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Author Topic: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??  (Read 651 times)

VE7RF

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Re: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??
« Reply #15 on: January 04, 2023, 05:20:39 PM »

Yes, I see that one now from Max Gain Systems and I will order one when they open tomorrow.  Earlier in my string I misspoke, my amplifier is actually twenty six months old, not six months old,  and out of warranty.  Sorry about the verbal typo.
Flashback:  I think I know what caused the failure in the first place.  I wanted to check the tuning on the amplifier before using it and hit the WSJT-X Tune button while the amplifer switched to the wrong band.  There was a loud chattering of relays coming from the amplifier and the HF Autotuner which lasted several seconds.  The amplifier went into error alarm and shut things down.  The hf autotuner was not harmed but the amplifier's T/R relay must have welded closed its contacts. 
OPERATOR ERROR  :'(
Again, thanks one and all for your support.

The actual 12/26.5 vdc coil in the GH-1 is field replaceable. An open coil is extremely rare, never seen that happen...yet. In some applications, a 26.5 vdc coil needs to be replaced by a 12 vdc coil..and vice versa.

On sped up relays, typ an overvoltage and drop resistor is used.  Engineers at Kilovac told me on the phone years ago, IF you are voltage limited, ( say 26.5 vdc is max u have to use), then switch to the 12 vdc coil.   Then  26.5 vdc can be used (in conjunction with a drop resistor)  to easily speed up a 12 vdc coil.

Or say all ur spare vac relays are 12 vdc coils....and u need a spare for a device that uses a 26.5 vdc coil  (or vice versa).... then it's just a simple coil swap.

Note, although you can buy field replaceable 12/26.5 vdc coils for the GH-1, they are not compatible with the Kilovac HC1 / Jennings RJ1A.   Dunno if the HC-1 coils are compatible with the RJ1A coils.  Max gain systems carries  both voltages, for all 3 x manufacturers.

Note, Jennings is now out of business, toast.  Gone.   Any Jenning's relay u come across is either old stock, or used, or NIB, etc.
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KW4CQ

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Re: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??
« Reply #16 on: January 05, 2023, 06:15:33 AM »

Does any Acom 1000 owner here have  experience removing that large nut that holds the vacuume relay in place?  It presents a real tight fit, if at all, for a socket wrench (metrric?) due to the mounting of the SWR board. 
Thanks again, Bob KW4CQ
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KW4CQ

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Re: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??
« Reply #17 on: January 08, 2023, 09:12:35 AM »

The relay was easy to remove after all.  Coil and contacts tested and show they are AOK, surprisingly.  Further testing shows there no 26.5 vac on the two wires coming from the Wattmeter board when amp is being keyed.  Not a hopeful prospect!  Referred the findings to Acom and awaiting their response..
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VE7RF

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Re: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??
« Reply #18 on: January 09, 2023, 01:55:39 PM »

The relay was easy to remove after all.  Coil and contacts tested and show they are AOK, surprisingly.  Further testing shows there no 26.5 vac on the two wires coming from the Wattmeter board when amp is being keyed.  Not a hopeful prospect!  Referred the findings to Acom and awaiting their response..

That makes no sense at all.  With no +26.5 vdc present, the relays can't be keyed.  If the relays can't be keyed, it should be stuck on RX.   You should be able to hear signals on standby, or operate, with amp UN-keyed.   Ditto with amp shut right off.

It's almost like the INPUT relay has welded itself closed.  That would explain the no rx.   However even with stuck contacts on the INput relay, it should still function on  TX, with a kw output.
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KW4CQ

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Re: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??
« Reply #19 on: January 17, 2023, 05:48:41 AM »

Sorry for the delayed response.  I was waiting for a reply from Acom that still has not arrived.  "What does not make sense at all."?  As I explained in my previous post befor yours, I removed the two wires coming from the Wattmeter board to the relay and measured looking for +26.5 vdc with the amplifier keyed.  Nothing there.  0 volts.  I measured for the voltage to appear on the cable contacts at JP1 in the diagram, 0 volts, and then back at its origin at the Control Board.  0 volts tere too.  Conclusion:  Presumably, something failed on the Control Board  located under the shield cover. 
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W9IQ

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Re: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??
« Reply #20 on: January 17, 2023, 06:19:33 AM »

Sorry for the delayed response.  I was waiting for a reply from Acom that still has not arrived.  "What does not make sense at all."?  As I explained in my previous post befor yours, I removed the two wires coming from the Wattmeter board to the relay and measured looking for +26.5 vdc with the amplifier keyed.  Nothing there.  0 volts.  I measured for the voltage to appear on the cable contacts at JP1 in the diagram, 0 volts, and then back at its origin at the Control Board.  0 volts tere too.  Conclusion:  Presumably, something failed on the Control Board  located under the shield cover.

The relay control just passes through the wattmeter board as a matter of harness convenience. The relay is controlled by a MOSFET, Q4, on the control board. It provides the relay ground to operate the relay.

The first thing to check is if the 48 VDC relay supply is working. Connect one meter lead to ground and measure the voltage on each side of the relay coil while in the standby mode. There should be 48 VDC present on both coil leads.

- Glenn W9IQ
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

KM4AH

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Re: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??
« Reply #21 on: January 17, 2023, 09:22:28 AM »

Sorry for the delayed response.  I was waiting for a reply from Acom that still has not arrived.  "What does not make sense at all."?  As I explained in my previous post befor yours, I removed the two wires coming from the Wattmeter board to the relay and measured looking for +26.5 vdc with the amplifier keyed.  Nothing there.  0 volts.  I measured for the voltage to appear on the cable contacts at JP1 in the diagram, 0 volts, and then back at its origin at the Control Board.  0 volts tere too.  Conclusion:  Presumably, something failed on the Control Board  located under the shield cover.


I think what he is saying is that if the relays test OK and they have no voltage to them the transceiver  would receive just fine since the resting orientation of the relays is just passing the signal through.

You said in the OP that you lost your receive.
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W0BKR

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Re: What caused Acom 1000 AutoProtection TR2B error??
« Reply #22 on: January 17, 2023, 11:46:14 AM »

Not sure on the TR code, but I had problems with mine shutting down and when powered back up, would do it immediately.  Turned out to be a swollen cap on the control board on top (cap is weakened).  Don't recall the number on the cap designator but you should see it.  else send Val at ACOM your question.  He is good for responding.
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