[TenTec] Paragon Info Needed

[Jerry Volpe]

Chuck wrote:

>I am thinking about buying a Paragon.
>Can anyone tell me the differences between the Paragon I and II, and 
>what to look for in a used Paragon.
>TIA
>Chuck
>KA6UUP
>
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Chuck:

Well, besides cost and availability... the Paragon II was only produced 
for one year (so few and far between) and sells for about twice what you 
would pay for the Paragon.... they are nearly the same transceiver but:

The Paragon II has a built in RS-232 Port with an early, but very 
serviceable, version of Ten-Tec's Icom friendly command language. The 
Paragon reguires an optional RS-232 card which is very hard to find.... 
and it uses an obscure key-based command set which is rarely, if ever 
supported by logging programs, etc.

The Paragon II has an improved microprocessor command set based on many 
of the options that could be added to the Paragon's command set by 
changing its factory ROM with a 3rd party Giehl chip. The Giehl chips 
are still available and cost around $50 or so.
http://home.fuse.net/jg/Chips/ParagonChip.html

The Paragon II has a few different circuit boards in it. Functionally 
the same but changed due to changes in part availability.

If you need computer control then you want the Paragon II over the 
Paragon. If you don't need general coverage but want good computer 
control and a better over-all transceiver for a reasonable price you 
want an Omni-V with the .9v Giehl chip. A fantastic value.

I have both the Omni-6+ and a Paragon and I plan to add a nice Omni-V .9 
when I can afford it.

Hope this helps some.

73,
Jerry, KG6TT