[Amps] Alpha 9500 questions

[Michael Tope]

FWIW, if you go to the "about" tab on the Alpha RF Systems webpage, 
there is a link at the bottom to a job advertisement for a repair 
technician:
         https://www.alpharfsystems.com/?page_id=1534

The ad is dated May 28, 2020:
         https://www.tentec.com/job-openings/

73, Mike W4EF.........................................................


On 7/26/2020 11:33 AM, Robert wrote:
> Bob,
>
> The ONLY amp I've regretting selling was an Alpha, a 76A, modified with pair
> of 3CXP800s & HD (slightly higher voltage) Peter Dahl Xmer.
>
> Presently have Alpha 89 sitting in my shop waiting on $26 part from Alpha.
> Alpha has been in lock down for months now.
> My last email has gone unanswered.   On the 89 design, leave it to Alpha to
> come up with a design that shorts out part of the RF Choke in B+....
> I understand the thought, not impressed.
>
> Here is part of their web page (Under tab Store):
>
> "COVOD-19 CLOSURE NOTICE
> The Governors of TN, CO and OH have ordered the business closed due to
> COVID-19 Pandemic State of Emergency.
> Effective 3/23/20 We are closed until further notice.
> We will not be shipping product, doing repairs or selling parts and
> accessories during this time.
> We may not answer emails or telephones during this time as everyone will be
> at home."
>
> IMHO, Alpha has struggled since failed whatever/law suit with a/the
> Bulgarians
>
> As far as the 9500, nice amp.  If you read Rob Sherwood's papers, the solid
> state amps being put on market don't have the signal quality of tube.
> Be prepared for rough times getting it repaired - when that's needed.
> Alpha can't repair or send repair parts out today
>
> 73 W5AJ
>
> Robert
> Midland, Texas
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Amps [mailto:amps-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bob
> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2020 12:21 PM
> To: amps at contesting.com
> Subject: [Amps] Alpha 9500 questions
>
> Thinking of acquiring a 9500. but first need to learn a few things. someone
> help me with these questions?
>
>   
>
> What are the "updates/upgrades have been done" that I often see along with a
> "for sale" ad??   it seems to include (but not limited to):
>
>   
>
> What is/are the xfmr/blower/hall effect upgrades made and why are/were they
> done?  What do they fix/prevent?
>
>   
>
> What others besides the above are out there?
>
>   
>
> When did they begin including these into production, at what serial
> numbers/years?
>
>   
>
> How important are they?
>
>   
>
> How easily done are they ?
>
>   
>
> Is the firmware archived somewhere to that it can be reproduced to replace a
> controller if needed?
>
> The 87A I have seems to be crippled if this occurs, as I understand there
> was no archive kept of the firmware and you can end up with a brick.
> Apparently some of the devices used have limited write cycles as well and
> are now beginning to crap out.
>
>   
>
> -bob, w9zv
>
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