[CQ-Contest] Alpha 87A Issues

[Dick Green WC1M]

Try running the amp without the serial port connected to the computer. 

It's conceivable that there's noise on the cable that randomly looks like the standby command. Be sure to disconnect the cable completely from the amp. I've had a situation with another amp, an Acom 2000a, where the serial port spewed garbage to the amp when the control software wasn't running on the PC. Caused the amp to fault.

Or, it could be an issue with the serial port, cable or even an issue with the HB9ZS software on the particular version of the operating system on your computer. I've had a few problems running that software on my Windows 10 system. For example, if the amp faults I can't reset it from the software. Also had problems with the DF3CB software. I've had the most success with the original AlphaRemote software. It's very old, and not much for features and appearance, but it seems to work on all the OS versions for the basic functions I need like ON/OFF, OPR/STBY and the power, grid and plate current meters.

If the second amp gets another #20 fault, try reseating the tubes. Inspect the pins and sockets while you're at it. Possible that some debris or oxidation has made for an intermittent contact. I had a problem like that once with my 87A after removing a tube.

73, Dick WC1M

-----Original Message-----
From: Martin LU5DX [mailto:lu5dx at lucg.com.ar] 
Sent: Tuesday, November 7, 2017 11:04 AM
To: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Alpha 87A Issues

Hi Ken,

I've hear from a friend it had something to do with the On-Off Switch (but I don't know how possible that would turn the amp off if it is not by pressing the switch).

I bought one last month, but only has five or six hours of use. 
Nontheless, I'm not phisically pressing any buttons, I use remote control software by HB9ZS instead.

BTW, I've sent an email to service at alpharfsystems.com, asking a few questions about the amp and they replied withing a couple of days. Maybe you can try that (if you haven't yet).

GL.

73,

Martin LU5DX


El 06/11/2017 a las 08:59 p.m., Ken Widelitz escribió:
> I have a different strange issue with each of my Alpha 87As that 
> showed up this past weekend.
>
>   
>
> 1.     One amp goes into standby without an error message and won't go into
> the operate position no matter how many times I flip the OPR/STBY 
> button. If I turn the amp off and wait the longest 3 minutes in ham 
> radio a few times, the operate light will come back on and the problem 
> goes away for a few hours.
>
> 2.     The other amp gave me intermittent #20 errors, filament current
> greater than 3.5 amps, for the first few hours it was turned on. It 
> never did that during the contest.
>
>   
>
> Any experience with these types of conditions? Suggestions?
>
>   
>
> 73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT
>
>   
>
>   
>
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