[TenTec] Model 238 C Issues Resolved

[Jim Brown]

On 11/16/2012 3:55 PM, Richards wrote:
> I once enjoyed the sheer convenience of the AT-AUTO... but now that I 
> know how to quickly adjust the 238C, that convenience no longer seems 
> so important. 

Yes, the Ten Tec tuners are surely first rate, and while I haven't seen 
one of the new generation that replaced the dial cord with a vernier, 
I'm confident that they're a nice step up from those that used the dial 
cord.  BTW --there are some fixed caps that tend to fry. if you do 
contesting at legal limit power, at least in the older units I've 
owned.  They're fairly easy to replace. I used inexpensive surplus parts 
that I bought from Halted (also called HSC) for a buck or so apiece.

That said, I'm VERY pleased with my new Elecraft KAT500 auto tuner, 
which I've been beta testing for about two months.  Rated 600W for 20:1 
SWR, and legal limit for a load that is 3:1 or better. Three outputs, 
each with per-band memories. $700.  There used to be six Ten Tec 229 and 
238 tuners on my operating desk. Now there are three in my closet, a 238 
I plan to keep, a 229 with a bad band switch, and a 229 that works but 
with a dial cord that needs re-stringing. The others are sold.

73, Jim K9YC