Specifications

Document 12245 Rev. I Sheet 33 of 39
When queried or set, a signed analog value is passed in this message. This value is the offset (in dB) to get
the Pout reading to agree with a power meter connected to the output. Note that this value is in dB,
regardless of the Power Units setting.
This offset can be set to any value between -6.0 to +6.0 dB, in 0.1 dB steps.
3.9.10 Reflected Power Calibration Offset (17 5B)
This offset allows the operator to adjust the reflected power measurement made by the amplifier to agree with
more accurate measurement equipment. The reflected power detector is calibrated at a single frequency at
the factory. At different frequencies, there may be an error in the Prefl reading due to the frequency response
of the detector diode and the coupler. The Prefl Cal Offset allows the operator to enter a correction factor (in
dB) to compensate for this error when operating at different frequencies.
Normally this would be done by first calibrating the Output Power reading to a power meter attached to the
amplifier’s output; and then placing a shorting plate on the amplifier’s output and adjusting the Reflected
Power Calibration Offset such that the reflected power reading is equal to the output power reading.
This offset is added to the raw reflected power reading from the detector. If the Reflected Measurement Type
is set for VSWR or Return Loss, the offset is applied to reflected power BEFORE computing the
measurement.
If you change the calibration offset, and the Reflected Power Fault Limit now falls outside of its range (based
on the new offset), the Reflected Power Fault Limit will be DISABLED.
This setting can be set from -6.0 to +6.0 dB, in 0.1 dB increments.
This setting defaults to 0.0 dB, and is stored in non-volatile memory.
NOTE: VertexRSI SSPA amplifiers are capable of operating into infinite VSWR at full power without damage.
3.9.11 Local/Remote Settings (17 5F)
This message controls the value of two distinct functions: “Local Mode Warning” and “Remote Disables
Local.” Two enumerated bytes may be sent or received in this message:
B
LOCAL_WARNING_SETTING
= 30 for Disabled
31 for Enabled
3F to leave unchanged (when setting).
B
REMOTE_DISABLES_LOCAL_SETTING
= 30 for No
31 for Yes
3F to leave unchanged (when setting).
3.9.11.1 “Local Mode Warning” Enable/Disable
The Local Mode Warning exists to remind the operator to return the amplifier to Remote Mode if they change
it while working on the amplifier. Most systems should be run in Remote mode, which allows Serial I/O and
optional Parallel I/O control of the amplifier. Local Mode allows an operator to control the amplifier manually
from its local control panel. In the case of SSPAs which do not have a built-in control panel, this would be
from a connected RCP-2001 Remote Control Panel. (Despite its name, the RCP-2001 is considered “local” to
the SSPA.) If you have an RCP-2001 and do not wish to remotely control your amplifier, you may wish to
leave it in Local Mode. If you wish to use Local Mode exclusively, you should disable the Local Mode
Warning.
3.9.11.2 “Remote Disables Local” Setting
You can set the amplifier so that the “local” controls (on a connected RCP-2001 Remote Control Panel) do
not function while the amplifier is in Remote Mode. This is called “Remote Disables Local”. If this setting is
ON (set to “YES”), the operator may not change anything from the “local” RCP-2001 front panel without first
setting the amplifier to Local Mode.