7
Operation
Your AT-100AMP is fully automatic. It "wakes up" in automatic mode whenever DC power is
applied, and will automatically start a tuning cycle whenever RF is present and the SWR exceeds
1.7. In practice, you will simply operate normally, transmitting, tuning the amp, etc. Your AT-
100AMP will automatically adjust the match between your exciter and amp as needed.
If you have installed a
TUNE
button, pressing it manually controls tuner operation. There are
three lengths of button press: short (less than .5 seconds), medium (.5 – 2.5 seconds) and long
(more than 2.5 seconds). A short press of the
TUNE
button puts the tuner in Bypass mode; RF
goes directly from your exciter to your amp without matching. Another short press resets the last
tuned state.
A medium press starts a memory tuning cycle; stored tuning parameters for the present frequency
will be used if available. If not, a full tuning cycle begins. A long press starts a full tuning cycle
even if stored parameters for the present frequency are available.
The above picture shows the AT-100AMP installed in Jerry Pittenger's (K8RA) homebrew amp,
as featured in the 2006 ARRL handbook. Jerry's web site (
http://www.k8ra.com/index_011.htm
)
has more information on this design. Picture used with permission.
