[TenTec] What Model Ten-Tec Rig Do I Need ?

Mon Nov 1 05:38:05 PDT 2010

Yes, all the current TenTec stuff has the classic TenTec QSK. So, any TenTec rig will work CW as you want. I have found that the 'phone stuff' is not a burden to the CW side of operation. CW is also my first choice. 

So, if you are looking for a current rig, the Eagle is a bargain, but not a contest rig. Great receiver, so it should be good for both rag-chew and DX operation. 

I currently have 2 Omni VI+ with a full complement of filters (IR with the IR 600 Hz roofing filter). Incredible CW rigs, but some say not great on phone. Have used several Paragons, they offer general coverage (didn't use that) and for my old eyes, didn't care for the 1/4" frequency display. 

Had a few Corsair II's with the external VFO's. For an old timer, they were fantastic. Two knobs for split operation and every option imaginable for using those 2 vfo's. Wouldn't mind having one of them back. Only drawback (every 7 years or so, rebuild the PTO). Not a big deal at all. 

Have an Omni D on the bench for repair right now. For a low cost rig, that 30+ year old rig is great on CW. Add an external VFO and off you go chasing DX. But it is not as good as the Corsair II or Omni VI+. 

So, the real choice for us old geezers is price point. What do we want to spend on a TenTec. If you had said that you contest, I'd say Omni VII or Omni VI+. You didn't say that, so I'd suggest that either a Corsair II with external VFO or an Omni VI+ would be great choices. If you want to spoil yourself with a new rig, look at the Eagle and the Omni VII. 

I'm not turning my back on a used Orion or an Orion II, but they have a learning curve. If you want the best there is for contests or weak signal DX, take a look at them also 

Not much help with that advice, but only you know how you operate and whether you contest. You'll love any of them. 

Also, be sure that you invest in the matching TenTec power supply. The protection that provides to the rig is a must. 

Dave 

WA3F 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Edwards" <kd2e at comcast.net> 
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com> 
Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2010 9:14:50 PM 
Subject: Re: [TenTec] What Model Ten-Tec Rig Do I Need ? 

Sure...a Corsair 2, or 1 or an OMNI V would be a dream after having 
used the Century 21 for so long. 

I have an OMNI VI+ and a little QRP Argo V. 

Love 'em both!! 

.....Dave 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Westerlage" <john at n5dwi.com> 
To: <TenTec at contesting.com> 
Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2010 8:53 PM 
Subject: [TenTec] What Model Ten-Tec Rig Do I Need ? 

> 
> I hope someone on the list can advise me. 
> 
> I'm a CW only op.  I've used the 50W TenTec Century 21 for years.   
> It was already used when I bought it.  With its full breakin, 
> it's been a joy to use in high speed operaton. 
> 
> But, ... it's beginning to show its age in several ways.  And I have a 
> friend that I've promised to give it to if I find a suitable 
> replacement. 
> 
> I'm not interested in voice or digital modes, and I consider such 
> circuitry to be an unnecessary expense, not to mention the deleterious 
> effect it has on CW operation. 
> 
> I understand the Corsair II was also a CW op's dream rig, despite 
> the voice stuff. 
> 
> So, what TenTec rig, if any, do I move on to? 
> 
> Do any of the current TenTec offerings have what I'm looking for - full 
> breakin, 
> or do I have to go back to my roots and start home brewing all my rigs? 
> 
> I truly don't mean to step on any toes with my comments, I'm just asking 
> about 
> what appeals to me personally, old curmudgeon that I am. 
> 
> Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated. 
> 
> vy 73 de john 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________ 
> TenTec mailing list 
> TenTec at contesting.com 
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec 
_______________________________________________ 
TenTec mailing list 
TenTec at contesting.com 
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec 