FAQ – Expert Controller

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General

1) What is the difference between Expert Controller and Expert Controller Plus?

In short, Expert Controller Plus supports multiple simultaneous amplifier connections and the Expert 1k-fa along with all other Expert amplifier models. Click here for further information.

Expert Controller

1) Is the SPE 1k-FA supported?

Unfortunately not. The SPE Expert 1k-FA implements a software interface that is very different to the later generation 1.3k-fa, 1.5k-fa, 1.5k-Taurus and 2k-fa series of amplifiers.

Expert Controller Plus does support the Expert 1k-fa.

2) Does the App run on IOS (iPad or iPhone)?

The app runs on macOS only. At this time there is no firm plan to create an IOS version.

3) Can the App control multiple amplifiers simultaneously?

A running instance of Expert Controller may only have one open/active connection to an amplifier. The App cannot control multiple amplifiers simultaneously. However, if you have multiple amplifiers connected to different USB/RS-232 interfaces it is possible to select different interfaces within the App and manage a different amplifier.

If you wish to control multiple amplifiers please see Expert Controller Plus.

4) Can the App float above other windows on a desktop?

Yes. Version 1.1.0 introduced a ‘Float’ button which does just that. It does require macOS 15 or later tho.

5) Can Expert Controller power-on/power-off an amplifier?

Yes, when using a USB/Serial cable interconnecting the Mac and amplifier. This capability is not supported when using the network interfacing option due to a limitation with network/serial adapters.

Expert Controller Plus supports MODBUS TCP which can be used to wake/sleep an amplifier using a network connection.

Expert Controller Plus

1) Is the SPE 1k-FA supported?

Yes it is. Modes such as Operate/Standby, Transmit/Receive, Tune, Set etc are fully supported.

2) Does the App run on IOS (iPad or iPhone)?

At this time the app runs on macOS only. However, Expert Controller Plus has been designed with IOS ‘in-mind’. Once Expert Controller Plus has a production-ready release and is known to be stable the decision to create an IOS version will be reviewed.

3) Can Expert Controller Plus power-on/power-off an amplifier?

Yes, it can wake and sleep an amplifier when using either a USB/serial or a network interface. Expert Controller Plus has built-in support for MODBUS TCP, a protocol commonly used to manage industrial devices. Inexpensive devices by companies such as Waveshare interface MODBUS TCP over IP with simple on/off relays thus permitting a plethora of interfacing and signalling solutions with includes signalling an Expert amplifier to wake/sleep.

Further information is available in this News post.

Network/Serial Adapters

1) What is the default IPv4 address and TCP port number used by the Waveshare RS232/485/422 TO POE ETH (B) adapter?

The default IPv4 address is: 192.168.1.200 and the TCP port is: 4196

2) What are the LED colours on the side of the Waveshare RS232/485/422 TO POE ETH (B) adapter?

The information below is based on actual observation as the Waveshare documentation is vague at best but that documentation should be considered the definitive reference.

The adapter has three LED’s labelled: Power, Link and Active

  • Power: Red when powered
  • Link: Blue when a network connection is established otherwise not illuminated
  • Active: Green when data is received from the Ethernet, Blue (although the Waveshare documentation suggests Red) when data is received on the RS-232 serial interface. It is not illuminated when no data is being received on either interface.