[TenTec] RADIO COMPARISONS

[Jim Lowman]

Harry, often a member of the list is weighing which transceiver to buy 
across brands, where the specs are reasonably equal.
Ten-Tec's Eagle, Kenwood's TS-590 and Elecraft's K3 are often in the mix.

No matter which list/group you visit, don't expect to get an unbiased 
answer to the question.
I don't know about Kenwood's lists or groups, as the only Kenwood 
equipment that I have is a TH-F6A HT and a TS-2000X, which is also 
dedicated to VHF/UHF work.
Sometimes members are reluctant to question even the slightest actual or 
perceived shortcoming of a transceiver on the list for fear of getting 
flamed.
Some of the guys on there are evangelical to the point of zealotry.
Bottom line:  some of them are defending their choice and don't want to 
hear opinions to the contrary.

Yet, if someone raises the question on a list/group not specifically 
dedicated to the manufacturer of that equipment, he may be able to get a 
fair comparison.
Naturally, there will be some bias on a dedicated list/group.

As to the TS-990, I wouldn't mind giving one a try.  There's this 
non-trivial issue of cost in the way.  :-)
Maybe when we move to our final home, I'll want to downsize to the 
extent of having only one HF transceiver, and the TS-990 may qualify.

As an OT, I remember well that virtually everything was controlled from 
the front panel on vintage equipment.
It wasn't a problem at another ham's shack or at Field Day, because 
every receiver/transmitter/transceiver had controls with virtually the 
same names.
I don't know if the TS-990 has any menus.  Even if so, if they're of the 
"set and forget" type, I wouldn't object.

73 de Jim - AD6CW



On 7/27/2014 9:28 AM, w4wst at cox.net wrote:
> Seems strange to me but every time I get on the web site there is a pissing contest going on about which rig does what better than a TENTEC. If you want to preach the virtues of a K-3 or a TS-590s, why don't you go to that rigs web site and brag all you want.
> I remember when I got my Jupiter and everyone running a rice box was telling me to be careful when handling the mic or you'll pull that liteweight empty box off the desk. I'm not sure but I think the Jupiter is as heavy as a K-3.
> I recently was looking at the TS-990 and trying to figure out why I would ever want a rig that has 111 push buttons on the front plus some ridiculous number of knobs.
> I guess the bottom line is if you want to run a rice box, have at it and enjoy it. Just please don't get on the TENTEC site and try to convince everyone here that your rice box is the best thing since sliced bread cause it's not.
> HARRY  W4WST
>