[TenTec] In praise of older technology

Sun Feb 23 08:06:10 EST 2014

Yes, different hearing will cause one to "tune in" a signal slightly 
different. Plus the absolute frequency as displayed can be +/- 50 Hz with 
most radios.   Thus if one chooses to set the radio, such their display is a 
specific number, there's no assurance the radio is absolutely on that 
frequency.  If you challenge this point, try the ARRL Frequency Measuring 
test that takes place later this year.

I find it MUCH easier to operate SPLIT in a round table QSO.  Set the 
frequency of one VFO where you think it should be, press the =  to make VFO 
A = VFO B and just tune to station to station as your ears so choose.  I 
find that much easier than operating with the RIT function, which 
operationally on most radios is more of a nuisance.  Plus one likely forgets 
it is ON and thus on the next QSO or NET you are likely "reported off 
frequency".

Just remember in a NET, by normal practice, the net control establishes the 
net frequency.  Usually it is net frequency +/- QRM and there is no 
assurance that it will be on an absolute frequency with the number ending in 
several 00000's.

73
Bob, K4TAX

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "k6jek" <k6jek at comcast.net>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2014 2:30 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] In praise of older technology

> They don't complain. They just advise. BTW, Jon, you're 50 Hz high or 
> whatever.  When we aren't doing a round table but just jumping in, I know 
> it's annoying to be pushing the RIT whenever party X transmits. And how 
> about when X is 50 up and Y is 50 down?
>
> In addition to using the latest greatest stuff, I like to see just how 
> good I can get the old stuff to work without inappropriate modifications. 
> The 100V didn't start out sounding better than anything else on the air. I 
> had to wrestle it into submission.
>
> Being actually on frequency is part of getting high performance out of old 
> gear. How can you argue that?
>
> Jon
>
> PS: I would venture that my buddies aren't the simpletons you seem to 
> think they are.
>
> On Feb 22, 2014, at 11:45 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
>
>> Jon,
>>
>> If I had buddies who got annoyed with me being 20 or 30 Hz off frequency,
>> I'd look for some new buddies.
>> Those are probably the same buddies that pray to their SWR bridge.
>>
>> 73 - Rick, DJ0IP
>> (Nr. Frankfurt am Main)
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of k6jek
>> Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2014 12:02 AM
>> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] In praise of older technology
>>
>> I know. As an aficionado of vintage equipment I agree in spirt. But on 
>> SSB
>> it really is delightful to talk with people who are actually on 
>> frequency, a
>> rarity with vintage gear but the norm now with new equipment. People just
>> sound so much more human when their speech isn't shifted 30 Hz or 20 or 
>> even
>> 10.
>>
>> I have a Corsair (I) and have not considered replacing the PTO with a DDS
>> unit but might just find a way to get a better read of my actual 
>> frequency.
>> Shouldn't be hard. That way I can talk with my buddies on their Flex 
>> Radios
>> (*), ICOM 7600's and such without annoying them while still enjoying my 
>> fine
>> old stuff.
>>
>> Jon, K6JEK
>>
>> * I have all that modern stuff too, an SDR, OMNI VII etc. I just don't 
>> like
>> it much. Heck, I think my favorites are the tube pieces from '50's.
>>
>> On Feb 22, 2014, at 2:44 PM, Ken Brown wrote:
>>
>>> I remember when digital frequency readouts (the kind using an electronic
>> counter, not the kind on a R-390) started appearing on ham gear. Most 
>> people
>> (myself included) just had to have it. We never needed it before. There 
>> were
>> easy enough reliable methods to make sure we stayed inside our band (or
>> sub-band) limits, but for some reason it seemed like a digital display of
>> our frequency became a necessity.
>>>
>>> DE N6KB
>>>
>>> On 2/22/2014 11:14 AM, Mike Bryce wrote:
>>>> I guess it was a year ago I put in a DDS replacement for the PTO. Rock
>> solid. Dual VFOs, speed sensitive tuning, all kinds of goodies.
>>>>
>>>> I took it out and the analog PTO back in.
>>>>
>>>> Yep, it didn't have the same feel. It (the DDS) made all kinds of noise
>> when no antenna was connected.
>>>>
>>>> Sometimes, and this was one of them, older really is better
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Mike, WB8VGE
>>>> SunLight Energy Systems
>>>> The Heathkit Shop
>>>> http://www.theheathkitshop.com/
>>>> J e e p
>>>> o|||||||o
>>>>
>>>> A man with one clock knows what time it is. A man with two clocks is
>> never sure.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
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