[TenTec] Ten-Tec visit

[David & Chris Drake]

Hi all,
OK, a lot of TT tour and store questions.  Here's my experiences....... 
maybe this will shed some more light on what to expect.

I normally visit Ten Tec at least once per year.  Been doing this for at 
least 15 years.  The Smoky Mountain area is wonderful to visit and a lot to 
do.  I often take a radio or other accessory in for checkup, and simply drop 
it off on say Wednesday, and pick it up on Friday.  Sometimes its ready next 
day.  I've done this with early Omni's, Corsairs, later Omni's, Amps and 
power supplies.  To do this I just call ahead so they are expecting it.  As 
for a store, ... not what I'd really call a store.  A room about 14 ft x 20 
ft.  A display case with 3-4 used TT radios for sale, a brochure rack, some 
other displays for antenna parts, project boxes and other misc. ham stuff. 
Not at all like going to AES, HRO or similar.  You'd probably see more TT 
stuff at a large hamfest.  They've added a lot more stuff over the years and 
continue to add and reorganize their showroom space.

Ten Tec focus is more on quality, .... not much for show.  In the past, the 
new radios have been displayed in the "museum room" and are hooked up for 
ham use.  This room is about the size of a large office room or large ham 
shack.

As for on site tours, I don't think they have ever advertised one.  I 
suggest anyone wishing one, to call ahead.  That would be common courtesy in 
my opinion.  There are only a handful of people who work out front, Paul 
Clinton is usually back in the service department and most of the time they 
are all busy, so arranging ahead would be the proper thing to do.  Sure, ... 
if you pop in and they have some time available, I'm sure someone would be 
happy to take you through the plant.  Very hospitable, southern style.  Oh, 
.... and they'd be happy to sell you a radio too!

Its not a big place, so don't be disappointed and expect to see a sprawling 
manufacturing complex with a paved parking lot.  Back in the day, RL Drake, 
was not a big place either, and actually about the same size.

Whenever I go there, I normally have two emotions that I go through..... one 
I feel sorry that there are so few people involved selling these fine 
products as well as the spartan "store", and two, my admiration for how well 
they do with such a small staff.  Certainly more dedication than we find in 
most industries today.

The store/factory is open during the week, normal business hours, located 
just a short 10 min. drive east from the main intersection in downtown 
Sevierville.

Have fun !!
David
Wd9cmd

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richards" <jruing at ameritech.net>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 3:12 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Ten-Tec visit


> Hmmm....  a single answer to a compound question....
>
> Is Paul saying "no tours"  ...or...  "no store to visit" ...
> or... "no appointment necessary"  ?
>
> ===============  K8JHR  =================
>
> Paul Gates wrote:
>> NO
>>
>> On Fri, Aug 7, 2009 at 9:19 AM, Tom Williams<n2cu at roadrunner.com> wrote:
>>>  Do they have tours of the facility or just a store to visit? Is an 
>>> appointment required?
>>>
>
>
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