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Re: [TenTec] TenTec and Alpha merger not a good thing

To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] TenTec and Alpha merger not a good thing
From: Cecil <chacuff@cableone.net>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Mon, 12 May 2014 19:45:43 -0500
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
I agree...I think it will come at some point...were just not there yet.  I'm 
happy with a pair of 3-500ZG's that don't balk at reflected power over 2.5:1 
and can be replaced every 10 or 15 years for a few hundred dollars.  One trip 
to the repair shop for a handful of blown finals in a SS amp will exceed that 
these days.

I've heard Elecraft had built a prototype 1kw SS but still short of legal limit 
levels being asked for.

Cecil

Sent from my iPad

> On May 12, 2014, at 7:36 PM, k6jek <k6jek@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Cecil,
> 
> I'd bet on the transistors, maybe not now but soon and for the rest of our 
> lives.
> 
> People seem to really like those expensive Italian amplifiers, the Expert 
> 1KFA and now 2KFA. I notice that the use-a-super station-over-the-Internet 
> service, remotehamradio.com, seems to have them in all their stations. I bet 
> the Alpha guys are paying attention to that product line, high end, premium 
> priced, all solid state, seemingly  successful. 
> 
> People seem to also like the Elecraft KPA500 maybe for exactly the reason you 
> don't like. It's tiny. Only 500 watts, though.
> 
> Elecraft demonstrated a 1K solid state amp out here at Pacificon but haven't 
> brought it to market. Maybe they will yet.
> 
> And of course, I'm happy as a clam with my Ten-Tec Hercules II. I'd be happy 
> as three clams if it were 1500 watts not 500, even though the power supply 
> takes two men and boy to lift. I actually sold my Titan after I got the solid 
> state amp. They are just so quick and easy and quiet. And they don't heat up 
> the shack leaving that task to my many, old boat anchor pieces. 
> 
> Now that I only have 500 watts instead of 1500 I have to speak more loudly 
> into the microphone and push the CW key just a little harder.
> 
> Jon
> 
>> On May 12, 2014, at 5:03 PM, Cecil wrote:
>> 
>> Been a year since you owned a Ten-Tec product but you remain a member of the 
>> list...strange.
>> 
>> And I do disagree with you on several points.  You sold the best SDR with a 
>> front panel radio when you sold the OII.  Yea you can't hold it in the palm 
>> of your hand....don't know many folks really looking for that...except QRP 
>> ops and back packers...tiny market.
>> 
>> As far as amps...why couldn't Tokyo Hypower build a successful 1k+ amp...why 
>> doesn't Elecraft build a reliable, successful 1k+ amp....and how about 
>> Acom...all tubes....because it's costly and it's hard to compete with tubes. 
>>  Besides everyone knows real...serious amps use tubes....and there is really 
>> no good reason they shouldn't.
>> 
>> I wouldn't trade my OII and Centurion even for a K3 and their 500w SS 
>> amp....don't like tiny radios.
>> 
>> No flames...just another opinion....
>> 
>> Cecil
>> K5DL
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>>> On May 12, 2014, at 1:20 PM, Chuck Gerarden <cgerarden@atomix.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> As an owner of TenTec (and Alpha) gear for many years, some bad and
>>> some good,I think this merger may not save the dysfunctional
>>> company/brand that TT has become. They have designed nothing
>>> innovative since the Orion.. 
>>> They seem to just repackage old technology into new boxes at a higher
>>> and higher price. TT is only alive at this point because they can
>>> generate service revenue. I don't know anyone buying their products.
>>> Do you?
>>> The new SSB Ardino QRP radio sounds like a desperate move IMHO.
>>> Elecraft has simply eaten TT lunch the past 5+ years and TT never
>>> responded to their competition. I sold the last of my TT gear (Orion
>>> II) a year ago, just a month before the Orion II was
>>> discontinued. The TT acquisition may simply drag down the Alpha brand
>>> with the TT brand. Here are a few questionsfor both companies:
>>> 1. Why can't Alpha build a relaible 1KW+ solid state amp?
>>> 2. Why can't TT build a good SDR transceiver with a front panel (Like
>>> a KX3)?
>>> These are 2 products many friends of mine have indicated they would
>>> like to buy. Neither one of these companies has innovated anything
>>> new for a long time. Sure an Alpha 9500 with 5 microprocessors can
>>> output 1.5 KW with a brick on the key, but can't keep from
>>> faultingwhen the wind blows hard. 
>>> Unless both these companies come up with some new and leading edge
>>> products, I think both are toast. As a brandI take seriously, TT is no
>>> longer on my list. Please no flames, these are my OPINIONS. You are
>>> welcome to express yours too. 
>>> ChuckW0DLE
>>> 
>>> 
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