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microprocessors and similar circuits go out of date a lot faster than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
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