Frequently Asked Questions
Many customers asked us:
First, we want to note that ACOM is highly pointed to minimize the noise level of our products, as this is an important characteristic for our customers.
Therefore, ACOM uses in its products fans from the Japanese company NMB as most suitable for our products. This choice is the result of long and extensive in-house testing of many fan models from different manufacturers.
Answer | The short answer is: NO, everything is absolutely normal with your new amplifier.
We understand that this answer requires more in-depth information, and therefore, here is the technical explanation of this situation.
Technical explanation | We must be very clear that the comparison of noise levels of 2 amplifiers - solid-state and tube-based with approximately the same output power - and the ham's expectation for equal noise levels is not technically correct due to the totally different electronic and mechanical design of these devices.
The solid-state amplifiers require much more airflow for cooling than tube amplifiers (and more airflow always result as more noise). There are 2 main reasons for that:
Metal-ceramic radio lamps withstand even up to more than 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees F), and transistor ones withstand many times less; Different mechanical designs of cooling (airflow path for effective cooling).
Lets, for example, see the ACOM 1000 tube-based and ACOM 1200 solid-state amplifiers which are with a similar dissipated thermal power. Even though ACOM uses in its products the most silent model fans and extremely effective heatsinks the generated noise by ACOM 1200S is higher than the noise from ACOM 1000. And this is normal, as we explained.
Our newest solid-state amplifier offers additional user comfort as it is equipped with a Remote Control Unit with a comfortable touch screen. The RCU can be up to 3 meters from the amplifier, which delivers a quieter environment to the operator (the amplifier can be located as far as possible from you).
Another advantage of this amplifier is its Ethernet connectivity, so you can place the amplifier even in another room and control it remotely via your computer.
ACOM 500S | Firmware Version 1.2 ACOM 700S | Firmware Version 1.8 ACOM 1200S | Firmware Version 2.4 ACOM 2020S | Firmware Version 1.9 ACOM 600S | Firmware Versions 2.8 and 7.8.
Please follow the firmware update instructions described in your amplifier User's Manual.
Active automatic protection.
This protection is highly complicated to implement (as a hardware and software solution), but ACOM spared no time and money, and it is now available to our customers.
We proudly call this ACOM Customer Care.
USB (Type-C connector) to RS-232 (Serial, 9-pin, D-sub male connector), 1 m cable, USB 2.0 standard Producer Digitus, PN: DA-70166. This converter can be ordered from TME (www.tme.eu), PN: DA-70166; USB (Type A connector) to RS-232 (Serial, 9-pin, D-sub male connector), 2 m cable, USB 2.0 standard Producer FTDI, PN: UT232R-200. This converter can be ordered from DigiKey (www.digikey.com), PN: 768-1084-ND, or Mouser (www.mouser.com), PN: 895-UT232R-200, or Farnell (www.farnell.com), PN: 2352013.
For current prices and availability, get in touch with our Customer Service Department | Technical Support Team directly.
There is no cause for concern. We have good news, and the future of our amplifiers is bright.
We worked hard in the last two years, and now we have a NEW 4CX800A tube – a functional replacement of the GU74B.
Also, starting January 1st, 2024, we will only offer our NEW 4CX800A tube as a spare part and a replacement for a GU74B tube.
The new tubes 4CX800A are produced in China by our long-time supplier and producer of 4CX1000A tubes. ACOM invested a significant amount of money to develop our tube testing processes and special tube testing measuring equipment. All new tubes are tested in the factory with the ACOM's developed and manufactured equipment to our quality and technical requirements.
For current prices, kindly refer to our esteemed dealers or get in touch with our Customer Service Department | Technical Support Team directly.
In specific business cases, extensions or changes of the frequency coverage can be discussed, but this must be agreed upon before ordering. In any case, this is not the producer's obligation and can not be against local rules and laws. However, the purchase of an unrestricted HF amplifier must be made by a Government agency directly from some of our authorized dealers or by us.
The ACOM 600S units with a Serial Number greater than 170105 can be used with the ACOM 04AT or 06AT antenna tuners without problem.
The amplifiers with smaller Serial Numbers (mainly produced before 2017) must be in-factory upgraded to work with our antenna tuners.
Many customers asked us:
What is the warranty of the LDMOS transistors used in ACOM power amplifiers?
The answer is easy, but first, please read these statements:
NXP Semiconductors | LDMOS transistors producer | www.nxp.com
" ... NXP makes no warranty, representation, or guarantee regarding the suitability of its products for any particular purpose, nor does NXP assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit, and specifically disclaims any and all liability, including without limitation consequential or incidental damages. "Typical" parameters that may be provided in NXP data sheets and/or specifications can and do vary in different applications, and actual performance may vary over time. ...".
" ... (c.) Time Period. Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) below, Products are warranted for a period of one (1) year from date of delivery to Buyer. ...".
AMPLEON | LDMOS transistors producer | www.ampleon.com
" ... Seller warrants that under normal use the Products (excluding any Excluded Products) shall, at the time of delivery to Buyer and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (or such other period as may be agreed upon in writing by the parties), be free from defects in material or workmanship and shall substantially conform to Seller’s specifications for such Products, or such other specifications as Seller has agreed to in writing, as applicable. ...".
As you are convinced from the quotes above - ACOM offers the longest possible guarantee on the market for its solid-state amplifiers: