I, too, would walk away from it, unless its really, really cheap. Even
if there is no visible tar film on it from smoking, it will still stink
inside and it will take you some work to clean it. The cigarette tar
just gets into everything and Ten Tec bandswitches are not that easy to
clean.
The Argonaut 515, because of its rarity, has become a collector's item,
which tends to drive up the price. If you want it as a collectible, hold
out for one that is in collector condition. If you want something to use
for portable and QRP, there are better rigs to be had. The Argos,
despite their mystique, are obsolete. A used Scout, for example, will
run more power (50W max, but power can be reduced to 5W), has digital
readout and a built-in keyer. It will operate on more bands, if you get
the appropriate modules, and it is excellent for portable operation,
though not a backpack rig.
73,
Bob WB2VUF
On 7/24/2011 5:20 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
> Al, I don't think I would touch it.
> I certainly would not pay more than $100 to $125 for it.
> If it has damage from tobacco, then it's likely to have or develop all kinds
> of intermittent problems.
>
> I sold my almost mint condx 515 two years ago for $300.
>
> The problem is, these are very rare and I searched for a long time to find
> one.
> When I finally did, I was real happy and swore I would never part with it.
> But alas, tastes and interests changed and I no longer operate under the
> conditions (in a tent running off of batteries) where I need that type of
> radio.
>
> 73
> Rick
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of Al Gulseth
> Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2011 2:32 AM
> To: TenTec@contesting.com
> Subject: [TenTec] Argonaut 515 value?
>
> Greetings all,
>
> I'm trying to determine what a 515 in less than stellar condition is worth.
> While I am of the understanding that the 515s are somewhat of interest due
> to
> the limited production numbers, I'm not so sure about this one as it
> unfortunately wasn't treated well by a previous owner. There are some
> noticeable scratches and scrapes on the top cover along with a few smaller
> ones on the front panel. It also has several non-original knobs, and it
> appears to have kept company with that "eevl tebaccy" character.
>
> It is operational as far as I know but 1) needs to have the dial cord
> replaced
> (PTO seems OK), and 2) the resonate control won't stay in place and slips
> back to the 3.5 position.
>
> Any suggestions on value?
>
> TNX/73, Al
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