[TenTec] Paragon on MARS?

[Bwana Bob]

I used my Paragon I on Air Force Mars about 10 years ago. I was inspired
by all the traffic they were handling for Desert Shield and Desert
Storm. However, I got in on the tail end of this operation. By the time
I finished the training program in the message forms and protocols that
are unique to MARS, the traffic volume had dropped to almost nil! 

Oh, well, the Paragon performed well, and I agree that it is a great
rig. There were some problems with the VCO boards, but once I reflowed
the solder they have been fine. I think its a very reliable and capable
rig.

One word of caution: I read that MARS and CAP tightened their frequency
tolerance standard to (I think) 20 ppm. This would exclude anything
(like the Paragon) that doesn't use a TCXO or OCXO, so check with your
MARS officials to see if the Paragon can be "grandfathered" (or maybe,
don't ask, don't tell).


			73,

			Bob WB2VUF

"R. Eric Sluder" wrote:
> 
> Thanks everybody for the replies... it's good know the Paragon can operate
> out of the amateur bands A-okay!
> 
> I agree with the one statement that it's a "big sleeper in my opinion for
> the TT used gear. Great buy for a lot of rig."
> 
> I always get good audio reports and find it a treat on CW.  I think it does
> a lot considering the age of the radio!  Every time I think about selling it
> to help pay for a Jupiter and I get weak and tell myself I'll just save the
> money instead.  One thing is for sure, it looks like a Ham radio to me, not
> my home stereo! :^)
> 
> 73,
> Eric
> W5WLW
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "R. Eric Sluder" <resluder@coserv.net>
> To: "tentec" <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2002 12:47 AM
> Subject: [TenTec] Paragon on MARS?
> 
> > I'm considering joining MARS and was wondering if any of you have had or
> > actually modified the Paragon for MARS operation?  The manual says
> "contact
> > the factory" so it is most likely possible, but I'm interested in anyone
> who
> > has actually done or got a rig running today that's been through the
> > modification.
> >
> > I don't want to mess up the only good HF radio I've got :^)
> >
> > 73 de Eric, W5WLW
> >
> >
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