|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
| Reviews Summary for Alpha 9500 |
|
Reviews: 58
|
Average rating: 4.9/5
|
MSRP: $7950. USD
|
|
Description: Fully-automatic 160-10M amplifier, successor to the 87A. Uses
a single 8877 tube in grounded-grid configuration. Integrated
antenna switching, full QSK with vacuum relay.
|
|
Product is in production.
|
|
More info: http://www.rfconcepts.com
|
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this review.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
|
You can
write your own review of the Alpha 9500.
|
K0CN
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Feb 12, 2012 19:53
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great Experience
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I purchased my Alpha 9500 used from a ham that had only used it for one weekend before selling it. My good fortune. I set the amp up in my shack replacing an Icom IC-PW1. I connected the cables to the 9500, pressed the switches and after the 3 minute countdown, I had a working amplifier. The instant on of the PW1 will be missed. Operating the amplifier is straight forward, but there was a small learning curve in entering the segment memories and setting up the amplifier with my collection of antennas. Also, learning how to manually tune and understand what the displays are telling you. I should emphasize the word small, it was no problem at all and soon I was able to switch between my antennas and put out an amplified rf signal with confidence.
As I used the amplifier over the first two days, I made some simple mistakes like driving the linear too hard or applying a signal to a wire loop antenna without proper tuning and without fail, the 9500 sensed the problems and the protection programs worked without a flaw. I have heard others call this unit bullet proof, and I am inclined to agree. I find that he fan noise is a little louder than the fan on my PW1, but it is not over the top. When I used the 9500 for a heavy duty job such as prolonged rtty, the blower will kick up a notch and the fan nose is a bit more substantial. For heavy duty contest use, wearing headphones eliminated the problem. During normal daily operation, the amp normally runs with low fan speeds, where there is no real noise problem.
This weekend, I had my first chance to use the 9500 in a contest, the WPX RTTY contest. It performed like a champ. I was able to QSY up and down the bands or from band to band without much thought to tuning. After changing bands on my exciter, IC-7700, all it took was a simple flick of the foot switch and the 9500 switched bands and was tuned and ready to go. I was able to operate for several hours at a rtty QSO rate of 70 – 75 per hour and running 1400+ watts. This was as close as putting a brick on the key as I will ever come. The Alpha performed perfectly through the entire contest. I shouldn’t be surprised, but this is one impressive amplifier. I am very pleased with this amplifier and impressed with the way it performs. I must also complement Molly and Pam from the RF Concepts office. They have been extremely helpful and kind in several communications I have had with them. A very satisfying experience in all.
Al, K0CN
|
|
K1JD
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Feb 7, 2012 15:17
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Remarkable amplifier!
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
I planned to wait a full year before writing a review but actually it has been about 14 months. Several things have motivated me to write this now: (1) availability of new auto-tune software; (2) the newest release of Alpha Remote software that includes some neat additional features; and (3) a 160m-10m, 48 hour CW operating event requiring a lot of band changing this past weekend. In a nutshell, the amplifier remotely located in the next room performed perfectly. The latest firmware was easy to install and the auto-tune function has been taken to the next level,i.e to the point where you can essentially leave it engaged all the time. I had the Alpha Remote software running on a WIN 7 laptop separate from the XP machine that does the logging. The application's display has a replica of the 9500 front panel plus a new extended feature providing good information (tune and load numbers, temperature, AC main voltage and DC voltages). The update rate of the LED instruments as viewed on the computer is more sluggish than on the 9500 in normal operation. For this reason, I used an Elecraft W2 wattmeter at the operating position to keep an eye on instantaneous power out, and kept the other eye on the remote software for monitoring grid current and temperature. The blower can get a bit noisy when operating extended periods at the legal limit, but with the amp set up in the next room the only obvious noise (and not much at that) was from the K3's cooling fans.
Several more general comments: (1) The only failure in 14 months has been the main blower, a nightmare to replace in the 87A but extremely simple with the 9500; (2) the vacuum relays are noisy when operating QSK, so I normally use a QSK-5 T/R switch to mitigate it. With the amplifier installed in the next room, there is no reason to use the QSK-5 but regardless hope that RFC addresses this in the future, like with their own robust PIN T/R switch; and (3) Before moving the amplifier to the next room several weeks ago, I pulled the cover and the transformer, and blew out any dust. The tank coils and other components looked just like new - no oxidation or other heat related evidence whatsoever.
In summary, I am very pleased with this amplifier and impressed by the engineering, conservative design and quality throughout.
73,
John K1JD
|
|
AB4FH
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jan 17, 2012 17:09
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great amp!
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
I bought the 9500 from someone who had owned it for only 4 months. It has performed perfectly for almost a year. It has helped me to confirm 162 countries during that time. I have gotten numerous statements about my "massive signal" from all around the world. It's tolerance to my mistakes has allowed me to operate it with confidence during contests when I've become fatigued and made careless mistakes, always protecting me by faulting out instantly, yet resetting to return to full operation. I have used it on all modes and would highly recommend the 9500 to anyone looking for a no-holds barred, full legal limit amp. BTW, I have a pre-order for the Alpha 4040, 4 KW auto tuner, as well! 73, de AB4FH
|
|
K5OA
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Dec 14, 2011 09:25
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Hardware-software-people
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
The new 9500 arrived more than two weeks earlier than promised, set up was easy and results outstanding. My main interest is remore control and the hardware and software works great. The new transformer is massive and takes only minutes to install. Programming to get all antennas set for each band segment took less than 30 minutes and makes operation a true breeze. Why a five? This is a true enginering marvel and the people are just as great and really know the product and the application of hardware and software and their customer service is the icing on the cake. The price will not fit everyone but you get what you pay for in this product and I expect it to last a lifetime. Great job by all the hams who care so much at RF Concepts. The Alpha Brand is surly alive and well. And Pam and Molly do everything to keep your order moving even with the backlog after the great Trade-In sale of October.
Made is the USA is doing well here at RF Concepts.
Russ K5OA
PS: I had long time dream to own a Alpha, dreams do come true. Happy Holidays to all.
|
|
KK7TV
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Dec 3, 2011 10:41
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great Amp
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
Got the amp delivered Friday and put it on the air. Here are some observations.
The 9500 has more fan noise then the 87A but not enough to bother me.
The auto tune allows the amp to get into the correct range for your stations conditions. I then use the memory 1 setting after manually tweaking the tune ( max out for minimum grid ) on each band to find it's sweet spot. Then I save it to memory 1 and turn the auto tune off. I then operate the amp in the memory 1 position. The reflector has people seeing problems with faults on 10 meters. I can't make the amp fail on any band. I don't think the amp is at fault. I think if you use the memory system and turn the auto off after the proper tuning is done the amp will not fault.
The construction is top notch. The sliver plating is perfect. I must say it is wonderful to see such attention to detail. Superb soldering, Teflon wire, Molex plugs, glass PCB boards, toroidal transformer and more.
All in all a great amp and I am very pleased with Molly and the crew at Alpha, they are truly a top notch company
Randy
|
|
NU4DO
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Nov 30, 2011 16:51
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Stand behind their product
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
I've owned an ALPHA 9500 for about 3 years. Recently, it began to act funny and not function properly. I sent it back and repairs were made swiftly and just parts and shipment back, charged to me. This unit does what it SAYS, and the company BACKS their products! Take it from a ham who owns one!
|
|
KJ0Y
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Sep 14, 2011 12:51
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
THE BEST OF THE BEST
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
|
Remarks: THE 9500 IS THE BY FAR THE BEST AMP EVER BUILT! I AM TOTALLY PLEASED WITH EVERYTHING ABOUT "BIG AL",THAT IS HIS NAME!! HE HAS EARNED THAT NAME.LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT SOMETHING EVEN BETTER AND THATS ALPHA'S SUPPORT, ALPHA PURCHASED ABOUT 3 BAD LOT NUMBERS OF VACUUM RELAYS NOT KNOWING THAT THEY WERE BAD, I HAPPENED TO BE ONE THAT PURCHASED A 9500 WITH BAD RELAYS AND TW0 DAYS INTO OWNERSHIP OF THE 9500 IT QUIT WORKING AND THEY DIDNT KNOW WHAT WAS UP WITH THE FAILURE THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM WITH A NEW AMP SHIPPED RIGHT OUT AT NO EXPENSE TO ME AND TWO WEEKS LATER THAT ONE FAILED AND BY THEN THERE DISTRIBUTOR LET ALPHA KNOW ABOUT THERE BAD RELAYS' AFTER THE SECOND FAILURE I CALLED ALPHA AND THEY GAVE ME A CHOICE TO SEND THE AMP IN FOR REPAIR OR HAVE ME PULL THE RELAY BOARD OUT AND SEND IT IN FOR REPAIR WITH THE KNOWN GOOD RELAYS.ALPHA HAD FED X OVER NIGHT AIR PICK IT UP THE SAME DAY I PULLED THE BOARD OUT THE NEXT DAY IT WAS REPAIRED WITH THE GOOD RELAYS AND SENT BACK TO ME THAT SAME DAY AND THE FOLLOWING DAY I GOT THE BOARD BACK , IT TOOK LESS THAN AN HOUR TO INSTALL AND GET THE AMP UP AND RUNNING AT ABSOULTELY NO COST TO ME WHAT SO EVER FOR THE WHOLE ORDEAL. I HAVE TO COMMEND MOLLY FOR GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY FOR HER EFFORT, HER TAKING CHARGE LIKE THAT AND GETTING THE CUSTOMER TAKEN CARE OF THAT FAST SPEAKS WELL OF THE WHOLE ALPHA ORGANIZATION ,THERE IS NO WAY ANYONE CAN TOP THAT --A GREAT PRODUCT AND SUPER GREAT SUPPORT! THANK YOU MOLLY AND THANK YOU ALPHA. IN MY BOOK YOU GET A FAR HIGHER RATING THAN JUST A 5 ,SINCE THE RELAYS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED THE AMP HAS BEEN RUNNING FLAWLESSLY COULDNT ASK FOR A BETTER AMP . ALAN------KJ0Y
|
|
W2CS
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 11, 2011 09:27
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Superb Amp with Superb Support
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
|
I could not be happier with the 9500 purchase, which I view as a lifetime investment for this OT. Auto tune works flawlessly. Fan noise reported by some is non-existent in casual operation and when in a contest with the cans on, who cares? It's still just fine. I like the auto antenna switching capability. The software supplied for the 9500 will be replaced shortly, so that weakness will disappear. Molly is superb in her ability to answer questions, suggest alternative approaches to solving technical problems, etc. I couldn't be more pleased with the team at RF Concepts. I run moderately high speed CW with QSK. The relay does make a considerable amount of keying noise. That is the one area I would suggest needs improvement. The solution is not necessarily PIN diodes. Perhaps some form of damping of the acoustic coupling between the relay and the chassis would suffice. It appears to me that they are physically attached with no "shock absorber" whatsoever. But that's in the category of a tiny improvement on a great product. Nice job, RFC!
|
|
W5RIM
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 5, 2011 16:57
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
BEST AMP EVER
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
THIS IS THE BEST AMP EVER,THOUGHT THE ALPHA 87A WAS TOP OF THE HILL,BUT THIS NEW 9500 IS EVERYTHIG MOLLY SAID IT WAS AND MORE. I OWN MANY AMPS BUT THIS THING IS AWSOME.LOTS OF MONEY BUT LIFE IS SHORT,HAVE DESERT FIRST. THIS AMP IS QUIET,EFFORTLESS AND GOBS OF POWER, YOU WILL LOVE IT.
|
|
WB3JGP
|
Rating: 2/5
|
Jul 9, 2011 15:33
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Maybe not quite ready
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
|
In retrospect, I should have bought the manual tune model instead. This amp worked well for a while, then developed a problem tuning on one band. The customer service is excellent, and they helped me resolve the issue. But two months later, the entire amp is down. I think there's just too much automatic and it's not ready for the long haul yet. Now I'm dealing with the prospect of disassembling this behemoth and shipping it back to the factory for repair. Yikes. Too much, too soon. I had an SB-220 for years and years, never had a problem with it. So given the chance, you might want to consider the manual tune one instead.
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
|
|
