Wondering whether anyone can share their experience with replacing the relays with vacuum relays and how well it works using full break in and at what speed. I purchased four Kilovac HC-1 relays for the purpose of replacing the relays on two 2K-FA amplifiers. Thanks…Stan, K5GO

In EA we are now allowed to use the 8m band and I wonder if there is some way to connect an 8m antenna to the 2K-FA and use it just as antenna switch. I know the PA can't be used in this band and it shows the "BAND NOT PERMITTED" message, but I would like to know if even so it can switch to that "out of band" antenna. I use a single radio for the 6m to 160m bands, connected to the 2K, and that same radio would be used also for 8m. I would not like having to put an additional antenna switch. Questions... What antenna number is connected when t he "BAND NOT PERMITTED" message is shown? The same (default) that when the unit is powered off? The same that is shown as "ANT" in the display, corresponding to the antenna used in the last "permitted" band. Thanks. 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ

Hello, I believe this question was previously answered, but I could not find it. I'm using a Flex 6400 with the SPE and the T/R relays of the SPE chatter when the internal ATU is engaged. Is this a characteristic of the unit, any delays added do not change the issue. My antennas are resonant, bypassing the internal ATU is the only work-around I found, any other thoughts? Thank you. Peter- W2JV

Folks, I picked up a Heil pro hc6 headset over the weekend at a local ham fest to use with my Kenwood 590s. I have the mic gain set at about 50-ish, and the processor set at 17%, using Dan’s cable, I drive the amp with about 45 Watts on mid power, and let the expert’s ability to take advantage of cat control, and alc for it to set itself where it needs to be. I’m getting good reports that my audio has a nice punch to it, but I do notice that on mid power, I will hear the RPM of the fan increase. When I check the SWR, and temperature, I see that the SWR is at a nice 1:2-1 with the tuner engaged, and the temperature is right around 107F. If I’m hearing the rpm of the fan increase, am I driving the amp too hard with the processor at 17%? When I release the PTT, everything goes back to normal. Thanks for your help, Justin-ai5os

Here is the current process for requesting SPE service in the USA. https://expertamps.com/service

Hello everybody! Happy Easter to all of you! I'm a owner of the Expert 1.3K-FA and my transceiver is a Kenwood TS2000. Reading about "spikes" and "overshoot" I'm planning to buy me a new transceiver :-) but here comes the question: which one should I buy in order NOT to create an overshoot? Of course I'll connect the 1.3K-FA via ALC but I'm reading all kinds of killing the amp in spite of ALC :-( I'm planning to buy a FT-10dx, FT-710 or IC7300 or should I stick with the TS-2000? Which transceivers are on the "white-list" for the Expert-Amps? VY73 de PA3CLP (Ben)

I purchased the amp in July 2022, second owner. Amp is connected to an FTDX10 using a cable from Dan Tassel, antennas are an OCF dipole at 50 feet inverted V and a Hustler 4BTV. Amp has worked great until 2 days ago, turned on to make a contact, keyed the radio and no output. Checked voltages, all were within normal for each power level. My current before failure with no signal was around 1.8 amps now shows .8 to 1.0 amps on keyup. The current will change with voice on SSB, goes up to around 2.9 to 3.5 amps but no power out. Checked on both antennas with the same result. With the amp on standby radio works as normal, made several contacts on both antennas. The internal tuner on the amp works perfectly. Firmware is 01_07_21_A/15s. Guess it's time to send in for repair, where do I send it? Thanks, Steve K9SMC

Certain operations work and most don't. I can power on, turn off, set the power level, bun nothing else works. This is both on the 2K-FA and the software. I've disconnected the power and USB thinking this might reset but nothing seems to change. Ideas? Greg NZ6E

Hello, I will buy a second hand spe 1.3k with tuner, s/n is 92/9xx -- SW version is v1.08S Is SW says that it's a V1 for HW? Tks in advance, best regards, 73 ON4THierry

www.mtcradio.com Welcome aboard Richard. This is great news.

Hello, Im getting a SWR alarm, in strange circumtances.. SPE 1.3 series 1. Originally it happened with the tuner and antenna, so Ive reduced the system components down to a minimim to try and isolate the alarm. Setup - 7610 driving the SPE1.3 with ALC/CIV SPE run into external T match antenna tuner, then connected to a 1kW dummy load. Internal tuner is bypassed. The antenna tuner is tuned to give an VSWR of about 1.50 Frequency is 28.8 MHz So here is what happens. With RTTY selected in the radio, I can run the amplifier with a carrier at any power level, everything is fine. When I select SSB, and press the PTT, the IN-1 over SWR alarm triggers instantly. however, If I whistle into the Mic BEFORE I press the PTT, it works. It seems like the reverse power sensor is a bit touchy. Ive also noted that the displayed VSWR seems to move around with modulation, but is consistent with a CW mode. and also happens if the VSWR is lower. Any ideas? rgds Leon WW0R

Good day. I have a SPE 1.3K-FA First series amplifier with Firmware 18_10_21_B-V3. The amplifier is running so well. I hate to tempt fate and change the firmware unless there is a good reason. I would appreciate any comments. Bob, KN4HH

If you go to the Expert USA website, https://expertlinears.com/, this is what you see: Expert Linears America ceased business as an entity representing SPE Expert amplifiers in North America as of March 21, 2024. Quit. Took the website offline. Pulled the plug. I’ve been selling Amateur Radio equipment as a full-time job since 1994 and have seen a lot happen over that time. Companies come and go, new products appear and vanish, personalities wax and wane. Without hesitation this is the worst situation I’ve ever been involved with in my 30 year tenure in this business. I was warned when we took this over in 2022 I was taking on a whole range of problems and that certainly turned out to be the case. I’m not sure I can say ‘lesson learned’ as I have taken on operations with somewhat checkered reputations or difficult circumstances over the years and turned them around and made them viable entities going forward. I’ve never been afraid of a challenge. I vastly underestimated how bad things were in this case. The reward for 2 years of navigating this was a gigantic load of grief and not much payoff. Enough is enough. Whomever takes this project on next I wish you luck, fortitude, and patience. You will need it. There is no author listed, but I believe it is Scott Robbins, W4PA, who owns or distributes a number of ham products in the USA (see https://vibroplex.com/ ) I think we'd all be interested in the back story on this. Meanwhile, I hope a reputable provider picks up the distributorship for NA. 73 - Scott KA9FOX

The new SPE distributor Expert Amps USA now has started a new website: https://expertamps.com/ It is managed by Main Trading Company in Paris TX who became the official distributor on April 1. The great service guy Steve KG4LJB in FL remains one of their two service points. Not to worry ... all is well. 73 Wayne W4TZB

Gianfranco, as always, it’s good to hear from you. I have a series 3 1.5K and use the ALC to control my IC 7610 output, which works very well thanks to your development. How do we use the amp’s ALC with the IC 7610 DPD ALC? Giving up external control is not an option for me as, at my age, I sometimes forget to tie my shoes. If possible, maybe have the amp set the IC 7610 output like the flex. jim w8wy