/antenna unit set working in a system.

Protection

These components interlock for operator safety: All tube voltages and currents, supply voltages, overheating, overdrive, insufficient flow of cooling air, internal and external RF arcs (in the amplifier, antenna selector, tuner or antennas), T/R sequencing, antenna relay contact hot switching, antenna matching quality, reflected power, stored data, inrush power-on current, and cover.

The RS-232 port on the ACOM 2000A allows amateurs to access a wide range of new capabilities. A computer connected directly or through a modem can read status and control all functions of the ACOM 2000A.

Remote station control is an exciting new application that can benefit directly from these digital control capabilities. Power amplifiers have traditionally been very difficult to integrate into a remotely controlled station. The automatic tuning and RS-232 control capabilities of the ACOM 2000A make it the first linear amplifier to fully address the problems of remote control. In fact, ACOM has gone a step further with the introduction of its extensive remote diagnostics features.

Rock Solid Design and Construction

Only high quality RF ceramic and silver plated metals (no plastics, no ferrites) in the plate tank. True transmitter-type tubular and door-knob ceramic pad capacitors. All main parts and assemblies are ACOM produced: ceramic tubes sockets, plate and antenna ceramic chokes, ceramic supported and ball bearing variable air capacitors, ceramic band switch, LV and HV transformers, 100W swamping 50 Ohm RF resistor, quiet air blower, metal work, and more.

ACOM's own research, development, hardware, and software design and engineering have led to the dramatically low cost of the amplifier. Amateurs who own the ACOM 2000A benefit from ACOM's extremely conservative design philosophy. ACOM incorporates the same design standards in the ACOM 2000A that they employ in their products developed for commercial and military applications.