
Tuning your Ameritron AL-1200 amplifier for CW operation is straightforward if you follow these steps. First, ensure the amplifier is correctly installed and wired for your line voltage. On the front panel, set POWER to OFF, OPR-STBY to STBY, SSB-CW to CW, and MULTIMETER to the appropriate setting. Power on the amplifier by setting the Power Switch to ON. The meter lamps should light, and the blower should start. Verify the multimeter readings are correct. Next, tune your exciter into a 50-ohm load as per the exciter's instructions, then turn the exciter drive fully down. With the amplifier in CW mode, select your desired band on the bandswitch and set the PLATE control in the dial range for the selected band, and adjust the load control as indicated. Key the exciter with no drive and observe the plate current; it should be around 40 mA. Now switch the CW-SSB switch to SSB to read 150 mA, and then return to CW. Apply drive until the grid current indicates 100 mA or less. Fine-tune the PLATE control for maximum output power or grid current. Adjust the LOAD and PLATE controls for peak performance, ensuring you do not exceed recommended grid current levels. Then, increase drive to achieve a grid current of 200 mA. Adjust the LOAD and PLATE controls for maximum output power. Repeat this step twice. Continue by increasing the drive until the grid current reaches 250 mA, and then fine-tune the LOAD and PLATE controls once more for peak output power. Finally, connect the ALC line and adjust the ALC control on the rear panel to limit the amplifier output to your desired maximum power level. Double-check that your final grid current is around 250 mA and the plate current remains below 900 mA for optimal CW performance. Following these tuning steps will help you achieve efficient and effective CW transmission with your Ameritron AL-1200 amplifier.


