[TenTec] Using an Argosy in the field

Mike Hyder - N4NT Mike_N4NT at charter.net
Wed Apr 4 17:37:14 PDT 2012


My digital model Argosy has a switch to turn off the display and possibly 
the whole counter circuitry. That switch has a set of unused contacts that 
can be used to switch off the meter lamp when the display is disabled.
Mike N4NT

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick at DJ0IP.de>
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 5:04 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Using an Argosy in the field


> John, for CW, just 20w is enough to work the world.
>
> I worked off of motorcycle batteries for about 18 years.
> Sounds funny.
> I worked portable using my motorcycles' battery for about 18 years.
> Most of the time I had the Argonaut 509 and 405 amp (50w).
> Later I had a Scout, then went to the Argosy (50w).
> I never ran more than 20w CW, but for SSB I usually ran the full 50w.
> That's OK, because SSB doesn't have as high of duty cycle as CW.
>
> You didn't say if yours is the analog or digital version.
> Hopefully the analog version, because if you turn off its dial lamps, it
> draws only about 150mA current on RX and you can literally run forever off
> of a small battery.
>
> I don't know why but most people always look at battery power under TX.
> This is unrealistic.
> The battery killer is the RX current.  You need to get it as low as can 
> be.
> Turn off everything you can, and use headphones.  This will give you a few
> more hours of operation.
>
> 73
> Rick, DJ0IP
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of John
> Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 9:20 PM
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Using an Argosy in the field
>
> Rick,
>
> Thanks for the suggestion to use fishing weights to terminate the radials.
> It sounds safer as long as you don't chew the weights.
>
> I have an opportunity to make the trip this year.  It is turning into a
> grand tour as I have family between here and there and so I get to visit
> along the way.  If I am going to do it, what better excuse to try a little
> portable QRP or whatever.  The Argosy will go to 50 W but I suspect that
> might have an effect on battery life.
>
> John / WA1JG
>
> On 4/4/2012 1:18 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
>> John,
>>
>> Another idea for securing radials is, instead of using nails, simply
>> attach 4oz or 5oz lead sinkers to the ends of the radials (from the
>> fishing supplies store).  That is enough weight to hold them in place,
>> without having to pound them into the ground.  Also, if a pedestrian
>> happens to catch his foot in one, it will move with him and not trip him
> up.
>>
>> If you are not after squeezing every last fraction of a dB out of the
>> antenna, I would suggest mounting the coil lower to the ground, about 4 
>> or
> 5
>> ft. high.   That way you can reach it to change the taps.
>>
>> Important is to have fun!  I never made it to a Ten-Tec Hamfest.  I
>> envy you being able to go.
>>
>> 73
>> Rick, DJ0IP
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com
>> [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]
>> On Behalf Of John
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 6:09 PM
>> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Using an Argosy in the field
>>
>> Rick,
>>
>> You found it.  And yes, I do understand that it will be barely
>> functional at
>> 60 M. It does give me 10, 15, and 20 M so that would be nice break in
>> the driving.  The antenna only needs the coil for 60 m, 40 M, 30M  and
>> barely (1
>> turn) for 20M,  I am going to think about your
>> suggestion for 40.   But it is collapsible and I started with the
>> premise that if I am going to the TT Fleamarket, I should bring a radio.
>>     I have the Argosy, and it works,  I can find picnic benches
>> between here and there. This antenna seems like a reasonable
>> compromise and the Argosy dunna work so well without one.
>>
>> As to radials, I was thinking about 12 radials  about 15 ft long.
>> Attach 2 sets to each side of the base with a wing nut. Again, it
>> isn't ideal, but should work reasonably well.  I was thinking about
>> getting a
>> 15 or so 40 or 60 d nails to use as anchors.  Maybe 20d nails might be
>> better, or at least cheaper and easier to insert into the ground.  I
>> could crimp large rings on the outer end of each radial and nail it
>> down, so to speak.  At any rate, I do believe that 12 to 16 radials is
>> the minimum to make the antenna play nice.
>>
>> At the very least,it is an interesting project.
>>
>> John / WA1JG
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec 



More information about the TenTec mailing list