Version 1.3.0 of Expert Controller will be available in the Apple App Store in early January 2026. If your Mac is configured to download and install updates, no further actions will be necessary. For others, please visit the Updates section of the App Store, select the App and download to install. The update does not change any existing Settings so all will be retained, unchanged.

System requirements for Version 1.3.0 remain unchanged from earlier versions. So, an Apple Mac running either macOS 14, 15 or 26 and an SPE Expert 1.3k-FA or later amplifier.

Version 1.3.0 contains cosmetic changes so that its windows look great on macOS 26 and earlier versions along with some minor improvements to Accessibility and some bug fixes. It has a new icon which conforms to macOS 26 sizing requirements and whose design is common between Expert Controller and Expert Controller Plus.

The list below summarises the changes in Expert Controller 1.3.0:

• Iconography updated for macOS 26 and to align with that used by Expert Controller Plus.
• The font used in the LCD window has been updated to resolve an issue with all bar-graphs not displaying their final character correctly.
• The Backlight button has been replaced with two buttons that use a bulb icon. These icon buttons have been relocated to the lower-right side of the Controller window.
• The Float button has been replaced with a new button using a Pin icon and relocated to the Title-bar of the Controller window.
• The visual appearance of the Controller window has been updated to improve alignment with macOS 26 and earlier versions.
• Buttons on the Controller window have been re-grouped to improve usability and align with the layout used by Expert Controller Plus.
• The light and dark mode graphics of a stylised amplifier shown in the LCD panel when disconnected have been updated.
• The application has been renamed ‘Expert Controller’ to align more clearly with the naming scheme used by the plus version – ‘Expert Controller Plus’.
• To improve Accessibility, some buttons have either been relabelled or new Accessibility labels applied.
• The ordering of items in the Announce / spoken-report has been adjusted.
• The embedded User Guide and Release Note documents have been removed and replaced with links to https://g0rvm.uk from where the documents may be downloaded.

Below is a image presenting the updated Controller window on macOS 26.

Andy

Since my last post I’ve been regression testing SPE Expert Controller and testing the changes introduced in this version. Doing this identified that whilst the App was connected to an amplifier it was not automatically switching between Light and Dark modes when informed by macOS that a change should occur.

Resolving this simple issue led to a major change in the code behind the facsimile of an amplifier front-panel LCD display. The result is that the main App window is less wide and a little less tall; otherwise it’s pretty much the same. The ‘Announce’ button was also moved to accommodate the reduced window width. I’m pleased, the result is sharper and the font looks less like it’s from the 1980’s! It also now seamlessly switches between Dark and Light modes when informed by macOS.

Complementing the previous colour schemes are now a further two: Green black and White black. Green text on a black background (as Dark mode) and White text on a black background.

I’ve also resolved a couple of other minor defects which had gone unnoticed in earlier versions. Below is the current list of addition/changes. Testing will continue over the next few weeks but the latest build is looking stable so I’m not expecting to find anything major but there may be a few small tweaks yet…

Additions/Changes

1. The third-party Network/Serial adapter may now be identified using a FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) in addition to an IP address.
2. Removed ‘Save’ button from the Settings window. Settings now auto-save when choosing an alternate tab or the window is closed.
3. Enabled the ‘Edit’ menu bar option to better support cut/copy/paste operations.
4. Added ‘News’ and ‘Support’ to Help menu. These open corresponding pages on the SPE Expert Controller website.
5. Resolved issue whereby the Settings | Comms tabview did not re-enable the change of information after closing the connection to an amplifier.
6. The visualisation of an Amplifier’s front-panel LCD changed to resolve an issue switching between Apple Light/Dark modes and to improve sharpness of visualisation.
7. The colour of the RF Power, PA Voltage and PA Current gauges on the RF Information window are now Green, Yellow and Blue respectively.
8. Fixed issue whereby the incrementing dots of the Communications interrupted message did not always restart from a single dot after a Disconnect/Connect cycle.
9. SWR ANT and SWR ATU values swapped to align with observed usage rather than that detailed in the SPE Application Programmer’s Guide. This change impacts the RF Information window and the spoken report.
10. Two new colours – ‘Green Black’ and White Black’ added to Settings | General | Background colour.
11. Minor update to underlying datastore. The datastore is automatically updated when version 1.2.1 is first run. The updated store is not compatible with earlier versions.
12. Miscellaneous minor improvements to internals of the App.

Andy

Over the last few days I’ve been implementing some minor changes to SPE Expert Controller, resolving a minor defect and updating the documentation in readiness for public release in the coming weeks.

This release candidate is now being tested and if all goes well I’m hoping to make it available during late July as version 1.2.1.

Below is a list of Additions/changes as they stand today.

1. The third-party Network/Serial adapter may now be identified using a FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) in addition to an IP address.
2. Removed ‘Save’ button from the Settings window. Settings now auto-save when choosing an alternate tab or the window is closed.
3. Enabled the ‘Edit’ menu bar option to better support cut/copy/paste operations.
4. Added ‘News’ and ‘Support’ to Help menu. These open corresponding pages on the SPE Expert Controller website.
5. Resolved issue whereby the Settings | Comms tabview did not re-enable the change of information after closing connection to an amplifier.
6. The colour of the RF Power, PA Voltage and PA Current gauges on the RF Information window are now Green, Yellow and Blue respectively.
7. SWR ANT and SWR ATU values swapped to align with observed usage rather than that detailed in the SPE Application Programmer’s Guide. This change impacts the RF Information window and the spoken report.
8. Minor update to underlying datastore. The datastore is automatically updated when version 1.2.1 is first run. The updated store is not compatible with earlier versions.

Once ready it will be released to the Apple Appstore. Those who have configured their Mac to auto-update will receive the update automatically! Other’s will have to update using their App Store App.

If you have any questions/comments, please drop me a mail via this website.

Andy