Icom_AT-141_user.pdf

2001 NEW HF AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER AT-141 INSTRUCTION MANUAL AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 1 i 2001 NEW2001 NEW FOREWORD Thank you for purchasing the AT-141 HF AUTO- MATIC ANTENNA TUNER. The AT-141 is designed, primarily for use with Icom HF transceivers. Refer to your HF transceiver instruction manual for op- eration. If you have any questions, contact your dealer. IMPORTANT READ ALL INSTRUCTIONScarefully and com- pletely before using the AT-141. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL.This in- struction manual contains important safety and instal- lation instructions. EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS PRECAUTIONS RDANGER HIGH VOLTAGE! NEVERtouch the antenna terminal, ground terminal, antenna or counterpoise while transmitting. Place the AT-141, an- tenna and counterpoise in positions where no one can touch them. NEVERuse without a ground connection. NEVERtransmit during internal adjustment. This may cause an electric shock. USEthe ground terminal for ground connection. The mounting plate is not connected internally. DO NOToperate your HF marine transceiver without running the boats engine. AVOIDusing the AT-141 in areas where the temper- ature is below 30C or above +60C. Ground terminal Mounting plate Word Defi nition RWARNING Personal injury, fi re hazard or electric shock may occur. CAUTIONEquipment damage may occur. NOTE If disregarded, inconvenience only. No personal injury, fi re hazard or electric shock. SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES The following accessories are supplied with the AT-141.Qty. q U-bolts 2 w U-bolt plates 2 e Flat washers (M6 large) 8 r Flat washers (M6 small) 4 t Spring washers (M6) 8 y Nuts (M6) 8 u Hex head bolts (M650) 4 i Self-tapping screws (A0 630) 4 o Weatherproof cap 1 !0 4-pin connector 1 !1 Connector pins 4 !2 Ground cable (OPC-412) 1 q w e r t y u i o !0!1 !2 Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United King- dom, Germany, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries. AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 2 ii 2001 NEW MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS The following parts are additionally required for instal- lation, but are not supplied with the AT-141. Purchase these parts locally. q AWG 144-conductor shielded cable *Icom offers an optional OPC-1465 CONTROL CABLE. Length: 10 m; 32.8 feet w 50 coaxial cable e PL-259 connectors FEATURES Matches all bands The AT-141 matches any frequency on every HF ma- rine band. For example, the tuner matches a 7 m; 23 ft long-wire antenna across 1.630 MHz. Full automatic tuning Just push the TUNE key on the transceiver, and the AT-141 adjusts immediately to the minimum SWR of any frequency on any HF marine band. HF operation on any size ship The AT-141 allows you HF operation where antenna element length is restricted due to space. Weather resistant The AT-141 is housed in a durable, completely weather resistant ASA case with a rubber gasket. The antenna tuner can be conveniently installed both on the deck or in the cabin near the antenna element. Simple installation Installation is simple. Just connect the control and an- tenna cables. You never need to open the cover. 45 memories for shorter tuning time To decrease the tune-up time, the AT-141 automatically stores the matching conditions for up to 45 frequencies. Re-tuning for a memorized frequency takes approx. 1 sec. Super capacitor for memory backup Even if the AT-141 is not used for approx. 1 week, the built-in super capacitor backs up contents of the 45 memories. Low power tune up The AT-141 emits low output power during tuning. This feature reduces the possibility of causing interference to other stations. Tuner through function The tuner through function is built into the AT-141. This function helps improve receiver gain, depending on the antenna element length used, and operating fre- quency. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD i IMPORTANT i EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS i PRECAUTIONS i SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES i MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ii FEATURES ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ii 1 ANTENNA SYSTEM 12 I Antenna for ship 1 I Coaxial cable 2 I Ground and counterpoise 2 2 INSTALLATIONS 35 I Installation outline 3 I Control cable 3 I PL-259 connector 4 I Mounting 4 I Cable connections 5 3 CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS 6 I Terminal information 6 4 UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS 7 I Unit description 7 I Specifi cations 7 AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 3 1 1 ANTENNA SYSTEM 2001 NEW I Antenna for ship Required antenna element length Required antenna element length to achieve full per- formance varies according to the lowest frequency: The longer the antenna element, the better the an- tenna effi ciency. Undesirable antenna element lengths AVOIDmultiples of 12 (half wavelength) for an- tenna element lengths, since tuning becomes diffi cult. L : Antenna element length to be avoided m f : Operating frequency MHz n : Natural number (n = 1, 2, 3, .) Example At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, avoid the fol- lowing antenna element lengths: For example, if 15 m is selected for an antenna ele- ment length, you have no problem in the 1.625 MHz marine bands range. NOTE: Keep antennas as far away from other objects as possible, especially metal objects. Insulator Backstay operates as a long-wire antenna. Insulator Whip antenna L = 300 16 1 2 n9.4, 18.8, . 1 m39 inches L = 300 f 1 2 n The lowest frequencyRequired antenna element length 1.6 MHz band7 m; 23.0 feet or longer 4 MHz band3 m; 9.8 feet or longer AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 1 2 1ANTENNA SYSTEM I Coaxial cable Insulate the lead-in cable of the AT-141 antenna ter- minal and antenna element from other metal objects. To prevent interference, keep cables as far as possi- ble from an antenna, electric pump and other elec- tronic equipment. To prevent erroneous indications, keep cables as far away as possible from the fl ux gate compass. Use suitable noise filters for alternators, fluorescent lights, etc. Ask your Dealer for details. I Ground and counterpoise Why a ships ground is required The AT-141s ground terminal MUSTbe connected to your ships ground. Grounding prevents electric shocks, interference to other equipment and other problems. Grounding also ensures effective signal transmission. DANGER!NEVERconnect the ground terminal to the following points. These connections may cause an explosion or electric shocks: Gas or electrical pipe Fuel tank or oil-catch pan IMPORTANT!The mounting plate is NOTcon- nected to the AT-141s internal ground. Ideal ground points One of following points is ideal: External ground plate External copper screen External copper foil Good ground points If electrically connected to sea water, one of the fol- lowing points is usable: Stainless steel stanchion Through mast Through hull Metal water tank Undesirable ground points AVOIDthe following points, if possible. These con- nections may cause noise or electrolysis: Engine block Ships DC battery ground Electrolysis All ground cables from the AT-141, HF transceiver, etc. on your ship should be connected to only 1 ships ground. AVOIDconnection to 2 or more points. Voltage dif- ference between 2 or more ships grounds may cause electrolysis. AVOIDconnection between dissimilar metals where an electric current is present. These connections may cause electrolysis. Counterpoise If your ship is made of FRP, etc. and a good ships ground is not available, connect a counterpoise. 14 (quarter wavelength) radial for each band is suit- able for a counterpoise. Install the counterpoise di- rectly below the AT-141s ground terminal. Insulate the ends of each radial from other metal objects. Lay- out the radial horizontally and as straight as possible. L : Counterpoise length for the operating frequency m f : Operating frequency MHz Example At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, use a counter- poise with the following length: Ground cable For best results, use the heaviest gauge wire or metal strap available. Make the distance between the AT- 141s ground terminal and ships ground as short as possible. Supplied ground cable can be used for ground con- nection to a through mast. Confirm that the through mast is electrically connected to sea water. RWARNING! When grounding to metal hull Use a Zinc anode to protect the hull from electroly- sis. Ask your technical dealer, installer or refer to a tech- nical book, etc., for RF ground details. L = 300 16 1 4 4.7 m 1 m39 inches L = 300 f 1 4 Ground terminal AT-141 14 radial for each band AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 2 2 3 INSTALLATIONS 2001 NEW I Installation outline q Connect a control cable and 4-conductor shielded cable. Refer to “Control cable” below. w Connect and solder the PL-259 connector to the coaxial cable. Refer to p. 4 “PL-259 connector.” e Mount the AT-141 in the desired location. Refer to p. 4 “Mounting.” r Connect the control and the coaxial cables be- tween the transceiver and the AT-141. Refer to p. 5 “Cable connections.” t Connect an antenna, ships ground or counter- poise. Refer to p. 1 “Antenna for ship” and p. 2 “Ground and counterpoise.” I Control cable Between the AT-141 and HF marine transceiver, con- nect 4 control signal lines as shown below. To prevent RF feedback, use a 4-conductor shielded cable. Con- nect the shield line to the GND terminal on the trans- ceiver. Icom offers 10 m (32.8 ft) long optional control cables as at right. OPC-1465: for IC-M801E Refer to p. 6 “Terminal information” for details. D When connecting to Icom IC-M801E GND To AT-141 ANTC : Black 13.6: Red STAR : White KEY: Green Use the optional OPC-1465, or assemble the desired length 4-con- ductor shielded cable and the connector kits supplied with the trans- ceiver and the tuner. ANTC : Black 13.6: Red STAR : White KEY: Green To transceiver GND AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 3 4 2INSTALLATIONS I PL-259 connector q Slide the coupling ring over the coaxial cable. Strip the cable jacket and pull back to reveal 10 mm of braid. Soft solder the exposed braid and then pull out the jacket. w Strip the cable as shown below. Soft solder the cen- ter conductor the entire length of the exposed braid. e Slide the connector body over the cable and sol- der as shown below. r Screw the coupling ring onto the connector body. SolderSolder 12 mm 10 mmsoft solder 10 mm 38 inches Coupling 30 mm 10 mm (soft solder) I Mounting Attach the AT-141 either horizontally or vertically with one of the water drains facing downwards. After mounting, remove the screw in the water drain. Mounting on a Mast/Metal pole Mounting on a fl at surface Nut Spring washer Flat washer(L) Flat washer(L) Hex head bolt Drill a hole here Diameter:78 mm; 932516 inches Weatherproof cap Flat washer(S) Using self-tapping screws Using nuts and bolts WARNING:Mount the AT-141 securely with the supplied nuts and bolts. Otherwise, vibrations and shocks due to waves, etc. could loosen the antenna tuner making if fall, causing personal injury. Using U-bolts U-bolt U-bolt plate Flat washer(L) Spring washer Nut Mast/ Metal pole Flat washer(S) AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 4 5 2INSTALLATIONS 2001 NEW I Cable connections q Connect the coaxial cable and the control cable to the AT-141 as illustrated below. w Cover both the antenna and the control cable con- nectors with rubber vulcanizing tape and fi x it with a vinyl tape to prevent water seeping into the con- nector. e Fix both of the coaxial and control cables to pro- tect the inside connections. DO NOT pull the antenna and control cable re- ceptacles. This may cause disconnection (in the AT-141), internal connector damaged or bad connection. r Connect the coaxial cable and the control cable to the transceiver as illustrated below. t Ground the transceiver, AT-141 and shield cable of the control cable via the ground terminal. See p. 2 for grounding details. IMPORTANT! AT-141 NEVER ground the AT141 via the mounting plate. It is not connected to ground internally. Ground terminal Mounting plate Rubber vulcanizing tape AT-141 Icoms HF transceiver Grounding Grounding AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 5 3 6 CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS 2001 NEW I Terminal information Consider the following points when using a non-Icom transceiver. Start voltage STAR When a start voltage (less than 1 V) is received, the AT-141 begins automatic tuning. Key voltage KEY During automatic tuning, the AT-141 grounds the key voltage line, and the HF transceiver reduces output power. 8 6 4 2 0 Time Key voltage V Grounded Approx. 7.5 V During automatic tuning 8 6 4 2 0 Time More than 350 msec.* Approx. 7.5 V Less than 1 V to start tuning Start voltage V *For tuner through operation; Less than 250 msec. KEY STAR 13.6 ANTC TerminalDescription KEYKey voltage. Grounded during tuning. Max. current drain 100 mA. 13.613.6 V DC + input terminal. Max. current drain 2 A STARReceives start voltage. Max. current drain 1 mA ANTCAntenna current detector output. AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 6 4 7 UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS 2001 NEW Antenna terminal Mounting plate Control cable receptacleAntenna cable receptacle Mounting plate Water drain screw Ground terminal 340 mm 230 mm 80 mm 91.5 mm I Specifi cations I Unit description Frequency coverage: 1.630 MHz (with 7 m or longer antenna element) Power supply requirement: 13.6 V DC (supplied from HF transceiver) Current drain: Max. 2 A Operating temperature range: 30C to +60C Weight (approx.): 2.5 kg Antenna connector: SO-239 (50 ) Max. Input power: 150 W (PEP)100 W (continuous) Automatic tuning time: Approx. 23 sec. (general condition)Max. 15 sec. Approx. 1 sec. (re-tuning for a memorized frequency) Automatic tuning accuracy: SWR 2.0:1 (after tuning, except for multiples of 12) All stated specifi cations are subject to change without notice or obligation. AT-141_0.qxd 05.12.1 11:06 Page 7 1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003, Japan A-6472H-1EU Printed in Japan 2005 Icom Inc. 2001 NEW Icom America Inc. 2380 116th Avenue N.E., Bellevue, WA 98004, U.S.A. Phone: +1 (425) 454-8155 Fax: +1 (425) 454-1509 URL: http/ E-mail: Phone: (425) 454-7619 Icom (Europe) GmbH Communication Equipment Himmelgeister Str. 100, D-40255 Dsseldorf, Germany Phone: +49 0211 346047Fax: +49 0211 333639 URL: http/ E-mail: Icom Canada Glenwood Centre #150-6165 Highway 17, Delta, B.C., V4K 5B8, Canada Phone: +1 (604) 952-4266 Fax: +1 (604) 952-0090 URL: http/ E-mail: Icom Spain S.L. Ctra. Rubi, No. 88 “Edifi cio Can Castanyer” 08190, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 (93) 590 26 70 Fax: +34 (93) 589 04 46 URL: http/ E-mail: Icom (Australia) Pty. Ltd. A.B.N. 88 006 092 575 Unit 1/103, Garden Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia Phone: +61 (03) 9549 7500 Fax: +61 (03) 9549 7505 URL: http/.au E-mail: .au Icom (UK) Ltd. Unit 9, Sea St., Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 8LD, U.K. Phone: +44 01227 741741 Fax: +44 01227 741742 URL: http/www.icomuk.co.uk E-mail: infoicomuk.co.uk Icom New Zealand 146AHarris Road, East Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand Phone: +64 09 274 4062 Fax: +64 09 274