John,
I used my TS-520S from the 1970s straight through to ~ 3 years ago, when
I got my Orion. The Kenwood is still working fine after 30 years. I
think you hit on a problem with essentially all current ham gear. How
likely is it that it will be working in 2037? Trouble is that
microprocessors and similar circuits go out of date a lot faster than
the components of the '520 and similar tube/transistor gear.
For current and many non-current products, people report good experience
with TT support. But even TT can't replace some of the oldest components.
You might want to consider TT's used/demo offerings which are announced
here from time to time, or contact them. Safer than eBay, but not cheaper.
73 Martin AA6E
John Huggins wrote:
Hello all.
I have been trolling Ebay for used TenTec gear and have scored an Omni C
Series C. This is to be, I hope, a step up from my trusty, but
cumbersome, Kenwood TS520SE (tube finals).
I am also paying close attention to more recent gear that pops up. I
actually put a bid on an Omni VII that was advertised with a
malfunctioning power button (stuck on), but otherwise working. I logged
on this morning to find the auction ended and my bid removed. Reason?
The radio was having more problems. The honesty of the seller is
greatly appreciated.
So this makes me wonder if the newer radios are more delicate than ever
being more like computers and less like radios we grew up with.
Since the TenTec warranty is for the original purchaser only and since
TenTec, I hear, does a great job of standing behind their product when
troubles arise, is it foolish to buy any used TenTec that is still under
the warranty to only the original purchaser?
John
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
|