Yes, the Paragon is a good choice and generally in the price range. The
audio on transmit and receive is quite good, the CW mode is also good plus
it has a general coverage receiver.
However, as a general rule, it is noted to have issues with the PLL
circuits. Although the PLL boards can be effectively repaired and aligned,
it requires some advanced level of skill, knowledge and patience to dig into
the PLL system. I've successfully repaired several, but I didn't fine it
easy and found was quite time consuming as the issues of PLL UNLOCK are
usually band specific but most often intermittent.
Add a couple of filters to sharpen up the IF and one has a good sounding and
good performing radio in the $500 price class.
73
Bob, K4TAX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Vic Klein" <vhklein@ptd.net>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 5:54 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] OT: Looking for good starter HF transceiver
> IMHO, the Paragon is far an away the best performer in the group you list,
> and capable of computer interfacing and working the digital and SSB modes
> Hans will most likely frequent. It has a simple, but effective control
> layout and generates beautiful signals while being a pleasure to listen
> to.
> However, quality of these in the used market varies widely and, although
> they are open and fairly easy to work on, that may not be something he
> wants
> to be involved with. True, they can still be serviced by the factory (try
> that with any of the other brands mentioned), but unless the one you
> mention
> is known to have the PLL issues fixed, it may not be the best for a
> non-techie. So, putting my TT hat aside as well, I'd probably lean the way
> you suggest.
>
> =Vic=
> WA4THR
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------------------------
> To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
> Subject:
> From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick@DJ0IP.de>
> Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
> Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 09:42:45 +0200
> List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
>
> FIRST AND FOREMOST, APOLOGIES THAT THIS IS NOT DIRECTLY A TEN-TEC TOPIC,
> but
> this is the best group I know of to get information and help.
>
> Thanks to all those who have answered here and off line:
> There were lots of good tips and several offers (a couple I wish I could
> buy
> myself - hi).
>
> I HAVE ANOTHER GENERAL QUESTION . .
>
> The radio is for Hans, (KF5HEI). He is currently only a Technician but
> will
> take the General exam next week at the local Hamfest. Being that Hans is
> a
> lot younger than me, I'm sure he is going to develop a lot more interest
> in
> digital modes than I ever had or will have. I have absolutely zero
> experience there. I also doubt that Hans will learn CW any time soon.
>
> *** So SSB will be the starting mode, but how well can he evolve into
> digital modes with the rigs in this price range we're looking at? Perhaps
> the answer is "he can't" and we'll have to accept that. Again the price
> range is about $500 (or less).
>
> Here's what has been said:
> First and foremost, a rig of this age is best sourced from either a dealer
> who gives at least a small guarantee, or someone you know (and I place
> everyone on this list in that category). NOT: do not buy a rig from
> someone
> who purchased it cheap for the purpose of reselling it.
>
> In this price range, most of the rigs suggested were about 30 years old.
> Clearly it is a safer bet to have a Ten-Tec than anything else in this age
> group.
> I am pretty familiar with all of the rigs we have found or been offered,
> except I have no idea how well (or ill) suited they are for digital modes.
>
> Here is a list of what we have found or been offered, no preference in
> order:
>
> - Ten-Tec Delta 580
> - Ten-Tec Triton IV Analog w. PS (PTO is good).
> - Kenwood TS-120 (from a dealer)
> - Yaesu FT-707 (from a dealer)
> - Yaesu FT-900 AT (I own one of these and simply love it)
> - Yaesu FT-840 (absolutely mint, like from the showroom floor)
> - Yaesu FT-450D (I've read about problems with TX hum on SSB for these
> models)
> - Kenwood TS-440 with PS, Speaker, Desk Mic (long time owner, guarantees
> it in good condx)
> - Ten-Tec Paragon (not from our group), supposed to be in good working
> order
> - Kenwood TS-930 (agreed it is a great rig but a bit challenging for a
> newcomer).
>
> I really didn't expect to find so many rigs in one day.
> I can kinda rank them according to my own priorities, and all the Ten-Tecs
> are right up top, but the radio is for Hans, not for me.
> A few don't have the WARC bands. Doesn't bother me much because most of my
> operation is contests. But Hans will probably want to get on 17m.
>
> So if anyone can add some information regarding using any of these in
> digital modes, that would help us a lot.
>
> Finally, if I remove my Ten-Tec cap, which is made of solid brass, is
> heavy,
> and hard to get off, objectively I like the FT-840 simply because it is in
> immaculate shape.
>
> Tnx.
>
> 73
> Rick, DJ0IP
>
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> TenTec@contesting.com
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>
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