Great idea. My Corsair II, external VFO, and matching spkr/PS are still
operating. I worked a LOT of DX with the Corsair II and have decided NOT to
part with it as long as I can keep it operating (I have the PIC replacement
for the frequency counter and display). The OMNI-VII is still my primary
radio which interfaces with DXLab Suite and N1MM. If an analog CORSAIR III
with DDS and CAT interface were to become available, I'd buy one and keep my
other radios as well.
73 & DX,
Gary - AB9M
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Ireland
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2014 12:30 AM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] Modern version of the Tec Tec Corsair - please Ten Tec!
G’day
For the last month or so I’ve replaced using my modern Elecraft K3 (digital
signal processed back-end) and High Performance Software Defined Radio
(digital down conversion at the antenna socket) for day-to-day operation
with a Ten Tec Corsair II.
Reintroducing my ears to the delights of entirely analogue radio – with what
to them is probably the best sounding analogue radio they’ve ever
experienced – has given me an idea about what Ten Tec could do to
differentiate themselves from today’s other ham radio manufacturers – and
make themselves a lot of money and friends.
The two Corsairs models are approaching their 30th birthdays and diminishing
in their numbers and serviceability. However, more and more radio amateurs
are looking to purchase one for their classic simplicity, kick-ass QSK and
easy-on-the-ear analogue sound, which can be considerably improved by
carrying out the modifications detailed by Barry N1EU on his Corsair wiki.
Put in a N4YG DDS VFO and then you have a transceiver with a two VFO and
split frequency capability.
What about Ten Tec going back to the future and producing a 30th anniversary
version Corsair, incorporating the above? No digital signal processing
whatsoever – just sound, classic analogue engineering. Keep the basic
Corsair architecture but have a switchable 2.8/500Hz filters in the 9MHz IF
and follow these with 2.8/500/250Hz in the second IF. Keep the wonderful
audio/hang AGC (or put in Omni-6 IF AGC and add the G3TXQ hang AGC
modification) and use OPA2134 quality op-amps in the audio chain. The basic
design stays but modern components would be used.
Totally keep the Corsair I look – dark grey front panel with four big red
digits and one green one for the smallest number of Hertz and an analogue ‘S’
meter. This is truly the BEST LOOKING radio ever!
No memories, no keypad, no menus – just a great, basic analogue ‘Harley
Davidson’ radio/easy chair aimed at us ‘old school’ guys and the increasing
numbers of young ones who buy vinyl records and appreciate classic cool.
Heck, WB6ACU would probably buy a truck load of this radio! It could even be
produced – and sold – relatively cheaply.
If you think this is a good idea, write to Ten Tec and let them know what we’d
like.
Vy 73
Steve, VK6VZ (also G3ZZD and VY2LF)
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