THAMWAY DXV600L Tiny Amplifier for DX Vacation Instruction Manual
- June 6, 2024
- THAMWAY
Table of Contents
Tiny Amplifier for DX Vacation
DXV600L
Instruction Manual
THAMWAY CO., LTD
General Information
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the DXV600L linear amplifier for amateur radios.
This manual describes the installation, operation, and maintenance of the
DXV600L.
Please read this manual carefully and use the product safely.
Owner Support
If you need technical or operational assistance, please contact your dealer
first.
If you need more information, you can contact Thamway as follows:
Fax: +81-545-53-8978
Tel: +81-545-53-8965
E-mail: ham@thamway.co.jp
The internet page of Thamway is http://www.thamway.co.jp/english/.
Features
This unit was born from a completely new idea as a linear amplifier for amateur radio. It eliminates the heavy power transformer (transformer less) and has excellent features, such as small size, light in weight, high efficiency, low distortion, and low price.
-
Small Size Width: 200 mm, Height: 100 mm, Depth: 300 mm (excluding protrusions)
Width: 7.9 inches, Height: 4.1 inches, Depth: 11.9 inches (excluding protrusions) -
Light in Weight Only 3.76 kg 8.3 lbs. with output of 600 W or more
-
High Efficiency 80% or more (at output of 7 MHz 600 W)
-
High GainRated power output of each band with drive power of 20 to 50 W
-
Correspondence to Semi-Break-In
-
Built-In Multimeter Monitoring on traveling wave power, reflected wave power, drain voltage, and drain current
-
Protection Function that can identify the cause at a glance
-
Built-In Power Meter that can be used up to the 50 MHz band
Safety Precautions
DXV600L belongs to the equipment class I to prevent electric shock. The third
ground wire (with two yellow stripes in green) of the power cord always needs
to be connected to the ground system for safe use. The DXV600L amplifier
complies with FCC regulations.
This instruction manual contains the precautions, alerts, and warnings to keep
the DXV600L in safe operating condition and to ensure its safe operation at
all times.
The definitions described below apply to this instruction manual.
DANGER: If not done properly, it could cause injury, fire, electric
shock, and could be life threatening.
WARNING: If not done properly, it could cause damage to not only the
DXV600L but also other equipment.
CAUTION: If not done properly, it could cause inconvenience.
DANGER High Voltage!
It is dangerous to touch the DC high voltage (120–160VDV) or the high
frequency high voltage (1 kVp-p) inside the DXV600L or the main power supply
voltage. It leads to electric shock. For safety, when removing the cover, pull
the power plug from the outlet and check that the voltage of the VD meter on
the front panel is 0 V after 3 minutes or more before starting work. Never
energize with the cover removed because it is dangerous.
DANGER High Voltage!
In particular, never allow a child to push anything through a gap into the
case. This can cause electric shock! Do not touch the antenna during
transmission. There is a risk of electric shock or burns. Do not splash rain,
snow, or liquid on the DXV600L, which could lead to electric shock or damage
to the equipment.
DANGER
Never repair or modify the DXV600L. Repairs or modifications could endanger
the health or life of you or others and could damage the DXV600L and the
equipment connected to it. Such repairs or modifications are not covered by
the warranty, and any subsequent warranty will be void. The manufacturer
cannot be responsible for such repairs or modifications. As to repairs or
modifications made without our permission, the person doing the work shall
assume responsibility.
WARNING
Carefully read Chapter 2 “Installation” in this manual to avoid damage (not
covered by the warranty). If you have any questions or doubts regarding the
installation, operation, or safety of the DXV600L, please contact your dealer
or us.
Installation
Unpacking and Initial Inspection
WARNING
Please read this manual carefully before starting the installation of the
DXV600L. First, check the cardboard box you received for any major scratches
or damage. Next, open the cardboard box and carefully inspect the DXV600L for
mechanical damage. If something is missing or damaged (scratched, bent, or
broken), or if there is anything wrong, please contact the store where you
purchased the product immediately. Delays in contact could violate the
carrier’s warranty terms.
CAUTION
Please keep the original packaging for future transportation.
Take out the contents of the cardboard box and carefully inspect it to see if
there was any damage during transportation. If there is anything wrong, please
contact the store immediately.
Installation Location and Cooling for DXV600L
Place the DXV600L near your transceiver or transmitter. The rear panel for
connecting coaxial and control cables and switches and meters on the front
panel of the DXV600L need to be easy to operate and monitor.
The DXV600L operates with forced-air cooling, so arrange it so that there is a
space of 5 cm (2 inches) or more around it. If the ambient temperature is 40°C
(104ºF), the exhaust temperature could reach 65ºC (150ºF). If your peripherals
are sensitive to external heat or use forced-air cooling, increase the
distance accordingly.
CAUTION
Do not place light materials, such as paper or cloth, around the DXV600L. They
are drawn in by the cooling air stream and could block the air intake. In that
case, the DXV600L could easily overheat, stop due to abnormal overheating,
deteriorate the parts used, and cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.
Installation
DANGER
Before connecting the DXV600L to an external ground, you need to consult a
certified electrician to see if such types of connections are permitted by
national and local electrical standards, safety regulations, and effective
regulations. Grounding and bonding cannot be done at the same time, but in
some countries, special requirements could be applicable.
DANGER
Do not ground to a gas pipe. This could cause an explosion.
DANGER
Do not ground to a water pipe. Not only yourself, but others using the same
equipment could be exposed to dangerous voltages.
WARNING
Since the grounding device must withstand an emergency current of 15 A or
more, it is necessary to improve conductivity with use of thicker leads and a
low resistance grounding path. The ground wire must be 4 mm 2 or more (AWG 11
or SWG 13).
Install the product in a stable and well-ventilated place.
Do not push the product into a closed place because it will generate heat
during transmission.
Never use the product in a place where it gets wet or where it may get wet
because it could cause a malfunction or electric shock.
Do not put anything through the gap into the product. It could cause a
malfunction or electric shock.
Names and Functions of Each Portion
Front Panel
WARNING
Check the power supply voltage, grounding status, and connection status of
each connector before turning on the power. If you connect the product
incorrectly, you could damage the main unit and connected devices.
(i) Power switch (POWER)
When turning on the power, make sure that the I / O connector and control
terminal are connected correctly, and that the transmitter is in the receiving
state.
When ON: The input signal is output as it is without being amplified. Even at
this time, the power meter still works. If the AMP switch is turned on in this
state, the input signal is amplified and output.
When OFF: The input signal is output as it is without being amplified. Even at
this time, the power meter still works.
WARNING
Do not operate any switch other than the meter select switch while
transmitting from the transceiver or transmitter connected to the DXV600L. It
could cause a serious failure.
WARNING
When the protection circuit operates, check the cause and eliminate the cause
before use.
If you continue to use the product as it is, it could cause a serious failure.
(ii) Linear Amplifier ON Switch (AMP)
It is a switch that turns on / off the operation (power amplification) of the
linear amplifier.
When ON (when the red LED is lit): Power is amplified and output.
When ON (when the red LED is blinking): When the protection circuit is
operating.
BIAS is not applied, and it is not operating as a linear amplifier.
Immediately turn off the switch once and perform the reset operation.
Abnormality can be identified by the way it blinks.
See section 4-2 “Operation” for details.
When OFF: The input signal is output as it is without being amplified. Even at
this time, the power meter still works.
WARNING
Do not operate any switch other than the meter select switch while
transmitting from the transceiver or transmitter connected to the DXV600L. It
could cause a serious failure. WARNING
Before you start transmitting, make sure that the transmission frequency of
the transceiver or transmitter matches the band switch. Transmitting in a
different band could cause serious damage to the DXV600L. The DXV600L
malfunctions caused by incorrect band switching operations will be repaired
for a fee even within the warranty period.
(iii) Band select switch (BAND)
It is a changeover switch for each frequency.
Be sure to operate when there is no RF input (reception state).
If the band select switch is operated during transmission, it could lead to a
serious failure where the relay contacts burn out or the amplifier is damaged.
(iv) Meter select switch (METER)
It is used to check each operating status during RF output.
VD: It displays the drain voltage of the power amplification FET. (It shall be
used within the range of 120 to 160 V.)
ID: It displays the drain current of the power amplification FET. (It shall be
used at 6.6 A or less)
FWD: It displays the traveling wave. (It shall be used at 600 W or less)
REF: It displays the reflected wave from the load (antenna). (It shall be used
at 75 W or less)
(v) Multimeter
It displays the content selected with the meter select switch.
Rear Panel
WARNING
The power supply voltage for the DXV600L is 115–120 VAC. Check it again before
connecting the power cord. If you accidentally connect it to the 200VAC
system, it could cause a serious failure and could cause a fire or electric
shock.
WARNING
When using the DXV600L at the rated power, a power capacity of 120 VAC 10 A is
required. Dedicate the outlet to be used for the DXV600L, and avoid using it
with other devices. If used together, the breaker of the switchboard could
break during use, which could affect the operation of other equipment.
(i) AC IN
Use the AC input within the range of 115 V to 120 V.
Use the included power cable for connection. Also, be sure to ground the
ground wire.
When using an existing outlet in your home, pay attention to the current
capacity including other connected devices. The rated operation of this unit
is 10 A.
(ii) ALC Set VR (SET)
ALC Terminal (ALC)
Read the section on ALC circuits described later.
WARNING
Connect a relay contact or open collector to the input of this control
terminal, and do not apply voltage to it from the outside. If you apply
voltage, do not exceed the TTL level (+ 5 V). If a voltage exceeding the TTL
level (+ 5 V) is applied, the internal circuit could be damaged.
(iii) SEND Terminal (SEND)
Connect to the terminal that becomes GND level at the time of transmission.
The input level is the TTL level. Never apply a voltage of + 5 V or more.
We recommend non-voltage contact output and an open collector.
WARNING
Connect the coaxial connector firmly so that it is not loose. If it is loose,
it could cause a poor connection to lead to a malfunction of the transceiver
or transmitter. Also, make sure that the input power does not exceed the
rating. Exceeding the rated input power significantly, it could lead to
serious failure. However, when the POWER switch or AMP switch is OFF, it is
possible to pass up to 100 W in the 1.8 MHz to 50 MHz band.
(iv) RF Input (INPUT)
M Type Female Connector
Use a good quality coaxial cable for connection.
Do not input any frequency other than the specified frequency.
However, the power meter can be used from 1.8 MHz band to 50 MHz band.
WARNING
Connect the coaxial connector firmly so that it is not loose. If it is loose,
it could cause a discharge or fire due to a poor connection during
transmission, and at the same time, it could cause a serious failure in the
DXV600L. Also, do not touch it during transmission. When you touch it, be sure
to turn off the power switch of the DXV600L and turn off the power of the
connected transceiver or transmitter.
(v) RF Output (ANT)
M Type Female Connector
Connect coaxial cable/antenna that is matched with 50 Ω.
Coaxial cable/antenna handles high frequency power of 600 W or more, so select
it in consideration of power durability.
How to Use
DANGER
High Voltage! It is dangerous to touch the DC high voltage (120–160 VDC) or
the high frequency high voltage (1 kVp-p) inside the DXV600L or the main power
supply voltage. It leads to electric shock. For safety, when removing the
cover, pull the power plug from the outlet and check that the voltage of the
VD meter on the front panel is 0 V after 3 minutes or more before starting
work. Never energize with the cover removed because it is dangerous.
DANGER
The power supply voltage for the DXV600L is 115–120 VAC. Check it again before
connecting the power cord. If you accidentally connect it to the AC 200 V
system, it could cause a serious failure and could cause a fire or electric
shock.
WARNING
When using the DXV600L at the rated power, a power capacity of AC 120 V 10 A
is required. Dedicate the outlet to be used for the DXV600L, and avoid using
it with other devices. If used together, the breaker of the switchboard could
break during use, which could affect the operation of other equipment.
WARNING
Do not operate any switch other than the meter select switch while
transmitting from the transceiver or transmitter connected to the DXV600L. It
could cause a serious failure. WARNING
Before you start transmitting, make sure that the transmission frequency of
the transceiver or transmitter matches the band switch. Transmitting in a
different band could cause serious damage to the DXV600L. The DXV600L
malfunctions caused by incorrect band switching operations will be repaired
for a fee even within the warranty period.
Precautions for Use
Fit the connectors firmly.
We recommend VSWR 1.5 or lower for the antenna.
It can be used with VSWR2 or higher, but lower the maximum power as long as
the reflected power does not exceed 75 W.
Do not transmit with the wrong BAND switch or switch the band during
transmission.
It could lead to the damage to the FET or failure of the relay or filter.
There is a place where high voltage is applied inside this unit. Never remove
the cover and energize it because it is extremely dangerous. If you touch the
inside carelessly, you could receive an electric shock.
WARNING
Check the power supply voltage, grounding status, and connection status of
each connector before turning on the power. If you connect the product
incorrectly, you could damage the main unit and connected devices.
Operation
WARNING
Before you start transmitting, make sure that the transmission frequency of
the transceiver or transmitter matches the band switch. Transmitting in a
different band could cause serious damage to the DXV600L. The DXV600L
malfunctions caused by incorrect band switching operations will be repaired
for a fee even within the warranty period. WARNING
When using the DXV600L at the rated power, a power capacity of 120 VAC 10 A is
required. Dedicate the outlet to be used for the DXV600L, and avoid using it
with other devices. If used together, the breaker of the switchboard could
break during use, which could affect the operation of other equipment.
WARNING
Connect a relay contact or open collector to the input of this control
terminal, and do not apply voltage to it from the outside. If you apply
voltage, do not exceed the TTL level (+ 5 V). If a voltage exceeding the TTL
level (+ 5 V) is applied, the internal circuit could be damaged.
Check the connection of each cable.
Connect an antenna with VSWR 1.5 or lower that can withstand 600 W.
Since the output power is a large power of 600 W, use a coaxial cable
equivalent to RG8A / U or higher.
Connect the AC input to a power supply of a single-phase of 115 to 120 V with
current capacity of 15 A or more.
Connect SEND to TTL or non-voltage contacts such as relay or the open
collector.
It will be in the transmission state when the TTL level is L or the contact is
closed.
Connect ALC to an input that can be controlled from 0 to -4.4 V at 600 W.
Set the BAND switch to the frequency you want to use.
Narrow down the ALC level on the back to CCW (counterclockwise).
Set the RF power setting of the transmitter (transceiver) to the minimum.
When the POWER switch is turned on, the voltage gradually rises, and after
about 5 seconds, a click sounds and the relay turns on.
The VD at that time indicates 120 to 160 V depending on the voltage of the AC
line.
Next, turn on the AMP switch. When it is turned on, the LED lights up and
the amplifier goes into standby state.
If the LED is blinking or off when it is turned on, it could be a malfunction
(although it is unlikely).
Please contact us.
Transmit in CW (continuous) or RTTY, gradually increase the input and adjust
the FWD to the rating of each band. It indicates a value of 300 to 800 W
depending on the impedance of the antenna. The VD at that time indicates a
value of 120 to 160 V depending on the voltage on the primary side. When the
ID is 6.6 A or higher (1.8 to 21 MHz), the protection circuit for current
limitation works.
Actually, transmit with SSB and CW and check that the protection circuit does
not work.
If it works, lower the output slightly and set it to a point where it does not
work.
WARNING
If the reflected power protection circuit works, readjust the antenna or
insert an external antenna tuner between the RF OUTPUT connector of DXV600L
and the antenna to lower the VSWR.
Turn off the antenna tuner built into the transceiver or transmitter.
When the protection circuit operates at the current limitation value (for
example, 6 A) or less, it is when the reflected power limitation is activated
in a short time. (In rare cases, the overheat protection circuit could work
due to poor environment or load.) Either lower the VSWR of the antenna (such
as installing an external tuner between the output of the DXV600L and the
antenna), or lower the output and use it with power that does not activate the
protection circuit to operate.
WARNING
When the protection circuit operates, check the cause and eliminate the cause
before use.
If you continue to use the product as it is, it could cause a serious failure.
The operation of the protection circuit is as follows.
This unit has three types of protection functions.
In VSWR (Reflected Power: 75 W or more), overcurrent (described above), or
overheating (Heatsink
Temperature: 100 degrees or more), the protection circuit operates, it is
turned into the “AMP OFF” state, and the “TX ON LED” blinks.
In addition, it is possible to instantly identify with the blinking state
of the TX ON LED which
abnormality is caused.
- Blink > Abnormality in VSWR
- Blinks > Overcurrent
- Blinks > Heatsink Overheating
In addition, there are bands that do not reach the current limitation value due to the state of ANT. In that case, be careful about over-input.
The through circuit and wattmeter of this unit can be used up to the 50 MHz
band. The upper limit is about 100 W according to the standard of the coaxial
cable used. There is no problem in practical use because the directionality of
the directional coupler is sufficient
To prevent malfunctions due to erroneous operation, do not turn on the POWER
switch for use in the 24 MHz band or higher.
Quantitative Power Measurement
WARNING
When touching the coaxial connector, turn off the DXV600L and the connected
transceiver or transmitter.
Connect a calibrated RF wattmeter to the RF OUTPUT (ANT) connector and
terminate it with a dummy load of 50 Ω 1000 W or more. Next, turn on the
transceiver and transmitter, output the rated power, and compare it with the
indicated value of the FWD meter on the front panel. Generally, a RF wattmeter
has a large error, so there is no problem if it is about ± 10% of the
displayed value.
At that time, operate the meter select switch and check that the indicated
value of REF (reflected power) is almost 0 W.
ALC Circuit
CAUTION
When adjusting the ALC, connect a dummy load of 50 Ω 1000 W or more to the RF
OUTPUT connector.
WARNING
When touching the coaxial connector, turn off the DXV600L and the connected
transceiver or transmitter.
The ALC circuit of this unit is a circuit that only detects a part of the
output, unlike the grid current detection type, the circuit that compares the
linearity of input and output. Therefore, if you set the input so that it
slightly exceeds 600 W when there is no ALC (Set VR.CCW full) and set it so
that 600 W output is obtained when ALC is applied, a relatively good IMD can
be obtained.
However, depending on the impedance of the antenna, the display of output
shows a value of 500 to 800 W. In either case, avoiding excessive overdrive
and applying ALC in an amount that slightly reduces the output is the key to
emitting clean radio waves. Also, if ALC is applied too much and it is used in
an overdrive state, the protection circuit will operate frequently, and smooth
operation will not be possible. The characteristics of ALC differ depending on
each manufacturer and model.
Even if ALC is not applied, good quality radio waves can be emitted if the
drive signal can be completely restricted.
In either case, monitoring with an external receiver or oscilloscope to know
the capabilities of the device is the key to emitting clean radio waves.
Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance; General Check and Cleaning
DANGER High Voltage!
It is dangerous to touch the DC high voltage (120–160 VDC) or the high
frequency high voltage (1 kVp-p) inside the DXV600L or the main power supply
voltage. It leads to electric shock. For safety, when removing the cover, pull
the power plug from the outlet and check that the voltage of the VD meter on
the front panel is 0 V after 3 minutes or more, before starting work. Never
energize with the cover removed because it is dangerous.
a) Periodically (at least once a year) check the reliability of the
connection, the cleanliness of the contacts, and the tightening of all
connectors especially including the outer conductors of coaxial connectors.
Pay particular attention to the power plug and outlet. Consult an electrician.
Periodically check the VSWR of the antenna and whether it has changed over
time. Problems could occur frequently in bad weather conditions, such as rain,
snow, or strong winds.
b) Clean the DXV600L with its cover removed periodically (at least once a year
in a dusty environment). When removing the cover, unplug the power outlet and
wait at least 3 minutes before starting work.
Replacement of Fuse
DANGER High Voltage!
If you need to replace the fuse, first pull out the power plug from the outlet
and wait at least 3 minutes!
The main fuse for DXV600L is on the rear panel. The fuse must be a high-speed
type with a current of 10 A.
WARNING
The rated voltage of the fuse must correspond to the nominal rated voltage (10
A for 100–120 V AC). Use only standard fuses.
WARNING
Do not replace the fuse inside the DXV600L without special instructions from
your dealer! Blown internal fuses could be a symptom of a more serious
problem. It needs to be resolved in advance. Unauthorized replacement of the
internal fuse violates the warranty conditions!
| DXV600L
---|---
BAND| 1.8MHz Band 1,800 – 2,000kHz
3.5MHz Band 3,500 – 4,000kHz
7 – 10MHz Band 7,000 – 10,150kHz
14 – 21MHz Band 14,000 – 21,450kHz
It changes with the rotary switch that exists in the front panel.
Output Power| 1.8 –3.8MHz 600W
7MHz 10MHz 600W
14 -18MHz 450W
21MHz 300W
at120 VAC
Mode| SSB/CW/RTTY/JT65/FT8, etc Please use AM in less than 1/4 of rated
apparent power.
Harmonic Distortion| Less than -50dB (In the rated power in 50Ω load)
3rd IMD| Less than -30dB (In the rated power)
Drive Power| 20W to 50W (In the rated power)
Final Device| C2M0160120D x 6 (3 Parallel Push-Pull)
Final Input| 140V,6.6A 920W (7MHz at 740W)
50Ω load operated by 120 VAC
I/O Connector| M-Female (SO239)
T/R Control| Receive: H Transmit: L
Break-in| Semi Break-in
Cooling| Forced Air
Temperature proportional rotation control
Monitor circuit| Analog meter display
FWD Power, REV Power
Final Drain Voltage, Final Drain Current
It selects it with the rotary switch of the front panel.
ALC Out| 0 to -4.4V Adjustable
Protection Circuit| REV Power Protection When the REV powerAmplifier becomes
about 60W the amplifier is turned off.
Over Current Protection When the drain current becomes about 6.6A, the
amplifier is turned off.
Over Temperature Protection When the temperature of the heat sink becomes
about 212ºF, the amplifier is turned off.
Protection circuit reset
Alinear ON switch is turned off once, and it turned on again afterwards.
Over Input Protection
Please useALC.
Power Supply| 120 VAC 50/60Hz Less than 1200 VA
Size W×H×D| 200×100×300 mm 7.9×4.1×11.9 inches
Weight| 3.76 kgs 8.3 Ibs
Accessories|
AC power cable (1.8m) 1
SEND/ALC cable (1m) 1
User Manual 1
Denial of liability
All specifications and descriptions of the DXV600L are based on the latest
information available at the time of printing this document. All products,
product specifications, and data are subject to change as we constantly strive
to improve and update our products. Thamway also reserves the right to make
changes or improvements without notice.
This document has been created to improve the reliability, function, quality,
design, and/or performance of the DXV600L. In addition, this document is
provided as is, and Thamway is not responsible for any errors that might be
described here.
Tiny Linear Amplifier for Ham Radio
DXV600L
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