RF Concepts LLC PA-77DF User Manual

3

DOCNUMBER 9500

Document Issue 1.1
February 2010

Page 3–1

The Alpha 9500 is capable of dramatically improving the performance of 
your amateur station. It is important that you observe good engineering 
practices to achieve all the benefits of such a station in a safe and reliable 
manner.

This chapter provides a few important operational considerations. We 
recommend that you also consult a good source of general information 
such as the latest Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Handbook for 
Radio Amateurs, especially if this is the first high-power amplifier that 
you have used.

Procedure 3-1  Prepare your station

Provide 220 VAC power.

The amplifier runs best when powered by a 200–240 VAC circuit. If you 
do not have a 220 VAC outlet in your station, have a licensed electrical 
contractor install one. A minimum of a 20 A capacity is required. A 20-A 
breaker on your 220-V circuit is sufficient.

When you size the circuit, be sure to include the current drawn by other 
equipment that may be on the same circuit.

Select a location for the outlet as close as possible to where you expect to 
operate the amplifier. If you are not sure or contemplate moving the 
amplifier, consider installing two outlets.

There are many styles of power plugs, some of which are country-
specific. For this reason, the amplifier is not shipped with a plug. Ask your 
contractor for two or three matching plugs during installation.

Ask the contractor to measure the voltage and record it for reference.