[UK-CONTEST] Expert 1K amp query

[Alex GM3ZBE]

Hi,

I am considering buying an Expert 1K amp, I like the small size,
sophisticated computer control, the fact that it has the auto tuning
facilities built in and is solid state.

 

However a friend who purchased one had overheating problems while using it
during CQWW.  Admittedly it was pretty intensive use at the full CW output
for an extended period.  The PA failed due to overheating after about 40 hrs
or so.  It appears that the over-temperature detection circuitry did not
reduce power as it should have.  The unit was used in an air conditioned
room at 27C (you can tell it was not in the UK!).

 

I must confess this is concerning me a bit, it's a big expenditure and I
don't want to have problems like that, as I am not likely to buy another amp
for some considerable time.  Anyone else had, or heard of, similar problems
or other problems?  Have to confess I am looking for reassurance as I really
want to buy one :-)

 

I was offered a new Quadra at a similar price but I don't like them and I
think they are getting a bit dated with regard to computer control
facilities.

 

P.S: I hear the latest Expert 1K has had specific SO2R facilities added, if
that is correct I wonder what they are?

Alex ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GM3ZBE  Member of: De Montfort University ARS,

GMDX Group, CDXC, ARRL, G-qrp club (10455),

Kingdom Amateur Radio Society  <http://www.kars.org.uk/>
http://www.kars.org.uk/

Previous callsigns GM8BYG, G3ZBE (DXCC #40686)

 <http://www.sonikblue.co.uk/g3zbe/Ma5b.htm>  

Remember..............It's only a HOBBY!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~