[TenTec] It just depends...

[Eric Townson]

Thought you might find a new ham's experience interesting. I bought a
Jupiter based on the recommendation of a mentor. I have used it for
phone, psk, rtty, and cw and it has performed very well for each mode. I
have never had a single negative comment about my signal. I use it with
the DXLab suite under computer control and this is a very powerful
combination. I have no reference point to other rigs. All I know is that
I've never once been frustrated with it and I have never felt like I am
missing any key feature.

I have been in commercial software for several years and am very
critical of service since it has been such a big part of my professional
career. TenTec has the best customer service I have ever experienced
either personally or professionally. I value this deeply and at this
point I feel like I actually have a relationship with the company. I was
there Friday to buy a paddle and Scott hooked up a Bencher for me so I
could see if I liked it. The President even stopped as he was walking by
and took the time to joke that I could do at least 20 wpm by simply
shorting 2 wires if I was really good.

I have similar feelings about being part of the TenTec user community. I
can't compare this to other ham groups but I do get the sense that it is
on par with the best.

When I was in college I had some friends that were absolute
stereophiles. They had $10k stereos but rode bicycles because they
couldn't afford a car. I got to where I was starting to listen to the
stereo fidelity more than the music and found it diminished my overall
enjoyment. Music to me is an emotional experience and the equipment is a
means to an end. So, I never went the stereophile route. I do have a
really nice stereo and I did A-B the components when I bought it but at
this point I just enjoy great sounding music. My Jupiter is like that. I
continue to get huge enjoyment from it and don't fret over whether
"brand x" edges it out in one area or another.

I am not knocking "ham-ophiles" any more than I would the stereophile
friends I had in college. It is a huge hobby and I think all the paths
we take are facinating. Plus, I feel the more technically critical and
adept have greatly benefited guys like me by helping ensure the state of
the art we have today.

Finally, it feels great to be able to buy a quality American-made
product. I am a strong believer in free trade but I must say it can be
worrisome at times to see so many good jobs lost overseas.

73,
Eric
KI4EFO