Icom_AT-130_AT-130E_user.pdf

HF AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER AT-130 AT-130E INSTRUCTION MANUAL i IMPORTANT READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and com- pletely before using the AT-130 and AT-130E. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This instruction manual contains important safety and in- stallation instructions. PRECAUTIONS R DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE! NEVER touch the antenna terminal, ground terminal, antenna or counterpoise while transmitting. Place the AT-130 or AT-130E, antenna and counterpoise in positions where no one touches them. R WARNING! NEVER transmit during internal adjustment. This may cause an electric shock. NEVER use without a ground connection. USE the ground terminal for ground connection. The mounting plate is not connected internally. Ground terminal Mounting plate DO NOT operate your HF marine transceiver without running the boats engine. DO NOT use the AT-130 or AT-130E in areas where the temperature is below 30C (22F) or above +60C (+140F). EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS The explicit definitions in this instruction manual. WORDDEFINITION RDANGER! Personal death, serious injury or an explosion may occur. RWARNING! Personal injury, fire hazard or elec- tric shock may occur. CAUTIONEquipment damage may occur. NOTE If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk of personal injury, fire or elec- tric shock. FOREWORD Thank you for purchasing the AT-130 or AT-130E HF AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER. The AT-130 and AT-130E are designed, primarily for use with Icom HF transceivers. To meet with European regulations, the AT-130E includes an extra emergency tuner circuit for 2182 kHz operation. Refer to your HF transceiver instruction manual for op- eration. If you have any questions, contact your nearest authorized Icom Dealer or Service Center. SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES The following parts are supplied with the AT-130/E. q w e r t y u i !1!2 !3 o!0 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 Rubber vulcanizing tape 1 !1 4-pin connector 1 !2 Connector pins 4 !3 Ground cable (OPC-412) 1 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS The following parts are required for installation, but are not supplied with the AT-130 or AT-130E. q AWG 144-conductor shielded cable * Icom offers an optional OPC-420 control cable. Length: 10 m; 32.8 feet w 50 coaxial cable e Two PL-259 connectors ii TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT i PRECAUTIONS i EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS i FOREWORD i UNPACKING i MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS i TABLE OF CONTENTS ii FEATURES ii 1 ANTENNA SYSTEM 12 n Antenna for ship 1 n Antenna for land operation 1 n Coaxial cable 2 n Ground and counterpoise 2 2 INSTALLATIONS 36 n Installation outline 3 n Cable installation 3 n PL-259 connector 3 n Control cable 4 n Cable connections 4 n Waterproofing the antenna connection 5 n Mounting 6 3 INTERNAL SETTINGS 78 n Before internal settings 7 n Mode switch 7 n Preset tuning 7 n Emergency tuning (AT-130E) 8 4 CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS 9 n Terminal information 9 n Transceiver switch 9 5 UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS 10 n Unit description 10 n Specifications 10 FEATURES Matches all bands The AT-130/E matches all frequencies on the HF ma- rine band. For example, the tuner matches a 7 m; 23 feet long-wire antenna across 1.630 MHz. Full automatic tuning Just push the TUNE switch on the transceiver, the AT-130/E immediately tunes for a minimum SWR on any frequency in the HF marine band. HF operation on any size ship The AT-130/E allows HF operation where antenna el- ement length is restricted due to space. Weather resistant The AT-130/E is housed in a durable, completely weather resistant acrylic 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 and short-times internal settings. After in- stallation, you never need to open the cover for main- tenance. Preset tuning function This function provides super fast tuning on your most- used frequency. 45 memories for shorter tuning time To decrease the tune-up time, the AT-130/E automat- ically stores the matching conditions for up to 45 fre- quencies. Retuning for a memorized frequency takes only approximately 1 second. Super capacitor for memory backup Even if the AT-130/E is not used for approximately 1 week, the built-in super capacitor backs up the 45 memory contents. Low power tune up The AT-130/E emits low output power during tuning. This feature reduces the possibility of causing interfer- ence to other stations. Emergency tuner circuit (AT-130E) To meet with European regulations, the Europe ver- sion AT-130E includes an emergency tuner circuit for 2182 kHz operation. If any signal from the control cable indicates an abnormal condition, this circuit is automatically selected. Icom, Icom Inc. and the Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries. About CE Versions of the AT-130E which display the “CE” symbol on the serial number seal, comply with the essential requirements of the European Radio and Telecommunica- tion Terminal Directive 1999/5/EC. 1 1 ANTENNA SYSTEM n Antenna for ship Required antenna element length Required antenna element length to achieve full per- formance varies according to the lowest frequency: 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 The longer the antenna element, the better the an- tenna efficiency. Undesirable antenna element lengths DO NOT use an antenna element such as multi- ples of 12 lengths (half wavelength), since tuning be- comes difficult. L : Antenna element length to be avoided m f : Operating frequency MHz n : Natural number (n = 1, 2, 3, .) L = 300 f 1 2 n Example At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, avoid the fol- lowing antenna element lengths: L = 300 16 1 2 n9.4, 18.8, . 1 m39 inches For example, if 15 m (49.2 feet) is selected for an antenna element length, you have no problem in the 1.625 MHz marine bands range. Insulator Backstay operates as a long-wire antenna. Insulator Whip antenna NOTE: Keep antennas as far away from other ob- jects as possible, especially metal objects. n Antenna for land operation In some countries, HF transceivers can be used for land mobile operation. Ask your Icom Dealer for de- tails, since the radio law varies according to coun- tries. For land mobile operation on 4 MHz or above, an optional AH-2b antenna element is available. The AH-2b includes a sturdy tow hook mount system for holding a 2.5 m (8.2 feet) stainless steel antenna ele- ment plus all the necessary hardware. AH-2b Refer to the AH-2b instruction manual for the AH-2b and AT-130/E installation to your vehicle. Ask your Icom Dealer for details. Connect a suitable antenna element for a coastal sta- tion. To achieve full performance, refer to “Required antenna element length” above. 2 1 ANTENNA SYSTEM n Coaxial cable Insulate the lead-in cable of the AT-130/E antenna ter- minal and antenna element from other metal objects. To prevent interference, keep cables as far as pos- sible from an antenna, electric pump and other elec- tronic equipment. To prevent erroneous indications, keep cables as far away as possible from the flux gate compass. Use suitable noise filters for alternators, fluorescent lights, etc. Ask your Dealer for details. n Ground and counterpoise Why a ships ground is required The AT-130/Es ground terminal MUST be connected to your ships ground. Grounding prevents electric shocks, interference to other equipment and other problems. Grounding also ensures effective signal transmission. R DANGER! NEVER connect the ground terminal to the following points. These connections may cause an explosion or electric shocks: Gas or electrical pipe Fuel tank Oil-catch pan IMPORTANT: The mounting plate is NOT connected to the AT-130/Es internal ground. Non-through mast is NOT electrically connected to sea water. Ideal ground points One of following points is ideal: Ships ground terminal External ground plate External copper screen Good ground points If electrically connected to sea water, one of the fol- lowing points is usable: Stainless steel tuna tower Stainless steel stanchion Through mast Through hull Metal water tank Undesirable ground points These connections may cause noise or electrolysis: Engine block Keel bolt Electrolysis All ground cables from the AT-130/E, HF transceiver, etc. on your ship should be connected to only one ships ground. DO NOT connect to two or more points. Voltage difference between two or more ships grounds may cause electrolysis. DO NOT connect 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. Ground terminal AT-130/E 14 radial for each band 14 (quarter wavelength) radial for each band is suit- able for a counterpoise. Install the counterpoise di- rectly below the AT-130/Es ground terminal. Insulate the ends of each radial from other metal objects. Lay- out the radial horizontally and as straight as possi- ble. L : Counterpoise length for the operating frequency m f : Operating frequency MHz L = 300 f 1 4 Example At an operating frequency of 16 MHz, use a counter- poise with the following length: L = 300 16 1 4 4.7 m 1 m39 inches Ground cable For best results, use the heaviest gauge wire or metal strap available. Make the distance between the AT- 130/Es ground terminal and ships ground as short as possible. The supplied ground cable can be used for ground connection through a mast. Confirm that the through mast is electrically connected to sea water. R WARNING! When grounding to metal hull Use a Zinc anode to protect the hull from electroly- sis. Ask your technical dealer or installer, or refer to a technical book for RF ground details. 2 3 INSTALLATIONS n Installation outline q Remove the top cover. w Install a control cable and coaxial cable. Refer to “Cable installation” as described below. e Connect and solder the PL-259 connector to the coaxial cable. Refer to “PL-259 connector” as described below. r Connect the control cables to the AT-130/E. Refer to page 4, “Cable connections.” t Mount the AT-130/E in the desired location. Refer to page 6, “Mounting.” y Connect an antenna, ships ground or counter- poise. Refer to page 1, “Antenna for ship” and page 2, “Ground and counterpoise.” u Connect the control cable and the coaxial cable to the transceiver. Refer to page 4, “Control cable.” i Perform preset tuning setting. For the AT-130E, also perform emergency tuning setting. Refer to page 7, “Preset tuning” and page 8, “Emer- gency tuning.” o Select the mode switch (S1) to NORMAL mode (center position). Replace the top cover. n PL-259 connector q Slide the coupling ring down. Strip the cable jacket and tin the shield. Coupling 30 mm 10 mm (tin here) w Strip the cable as shown below. Tin the center conductor. e Slide the connector body on and solder it. SolderSolder r Screw the coupling ring onto the connector body. n Cable installation q Remove the 10 screws from the top cover. Re- move the top cover. w Loosen the screws on both cable clamps. e Set or remove the strain relief inserts correspond- ing to the diameters of the cables. r Install the coaxial cable through the top cover cable clamp. Install the control cable through the bottom cover cable clamp. t After connecting the coaxial cable and control ca- bles, perform the preset tuning setting. For the AT-130E, also perform emergency tuning set- ting. y After internal adjustments, tighten the cable clamp screws. Strain relief Coaxial cable Control cable Cable clamp 12 mm 10 mmtin 30 mm (1316 inches) 10 mm (1332 inches) 12 mm (132332 inches) 4 2 INSTALLATIONS n Control cable Between the AT-130/E and HF marine transceiver, connect four control signal lines as shown at right. To prevent RF feedback, use a four conductor shielded cable. Connect the shield line to the GND terminal on the transceiver. Icom offers the 10 m (32.8 feet) long control cable, OPC-420 control cable. Refer to page 9 “Terminal information” and “Trans- ceiver switch” for details. GND To the AT-130/E For an optional OPC-420 CONTROL CABLE, you need to not assemble the supplied four pin connector. To the Icom HF marine transceiver Control cable AT-130E : E AT-130E : ANTC 13.6 STAR KEY n Cable connections Coaxial cable Icom HF transceiverAT-130 AT-130E PL-259 connector To antenna element PL-259 connector E 13.6 STAR KEY ANTC 13.6 STAR KEY ANT GND TUNER 4-pin connector Ships ground Ships ground Control cable Before connecting to terminals, tin each end of the cables wires. Connect to the ANTC terminal instead of the E terminal. Refer to page 7 for details. 5 2 INSTALLATIONS n Waterproofing the antenna connection CAUTION: If you skip the following steps, moisture will get into the connector, and this could damage the antenna tuner. q Cut off just the top of the weatherproof cap, and pass the antenna wire through the cap. w Insert the antenna wire into the opening of the crimp-on wire terminal. Crimp or solder the antenna wire. e Put the star washer, crimp-on wire terminal, and wing nut on the base nut, in that order, then, tighten the wing nut. Make sure the base nut is tightened firmly, before you tighten the wing nut. (See the Fig.1 to the right.) Carefully bend the wire terminal up, after you tighten the wing nut. (See the Fig.2 to the right.) r Place the weatherproof cap over as much of the insulator as possible. How far down it will go depends on the height of the wing nut. t Start wrapping the rubber vulcanizing tape at the bot- tom of the insulator, then the weatherproof cap and finally the antenna wire to prevent water seeping. Wrap electrical tape* over the rubber vulcanizing tape to secure waterproofing. * The electrical tape is not supplied with the AT-130/E. Fig.1 Fig.2 Insulator etr Rubber vulcanizing tape Bend this part up, AFTER you tighten the wing nut. Antenna wire Weatherproof cap CrimpSolder Wing nut Star washer Crimp-on wire terminal Base nut Antenna tuner 6 2 INSTALLATIONS n Mounting Mounting on a Mast/Metal pole Using U-bolts U-bolt U-bolt plate Flat washer(L) Spring washer Nut Mast/ Metal pole Flat washer(S) Using U-bolts U-bolt U-bolt plate Flat washer (L) Spring washer Nut Mast/ Metal pole Flat washer (S) R WARNING! Mount the AT-130/E securely with the supplied bolts and nuts. Otherwise, vibra- tions and shocks due to waves could loosen the an- tenna tuner, causing personal injury. Mounting on a flat surface Using self-tapping screws Using nuts and bolts Nut Spring washer Flat washer (L) Flat washer (L) Hex head bolt Drill