[Amps] FW: alpha 9500

[Kevin]

I thought Dishtronix bought TenTec and that RKR were continuing with 
Alpha. Why would Dishtronics know anything about your 9500?

Dishtronix has their own problems. Did you ask about TenTec? They were 
supposed to have restarted production of the TenTec OMNI VII at the 
beginning of 2016. Nothing yet.


On 9/17/2016 10:23 AM, Arthur Movius wrote:
> 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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-- 
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
ARRL
FISTS #11993
SKCC #215
NAQCC #3441


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