From 
The Bulgarian manufacturer ACOM has built and strong name in the amateur RADIO community primarily thanks to reliable tube designs, which for many years have formed and still form the robust background of many contest stations and top hamshacks. However, with the development of semiconductor technologies, the focus of development has shifted towards the so-called Solid-State solutions. One of the new additions to this product portfolio is the ACOM 1400S linear power amplifier, which covers all amateur RADIO bands from 1.8 to 54 MHz, including the WARC bands and the 6-meter segment.
Na rozdiel From starších elektrónkových typov, ktoré vyžadovali manuálne ladenie anódových and anténnych obvodov pomocou ladiacich kondenzátorov, prináša ACOM 1400S plne automatizovanú prevádzku bez potreby akéhokoľvek dolaďovania pri zmene frekvencie. Tento posun je kľúčový pre moderné štýly rádioamatérskej prevádzky, akými sú bleskové skoky z pásma na pásmo pri sledovaní DX clustra, bleskové reakcie na nové spoty v sieti RBN alebo prevádzka typu SO2R (Single Operator 2 Radios) and SO2V (Single Operator 2 VFO ). amplifier dokáže automaticky sledovať frekvenciu pripojeného TCVR and v zlomku sekundy prepnúť vnútorné obvody LPF (dolnopriepustných filtrov) na príslušný segment.
The fundamental technological innovation is the implementation of modern LDMOS (Laterally Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductor) power transistors. Specifically, this is and robust type of transistor that is designed to withstand extreme PSV (standing wave ratio) values at the output and provide high signal linearity while maintaining excellent efficiency. The LDMOS transistors in this model work in combination with and sophisticated protection processor circuit that constantly monitors key operating parameters such as collector current, voltage, excitation power from the TCVR, heat sink temperature and reflected power from the antenna system. This constant hardware and Software control pushes the reliability of the semiconductor output stage to and level that was previously only achievable with robust metal-ceramic tubes.
Novinkou je aj integrácia plnofarebného LCD displeja s vysokým rozlíšením na Remote Control Unit (RCU R06). Tento zobrazovací prvok slúži nielen na primárne odčítanie špičkového výstupného výkonu and odrazeného výkonu, ale ponúka komplexné textové and grafické Menu pre diagnostiku. Operátor má okamžitý prehľad o stave zosilňovača, teplote tranzistorov and aktivácii jednotlivých ochranných obvodov. Všetky chybové hlásenia and kritické prevádzkové stavy sú logované do vnútornej pamäte typu EEPROM , čo zjednodušuje prípadnú servisnú diagnostiku. Architektúra zariadenia navyše umožňuje priame pripojenie k externým systémom automatizácie hamshacku pomocou protokolov CAT/AUX.
In the article you will read
What are the advantages of the ACOM 1400S?
Hlavnou prednosťou zosilňovača ACOM 1400S je jeho okamžitá pripravenosť na vysielanie po zapnutí (instant-on). Používateľ nemusí čakať niekoľko minút na nažhavenie katódy elektrónky, ako je to pri klasických konštrukciách. Tento faktor je rozhodujúci pri rýchlom otváraní pásiem, napríklad pri výskyte sporadickej vrstvy E (Es) na 6 metrovom pásme, kedy každá sekunda rozhoduje o nadviazaní vzácneho QSO .
Compact dimensions and relatively low weight compared to equivalent tube models with heavy transformers make this model suitable for demanding portable operation. The increasingly popular expedition activities within the IOTA (Islands on the Air), POTA (Parks on the Air) programs or weekend contest expeditions from temporary QTHs require equipment that can be easily transported and quickly put into operation. Thanks to the switched-mode power supply, which is integrated directly into the amplifier body, there is no need to carry external power supplies.
Vynikajúca linearita and nízka úroveň intermodulačného skreslenia (IMD ) patria k najsilnejším stránkam tohto zariadenia. LDMOS final stage produkuje čistý signál bez nežiaducich harmonických zložiek and parazitných vyžarovaní, ktoré by spôsobovali rušenie okolitých rádioamatérskych staníc alebo domácich spotrebičov. Čistota signálu je overená prísnymi testami, vďaka čomu zariadenie s rezervou spĺňa medzinárodné normy IARU and národné telekomunikačné predpisy pre potlačenie nežiaducich produktov vysielania. To zaručuje, že aj pri plnom výkone zostáva signál na pásme úzky and nepreťažuje vstupné obvody prijímačov ostatných operátorov.
Medzi prevádzkové výhody patrí aj extrémne tichý and efektívny systém chladenia. Ventilátory s elektronickou reguláciou otáčok menia svoj prietok vzduchu dynamicky v závislosti From reálnej teploty LDMOS tranzistora. Pri prijímaní alebo v obdobiach menšieho zaťaženia je amplifier prakticky nepočuteľný, čo prispieva k akustickej pohode operátora v Shacku. Pri dlhotrvajúcom kontestovom zaťažení v módoch s vysokým pracovným cyklom, ako sú RTTY , FT8 , FT4 či CW pile-up , sa chladiaci systém plynule nastaví na maximálny výkon, aby spoľahlivo udržal teplotu polovodičového prechodu v bezpečných medziach.
Flexibility in connectivity allows the amplifier to work seamlessly with almost any commercially available transceiver. Icom (CI-V), yaesu (CAT), Kenwood, Elecraft protocols are supported, as well as modern FlexRadio networks. In case the TCVR does not have and data link for frequency transmission, the ACOM 1400S uses and built-in digital frequency counter. It analyzes the RF signal at the input during the first milliseconds of transmission and automatically selects the correct band. Protection against exceeding the maximum excitation power prevents damage to the input if the operator accidentally forgets to reduce the power on the RADIO.
Technical specifications ACOM 1400S
The technical parameters of the ACOM 1400S amplifier represent the top of the class of solid-state linear medium-power amplifiers. The table below specifies in detail the electrical, mechanical and operational parameters of the device based on the official manufacturer's documentation.
| Parameters | Value and technical specifications |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | All amateur RADIO bands from 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz (including WARC segments) |
| Rated output power | 1200 W (±0.5 dB) stable peak RF power (PEP or continuous carrier) |
| Drive Power | Typically 40W to 60W to achieve full output power |
| Input impedance | 50 Ohm nominal, unbalanced, PSV typically below 1.2:1 across the entire range |
| Harmonic suppression | Better than 60 dB on HF bands, better than 65 dB on 50 MHz band |
| Intermodulation distortion (IMD3) | Better than 30 dB below the two-tone peak-to-peak (PEP) level at rated power |
| Supply voltage | Switch mode power supply (SMPS) with and range of 100 V to 240 V AC, frequency 50/60 Hz |
| Maximum network consumption | Approximately 3000 VA at full power and 230 V AC supply |
| Active element used | The latest generation of highly durable LDMOS transistor |
| Cooling | Forced air cooling with continuously adjustable fan speed |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 327mm x 155mm x 413mm |
| Weight | Approximately 14.5 kg |
The device has full hardware protection against overvoltage in the power supply network, overcurrent in the output stage, excessive excitation at the input and exceeding the safe operating temperature. Built-in ALC (Automatic Level Control) circuits protect the TCVR driver from output overload and help maintain and constant modulation level. Receiving and transmitting switching (T/R switching) is implemented using fast vacuum or semiconductor relays with low latency, which allows full operation in QSK mode (full telegraph break-in) without the risk of PTT line delay.
Video from Youtube
For and more detailed look at the design, architecture of the internal circuits, and real testing of the amplifier stage in real hamshack operating conditions, we recommend watching the following video demonstration:
Price and where to buy
ACOM 1400S is and premium product falling into the category of highly reliable amateur RADIO equipment, which is reflected in its final market price. Prices on the European market are stable, but slight variations depend on current exchange rates and the conditions of specific distributors. In general, the final price for European amateur RADIO operators ranges from 3,300 EUR to 3,600 EUR including VAT.
The device can be purchased from several established European dealers of amateur RADIO equipment. For Slovak and Czech operators, availability is ensured through official distribution channels, which guarantee not only the delivery of the device, but also full warranty and post-warranty service. The main verified dealers where the ACOM 1400S is available for and long time or on order include the following companies:
- Wimo (Nemecko): Jeden z najväčších európskych distribútorov rádioamatérskej techniky, anténnych systémov typu yagi , quad and príslušenstva. Ponúka stabilnú skladovú dostupnosť, spoľahlivú logistiku and zasielanie balíkov priamo na Slovensko s plnou technickou podporou.
- DX Engineering (USA): Global retailer of equipment for demanding amateurs. Buying from this store is an alternative, especially for RADIO amateurs outside the European Union, or when taking advantage of special stock promotions, while taking into account the additional costs of import duties and ocean shipping.
- Radioamater.cz (Czech Republic): and regional retailer that provides RADIO amateurs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia with maximum comfort in terms of communication and speed of delivery. The advantage is direct communication in the native language and and simplified process for any warranty claims.
When purchasing and device, it is strongly recommended to check the firmware version and the availability of connection cables for the specific type of your TCVR. Most retailers offer original ACOM data cables for individual RADIO brands as optional accessories, which greatly simplifies the initial integration of the power stage into the structure of your home or contest hamshack.