[TenTec] It just depends...

[Dave Edwards]

I am still in the process of deciding!
I am fascinated by smooth, seemless QSK.
I have not had smooth, seemless QSK since the Old Swan twins (600's).
You could switch the antenna with a Johnson TR switch, and the muting
function was done with an internal solid-state switch. It was the best I've
ever had the joy of using.
I then went through TS-520's, 820's, 830, 850, 440, and a 757GX. (which
ain't a bad rig!)...currently have a 1000D and a 756Pro.
Nothing came close to the old Swan twins for effortless QSK.
I gave up, until I built an Elecraft K1.  WOW!!   Nirvana....again!!
Perfect QSK!!!
This got me all charged up to re-visit the possibility that someone DOES
have an interest in QSK.
So, I got an Omni V, and soon traded up for an Omni VI+...and purchased an
Argonaut V new.
I always thought TenTec was the MFJ of transceivers, and I am still in the
process of making my decision as to what I think of them.  So far, I have
concluded for sure that the Argonaut is a 'fun' rig. It has several flaws,
and is useless for SSB work. The Omni VI+??  Well, it is also 'fun', and
easy to operate...kind of reminds me of the old TS520, or a Drake TR7. But,
it does have its' spurs all over, and digital 'hash' when tuning around.
The Argonaut's QSK is good. The Omni VI+ QSK is not as good.
If only I could combine some aspects of the K1 with the TR7 and
FT1000D....I'd have my rig!!
...Dave
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <n5xm at alltel.net>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2004 10:27 AM
Subject: [TenTec] It just depends...


> I've been into TT gear only about six years, but that is a bit misleading.
In that time, I've owned 11 different TT HF rigs on which I've made over
eleven thousand contacts,  99% CW.  I don't say this to pat myself on the
back, but to make a couple of further points, and to ask a question of this
genteel group.  Going back to when you were first enamored with TT rigs,
what was it that hooked you?
>
> I am not a benchmaster.  I know enough theory to understand what's going
on inside my rigs, in the atmosphere, and on the Sun, and I am not an Extra
Lite.  I had read about how many CW ops used TT rigs because of the quiet
reciever and QSK, so I found a nice, used Omni D, series C, and soon I
didn't want to use my FT-920 any more.
>
> We have every right to complain about anything we don't think is right
about our TT rigs.  It gives TT feedback for improving things.  To think
I've gone from that Omni D, to the Corsair and Corsair II, to the Omni V, to
the VI+, to the Orion in 6 years still amazes me.  I'm proud to be a Ten Tec
man.  I have some criticisms, but I would also say that if I had a Ferrari,
I would probably be able to find some things I didn't like about it.  I love
the elegant simplicity of TT rigs, even though earlier rigs looked like
Russian tractors in a way.  Some of my attraction is emotional, and has
nothing to do with specs.  I can think of a dozen other non-TT rigs I would
love to have in my shack, but hey, I never met a rig I didn't like.  I LIKE
the monochrome screen on my Orion.  I like the big knobs.  I just wanted to
ask you fine folks to remember your roots and why you liked TT in the first
place.  Apologies for being so long-winded, hi.  Richard, n5xm
>
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