[TenTec] OT: Looking for good starter HF transceiver

[Vic Klein]

IMHO, the Paragon is far an away the best performer in the group you list,
and capable of computer interfacing and working the digital and SSB modes
Hans will most likely frequent. It has a simple, but effective control
layout and generates beautiful signals while being a pleasure to listen to.
However, quality of these in the used market varies widely and, although
they are open and fairly easy to work on, that may not be something he wants
to be involved with. True, they can still be serviced by the factory (try
that with any of the other brands mentioned), but unless the one you mention
is known to have the PLL issues fixed, it may not be the best for a
non-techie. So, putting my TT hat aside as well, I'd probably lean the way
you suggest. 

=Vic=
WA4THR

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To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec at contesting.com>
Subject: 
From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick at DJ0IP.de>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec at contesting.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 09:42:45 +0200
List-post: <tentec at contesting.com">mailto:tentec at contesting.com>

FIRST AND FOREMOST, APOLOGIES THAT THIS IS NOT DIRECTLY A TEN-TEC TOPIC, but
this is the best group I know of to get information and help.

Thanks to all those who have answered here and off line:
There were lots of good tips and several offers (a couple I wish I could buy
myself - hi).

I HAVE ANOTHER GENERAL QUESTION . .

The radio is for Hans, (KF5HEI).  He is currently only a Technician but will
take the General exam next week at the local Hamfest.  Being that Hans is a
lot younger than me, I'm sure he is going to develop a lot more interest in
digital modes than I ever had or will have.  I have absolutely zero
experience there.  I also doubt that Hans will learn CW any time soon.  

*** So SSB will be the starting mode, but how well can he evolve into
digital modes with the rigs in this price range we're looking at?  Perhaps
the answer is "he can't" and we'll have to accept that.  Again the price
range is about $500 (or less).

Here's what has been said:
First and foremost, a rig of this age is best sourced from either a dealer
who gives at least a small guarantee, or someone you know (and I place
everyone on this list in that category).  NOT: do not buy a rig from someone
who purchased it cheap for the purpose of reselling it.

In this price range, most of the rigs suggested were about 30 years old.
Clearly it is a safer bet to have a Ten-Tec than anything else in this age
group.
I am pretty familiar with all of the rigs we have found or been offered,
except I have no idea how well (or ill) suited they are for digital modes.

Here is a list of what we have found or been offered, no preference in
order:

  - Ten-Tec Delta 580
  - Ten-Tec Triton IV Analog w. PS (PTO is good).
  - Kenwood TS-120 (from a dealer)
  - Yaesu FT-707 (from a dealer)
  - Yaesu FT-900 AT (I own one of these and simply love it)
  - Yaesu FT-840 (absolutely mint, like from the showroom floor)
  - Yaesu FT-450D  (I've read about problems with TX hum on SSB for these
models)
  - Kenwood TS-440 with PS, Speaker, Desk Mic (long time owner, guarantees
it in good condx)
  - Ten-Tec Paragon (not from our group), supposed to be in good working
order
  - Kenwood TS-930 (agreed it is a great rig but a bit challenging for a
newcomer).

I really didn't expect to find so many rigs in one day.
I can kinda rank them according to my own priorities, and all the Ten-Tecs
are right up top, but the radio is for Hans, not for me.
A few don't have the WARC bands. Doesn't bother me much because most of my
operation is contests.  But Hans will probably want to get on 17m.

So if anyone can add some information regarding using any of these in
digital modes, that would help us a lot.

Finally, if I remove my Ten-Tec cap, which is made of solid brass, is heavy,
and hard to get off, objectively I like the FT-840 simply because it is in
immaculate shape.  

Tnx.

73
Rick, DJ0IP