Safety Precautions The following are general safety precautions that are not necessarily related to any specific part or pro- cedure, and do not necessarily appear elsewhere in this publication. These precautions must be thor- oughly understood and apply to all phases of operation and maintenance. WARNING Keep Away From Live Circuits Operating Personnel must at all times observe general safety precautions.
CAUTION Caution notes call attention to a procedure, which if not correctly performed, could result in damage to the instrument. This symbol indicates that a shock hazard exists if the precau- tions in the instruction manual are not followed. The caution symbol appears on the equipment indicating there is important information in the instruction manual regarding that particular area.
Caution Statements The following equipment cautions appear in the text and are repeated here for emphasis. CAUTION Incorrect hose connections will reverse coolant flow and could destroy the load. On page 5. CAUTION Different control systems are used for 115 Vac and 230 Vac. Use the correct interlock control for the specific voltage.
Safety Statements USAGE ANY USE OF THIS INSTRUMENT IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER MAY IMPAIR THE INSTRUMENT’S SAFETY PROTECTION. EL USO DE ESTE INSTRUMENTO DE MANERA NO ESPECIFICADA POR EL FABRICANTE, PUEDE ANULAR LA PROTECCIÓN DE SEGURIDAD DEL INSTRUMENTO. BENUTZUNG WIRD DAS GERÄT AUF ANDERE WEISE VERWENDET ALS VOM HERSTELLER BESCHRIEBEN, KANN DIE GERÄTESICHERHEIT BEEINTRÄCHTIGT WERDEN.
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SERVICE SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR USE BY SERVICE - TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY. TO AVOID DANGEROUS ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING UNLESS QUALIFIED TO DO SO. SERVICIO LAS INSTRUCCIONES DE SERVICIO SON PARA USO EXCLUSIVO DEL PERSONAL DE SERVICIO CAPACITADO. PARA EVITAR EL PELIGRO DE DESCARGAS ELÉCTRICAS, NO REALICE NINGÚN SERVICIO A MENOS QUE ESTÉ...
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CONNECT INTERLOCK TO TRANSMITTER BEFORE OPERATING. BRANCHER LE VERROUILLAGE À L'ÉMETTEUR AVANT EMPLOI. CONECTE EL INTERBLOQUEO AL TRANSMISOR ANTES DE LA OPERACION. VOR INBETRIEBNAHME VERRIEGELUNG AM SENDER ANSCHLIESSEN. PRIMA DI METTERE IN FUNZIONE L'APPARECCHIO, COLLEGARE IL DISPOSITIVO DI BLOCCO AL TRASMETTITORE.
About This Manual This manual covers the operating and maintenance instructions for the following models: 8730A 8731 8738A 8732A 8738A110 Changes to this Manual We have made every effort to ensure this manual is accurate. If you discover any errors, or if you have suggestions for improving this manual, please send your comments to our Solon, Ohio factory.
Chapter 1 Introduction Bird 8730 Series Econoloads are compact, nonradiating, low reflection termi- nations for medium power RF lines. They dissipate up to 10 kW with a VSWR of less than 1.1:1 from 1 kHz to 1000 MHz. Features Useable with CW, AM, FM, SSB, and TV modulation, and certain pulse types.
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Introduction Figure 1 8730 Series Econoload Outline Drawing...
Chapter 2 Theory Of Operation Resistor Bird 8730 Series Econoloads consist of a thin-film-on-ceramic resistor immersed in externally-supplied coolant. The coolant flows directly over the resistor instead of using an intermediate heat transfer system, reducing the load size to a minimum. After passing over the entire length of the resistor, the coolant leaves the load and can either be discarded or cooled in a heat exchanger and reused.
Chapter 3 Installation This chapter provides information on site requirements, unpacking, inspec- tion, and preparing the Bird 8730 Series Econoload for use. Unpacking and Inspection 1. Carefully inspect shipping container for signs of damage. 2. Do one of the following: If the shipping container is damaged, do not unpack the unit.
Installation Interlock (Optional) WARNING Disconnect the unit from all power sources before servicing. The unit may be energized from multiple sources. The potential for electric shock exists. WARNING Improper wiring could result in electric shock and death. CAUTION If installed, connect optional interlock before applying RF power. CAUTION Different control systems are used for 115 Vac and 230 Vac.
Installation Thermoswitch (8732A Only) (Optional) Installing the Thermoswitch CAUTION If installed, connect optional interlock before applying RF power. Note: The 8732A, only, can be equipped with an optional interlock thermoswitch, P/N 2450-095-x. 1. Stand the unit with the water connectors up to prevent spills. 2.
Installation Connecting the RF Power After installing the Econoload, the RF transmission line can be attached using standard coaxial line coupling kits. WARNING Never attempt to connect or disconnect RF equipment from the transmission line while RF power is being applied. Leaking RF energy is a potential health hazard.
Installation Using a Slotted Connector Sleeve (for Model 8738A110) To couple the slotted connector, use an appropriate coupling kit. 1. Insert the center bullet and bottom it on the center conductor. 2. Position a clamping band over the input connector. 3.
Chapter 4 Operating Instructions Operation without Interlock Normal Operation CAUTION Do not interrupt coolant supply. Even momentary application of RF power while coolant is not circulating could cause immediate destruction of the load. 1. Turn on the coolant supply. Note: Minimum flow rate is 4 gal/min (15 L/min) at 5 °C (40 °F). The minimum flow increases linearly up to 6 gal/min (23 L/min) at 60 °C (140 °F.) 2.
Operating Instructions Shutdown Shutting Down 1. Turn off RF power at the source. 2. Wait at least five minutes for the Econoload to cool. 3. Turn off ac power to the interlock control box. 4. Turn off the water supply. Always do this last. Emergency Shutdown Turn off RF power at the source.
Chapter 5 Maintenance Troubleshooting The table below contains troubleshooting information for problems which can occur during normal operation. This manual cannot list all malfunctions that may occur, or their corrective actions. If a problem is not listed or is not cor- rected by the listed actions, notify a qualified service center.
Maintenance DC Resistance Measuring the dc resistance between the inner and outer conductors of the RF connector shows changes in the load over time, a good check of the resistor’s condition. Under normal operating conditions, the resistor should provide at least 5,000 hours of operation before requiring any additional service.
Maintenance Replacing the Flow Switch 1. Turn off the RF power and interlock circuitry. 2. Disconnect the RF line and AC line. 3. Disconnect the water flow switch leads at the control box. 4. Remove the defective switch and replace it.. 5.
Maintenance Servicing the Resistor The load is designed to be quickly and easily repaired in the field. If a signifi- cant change in the dc resistance is noted or if the resistor should fail, inexpen- sive replacement resistors are available. WARNING Disconnect the unit from all power sources before servicing.
Maintenance Removing the Resistor Numbers in brackets [ ] refer to the labeled parts in Figure 7. Parts may appear slightly different than what is shown for some models. 1. Disconnect the load from the RF line and the interlock control box, remove the water hoses, and drain off any water still in the load.
7. Replace the outer conductor and screw it into place. Storage and Shipment Storing the Load Resistor Cover Bird 8730 Loads before storing to keep out dust and dirt. It is not necessary to install the shipping plug. Store in a dry, dust-free environment where the ambient temperature will remain between –40 and +45 °C (–40 to +113 °F).
If you need to return the unit for any reason, request an RMA through the Bird Technologies website (link shown below). All instruments returned must be shipped prepaid and to the attention of the RMA number.
Maintenance Specifications Frequency Range 8730A DC - 1000 MHz 8731 1 kHz - 1000 MHz 8732A DC - 45 MHz 8738A 1 kHz – 1000 MHz Power Rating All models except 8732A 10 kW average 8732A Depends on flow rate. See table below. Power Min Flow Thermoswitch Thermoswitch...
Maintenance Replacement Parts Bird 8730A, 8732A, and 8738A Description Part No. Resistor Assembly 8738A072 Water Chamber Assembly 8738A052 Hose Connector 5-065-2 Housing, Rear 8738A071 Housing, Front 8738A054 ⁄ Socket Head Cap Screw, 8-32 x " 1118-1208-00 ⁄ Socket Set Screw, 10-32 x "...
Limited Warranty All products manufactured by Seller are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year, unless otherwise specified, from date of ship- ment and to conform to applicable specifications, drawings, blueprints and/or samples. Seller’s sole obligation under these warranties shall be to issue credit, repair or replace any item or part thereof which is proved to be other than as warranted;...
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