[TenTec] TenTec and Alpha merger not a good thing

[k6jek]

Cecil,

I'd bet on the transistors, maybe not now but soon and for the rest of our lives.

People seem to really like those expensive Italian amplifiers, the Expert 1KFA and now 2KFA. I notice that the use-a-super station-over-the-Internet service, remotehamradio.com, seems to have them in all their stations. I bet the Alpha guys are paying attention to that product line, high end, premium priced, all solid state, seemingly  successful. 

People seem to also like the Elecraft KPA500 maybe for exactly the reason you don't like. It's tiny. Only 500 watts, though.

Elecraft demonstrated a 1K solid state amp out here at Pacificon but haven't brought it to market. Maybe they will yet.

And of course, I'm happy as a clam with my Ten-Tec Hercules II. I'd be happy as three clams if it were 1500 watts not 500, even though the power supply takes two men and boy to lift. I actually sold my Titan after I got the solid state amp. They are just so quick and easy and quiet. And they don't heat up the shack leaving that task to my many, old boat anchor pieces. 

Now that I only have 500 watts instead of 1500 I have to speak more loudly into the microphone and push the CW key just a little harder.

Jon

On May 12, 2014, at 5:03 PM, Cecil wrote:

> Been a year since you owned a Ten-Tec product but you remain a member of the list...strange.
> 
> And I do disagree with you on several points.  You sold the best SDR with a front panel radio when you sold the OII.  Yea you can't hold it in the palm of your hand....don't know many folks really looking for that...except QRP ops and back packers...tiny market.
> 
> As far as amps...why couldn't Tokyo Hypower build a successful 1k+ amp...why doesn't Elecraft build a reliable, successful 1k+ amp....and how about Acom...all tubes....because it's costly and it's hard to compete with tubes.  Besides everyone knows real...serious amps use tubes....and there is really no good reason they shouldn't.
> 
> I wouldn't trade my OII and Centurion even for a K3 and their 500w SS amp....don't like tiny radios.
> 
> No flames...just another opinion....
> 
> Cecil
> K5DL
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On May 12, 2014, at 1:20 PM, Chuck Gerarden <cgerarden at atomix.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> As an owner of TenTec (and Alpha) gear for many years, some bad and
>> some good,I think this merger may not save the dysfunctional
>> company/brand that TT has become. They have designed nothing
>> innovative since the Orion.. 
>> They seem to just repackage old technology into new boxes at a higher
>> and higher price. TT is only alive at this point because they can
>> generate service revenue. I don't know anyone buying their products.
>> Do you?
>> The new SSB Ardino QRP radio sounds like a desperate move IMHO.
>> Elecraft has simply eaten TT lunch the past 5+ years and TT never
>> responded to their competition. I sold the last of my TT gear (Orion
>> II) a year ago, just a month before the Orion II was
>> discontinued. The TT acquisition may simply drag down the Alpha brand
>> with the TT brand. Here are a few questionsfor both companies:
>> 1. Why can't Alpha build a relaible 1KW+ solid state amp?
>> 2. Why can't TT build a good SDR transceiver with a front panel (Like
>> a KX3)?
>> These are 2 products many friends of mine have indicated they would
>> like to buy. Neither one of these companies has innovated anything
>> new for a long time. Sure an Alpha 9500 with 5 microprocessors can
>> output 1.5 KW with a brick on the key, but can't keep from
>> faultingwhen the wind blows hard. 
>> Unless both these companies come up with some new and leading edge
>> products, I think both are toast. As a brandI take seriously, TT is no
>> longer on my list. Please no flames, these are my OPINIONS. You are
>> welcome to express yours too. 
>> ChuckW0DLE
>> 
>> 
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