[TenTec] Want: Ten-Tec Argo (model 556)

[Caitlyn M. Martin]

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
____________________________________________________________


--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/tentecfaq.htm
Submissions:              tentec@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  tentec-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-tentec@contesting.com
Search:                   http://www.contesting.com/km9p/search.htm