[TenTec] Modern version of the Tec Tec Corsair - please Ten Tec!

[Gary - AB9M]

Great idea. My Corsair II, external VFO, and matching spkr/PS are still 
operating. I worked a LOT of DX with the Corsair II and have decided NOT to 
part with it as long as I can keep it operating (I have the PIC replacement 
for the frequency counter and display). The OMNI-VII is still my primary 
radio which interfaces with DXLab Suite and N1MM.  If an analog CORSAIR III 
with DDS and CAT interface were to become available, I'd buy one and keep my 
other radios as well.


73 & DX,

Gary - AB9M

-----Original Message----- 
From: Steve Ireland
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2014 12:30 AM
To: tentec at contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] Modern version of the Tec Tec Corsair - please Ten Tec!

G’day

For the last month or so I’ve replaced using my modern Elecraft K3 (digital 
signal processed back-end) and High Performance Software Defined Radio 
(digital down conversion at the antenna socket) for day-to-day operation 
with a Ten Tec Corsair II.

Reintroducing my ears to the delights of entirely analogue radio – with what 
to them is probably the best sounding analogue radio they’ve ever 
experienced – has given me an idea about what Ten Tec could do to 
differentiate themselves from today’s other ham radio manufacturers – and 
make themselves a lot of money and friends.

The two Corsairs models are approaching their 30th birthdays and diminishing 
in their numbers and serviceability. However, more and more radio amateurs 
are looking to purchase one for their classic simplicity, kick-ass QSK  and 
easy-on-the-ear analogue sound, which can be considerably improved by 
carrying out the modifications detailed by Barry N1EU on his Corsair wiki. 
Put in a N4YG DDS VFO and then you have a transceiver with a two VFO and 
split frequency capability.

What about Ten Tec going back to the future and producing a 30th anniversary 
version Corsair, incorporating the above?  No digital signal processing 
whatsoever – just sound, classic analogue engineering.  Keep the basic 
Corsair architecture but have a switchable 2.8/500Hz filters in the 9MHz IF 
and follow these with 2.8/500/250Hz in the second IF. Keep the wonderful 
audio/hang AGC (or put in Omni-6 IF AGC and add the G3TXQ hang AGC 
modification) and use OPA2134 quality op-amps in the audio chain.  The basic 
design stays but modern components would be used.

Totally keep the Corsair I look – dark grey front panel with four big red 
digits and one green one for the smallest number of Hertz and an analogue ‘S’ 
meter. This is truly the BEST LOOKING radio ever!

No memories, no keypad, no menus – just a great, basic analogue ‘Harley 
Davidson’ radio/easy chair aimed at us ‘old school’ guys and the increasing 
numbers of young ones who buy vinyl records and appreciate classic cool. 
Heck, WB6ACU would probably buy a truck load of this radio! It could even be 
produced – and sold – relatively cheaply.

If you think this is a good idea, write to Ten Tec and let them know what we’d 
like.

Vy 73

Steve, VK6VZ (also G3ZZD and VY2LF)



---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus 
protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec