Welcome

Kantronics would like to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing the Max-Amp 10 or
Max-Amp 45. Each Max-Amp adds the function of radio frequency (rf) power amplification to
your station. We take ptide in offeting these latest designs - our sixth generation, and hope that
your Max-Amp will provide you with many hours of enjoyment.

What You Can Do With The Max-Amp?

By combining the Max-Amp with your VHF (2-meter) transmitter-receiver (transceiver) for
portable, mobile, or base station use, you'll be able to reach stations that might not otherwise be
able to communicate with you.

You' 11 be able to boost your station transmit power - if need be - when in aremote area
or when another station can't hear you. Simply power the amplifier by pushing the
POWER switch and it will then key automatically whenever you key your VHF
transceiver.

You'll be able to boost received signals. You can boost the level of received signals
when you use the pre-amp.

What This Manual Covers

We tell you what additional equipment and pa1is you'll need to add a Max-Amp to your VHF
station. We also include the following:

Max-Amp specifications
Front Panel description
Back Panel description
Instructions for installing the amp
Instructions for operating the amp

These topics are included in the appendix:

How the Max-Amp circuit works

How to modify transmit delay for SSB
How to add external keying
Kantronics Limited Warranty
Return repair procedures
International returns
schematic
2

First Things First

Please take a moment to deal with these few preliminary topics.

Warranty Registration Return/Repair Policies

This is a good time to read and be sure you understand and accept the warranty
registration and return/repair policies printed in the appendix. By completing and
returning your warranty registration and sales receipt now, you can be sure that we have the
necessa1y information in case you need to use your limited wa1nnty coverage.

Package Contents
Check to see that you have the items listed below (later you will see how t4ese items are used in
your station):

Max-Amp unit (with 6' power leads attached)

Wa1rnnty sheet (see front inside manual)
This manual

Additional Parts You'll Need (not provided)

As described in the next section, you will need the following parts to set up your 2-meter FM
station:

A 2-meter VHF Transceiver

A coaxial cable that interconnects your transceiver and the Max-Amp, not a part of this
package
A 13.8VDC (or 12 VDC) 25 ampere power supply that can accommodate the
tinned #12 leads (red and black wires) from the Max-Amp
An antenna that can handle 150 watts with a PL-259 end connector (like that
you usually find at the end of your antenna coax.)

Assumptions About You.

We assume that you are familiar with the following or that you can get help on these topics if
necessary:

general familiarity with 2-meter transceivers and their intended use

general familiarity with attaching and using antennas for VHF use

Equipment Specifications and Panels

The table below lists the specifications for your Max-Amp. The following page desclibes the
layout and function of the front and back panels.
Unit

Max-Amp 10

Max-Amp 45

Frequency Range

144-148 MHZ

144-148 MHZ

Maximum Input

10 Watts

45 Watts

5 to 10 Watts
150 W@ 10 in

5 to 45 Watts
75 Watts@ 10 in
150 Watts @45 in

50

50

15dB

15dB

Automatic-RF sensing

Automatic-RF sensing

Power
Input Range
Output
Max temperature

Receive Preamp
Keying
Input-Output Impedance

50 Ohms

. 50 Ohms

Voltage Requirement

13.8 Vdc

13.8 Vdc

Current Requirement

25 amps

20 amps

6.1x2.5 x 10 inches

6.1x2.5 x 10 inches

< 5. lbs.

< 5. lbs

No

No

< 50%

< 50%

Size
Weight
Repeater Use#
Duty Cycle

* Both models monitor the temperature of the heat sink. Once it reaches 50 degrees C the
transmit circuitry is shut down, indicated by the yellow TEMP LED on the front panel. Once the
amp cools down, i.e. the LED turns off, amplification is again enabled. Both models will reach
50 degrees C in approximately 2 and one-half minutes will full rated power applied.
#Neither model is designed for repeater use. Use as a repeater will void the warranty. Due to the
temperature sensing circuit, it's likely the amp would not work in repeater service anyway, since
it would probably reach thermal shut-down.

Max-Amp Front Panel

The front panel contains three switches and four LEDs. Push in the left-most switch (Power) to
apply power to the amplifier. Press in the Preamp switch to apply power to the receive signal
preamplifier. Press in the single sideboard (SSB) switch to add a drop-out delay in keying for
SSB operation.
Any combination of switches may be pushed in at any time. If a transceiver is attached and
keyed while the Preamp switch is pressed in, the preamp circuit will be switched out of the RF
path automatically, thus protecting this receiving circuit.
When the Power switch in pressed in, the left-most LED (PWR) will be lighted and supply
voltage will be applied to the control and bias circuitry. Please note that power is applied to the
collectors of the power transistors whenever the power leads are attached to a supply.
When the Preamp switch is pressed in, the PRE LED will be lighted, and when the Max-Amp is
keyed, the transmit (TX) LED will glow.
The TEMP LED will light and keying of the amplifier is disabled when the amplifier is too hot
to operate safely. The transmitter power will be bypassed through the amplifier in this
condition. The LED will go off and keying will automatically be enabled when the unit has
cooled enough to allow safe operation.
The TEMP LED doubles as the VSWR LED. The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) LED will
light and keying of the amplifier is disabled when too much power is reflected from the antenna,
detected by the output directional coupler. The VSWR LED will stay on and keying of the amp
will continue to be disabled until the unit is turned off and then on again, thereby resetting the
VSWR latch circuit.

Max-Amp Back Panel

The back panel contains two S0-239 RF connectors (that match with PL-259 coaxial male
connectors) and the power leads. Looking from the back of the unit, the antenna connector is on
the left, and the transceiver connector is on the right. Note that "ANT" and "TX" are stamped
below the RF connectors for your convenience. For the power leads, the black wire is ground
and the red wire is for+ 13.8 VDC.

Installing the Max-Amp

The Max-Amp is installed between your radio transceiver and the antenna.

Power
Attach the #12 gauge red and black leads coming from the rear panel of the unit to a+ 13.8
VDC, 30 ampere power supply, red lead to the plus terminal and black lead to the ground
terminal. If your installation requires that the unit be more than six feet from the supply, cut the
red and black leads near the unit and splice in #8 gauge or #10 (AWG) wire.
note: The amp comes with spade connectors attached to the power leads. These were used for
production testing. It's your option to remove them and use something else to attach the leads to
a power supply.

Antenna
Connect the coaxial lead from your antenna to the terminal marked 'ANT' (S0-239 type that
mates with a PL-259 type) on the back of the unit. If you prefer to use N-type connectors, the
bulk-head type will fit exactly in place of the VHF connectors that come standard with the unit.
To change to the N-type, you'll have to de-solder the center pin of the 'TX' and 'ANT' connectors
and unscrew them from the back panel. Reverse the procedure to install the N-types. 'BNC' bulkhead connectors can be purchased also. You may find it convenient to put one of these at the
'TX' connector; in this way you could cable an HT to the Max-Amp with a BNC-BNC cable. We
ship the unit in the most common configuration, with S0-239 connectors. Kantronics does not
stock N or BNC bulk-head connectors.

Caution: Do not operate the amp without an adequate load, a 50 ohm test load or an antenna
capable of handling 150 watts! Otherwise amp components will likely fail

Radio
Connect your transceiver to the Max-Amp with 50 ohm coax. It's likely an HT will require a
BNC type connector at the 'rubber duck' antenna output. The most convenient method to
accommodate an HT is to obtain a BNC to S0-239 (VHF) adapter and use a VHF to VHF
(PL-239) cable.

Location
The amplifier should be placed to allow for maximum ventilation around the heat sink.

How To Operate the Max-Amp

With your Max-Amp installed in your station, press the POWER switch to enable the radio
frequency power amplifier. When you key your transceiver, the amplifier will key automatically,
assuming you have applied at least 5 watts. Please do not exceed 10 watts input for the MaxAmp 10 or 45 watts in for the Max-Amp 45. When the amplifier is keyed, the red TX LED will
light on the front panel. When you release the push-to-talk key on your transceiver, the red TX
LED should go out.
Press the Preamp switch to enable the receive preamplifier. If you once again key your
transceiver, the preamp will be switched out of the RF power path automatically; you do not
have to disable it before transmitting.

If Your Relays Chatter!

If the relays chatter when you key your transceiver, this is an indication that you have not
applied sufficient power to the Max-Amp or that your antenna is mismatched ( does not present
50 ohms to the amplifier.)

Caution: Do not operate the amp as a repeater amp. And, do not exceed an operating duration
of SO% on average, i.e. talk no more than SO% of the time on average - over several minutes.
Otherwise components may fail. If the amp is keyed at full power too long it will get very hot!.
While the amp is designed to shut-down once the heat sink reaches SO degrees C, remember
that flesh burns at SS degrees C and overheating could disable the shut-down circuit itself!
Caution: Do not operate the amp without a 150 watt capable antenna or SO ohm dummy load
attached. Here again, if an 50 ohm anten11a or load is not attached, components will likely
fail.
Caution: RF signals can burn you easily and quickly at 1S0 watts. So, don't touch the
antenna while transmitting at these power levels.

Appendix:
How the Circuit Works
The Max-Amp 10 and Max-Amp 45 are identical except for a pre-power amplifier section found
in the Max-Amp IO. This pre-power amp boosts input power from 5 to IO watts up to 40 to 45
and the push-pull finals - found also in the MaX;-Amp 45 - finish boosting the power to 150 watts
(for full rated input power). Both amplifiers consist of five circuit sections: the micro-strip and
relays paths (for the RF signal), the input and output directional coupler and control circuits, the
receive signal pre-amplifier, and the power amplifier(s).
DC circuits. 13.8 VDC is applied to the power transistors and power switches at all times.
Pressing either the PWR switch or the PREAMP switch applies power to t11:e relay control
circuitry at the summing point ofD5 and D6 (bottom left of the schematic). The resulting
voltage ("VCC") is then applied to the 5 volt regulator, the temperature sensor, and VCC ofU2
and U3 (the control ICs).
With the PWR switch pressed in, the amplifier will be keyed when 5 watts or more are applied
to its input (marked as TX on back). Assuming the receive pre-amp is off and the PWR switch is
off, power applied to the amp will flow through input relay RL4, through preamp relays RL3B
and RL3C, and out the amp to the antenna via RL5C (unamplified) . When the PWR switch is
on, an input power signal of 5 watts or more will be detected by the directional coupler, at D 17
(upper left schematic), and applied to comparator U3 at pin 6 (lower left schematic). If the amp
is not too hot (heat sensor, TS 1 off) and there are no reflections from the antenna of sufficient
strength, then the input coupler comparator keys the receive pre-amp relay off and keys the
output power signal relay RL5 on.
However, bias and input power is not applied to the pre-power amp (Max-Amp IO only) and
power transistors, Q6 and Q7 (top middle of schematic) until a ground is detected through the
output relay via a choke to ground (at ANT). Once the output relays closes (disconnecting from
the input source and connecting to the output of the power amp), then the bias is applied and the
input signal is routed to the pre-power amp and/or power transistors. This precaution is taken to
mak~ sure the output relays points are closed before 150 watts is applied, thus extending the
lifetime of these relays!
If a reflection of roughly 2.5-to-one or more (VSWR) occurs due to an antenna mismatch,
the output (reverse) coupler will pick it up and latch up comparator circuit U3C. U3c's buffered
output, Q2, is then applied to tum on the VSWR LED and also gates off the power relays, both
input and output. The threshold voltage at U3, pin 9 is set at 2.9 volts DC. A reflection signal
from the antenna of about 30 watts will develop a voltage just exceeding this at the output
directional coupler, thus latching SWR comparator U3C.

I.
Both relays are also turned off if the Max-Amp gets too hot (thermal shutdown). Comparator
U3D is set to tum on, shutting down the amp, ifthe temperature sensor, TSl, "sees" 50 degrees
C.

Note, however, that the receive relay is keyed separately, still, by ahy input power that may be
applied to the amp, thus protecting the preamp if it is still on.
Amplification is essentially linear.as long as the amplifier is not overdriven, i.e. driven below the
maximum input as per the specifications. Note that the power stage, consisting of Q6 and Q7 is
push-pull. The pre-power amp, while single-ended, is essentially linear when biased as long as
the max input power of 10 watts is not exceeded.

How to Modify Transmit Delay for SSB Operation

-

You may wish to increase the delay in drop-out keying if you plan to use the amplifier for singlesideband (SSB). The time delay, as shipped from the factory, is set at about one second by C9
and RI 5. To increase the drop-out delay, the delay after unkeying, increase RI 5. We will not
void the warranty if you wish to drill a hole in the front panel to add a pot. If you do add a pot
instead of a single resistor, keep the leads as short as possible to prevent rf coupling.
Please note that Rl5 is located near the SSB switch on the pcb.

How to Add External Keying

External keying may be added to the amplifier by applying+ 12 volts DC to the cathode of diode
DI 7. You'll have to drill a hole in the back panel to insert your positive+ 12VDC and ground
wires if you wish to add this function. Simply drilling this hole will not void the warranty. Two
solder holes for this function are located at the left-rear of the unit on the pcb, labeled Ext Key
"+"and"-". The"-" is ground. We use the"+" point in our DC test - touching it with+ 12 VDC to check that the keying circuit is working, i.e. the relays are closing.

Caution. Ifyou use external keying, make sure that you do not exceed the 50% duty cycle
specifications of the amplifier. Keep in mind that the amp will shut off due to heating at 50
degrees C and this point is reached in roughly two and one-half minutes when full rated and
continuous power is applied.

i
~[

How to Measure FM Power

Accurate measurement of VHF power amplifier output is easy, given proper equipment and
setup. However, many amp users aren't familiar with the requirements for accurately measuring
an amp's output. Before you call your dealer or the factory to report " greater-than-expected
power output" or "low power output," check out the test arrangement outlined below, and see if
you meet all the measurement guidelines listed.

What You Will Need

A good equipment arrangement for measuring power pe1formance of a 2-meter amplifier is
pictured below. To accurately determine an amplifier's power output, we recommend
measuring both the input and the output with two high-quality wattmeters, such as the Bird 43
Thruline. You'll also need an FM transceiver to drive the unit under test (UUT) and a good
dummy load made for 2-meters to terminate the output of the amplifier. finally, you'll need a
+ 12 V de power supply and heavy cabling capable of meeting the voltage and current specs of
the amplifier.

Measuring the Output

Apply de power to your FM transceivers, and the UUT, key the transceivers mic, and measure
the voltage at the supply terminals of the UUT. If the voltage is near 13.8 Vdc, then proceed.
Key the mic again and observe amp input and output power. If values are close to those
specified, reverse the input meter slug to check that reflected power from the UUT is minimal.
If it is, reverse the meter again to the forward position and note input and output powers.

Successful Power Measurement Setup

Bird 43
FM

UUT

~ GJ~.
~

Rig~

Bird 43

FM Amplifier

@>
wattmeter

+ -

wattmeter

- -- - +
+13.BV
Supply

l===========:'...l
supply cable

10

son
output
cable

dummy load

r---,
I
I

Power Measurement Guidelines

If you can answer "Yes" to all of the following measurement guidelines below, then power
measurement is probably correct. If you cannot answer "Yes," then it is very likely that your
power measurements are inaccurate.

Are you using quality meters designed for the frequency and power levels
involved? Bird model 43 meters with slugs of the appropriate frequency and
power level would be ideal. Poor quality VSWR meters, such as those designed
for CB or HF use, are not adequate. Most "inexpensive" meters will not do the
job. Don't count on do-all multi-band meters.

Are you using a dummy load, and is it appropriate for the power level and
frequency? Oil-can dummy loads, even if spec'd for VHF, are generally not
suitable for VHF and UHF. Wire-wound dum.rlly loads are.also unsuitable.
Although high power power dummy loads that present 50 ohms to the amplifier
are expensive, there really is no good substitute.

Are you using your antenna as the test load, and does it present 50-ohms of pure
resistance to the amp? Antenna impedance is rarely resistive but has a reactive
component at the frequency of operation. To check the reactance, remove the
UUT and see if your rig can deliver full power to your antenna, and reverse the
slug in the wattmeter to check for reflections. A reflection indicates that the
antenna is not purely resistive; and power measurements will be in error.

Are you using good quality coax? If you happen to be using twenty or more feet
of poor quality coax, you'll reduce power in your setup considerably. (We use
cheap coax, purchased locally in 50 or 75 foot lengths with PL-259 connectors
attached, as a VHF 3 dB attenuator. Half the power is lost in 50 feet!) To check
the quality of your coax, remove the outer covering on a small section and inspect
the braid. If it doesn't fully cover the inner cable and dielectric, its quality is
insufficient and may substantially reduce the power output.

Are you using a quality power supply, one with 13.8 Vdc and sufficient current,
and is the wire in the supply cable to the UUT sufficiently large? Your power
measurements will be inaccurate if the UUT does not receive sufficient voltage at
its power terminals. If your power supply delivers 13 .8 V de at its terminals but
the cable drops a half volt due to high cable resistance and large currents, amp
power output will drop quickly! It's handy to have current and voltage meters on
your supply. Excessive current indicates that the amp may be oscillating and is,
therefore, detuned.

11

Does your transceiver deliver full power when driving the UUT? Most modern
transceiver are designed to reduce power if they detect a load other that 50 ohms.
Reduced rig output will, of course, reduce power amp output. If your rig isn't
producing full power, check for power being reflected from the amp to the rig.
Do this by reversing the slug in the input wattmeter and check for reflected
power. It is possible that the amp's input circuit tuning may need to be touched
up.

While it is generally easier to make accurate measurements at HF, it is possible to measure true
power at VHF or UHF using the proper equipment. A good dummy load, quality meters, and
high quality cable of the appropriate size will contribute to accurate power measurements at
VHF and UHF.

12

Limited Warranty
KANTRONICS CO., INC.
LI1\1ITED WARRANTY
EffectiveJanuaiy 1, 1997
To receive notice of future updates, new product info1mation, and prompt warranty service,
please fill in the Kantronics/rfconcepts Wa11"anty Registration form COMPLETELY and return
it along with a copy of proof of purchase (to establish purchase date) to Kantronics Co., Inc.,
1202 East 23rd Street, Lawrence, KS 66046 USA. (You'll find the wa1Tanty "card" inside the
front of this manual).
NOTE: Return of the Warranty Registration Card and proof of purchase is a precondition to warranty coverage.

1. WARRANTY. Kantronics Co., Inc., ("Kantronics") warrants to the first consumer purchaser
("you"), for the Applicable Warranty Period (as described below), that the Applicable Product
(as described below) will be free from defects in mate1ial and workmanship.
2. REMEDY. Kantronics agrees that, for any Applicable Product found by Kantronics to be in
violation of the wan-anty of Section I hereof within the Applicable Warranty Period, it will, as
its option, repair or replace the defective Applicable Product at no charge to you, excluding inboun? shipping charges.

3. EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Rep~ir of replacement of the Applicable Product, as provided

herein, is the sole remedy available to your against Kantronics, and in no event will Kantronics
be responsible for any other liability or damages or for incidental, special, or consequential
damages, regardless of whether purported liability is predicated upon negligence, strict to1t,
contract, or other products liability theoiy and whether or not Kantronics is warned about the
possibility of such liability or damages. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE
EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
DISCLAIMER. This Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied
and no representative or person is authorized to assume for Kantronics any other liability in
connection with the sale of its products. KANTRONICS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR ANY APPLICABLE PRODUCT. IF,
HOWEVER, YOU ARE A CONSUMER WITHIN THE MEANING OF 15 U.S.C. 2301(3),
THE ABOVE DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES IS EFFECTIVE ONLY PERIODS
OUTSIDE THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD. SOME STATES DO ALLOW
13

LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE

LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
5. APPLICABLE PRODUCTS AND PERIODS. Kantronics products are of two types - (1)
hardware units and (2) firmware and software for operation of these units, whether incorporated
into the units themselves or separate from the as adjuncts or accessories to the units. Hardware
units and the media containing fomware, software and documentation are sold to the consumer
purchaser and become property of the purchaser. Firmware and software are licensed for use by
the consumer purchaser in return for a fee included in the purchase price of the units and do not
become the property of the consumer. (See separate License Agreement provided with these
products). The products to which the warranty of Section 1 hereof applies (herein "Applicable
Products") and the pe1iods during which the warranty shall apply to such products (herein,
"Applicable Warranty Period") are as follows:
Applicable Products:
UNITS:
KPC-9612, KPC-9612 PLUS, KAM, KAM Plus, KPC-3, KPC-3 PLUS, rfc 2/70, rfc 2-70G, rfc
4-310, Mini-Amp 144, Mini-Amp 144P, Mini-Amp 440, Mini-Amp 440P, MAX-Amp 10,
MAX-Amp45.
Applicable \Varranty Period: One (1) year from date of purchase.

ACCESSORIES:
KAM Enhancement Board
Applicable Warranty Period: One (1) year from date of purchase.
MEDIA:
EPROMS, diskettes, video or audio cassettes, manuals (however bound), specification and other
supplemental pages or any other media on which firmware, software or documentation are
supplied.
Applicable Warranty Period: Thirty (30) days from date of purchase.
6. EXCLUSIONS. This Limited Warranty does not apply to the cosmetic appearance of the
Applicable Product; to broken or cracked cabinets; to any accessory not supplied by Kantronics
which is used with the Applicable Product; to any product that has been subject to misuse abuse
or over voltage; to a any product that has been modified by non-Kantronics personnel unless
specifically authorized in writing by Kantronics_; or to any product damaged or impaired by
14

shipping (whether or not caused by poor packaging), neglect, accident, wiring not installed by
Kantronics, improper parameter settings which are cleared by performing a hard reset, or use in
violation of instmctions furnished by Kantronics or of generally accepted indust1y practice.
Kantronics does not warrant that the functions contained in any software will meet your
requirements or achieve your intended results; or that operation of any software will by
unintenupted or elTor-free or without effect upon other software used with it. Responsibility for
the selection of the hardware and software program to achieve your intended results rests with
you.
7. REMEDY PROCEDURE. Should you need to make a wa1Tanty claim, first contact the
dealer from whom you purchased the product. If the dealer is unable to assist you, contact
Kantronics., Inc., by mail at 1202 East 23rd Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66046 USA; by fax at
913-842-2021; or by phone at our Customer Suppmt number 913-842-4476 (Hours 9:00 a.m.noon and 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. CST). Contact us prior to returning an Applicable Product to
receive a Return Authorization Number. (As a practical matter, problems c~n often be solved in
such a manner without the product having to be returned to Kantronics for repair or
replacement.)
Return of any Applicable Product for the enforcement of rights under this Limited Warranty
shall be at your expense. Any product returned for watTanty service which Kantronics
determines to be without defect or not covered by thi s Limited Warranty shall be subj ect to a
minimum charge of one-half hour labor rate and the product will be returned to you at your sole
expense. Please note, no warranty service will be provided until Kantronics has been furni shed
with your WatTanty Registration fmm and copy of proof of pwchase establishing purchase date.

8. NON-ASSIGNMENT. This Limited Warranty is not assignable by you. Any attempt to

assign or transfer any of the tights, duties or obligations hereof is void.
9. OTHER RIGHTS. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may
also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

15

Return/Repair Procedures
Important: Our repair statistics show that
over 70 percent of the units returned for
service do not, in fact, require any service.
Therefore, we advise you to please doublecheck the following list of common, usersolvable, sources of difficulty before
contacting Kantronics about returning your
unit for service.

Problems?
If you have a real problem, we want to get it fixed. Perhaps the following experiences/advice
may eliminate your need to return the unit. Good luck!

I'm not getting any power out of the amp!

Check that you are driving the amp with enough power. You must provide at least 5 watts.
Conversely, make sure that you are not driving it with too much power; if so the amp will shut
down.
If you've keyed the amp for a long period of time it will overheat and the TEMP LED will come
on. The amp will shut down if it is overheated. If this is the case, transmit for shorter periods of
time. The amp is designed for short bursts of transmission and should not be used in excess of
50% duty cycle. You can boost transmission time somewhat if a small fan is used; blow air
across the top surface of the heat sink.
If your antenna presents a reactive load or a resistive load much higher than or much lower than
50 ohms the amp will shut down and the SWR LED will light. You must tum the amp off and
back on to disable the VWSR shut down circuitry.

The amp will not key?

If the amp does not key (the relays don't make a clicking noise), the cause could be one of the
following: no antenna attached, antenna shorted, control circuit blown (due to high antenna
reflections - an open, shorted or high/low impedance antenna), fuse blown, or not enough rf
16

drive to the amp from the transceiver. Check the cabling, power supply and fuse first. If the
relay(s) buzz, replace one or more of the ICs, starting with U2, the 4001. These are available at
Radio Shack.

I'm not getting enough power out of the amp!

Please read the "How to Measure Power" article in this appendix. Can you say "yes" to all the
measurement guidelines? We find that the most common problem here is that the amp is doing
fine but the user is tcying to use a meter that was not designed (or designed properly) for VHF
FM use. Cheap CB VSWR meters are not adequate for 2-meter use.
The second most common problem is that the power supply is not delivering sufficient DC
power to the amp. You will not get full rated output power if you cannot measure 13.8 volts or
close to it at the terminals of the amplifier, not at the terminals of the power supply. And, your
supply may not be delivering sufficient current. These amps require a bunch of current, in the
order of20 amperes. If you're using one supply, make sure it has enough current capacity for
both the amp and the transceiver.
Also, if you have spliced long wires onto the power leads of the amp, it should be heavy wire,
say# 8 or# 10, so that a large voltage drop does not occur between the power supply and the
amp. For example if you used #16, you'll get a big voltage drop with 20 amperes of current and
power output could easily drop below 100 watts!

Bad Connectors or poor quality coax!

Your connectors or coax can be a source of low power output. Cheap coax can lose 50% of the
power delivered by a radio or amplifier in just 75 feet!

Is your antenna rated for a full 150 watts?

Make sure your antenna is designed for a full 150 watts. If it isn't it may not look like a 50 ohm
antenna after the Max-Amp has put the RF ')uice" to it.

17

Service
The Service Depaitment telephone hours are 9 am - noon and 2 pm - 5 pm Central Time, Monday
through F1iday. If you call outside these hours, the phone will just iing. The service department
telephone is not connected to the main switchboard and the switchboard receptionist cannot
transfer you to the service number. If lines are busy, you may wish to (and it may be faster to)
contact service by letter, fax, or e-mail. Service e-mail is cun-ently checked twice per day. Before
contacting us, please take the time to list out your problem fully and carefully. Here are the
contact numbers:
Kantronics Co., Inc.,
1202 E. 23rd Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
service phone line: 913-842-4476
service fax line: 913-842-2021
service e-mail address: service@kantronics.com
website address: www.kantronics.com
When w1iting , faxing, or e-mailing Kantronics, include a clear desc1iption of the problem, and
unit name. Be sure to include a return fax number and/or e-mail address.
Returns to the factmy for refund or exchange are strictly regulated. Any return for refund or
exchange must be approved by the service department.
Charges
Consult the limited wan-anty policy in this manual for the service provisions offered by
Kantronics at no charge. This wan-anty is considered to be in force only when the customer has
submitted his completed wan-anty registration within 10 days of purchase, and when the
stipulations of the warranty have been met. Violations of wan-anty clauses will automatically
void the wan-anty and service or repairs will be charged to the owner.
Service outside the wa1Tanty will be charged at the cost of parts, labor, and return shipping.
Units returned for service without a Return Authmization number will be subject minimum
charge of Yi hour labor plus shipping and handling. Contact the Service Department at 913-8424476 (Hours: 9:00 am - noon and 2 pm - 5 pm CST) to obtain Return Authorization number.
Repaired units will be returned via UPS C.O.D.
These C.O.D. charges can be avoided by including your VISA or MasterCard number with your
unit to be repaired. Shipping and repair may then be charged
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International Returns
This section applies to international returns only, not to domestic returns.
In case of unit problems, first contact the dealer from whom you purchased the product. If you
must return Kantronics product to us, please observe the steps outlined below. It will save both
you, the customer, and Kantronics unnecessary difficulties and expense.

All returns must be shipped to the factory at 1202 East 23rd Street, Lawrence, KS
66046 U.S.A.

All expenses ofreturning item(s) to Kantronics must be paid by you including

any duty/entry fees, whether the return is for warranty or nor:i-warranty repair.

Usually, the best way to return item(s) to us is by mail. However, if you wish to
use one of the courier services such as DHL, UPS Expedited, Federal Express,
etc. be sure to use DOOR-TO-DOOR service. If you use one of these services,
a commercial invoice may be required. Please check with your carrier before
shipping. Include in the descliption of the item(s) on the pape1work (whether
postal or comier) the words:
"U.S. GOODS RETURNED FOR REPAIR/REPLACEMENT."

An additional description of "Amateur radio peripheral equipment", or "Data

communications equipment", would be helpful. It would also be helpful (but not
required) to include the code number 9801.00.1035 which tells U.S. Customs
agents that the package contains "U.S. goods returned without
improvement/enhancement". However, if the words "U.S. goods returned for
repair/replacement" are on the pape1work, the number is not really necessary.

Provide value for customs purposes. This is usually the value of the item(s) in
their current condition. $0 value is not acceptable for U.S. Customs.
Inside the package, with the item(s), include:

Fax number and/or e-mail address (if available) in case we need to contact you

correct and full address for return

method of payment to be used for any charges (if MasterCard of Visa, include
expiration date)

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brief desc1iption of the problem

reference to any conversations with the technical/sales staff about the problem

For wa1Tanty repairs, we will pay the shipping charges to return the item(s) to you
via air parcel post. If you wish return by courier service, include your account
number. To be eligible for repair under warranty, we must have record that you
sent your Warranty Registration fo1m and proof of purchase to Kantronics, and
the item(s) must still be within the warranty pe1iod at the time the return is
authorized.

For non-wall"anty repairs, you must pay the return shipping charges.

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