[TenTec] paragon or paragon II - what would you choose?

[Vic Klein]

Just to drop in here with a few comments...I believe the RF portions of the
Paragon and Paragon II are virtually identical. The main differences are as
follows:

1. The standard equipment provided with the radio - The Serial Port and FM
board were included with the P-II, but optional on the original

2. A major change in processor control - The original  used a control
language that was supported by only a few 3rd party suppliers, so the P-II
reverted to an Icom command set that was more widely used. Additionally, the
P-II control scheme was significantly improved by utilizing one-button band
changes with band stacking registers. Note, both of these changes are
available to be retrofitted to the original Paragon by 3rd parties: Geihl
provides the band stacking and one-button changes with expanded memories and
voice board support, and N4PY adds the band stacking and one-button changes
with an Icom-compatible command structure. These chips are easy to install,
are still available, and make the operation of the original Paragons
virtually identical to the P-II

3. AM transmit (at least carrier and one sideband) is available on the P-II,
only AM receive on the original

4. A number of the early original Paragon had problems with poor soldering
on the major and minor loop boards. Many had to be returned or repaired, but
the fix is fairly simple. By the time the P-II was in production this was no
longer an issue.

5. The P-II's seem to be far fewer in availability, and command a price 50%
higher than the original Paragons. Ten Tec no longer takes the original
Paragons or Omni V's on trade.

Either of these is a fine radio, an absolute pleasure to operate, with specs
that rival or exceed many current rigs. The original Paragon is arguably the
best bargain in a high-end tranceiver in the market. Both are capable of
operating on the new 60m band and are, of course, still supported by Ten
Tec. I am sure you will be happy with either one.

=Vic=
WA4THR
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
To:  Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec at contesting.com>
Subject:  Re: [TenTec] paragon or paragon II - what would you choose?
From:  Kevin Purcell <kevinpurcell at pobox.com>
Reply-to:  Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec at contesting.com>
Date:  Wed, 3 Oct 2007 22:28:31 -0700
List-post:  <mailto:tentec at contesting.com>

Could you elaborate on that, Bob?

Is the Paragon II phase noise much lower than the Paragon?

The ARRL only reviewed the Paragon (not the P II) and it was the
first review for which they measured phase noise!

They pointed out the initial results weren't that good but a change
(to the 723 voltage regulator) improved the further out noise but
made the close in noise worse. But this fix was made to production
Paragons and offered as a fix to owners. The device under test was
serial 084 so pretty early in the run.

On Oct 3, 2007, at 6:53 PM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:

> Paragon II.
>
> Much nicer radio, easier to computer control and not plagued with
> the PLL
> concerns.