[Amps] FW: alpha 9500

[Arthur Movius]

Hello Steve,

For what it may be worth, here's a brief summary of my recent 
experience.  Your inquiry is timely.

Yesterday, Sept. 16, 2016 I received an email from Alpha RF Systems, LLC 
that my 9500 delivered to Longmont, CO on June 10 for warranty repair 
(RA 11050) of a failed band pot, plus any upgrades, was completed.  I 
called owner Mike Dishop of Dishtronix Tuesday Sept. 13, explained that 
my amp had been at Alpha for 95 days, and had a nice 20 minute 
conversation with him.  He said that he has been involved with Alpha a 
short time and that he would follow up.

The bill shows 2 hours warranty time and 3 hours non-warranty time at 
$120.00 / hour for a total bill of $512.50 including $105.00 shipping 
cost via Fed Ex Home Delivery back to MT.  The bill also shows a $35.00 
charge for a Hall Effect sensor to replace the failed band pot--the 
reason for the warranty repair.

Other work:   re-calibration of band positions, installation of a fuse 
in the cathode 40v circuit, update of all firmware (5 microprocessors), 
tested amp on all bands, checked tuning and output.  The amp and tube 
condition were reported as good.

Conclusion:  at the present time Alpha is "under resourced" regarding 
repairs.  I had asked whether billed work gets priority over warranty 
work and was told by Carol who answers calls that repairs are done in 
the order received.  Glenn Pladsen their one full time tech says he has 
only part time help.

There are others who repair Alpha reputed to be competent, so you have 
other options to investigate besides the manufacturer.

Bottom line, which I will think about--no hasty decision--is that I will 
pack up the transformer and sell this amp when it returns without 
opening the factory carton.  Good service after the sale is important 
and strongly affects purchase decisions, and here, no criticism of Alpha 
employees intended, Alpha disappoints--this is not the Alpha I knew when 
the amp was purchased in 2013.  Also, my order for the Dream Tuner 
placed Feb. 2013 might soon be cancelled.  There is reason to doubt 
whether this good idea will ever make it to market.  As mentioned to 
Mike Dishop, the Alpha brand will suffer damage if he does not take 
corrective  action soon.  Reviews of the Prometheus solid state HF amp 
give Dishtronix high praise for a good product and good service after 
the sale.

GL Steve es 73,

A. J. (Jim) Movius, K7AJM

>
>
>
> What’s the latest on Alpha?  I need my 9500 amp fixed.
>
> 73
>
> Steve k7awb
> Nine mile falls, wa
>
>
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