Hi, Ronald,
>
>Do not know what you intend to use the ARGO for but I had one and
>never had many QSO's either CW or SSB. I had 40,30,20, and 10 modules.
>I also got real tired of swapping modules! I wound up selling it and got
>an ARGOSY II (525D). Its slightly bigger but band-switches 80-10. I had
>a blast. It puts out 50 or 5 watts. When you switch to 5 you actually
>bypas the 50 watt PA. The power is also adjustable below 5 via the ALC
>control.
I have used both the Scout and the original Argosy. I operate exclusively
QRP recently, and find that I can make contacts with 3 watts PEP with my
Tokyo Hy-Power HT-750 handheld on 15 meters. I like the challenge of QRP,
so the 50 watt PA is not terribly interesting to me. If I ever want to use
the rig portable, the PA adds weight to the rig.
The Argosy is an excellent rig, no doubt about that. It doesn't cover two
bands I like: 12 and 17 meters, and does cover four I don't like: 20, 30,
40 and 80. It's also big compared to the Argo/Scout. I dislike the
modules myself, but really like the Jones filter for sorting out QRM. I
would only buy four modules: 10, 12, 15, and 17. Any others I got with
the rig would be resold, except for maybe 20 meters. I just wouldn't go
out of my way to actually buy a 20 meter module. With only four bands, the
Argo is not exactly expensive.
I saw an original Argosy with most all the options posted on usenet the
other day for $300, and Alan (N3BJ) posted an Argosy II for $375. I've
bought a rig from Alan before, and I know I can trust him. I've probably
missed both already, but they are *very* tempting. Still, if I have the
option, I'd really like an Argo.
>
>I guess what I'm saying is the performance of the 525 is better and not
>having modules is nice too.
Better in what way?
> Modules aren't cheap either.
$30 new, a little less used/demo from TenTec. At worst case, they add $90
to the cost of the rig for me.
>The 525 also allows IF and audio filters too.
Narrowing the bandwidth with the Jones filter does the same thing on SSB.
A crystal filter is probably better for narrow CW, but since I don't even
own a key, that's hardly an issue for me.
>
>Just my thoughts. And I used the same antenna for both.
I understand. It a;; depends on how you use the rig, and how you operate,
though, doesn't it?
Thanks for your thoughts. I do appreciate them, and will give them some
thought. I'd also love to hear other people's thoughts on the two rigs.
73,
Caity
KU4QD
____________________________________________________________
Caitlyn M. Martin "They have computers, and may have
cait.martin@ibm.net other weapons of mass
http://www.caitys-world.com destruction" -Janet Reno
____________________________________________________________
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