[TenTec] new amp

[Frank Kirschner]

I already had a Centurion amp, so I didn't consider a lower power option. I was looking at the K3, the Orion, and the FTdx-5000. I went with the 5K because I got a really good deal on a used one.

 However, if I were building a station today, a QRP rig and accompanying amp would be a good choice, especially in view of the KX3 and the Ten Tec offerings. It would offer flexibility that the integrated rig (like the Eagle) wouldn't, and would perform as well or better. As has been pointed out, I could put the QRP rig in a briefcase and take it with me on travel, and have the 100 watt amp (and even the 1.2 KW amp) at the home QTH.

 In the old days, QRP rigs didn't have very good receivers because they didn't need very good receivers; you weren't going to work someone who couldn't hear you, so why hear those stations you can't work? Now, the receivers in QRP rigs are as good as or better than their higher-powered cousins.

 I guess the answer is still, "It depends." If you are inclined to take a rig with you and want the challenge of QRP, the new amps will have a place in your shack.

 73,
 Frank
 KF6E

----- Original Message -----
From: Don Allen
Sent: 08/16/12 07:11 PM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] new amp

 I am sure Ten-Tec has done their "due diligence" in terms of market research on the new amp. There's still a significant installed base of 505/509/515 Argonauts out there, along with the Argonaut V, upcoming Argonaut VI, and all other numerous QRP rigs, including the Elecraft models. So, the market may be sufficiently large to support the 418. No new solid-state amp is inexpensive, as proven by the Elecraft KPA500. I've given a hard look at the KPA500 myself, but except for all its design and operational amenities, I have a hard time justifying the cost as a replacement for my SB-200, especially as to bang for the buck! I'm not a contester, so I don't require super-fast QSY times. Since Elecraft is launching a companion 100W amp for the KX3 - the KXPA100, there must be a market demand for these amps, otherwise Ten-Tec and Elecraft wouldn't have put investment into R&D and production. 73 Don W9CW