The last couple of weeks has seen significant further work on a new version of SPE Expert Controller which I’m calling SPE Expert Controller Plus as it supports simultaneous management of multiple SPE Expert RF amplifiers, including the original 1k-FA on macOS.

SPE Expert Controller Plus is a complete redesign and rewrite of SPE Expert Controller. Its internal architecture is very different with a focus on efficiency to support multiple amplifier connections using different interface protocols and message standards. Its user interface is also different; with new windows for common features such as the amplifier LCD, the amplifier state LED’s and push-button controls.

The images below were captured when connected to my Expert 1.3k-fa and should give a ‘flavour’ of how SPE Expert Controller Plus should eventually look. There is still much to do such as completion of the serial interfacing subsystem – it’s currently using the network / TCP/IP subsystem, and inclusion of Expert 1k-fa message support, although the framework for this is already in place.

Once it’s progressed some more, my thinking is I’ll make an early release – a ‘preview’ – available to anyone by request. It won’t be a fully working app but it will allow the curious to give it a go and let me have some feedback. That ‘preview’ is still a few weeks away so don’t request it just yet! I’ll post another ‘News’ update when it is available.

I anticipate the app will continue to mature for some time during its ‘preview’ but that will be followed by a private Alpha then Beta test phase and finally a public Beta test phase before full public release on the Apple App Store. All ‘preview’ and test releases will be accomplished using Apple Test Flight which is available from the App Store free of charge. Once complete, it is SPE Expert Controller Plus that I plan to port to ipadOS.

There is no upper limit on the number of amplifiers that can be simultaneously managed within the app; As I’m seeing low CPU usage with just one connection I’m thinking the upper limit will be how many amplifiers a ham has! In order to test SPE Expert Controller Plus I’m going to need multiple simultaneous amplifier connections but, as I have just one amplifier, that poses some issues. So, I’ll be creating a 1k-fa simulator and an ‘others’ simulator. Work hasn’t started on these yet but I’m thinking they will be command-line, Linux apps which support a TCP/IP network stack and socket server initially, followed later by USB interfacing. The TCP/IP, socket-server approach will allow multiple instances of an amplifier to be easily simulated. Using simulators should get the app to a stage where it appears to work but that’s not a substitute for testing using real, physical amplifiers so I’m hoping one or two hams will help with such testing when the time comes.

Andy