Frequently Asked Questions

To watch a video tutorial please go to "Video" section.

AKTAKOM APS-7306 power supply has the ability to store 3 voltage and current values. The procedure for saving values is simple - enter, as described earlier, the voltage and current value, for example, 5 volts and 1 ampere and press the MEM and M1 button. Next, set the voltage and current value, for example, 12 volts and 2 amperes and press the MEM and M2 button. And for the 3rd time - set the voltage and current value, for example, 24 volts and 3.5 amperes and press the MEM and M3 button.
See Video Tutorial for real life application

The APS-7306(L/LS) power supply has two operating modes - voltage stabilization (CV) and current stabilization (CC). Voltage stabilization mode is the most commonly used operating mode. When we turn on the “output” button, in the voltage stabilization mode we see the set voltage value, and the current value will be equal to the measured one. If the current value constantly increases, then when the set maximum value is reached, power supply will automatically switch to current stabilization mode and reduce the output voltage.

Current stabilization mode is a mode in which the output voltage will be reduced so that the current does not exceed the set value. Therefore, you should always set the required maximum current value. If the required maximum current value is not set, then there will be no voltage at the output after pressing the “Output” button. Simply, when the current is set to zero, there should be zero voltage. We recommend that you always set the current to the minimum required. This will protect your electronic equipment from accidental short circuits during operation.

First connect the USB cable to the computer and when the program starts, the program finds and connects itself to the the APS-7306LS. It is important to remember that the APS-7306LS will remain without manual control until the APS-7306LS is turned off and turned on again without connecting to a computer via USB.

To operate the APS-7306LS DC Programmable Power Supply, there are variety of software options available. Please refer to Compatible Software section on this page or visit Software for Power Supplies with Remote Control.

In APS-7306(L/LS) DC Programmable Power Supply, for ease of use, when setting typical values, you can memorize up to 3 voltage and current values.

It’s easy to memorize the values - we enter the voltage and current values for example, 5 volts and 1 ampere and press the MEM and M1 button. Next, set a different value for voltage and current 12 volts and 2 amperes and press the MEM and M2 button and for the 3rd time - 24 volts and 3.5 amperes and press the MEM and M3 button.

The program has several blocks: the top block is setting up the program window and information buttons. You can close the clock, remove signatures, hide advertising. HELP can be called if necessary.

The Initialization Box shows the connected device - APS-7306LS.

The Measurement Box is a main window and shows the voltage and current values produced by Aktakom APS-7306LS. This box shows the operating mode - voltage stabilization CV or current stabilization CC.

The SetUp Box has buttons for entering values - manual numbers, buttons - up - down, slider - right - left, and quick setting of pre-specified values.

To enter pre-set values, you need to use the gear buttons. A window will open containing a list of preset values. This list can be edited. You need to use the buttons - change the value of the current line, add a new value to the list or remove a value from the list.

At the bottom of the program window we have a large button - exit.

Pressing it connects the load to the power supply output.

1. Connect the power supply to the local network using LAN connector.
2. Power on the device.
3. Open any Internet browser and enter the IP-address of the power supply in its address bar.

   

4. You should see a window to enter the login assigned to the power supply with AKTAKOM Net Configurator (ANC) program. By default the login window already contains the default login. After entering the login click "OK".

   

5. If the entered login is correct then the browser will display information about the power supply including network settings.

   

Sync input is a 2.5 mm audio jack stereo. The counterpart is a 2.5 mm audio jack plug. The scheme of this plug for synchronization signaling, see pic. 1.

Pic. 1

Pin1: Sync input
Pin2: Reserved
Pin3: Common wire

Parameters of the synchronization control pulse are shown in pic. 2.

Pic. 2

Note! In APS-7306LS power supply the signal of pin 2 input of the sync connector is also used to reset network settings to default. APS-3xxxLS power supplies do not use this signal.

Current parameters on AKTAKOM APS-7306 power supply display may not coincide with the program readings if there is no load connected to the device.

In order to ensure the safe operation of AKTAKOM APS-7306 power supply and the connected equipment the command to turn off the remote mode in the program does not work. To switch to local control turn the power off and then on again.

AKTAKOM power supplies use 2 types of protection.

In low end power supplies the current protection is provided mostly by "current stabilization" (CC) mode. When the load resistance decreases (or short circuit) the power supply reduces the output terminals voltage to the minimum level and remains in this condition until the load resistance appears on the terminals. When resistance appears, voltage (and current) will increase proportionally to the set value.

High end power supplies have also over current protection mode (or OCP mode) in addition to the current stabilization mode. OCP mode is activated regardless of current stabilization mode and allows you to set any current limit value at which the power supply will turn off the output terminals voltage. After the protection is activated the power supply terminals will stay off until some certain buttons on the device control panel are pressed, regardless of the load state.

Multi-channel power supplies use OCP options both for separate channels and for the total output current of the power supply.

Thus we may assume that devices without OCP mode use current stabilization mode for the current protection. In devices equipped with OCP mode the current protection works in the trigger mode.

However it should be noted that in both cases, when the protection is activated, the output terminals (and the load) are not galvanically isolated from the power supply.

1. Press both Tracking mode selection keys to enable parallel tracking mode. In parallel tracking mode CH2 output voltage and current value follows CH1 setting. The output current is double to the CH1 display value.
2. Use CH1 Voltage knob to adjust the desired voltage output value
3. CH1 Current knob to adjust the desired current output value.
4. Connect the circuit to the CH1 terminals to get double current output

Below is the illustration of parallel tracking mode

1. Press Tracking mode selection key (marked as 1 in the below picture) and release Tracking mode selection key (marked as 2) to enable series tracking mode. In series tracking mode CH2 output voltage and current value follows CH1 setting. The output voltage is double to CH1 display value.
   
   
2. Turn CH2 Current knob clockwise to maximum current output and then use CH1 Current knob to adjust the desired current output value.
3. Use CH1 Voltage knob to adjust the desired voltage output value.
4. Connect the circuit to CH1 “+” terminal and CH2 “-” terminal to get double voltage output
5. For the bi-polar DC power supply with common ground connect CH2 “+” terminal to “GND” grounding terminal. CH1 “+” terminal is the positive output and CH2 “-” terminal is the negative output

Below is the illustration of series tracking mode

Here is the illustration of Bi-polar tracking mode

At full load 60 V and 10 A (600 W DC) AKTAKOM APS-3610 DC power supply consumes 110 V and 10.4 A, ie 1144 VA.

1. If OUTPUT indicator is red than press LOAD button. In that case OUTPUT indicator should go out and the current indicator will display the set current value.
2. Adjust VOLTAGE adjustment rotary switches in order to obtain the maximum allowable load voltage on the power supply output. If in the operating mode the load resistance change will cause the excess of the specified voltage limit, the power supply will automatically switch to the voltage stabilization mode with setting on terminals «+» and «-» of the preset voltage value limit, and the output current will proportionally fall.
3. By using CURRENT rotary switch set the maximum allowable current value (current limit value) for your load.
4. Connect the load to the power supply and press LOAD button. OUTPUT indicator should become red.
5. Before you disconnect the load press LOAD button. OUTPUT indicator will go out.
6. Before switching off the power supply, disconnect the load.

1. If OUTPUT indicator is red than press LOAD button. In that case OUTPUT indicator should go out and the current indicator will display the set current value.
2. By using VOLTAGE adjustment rotary switch set the required output voltage (at the same time nothing should be connected to the output terminals «+» and «-»).
3. By using CURRENT rotary switch set the maximum allowable current value (current limit value) for your load. If in the operating mode the load resistance change will cause the excess of the specified current limit, the power supply will automatically switch to the current stabilization mode and the output voltage will proportionally fall.
4. Connect the load to the power supply and press LOAD button. OUTPUT indicator should become red.
5. Before you disconnect the load press LOAD button. OUTPUT indicator will go out.
6. Before switching off the power supply, disconnect the load.

Connection to the PC is made via USB or LAN located on the rear panel of APS-3320L. The first connection to your PC should be made via USB interface. This will help to install the network parameters of your local network for the connection to the power supply. Installation instruction for the network parameters is given in HELP file.

1. For the device automatic search and connection it is not recommended to run AKTAKOM Power Manager Software after the PC installation but at first to connect the USB cable of APS-3320L to the PC and then to run the program agreeing with the device automatic search. You may connect your AKTAKOM power supply to the PC manually, see HELP file.

2. Please note! When you run AKTAKOM Power Manager Software for the first time it will require an access key. This key can be received (copied) at www.tmatlantic.com after APS-3320L registration. The key can be entered later, see Settings/Pass key menu. If you do not enter the key after you run the software this program will operate in demo-mode.

3. State (status) of the AKTAKOM power supply remote control is indicated on the front panel with the connection indicator:

• in the manual control mode – the indicator is OFF,
• USB cable is connected (operation via USB) – the indicator is red,
• LAN cable is connected (USB cable is disconnected) – the indicator is green,
• there is “connected” mode set in the program (the device is operating in the remote control mode, the manual control is OFF) – the indicator is blinking in green or red color.

4. After interface connection, the network cable connection and active work of the local network the indicators of LAN socket should be blinking. Note: when you operate via LAN you need to DISCONNECT the USB cable.

5. USB interface takes priority. After you connect the USB cable the power supply can be controlled via the PC and the program connected via USB.

6. Please note! Be careful! Disconnection of the USB or LAN cable or the controlling program will return the voltage and current values which were set manually using «LOAD» button and the rotary switches on the front panel (Fig 1, 11,12.13.). Always before entering the remote control mode it’s recommended to switch off «LOAD» button.

If you have any questions concerning the use of interfaces or the software check the detailed description and the section with frequently asked questions at www.tmatlantic.com and www.aktakom.com.

AKTAKOM Power Manager (APM) Software offers wide opportunities for controlling the output voltage and stabilization current both in arbitrary (manual) and in functional modes. Functional control is a powerful APM software tool which allows you not only to automatically control the power supply via your computer but also to program it for the off-line mode operation in accordance with the predetermined algorithm. Functional control mode in APM software allows you to automatically control the output parameters (voltage or current) of the power supply according to the law set by the graphical and tabular editors. In the convenient graphical editor user may set 10 standard forms of parameter changes (including: sine, square, triangle, saw, flash, pulse, 2 types of exponent, 2 types of S-curves) as well as any arbitrary shape which can be described with a formula.

1. The software has no physical media (CD) and can be downloaded at www.tmatlantic.com after registering the equipment with a serial number. Therefore follow Product registration link on www.tmatlantic.com
2. PC installation of AKTAKOM Power Manager Software is instructed on www.tmatlantic.com and www.aktakom.com
3. Please note! When you run AKTAKOM Power Manager Software for the first time it will require an access key. This key can be received (copied) at www.tmatlantic.com after the product registration. The key can be entered later, see Settings/Pass key menu.

There is no web-interface remote control feature for this power supply. To control the power supply remotely use the software provided in the standard accessory kit for the device.

Yes they have.
Almost all modern power supplies have two operation modes: voltage stabilization mode and current stabilization mode. In case of short circuit the power supply automatically switches from the output voltage stabilization mode to the output current stabilization mode, and the output voltage starts proportionally dropping. At the same time the current in the load connected to the power supply will be limited with the value set with the screwdriver slot used to adjust the output current value on the front panel of the power supply. For the best protection it is recommended to set a low current value. In case of short circuit the current in the connected load will be limited with the value set on the power supply.

AKTAKOM power supplies can’t be used for accumulator charging since it may cause the accumulator breakage (recharge, electrolyte boiling, extra pressure of the internal gas which will lead to the accumulator explosion). Accumulators should be charged with the current source which controls the accumulator voltage and regulates the charging current accordingly. When the required accumulator voltage is achieved such type of source simply stops the charging process, its name is a charging device.

It’s not recommended to connect “+” or “-” to “ground” terminal!

Press “Timer’ → “Delay Set” to enter the delay parameter setting interface as shown in the figure below. The channel currently selected is displayed in the status bar. Press the channel selection keys at the front panel to switch the channel currently selected. This interface provides delay parameter preview. User can view the values on the current page of the delay parameter list (high level indicates turning on the output and low level indicates turning off the output).

You can set the delay parameters in the delay parameter setting interface following the steps below.

1. To Set the Number of Output Groups
2. To Set the Number of Cycles
3. To Set the End State
4. To Edit the Delay Parameters
5. To Set the Stop Condition
6. To Save and Read the Delay File

Press “Timer’ → “Delay Set” to enter the delay parameter setting interface as shown in the figure below. The channel currently selected is displayed in the status bar. Press the channel selection keys at the front panel to switch the channel currently selected. This interface provides delay parameter preview. User can view the values on the current page of the delay parameter list (high level indicates turning on the output and low level indicates turning off the output).

You can set the delay parameters in the delay parameter setting interface following the steps below.

1. To Set the Number of Output Groups
2. To Set the Number of Cycles
3. To Set the End State
4. To Edit the Delay Parameters
5. To Set the Stop Condition
6. To Save and Read the Delay File

Press “Timer” → “Timer Set” to enter the timer parameter setting interface as shown in the figure below. The channel currently selected is displayed in the status bar.

You can press the channel selection keys at the front panel to switch the channel currently selected. This interface provides timer parameter preview; user can view the values on the current page of the timer parameter list (the horizontal axis denotes time and the vertical axis denotes voltage and current).

You can set the timer parameters in the timer parameter setting interface following the steps below:

1. To Set the Number of Output Groups
2. To Set the Number of Cycles
3. To Set the End State
4. To Edit the Timer Parameters
5. To Save and Read the Timer File

Press “Timer” → “Timer Set” to enter the timer parameter setting interface as shown in the figure below. The channel currently selected is displayed in the status bar.

You can press the channel selection keys at the front panel to switch the channel currently selected. This interface provides timer parameter preview; user can view the values on the current page of the timer parameter list (the horizontal axis denotes time and the vertical axis denotes voltage and current).

You can set the timer parameters in the timer parameter setting interface following the steps below:

1. To Set the Number of Output Groups
2. To Set the Number of Cycles
3. To Set the End State
4. To Edit the Timer Parameters
5. To Save and Read the Timer File

The voltage of the instrument under test can be measured if the wires are connected together just like it’s shown in the picture below. The power supply can be worked as a voltmeter as long as it is not measuring the resistance. The accuracy of the voltmeter is 5 ½.

The power supply provides the four-line electrical resistance measurement, just as showed in the diagram below, which can measure accurately the low resistance and the maximum measurement resistance is 10Ω. In order to avoid the damage of the resistance under test, please make sure the resistance under test is within the measurement range.

Three measurement ranges can be optional: 0.1Ω, 1Ω, 10Ω.

Operation Method:

1) Press the keys Shift and V/mΩ (VFD display screen shows----,----mΩ, Range:0.1Ω) to measure the resistance.

2) Press the keys Shift and 0.1Ω or 1Ω or 10Ω to set different measurement range of Milliohmmeter.

When the load consumes high current, the power supply will produce voltage drop in the connecting wire between power supply and load terminals. In order to guarantee the measurement accuracy, remote measurement terminals is installed at the rear-panel of the power supply. Users can measure the output terminals voltage of the instrument under test by these terminals.

Before performing the remote measurement function, you need to set the power supply as the remote measurement mode.

Please refer to the below diagram for the trigger terminals and measurement terminals.

-S and +S are remote measurement terminals; TRQ and TRI are trigger terminals, GND is ground terminal.

The TRQ is trigger output port under auto test mode. The TRQ is default as low voltage level. The TRQ provides +5V for external use when the trigger event happens.

As a multifunction extended port, TRI port is designed for trigger test in the list mode and auto test mode, TRI is also used to switch the ON/OFF state and used as TRI KeepOut port. The TRI is default as high voltage level of +5V. The TRI completes trigger when it change to low voltage level.

Current protection value setup is too small. You could press output switch and then make OCP on.

Current setup is too small.

Current setup is 0.

The panel is locked. Press the key [LOCK/UNLOCK] for over 2 seconds, and then the panel will unlock.

As for any other network device MAC address (Media Access Control, a device physical address in the network) can be determined by standard means of the operating system such as getmac, nbtstat, ping and arp.

But for a device connected via network to APM program there is a method much simpler. Open “About the program…” (in Help menu) and read the device MAC address in «HW MAC» line.

There can be two ways of connection: via USB interface or via LAN interface (TCP/IP protocol).

1) Connection via USB

Open Settings window (in Settings main window – Settings panel or just Ctrl+O keys). Go to Connection and Presets tab. Select the right device type you need in the list of models and click “Detect”:

After the scanning select the device you need in the list of detected devices and click “Connect”:

Now the device is connected to the program and ready for further operation.

2) TCP/IP connection

Network connection requires one prior stage: the device socket should be added.

In Settings window go to Network Sockets, enter the device IP-address into Name column in accordance with its network settings. Check Port and Login columns, they should correspond with the device settings as well. Click “Add”:

A line with the device network settings will be added to the network sockets list.

Afterwards do the steps similar to the connection via USB.

The program automatically reads the serial numbers of all devices found. To detect the device open Settings window, go to Connection and Presets tab, select the right device type you need in the list of models and click “Detect”:

In the list of detected devices you will see all names and serial numbers of the devices found.

After you select one of the detected devices and connect it to the program its serial number will be displayed in the program main window title.

Device USB driver can be installed in several stages.

At the first stage files necessary for the driver installation should be copied to the PC hard disk. It happens during APM program installation. At this moment the device shouldn’t be connected to the PC USB port.

When the installation is completed the installer will suggest connecting the device via USB, afterwards it will start installing the copied driver files into the operating system.

If you missed this stage or for some reason driver auto installation failed you may install the driver manually in an ordinary way for Windows any time in the future. In this case connect the device to your PC, wait for Add New Hardware Wizard and specify the path to the driver files on the installation disk or in the working folder of the installed program, for example: «C:\Program Files (x86)\AKTAKOM\AKTAKOM Power Manager\Driver».

These amplifiers require bipolar power supply +15 V.

In APS-3205 (APS-3203) such bipolar power supply is provided by the connection of output sockets of two different channels in order to get a general output (pic.1). Such a connection is very similar to the connection of two batteries to get a general power output (pic.2).

It’s recommended to choose tracking – control mode in the power unit. In that case supply voltage change will be made simultaneously in two channels of the power supply and voltage in two amplifier arms will be the same respectively.

To change voltage and current values use "V SET", "I SET" buttons and adjusting knob as shown below: