Note
The SGC SG-500 SmartPowerCube™ is a professional-grade HF linear power amplifier designed to provide a maximum output of 500 watts PEP. It is engineered to operate reliably and essentially unattended under demanding environmental conditions. The amplifier is highly versatile and can be driven by virtually any HF transceiver providing an input drive level up to 150 watts PEP. Because of its compact footprint (less than one cubic foot), it is suitable for desktop, mobile, and maritime installations.
Features
– Microprocessor-Controlled Monitoring: The unit is fully managed by an internal microprocessor that dynamically monitors all critical amplifier parameters.
– Comprehensive Protection: It features "bullet-proof" protection against common system faults, automatically defending against high VSWR, under-voltage, over-current, high temperatures, amplifier module current imbalances, and out-of-band frequency inputs.
– Visual Status Display: A front-panel bank of microprocessor-controlled LED indicators provides real-time status updates and explicitly flags any operational faults.
– Rugged Construction: All circuit assemblies are encased within a massive die-cast special aluminum alloy casting that serves as an effective chassis and convection heatsink.
– Transistor Configuration: The amplifier incorporates eight MRF454 final power transistors that are conservatively rated to deliver maximum performance with minimal component stress.
– Automated Operation: It supports automated PTT keying modes (via a manual PTT line or automatic RF sensing) and fully automatic input filter band selection. The nominal band switching time is 15 milliseconds or less, making the unit ideal for remote or unattended operation sites.
Specifications
– Power Output: 500 W PEP SSB, 500 W CW 10 min. maximum w/o fan / 500 W CW no time limit w/fan (at 50% duty cycle) / 250 W AM carrier max.
– Operating Modes: SSB, CW, RTTY, SITOR, ALE, SSTV, AM at 250 W.
– Frequency Range: 1.8–24 MHz (1.6 - 30 MHz in export version)
– Power Input: 30 to 60 watts (automatic or preset) 60 - 150 watts
– Band Switching: Manual (automatic in export version)
– Cooling: Natural air convection (optional cooling fan available)
– T/R Switching: 10 msec. nominal
– Keying: PTT line (manual) or RF sensed (automatic)
– Protection:
Input overdrive
Under voltage (adjustable - factory default 10.0 VDC)
Out-of-band frequency input
Amplifier module current imbalance
Over-current
High temperature
High VSWR
Built In Test Equip: Microprocessor controlled LED fault indicators
Dimensions:
4.9" H x 12.0" D x 10.8" W (Body only)
6.1" H x 13.2" D x 10.8" W (w/feet)
9.75" H (w/optional fan)
Power requirements
Input Voltage: 14.0 VDC (input range 10.0–18.0 VDC)
Input Current: 40 A average (SSB), 90 A peak
Installation & Power Warnings
Power Supply Advice: SGC strongly advises against using any switched-mode or analog regulated power supplies with the SG-500, noting they can exhibit instability in high RF fields and produce devastating over-voltage conditions.
SGC recommends a dedicated, heavy-duty unregulated 14 VDC linear power supply like the SGC PS-50, or floating a 100-Ah deep-cycle marine/RV battery alongside a charger.
Antenna Capabilities: Due to the high 500-watt output levels, operators must ensure that their antenna systems can safely handle the load. SGC suggests using an antenna network designed to handle at least 1 kW, as lower-rated antennas (500 watts or less) are prone to component overheating and sudden failure.
