Wilcoxon Research® PA8HF power amplifier Operating guide Meggitt Sensing Systems 20511 Seneca Meadows Parkway, Germantown MD 20876, USA Meggitt (Maryland), Inc d/b/a Meggitt Sensing Systems 97012 Rev C.1 4/13 Tel: +1 (301) 330-8811 Tel: +1 800 WILCOXON Fax: +1 (301) 330-8873 www.meggittsensingsystems.com www.meggitt.
Contents Safety section Safety summary 1.0 Product description 1.1 Front panel 1.2 Rear panel 2.0 Operation of the power amplifier 2.1 Using the power amplifier with an electromagnetic shaker 2.2 Using the power amplifier with a piezoelectric shaker 2.3 Matching networks 3.0 Initial system setup 3.1 AC line power 3.2 Signal input 3.3 The power amplifier, matching network, and shaker cables 4.0 Operation 4.1 Applying power 4.2 Test operation 5.0 Maintenance 6.0 Technical assistance 6.
WARNING: OPERATION OF THIS AMPLIFIER IS SAFE WHEN THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL ARE READ THOROUGHLY BEFORE THIS SYSTEM IS CONNECTED TO ELECTRICAL POWER. PARTICULAR ATTENTION MUST BE PAID TO THE SAFETY SECTION OF THIS MANUAL. IT IS THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO SAFELY SET UP, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE SYSTEM. REPLACE FUSES ONLY WITH THE SAME TYPE AND RATING AS INDICATEDIN THIS OPERATING GUIDE. WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Safety summary 1. Make sure that the power amplifier is properly grounded to a good earth ground. 2. Make sure that any piezoelectric shaker being driven is properly grounded to a good earth ground. 3. Disconnect the power cord at its source before connecting or removing power amplifier cables. 4. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the power amplifier cover. No userserviceable parts are inside. Refer all servicing issues to Meggitt Sensing Systems. 5.
1.0 Product description The PA8HF is a single-channel, rack-mountable power amplifier designed to high performance standards. The PA8HF develops a maximum of 800 watts of power into a 4 Ohm load. The amplifier will drive the full range of Wilcoxon Research shakers, with the ability to drive the larger shakers to the full performance limits of the shakers.
1.2 Rear Panel 1.2.1 Line cord socket: The power amplifier is powered from the AC line using a standard power cord terminating in an IEC320 socket in the power amplifier chassis. 1.2.2 Power/circuit breaker (mains): The PA8HF amplifier uses a magnetic-trip circuit breaker to protect the amplifier. This switch should be ‘OFF’ during the time the shaker test system is being connected. When switched ‘OFF’, all A/C power is removed from the amplifier, including standby power.
2.0 Operation of the power amplifier Meggitt Sensing Systems manufactures a comprehensive line of vibration generating systems, including electromagnetic and piezoelectric shakers. Electromagnetic shakers are powered directly from the output of the power amplifier. However, piezoelectric shakers require a matching network between the power amplifier and the shaker. A signal source to drive the power amplifier is not part of the system and must be supplied by the user.
networks at frequencies less than 500 Hz. Piezoelectric shakers have little or no useful output at low frequencies. 2.3 Matching networks The operating guide for the particular matching network used will provide detailed information for the proper use of matching networks. However, information in this section is presented to aid the user in understanding and applying matching networks.
3.0 Initial system setup Note: All cables should be installed and connections should be completed before switching the power/circuit breaker switch to "ON." 3.1 AC line power The power amplifier is wired at the factory for either 120 VAC or 230 VAC. This AC voltage power wiring is not changeable by the user. The AC power source should be capable of providing a minimum of 20amps at 120 VAC or 13 amps at 230VAC.
4.0 Operation 4.1 Applying power Verify the AC voltage is correct and all necessary cables are securely attached. Switch the power/circuit breaker switch to the "ON" position. Push the front panel power switch and observe the LED turning from unlit to red (mute). When the power supply has stabilized the amplifier will come out of mute and the LED will change to green (normal operation). Note: If the power indicator color remains red, a fault condition exists within the power amplifier or output circuit.
5.0 Maintenance WARNING: Lethal voltages are present within the chassis of the power amplifier whenever AC power is connected. Users should not attempt repair operations on components of the power amplifier. A great deal of care has gone into every power amplifier to verify that it meets or exceeds all its specifications before it is shipped to you. If you are certain the problem lies in the power amplifier, check first to determine if the power indicator is illuminated.
6.0 Technical assistance 6.1 Technical assistance For technical assistance, please contact Meggitt Sensing Systems customer service at 301-330-8811 or email techasst@meggitt.com. 6.2 Customer service To obtain a return materials authorization number, please contact customer service at 301-330-8811, or fax to 301-330-8873.
