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[TenTec] Scout instability-was Orion direction

To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: [TenTec] Scout instability-was Orion direction
From: bstephens1@mindspring.com (robert k stephens)
Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 09:33:18 -0500
Re Scout frequency stability:

My manual states the following:

The Scout [uses] * one ...microprocessor to accomplish 3 tasks:
1.manage LED display
2.emulate Curtis B keyer
3.frequency lock system (FLS)

"The main  frequency determining element in the SCOUT is the [PTO] ...since
this is not synthesized (locked ) it is subject to frequency variation ...
The microprocessor compares each frequency reading with the previous
reading... and automaticlly corrects the PTO...Readings are taken every
220ms..."

[In other words the PTO can fade a bit but is checked and corrected every
200ms]

"CW operation is more complex. If the internal keyer is being used , it
will take preference over any other operation [ I assume that means that if
the internal keyer is not being used it will not take preference over other
operation thus an external keyer will solve the problem]... there will be
no correction during CW transmit ...corrections are made between
characters,words and other pauses" [*if internal keyer is being used]

Unless I am misinterpreting this, the problem only exists "if the internal
keyer is being used ..."[solved with external keyer] and even then the
fading will happen only if the operator does not pause for 200ms during
long ragchews. This is not a problem for all but elite cw operators.

The Scout is no longer made because it was inexpensive yet a bit old
fashioned in 1991 and  by 2001 it was no longer inexpensive and quite old
fashioned. It was time to kill the design in 2001 but it wasn't a mistake
to produce it back in 1991 when it was a good basic bargain priced design.
As long as there is nothing actually wrong with the rig (mine is getting
repaired) the rig does *not* frequency jump during normal use.
73 Bob KB1CIW


At 07:29 PM 3/1/02 -0000, Steve Ellington wrote:
>Tell me how an external keyer stops the Scout from Jumping frequency?
>
>I thought the manual said that when operating higher speed cw that you were
>supposed to stop, pause and give it a chance to recover, cool off or
>whatever, which is a rather strange thing to be doing during a qso. I must
>admit though: It's a one-of-a-kind-rig.
>I worked on one for a guy once. I liked the sound of the receiver and the
>QSK was very smooth. I would probably have one in my car now if it weren't
>for the jumping problem they all have. And yes, any rig that jumps
>frequency,for any reason in 2002 does indeed have a problem regardless what
>the manual says.
>Did they quite making them for some reason?
>Steve
>N4LQ
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "robert k stephens" <bstephens1@mindspring.com>
>To: <tentec@contesting.com>
>Sent: Friday, March 01, 2002 7:52 AM
>Subject: [TenTec] Scout instability-was Orion direction
>
>
>> Every now and then someone mentions the Scout "instability problem".
>> What problem ?
>>
>> I agree with Stuart. If the Scout is operated according to directions the
>> frequency stability is more than adequate for the ssb and moderate speed
>cw
>> operation it was designed for.
>>
>> The problem is that the internal keyer caused instability at speeds higher
>> than about 25 wpm or so. Tec Tec said that right in the manual. Use an
>> external keyer and the problem goes away.
>>
>> 73 Bob KB1CIW
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>
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