ACOM 2020S Solid-State 1.8-54 MHz Linear Amplifiers

ACOM 2020S Solid-State 1.8-54 MHz Linear Amplifiers are state-of-the-art 1500W Solid State linear amplifiers that deliver maximum legal power in all modes and operate in all Amateur Radio HF bands from 160 through 6 meters. This amplifier is extremely operator-friendly with a remote console unit (RCU) that features a high-resolution color touch screen. The 2020S amplifier is transceiver-independent, meaning that it is compatible with all transceiver models. With no need for special signals, only ground on transmit and RF drive power, any transceiver may be used. The 2020S monitors the input signal frequency with its built-in frequency counter and automatically switches bands when there is no transceiver frequency interface cable. However, when interfaced with a transceiver with CAT, COM or CI-V capability, the 2020S tracks the transceiver operating frequency and automatically changes bands accordingly. The Acom 2020S supports direct Remote Control via the Internet with an integrated web interface and built-in Ethernet RJ45 LAN port or Wi-Fi adapter.

The Acom 2020S amplifier employs two powerful modules in a power splitting/combining technique that has been time-proven in high-power commercial applications to provide sufficient output headroom. The input and output ports are isolated from each other, reducing intermodulation and improving resistance to self-excited oscillation and reliability. A broadband input circuit provides a perfect transceiver load with SWR below 1.2 without re-tuning throughout the entire frequency range from 1.8 to 54 MHz. The two final PA stages use a rugged MRFX1K80HR5 or equivalent LDMOS transistor. The 2020S features built-in intelligence that continuously monitors system health and protection circuits in all modes. Also, the operator can monitor eleven different parameters of amplifier operation. Detailed fault data is stored in the amplifier’s memory and shows up to 55 parameters for each of the last 28 hard-fault protection trips.

Compact and lightweight construction with a built-in switching-mode power supply that operates within a power mains voltage range of 200-240 VAC, ±10% (180-264 VAC limiting values), with no internal switchover. The consumed current is purely sinusoidal, power factor corrected and in-rush current limited, which makes the operation of this amplifier from unstable AC mains and generators easy and trouble-free. This amplifier complies with the CE electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and FCC regulations and is compatible with both highly sensitive and other devices such as receivers, computers, and other amplifiers due to built-in radio-frequency filters and Power Factor Corrections.

NOTICE: The ACOM 2020S is a fully functional, stand-alone Solid State linear amplifier. Also, firmware updates were made in early 2023. The subsequent factory installed firmware in the production of the ACOM 2020S now supports operation of ACOM 04AT or 06AT Automatic Antenna Tuners, and it supports firmware upload via USB memory stick or automatic update by Internet.

Any desired or required future firmware updates of Acom amplifiers are the responsibility of the owner, not DX Engineering or ACOM. Firmware updates are not covered by a warranty repair claim. According to ACOM, the firmware version units shipped before March 2023 must be made using free ACOM “Terminal S” software, available for Windows, Mac and Linux, downloadable from acom-bg.com and uploaded using a computer equipped with an RS-232 port. ACOM “Terminal S” software communicates via the 2020S amplifier unit RS-232 port (DB9F).

ACOM 2020S compatibility with RS-232 serial to USB converter devices is unknown.

Refer to the latest User’s Manual at acom-bg.com. Contact ACOM by e-mail for additional information: acom@acom-bg.com

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Acom 2020S Additional Features and Specifications:

Frequency Coverage:

160 to 6 meters Amateur Bands (1.8-54 MHz)

Rated Output Power

1500 W, PEP or Continuous Carrier, no Mode Limit

Intermodulation Distortion (IM3)

• Better Than 30 dB Below Rated PEP

Harmonic and Parasitic Emissions Output Suppression

• 1.8-29.7 MHz - Better Than 60 dB Below Rated Output

• 50-54 MHz - Better Than 70 dB Below Rated Output

Input and Output Impedances

• Nominal 50 Ohm Unbalanced, UHF Female/SO-239 Connectors

• Input: Broadband, SWR Below 1.2, 1.8-54 MHz Continuous Range Without Re-tuning or Switching

• RF bypass: SWR - Below 1.1, 1.8-54 MHz

• Output: Antenna SWR Below 1.5 is Recommended; Up to SWR 3 is Allowable With Proportional Power Reduction

RF Power Gain

• 14 dB ±1 dB (Typically 60 W Drive for 1500 W Output);

Mains Power Supply Voltage

• 200-240 VAC, ±10% (180-264 VAC limits, 50-60 Hz, Single Phase

Mains Power Consumption at Rated Output Power

• Up to 3300 VA

• Power Factor of 0.95 or Higher (PFC-Corrected Current)

Mains Power Consumption in Low Energy (Waiting) Mode

• Less than 1 VA

Receive / Transmit Control

• KEY-IN - Phono RCA Connector

  • Voltage Applied To The Transceiver Keying Output - Up To +12 V

  • Closed-Circuit Current Flow to the Transceiver Keying Output - Up To 6 mA

• KEY-OUT - Open-Drain Phono RCA Connector

  • Output Resistance: Not More Than 120 Ohms

  • Maximum Allowable Open-Circuit Voltage Coming From External Devices Connection: +50 V

  • Maximum Allowable Closed-Circuit Current Flow by External Devices: 20 mA

• Minimum Required Time of Sequencing Between Sending Request For Transmit (KEY-IN "Ground On Transmit" Signal) and Applying RF Drive Power at RF INPUT Connector or Safely Switching Receive to Transmit: 10ms (see transceiver manual)

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Size & Weight (operating, excluding connected cables)

• Amplifier (WHD): 16.9 x 7.5 x 16.8 inches (428 x 190 x 425mm) 48.2 lbs. (21.9 kg)

• Remote Control Unit (WHD): 8.1 x 3.7 x 5.7 inches (204 x 92 x 144mm), 1.9 lbs. (0.9 kg) 

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Operating environments

• Temperature range:  14 to 104 degrees F (-10 to +40 degrees Celsius)

• Relative air humidity: up to 95% @ 95 degrees F (+35 degrees Celsius)

• Height above sea level: up to 10000 ft. (3050 M) without output deterioration.

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Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility

• Complies With CE Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility Requirements, as well as with The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulations