[Elecraft] SPE/ACOM and other microprocessor type amps

[cx7tt at 4email.net]

Hello,
I too have followed the story of SPE and Tokyo Hypower amps with 
interest. I have been the owner of an ACOM 1000 for about 3 years now 
and had great service until.......last Sept, the amp was sitting in 
"standby" mode waiting for 3B7 to show up on 20m; xyl and I watching 
news in next room and very loud, "KAPOW" from shack. I found the 1000 
lights flashing and error code in the window. Tried a reset and another 
extremely loud pop. I contacted Will at ACOM via Skype and he said to 
send him all the lines of error code. There were about 7 lines of such. 
Well, it turns out that even with the code, they cannot decipher what 
happened and now the amp has to be sent to the US for service. From CX 
that means at least $100 in overweight baggage on the airline (amp goes 
in pelican case) then Fedex from MIA to factory and back, then another 
frequent flyer ride to CX. This is on top on any repair bill. So, now my 
favorite amp is my trusty 30L-1 which I can fix myself. If one lives in 
the US or has easy (cheap) access to local distributor then I would 
certainly take hard look at the SPE, it looks like a real winner, but 
for me, no more microprocessor controlled amps. My next one will be 
probably be a Command Tech or QRO HF-2500. Just some thoughts from 
someone who lives outside the US, aint' easy being dx, huh?
73
Tom
CX7TT