[TenTec] OT: Looking for good starter HF transceiver

[wade staggs]

I agree about the Paragon being the best out of the radio's listed. The
Paragon does have one thing that I know of going against it. There is an
issue with the Major and Minor Loop Boards that could cause problems. When
this happens the display will read " PLL Out of Lock " or something to that
effect. I traded a Laptop Computer for my Paragon which had that problem.
After some really careful Soldering of these 2 boards, my Paragon has
performed Flawlessly for well over 2 years. If, you go with the Paragon and
that problem arises? I would be glad to help a New Ham get it fixed. He
would need to pay the shipping both ways. Other than that it would be a
nice afternoon project for me. Just give me a shout if I can be of help.I
have been Inhaling Solder Smoke since 1971.

73 de Wade/KJ4WS

On Wed, Jul 18, 2012 at 2:42 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP <Rick at dj0ip.de> wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
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