by 5B4AIY » 19 Apr 2017 07:57
Hi, Roland,
Yes, you can safely upgrade from your 1.05k, which is quite old now, to the most recent version, 3.00c/Build 3 - with one caveat - you must make a note of your existing calibration and configuration settings prior to loading this latest version. This is because of two factors, a. The EEPROM mapping has changed; and b. The checksum algorithm is different. Consequently, after loading the new version on initial switch-on you will see the message:
"CHECKSUM ERROR!"
This is perfectly normal, and only occurs the first time. It will cause the standard defaults to be loaded. After that, switch the amplifier off, and then power it on in the Calibration & Setup mode by, as before, pressing and holding the PWR button until you see the message:
" Calibration"
" Mode 3.00c"
displayed. Release the button and the first page of the calibration menu is displayed. Re-enter your calibration values that you saved prior to loading this firmware. As the measurement system is the same, once you have re-entered the values, with the exception of the RF Power, you will be back where you were.
The RF Power meter now has two calibration values, a low-power and a high-power. The method for setting these is described in the User Manual. Normally the default settings are usually close enough, but if you have access to an accurate RF wattmeter such as Bird 4410A for example, then you may be able to improve the accuracy by using this as a calibration standard.
The Frequency Meter is an additional feature, and again, the default value is usually more than good enough, especially as the resolution is only to 1kHz - it is really intended as a quick-check feature in the field rather than a precision measurement tool. But again, if you have access to an accurate frequency counter and a directional coupler with which to sense the RF, then you can sometimes slightly improve on the accuracy.
The voltage, current, and temperature calibration values are the same as with your existing firmware. Once you are happy, save the new values by pressing and holding the OPER button, and then responding to the prompts.
Then once in the normal mode, enter the User Configuration menu by pressing and holding the DISPLAY/CONFIG button until the message:
" User "
"Configuration"
is displayed. Step through the various configuration items, setting the values to your desired preferences.
Note that in both the Calibration and the User Configuration modes a brief press of the DISPLAY/CONFIG button will step forward one page, and a press and hold will cause the pages to increment. A brief press of the PWR will decrement the page display to the previous page, and by pressing and holding the PWR button you can quickly step backwards. Page 0 is always announced with a longer beep, and a longer hold time. Note also that the parameter adjust button now auto-repeat, stopping at either the maximum or minimum values for the parameter being adjusted.
Have fun!
73, Adrian, 5B4AIY