I have an Alpha4 that I purchased in February 2004. I have had it stored since April. I hooked it back up this weekend and now I can't get the startup message. I checked the AC supply per the manual and also tried with a DC supply. Nothing works.
Anybody got any ideas before I send it back to Litco?

The only thing you can check is that you're plugging the power source into the correct port and that the power supply is working.
Other than that, there are no user serviceable parts inside.

Is it possible that you plugged the power supply, by accident, into one of the charge ports?
Have you taken the Alpha4 apart to see what's inside?

If either one of those, you screwed up (taking the Alpha apart will disable the unit).

If the power supply is good, just send it back.

Highflight

What kind of tamper proof mechanism is built into the A4 ? Thx

I honestly don't know Mark, but I can tell you that I bought my first A4 within the first year it was introduced and while I had no desire to "steal" any proprietary design from Peter, I WAS curious just to see what was inside so I simply split the case. I'm not an idiot when it comes to this stuff, and I can only tell you that I very carefully put the case back together. I didn't touch ANYTHING inside the case... at all. I just looked.

When I put the case back together, it was dead so I had to send it back. I got a response that they "knew" the case had been opened (with no mention of any particular damage). I forget the exact words, but I was told directly that if you simply open the case, the unit will disable itself.

The good news is that it, and my other, A4's have worked flawlessly ever since and have never missed a beat.

Highflight

Thanks but this is interesting to find out.

AA,

The only time mine hasn't worked is when I accidentally plugged the power into one of the battery outlets. No damage or anything, just stumped me for a second until I figured it out.

Raj,

Yup, Peter is very protective of his stuff. Just don't open the case and you'll be fine. There are pictures of the inside of the unit posted here if you wanna see it's guts.

The same time I posted my first message, I also sent an email to Litco. Have not hear anything. Does anybody know if they reply to email?
Lee

Yes they do. I've asked a couple of questions in the past and they usually get back to me within 24 to 48 hours.

However, like everyone else, I'm sure that Litco is using some kind of spam blocking software, so try resending your message using a different subject description (try using just "Alpha 4 question" as the subject).

You should also be sure to use your primary ISP email address to send from rather than using a Hotmail or any other kind of "phony" internet source for email. Spamblockers are notorious for killing messages from some of the "free" email services.

Lastly (and this is probably NOT the case with your question), if you ask a question about something already covered in their FAQ, or if the question is contentious or downright stupid, they won't bother to answer. I know that because someone I know emailed them a while back about how angry he was that he spent "all that money" and the thing wouldn't even charge Nimh batteries, a question both contentious AND stupid since the Alpha4 DOES charge Nimh batteries AND it is clearly explained in the FAQ (although not in earlier versions of the instructions).

Highflight

I have sent them 5 Emails requesting the price for repair. I've had Alpha4 in the subject line on every msg. There's nothing in the FAQ about current price for repair or how to pay. No phone # on the web site and they aren't listed either. No answer yet.

I sent them a registered letter last Thursday.

CR

I hope someone successfully reaches him . Mine is entering its fifth season and because I'm superstitious , I won't say more. Gotta believe someone out there can make repairs. If not , out comes the map and maybe a drive to Lake Ariel , Pa. I believe that is the Pocono Mountain region which could also be a nice vacation destination. Lakes, mountains, a NASCAR track , winter sports ... Good Luck and let us know how you make out.

I got a Email from them today. It said all that info was on the web site and gave me a URL. Great! So what happened is that they updated the web site and then sent me the URL. OK, suits. Now I know I can get the thing fixed. All it costs is $104 up front when you send it in. Never mind I bought anothe one from a guy on RCU. Now what?

CR

Mine stopped working the same way and, as I am in the electronic business, I opened the box to check inside.
The only thing wrong was the large electrolytic capacitor which had dried with the time (my garage gets warm in Florida!).
I replaced the capacitor by something roughly equivalent, closed the whole thing and it worked like day one.
The only tricky part witht the assembly is the flat connector ribbon for the keypad, which is using some crappy support to keep it in place.
Opening the box was a big disapointment as the inside is a 'garage work' mess, but hey, it works well!