[TenTec] My First Ten-Tec

[Silevitch, Michael]

My first TT rig was a Triton IV that I bought used from a neighbor in 1977. Prior to that I used an old Halicrafters HT32, HT 33 kw combo for the transmitter and a Collins 75A4 receiver that I was given as a loaner. The combo was just great but it weighed over 150 pounds and drew a lot of power even without the the amplifier. 

When I got the Triton a whole new world opened up. QSK was great and the receiver was superb. I've used that rig up to a few months ago when I donated to the Northeastern University Radio Club, W1KBN. I wanted the club members to be able to understand and troubleshoot ham equipment and the Triton was ideal for this, I felt. My colleague (Dave K1MBO) and  I are currently working out how to introduce these troubleshooting skills to the members. 

After donating the Triton to the club I "upgraded" to a Corsair I which I'm enjoying very much. Right now I don't see the need for anything more modern although I like the specs of the Omni VI+ and the Eagle. I did, however, purchase an Omni C on eBay because it is my understanding that it and the Corsair were neck and neck in terms of performance and I wanted to test the two side by side. I haven't gotten around to that and any comments from others would be appreciated. 

In terms of reliability I must say that over the years I had no problems with the Triton except for the dial string. Ten Tec was very helpful in providing me with the replacement and words of encouragement. 

I am a strong Ten Tec proponent and look to acquaint a new generation of hams and potential hams with the great engineering and user friendliness of the gear (at least the vintage gear!)

Regards
   Mike K1PEV

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 4, 2012, at 10:04 AM, "Lee  WA3FIY" <wa3fiy at radioadv.com> wrote:

> My first Ten-Tec was a Corsair II purchased new.  Prior to the Corsair I had an Icom 701 with 
> which I was not at all happy.  It had intermittent failure in the VFO from early on.  Sent back to 
> Icom for repair twice.  No luck.  Icom's answer was to buy a new rig......I did.....the Corsair II.  
> I thought at the time it was a BIG step backward.  Turned out to be one of the best purchases 
> I ever made!
> 
> When I turned the Corsair on for the first time and did some preliminary testing and set-up I 
> thought for sure the rig was broken.  When I keyed it I heard CW sidetone ok but with the key 
> up I instantly heard band noise and nothing else.  I got the impression it was not going into 
> transmit mode.  It was operating fine.  Welcome to Ten Tec QSK!  Took me a year or so to 
> become accustomed to QSK but now cannot imagine operating any other way.
> 
> Still have that radio and a few other TT's as well.  My daily driver is a Pegasus/N4PY/RX320 
> combo though which is nearly perfect for my present operating style but I still use the Corsair 
> from time to time.  In fact, it is on line as I type this.
> 
> 
> 73,
> 
> -Lee-
> 
> WA3FIY
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