[TenTec] Let us have HOPE and SUPPORT

[John King via TenTec]

I have five Ten Tec transceivers and have been a true blue believer and supporter of Ten Tec since my first 544 station with remote VFO and power supply speaker, purchased new in 1977. Just a word about what used to be: In the mid 1980s lightning struck my home and took out  my 544 and SB220. I explained to my wife, K5MOL, that the 544 was history because it was solid state and probably fried beyond recovery. She said "Well just buy another rig". The next day I shipped the 544 to Ten Tec for the "repair" or sad OBITUARY that "it was damaged unto death" and must be laid to rest. About two days later, I learned of a Collins KWM 380 for ONLY $2,200,  which I promptly bought from an estate. Two days after purchasing the KWM 380, I received the typical "Ten Tec post card" advising that my beloved 544 was repaired and that upon receipt of slightly over $30.00  including parts, labor and shipping, they would ship it back to me.

I revealed the thrilling "good news" to K5MOL and her response was at least I had misled her to get a new transceiver. Well the marriage survived and after 54 years continues to survive. I ended up with two KWM 380 transceivers and then Rockwell announced that it was disposing of all parts for Collins Amateur gear and no longer offering any support for Collins Amateur gear. Well, there I am with about $5000.00 worth of Rockwell Collins gear with no support from Rockwell whatsoever!!  Well I promptly sold them because parts and service was no longer available from Rockwell. I then bought my OMNI VI which I still use daily and dearly LOVE!!!

I would like to buy an Eagle (which my brother K5QDA bought, on my recommendation just before the acquisition of Ten Tec by Alpha), but I am afraid of an early demise of available replacement parts and thus service by Ten Tec.. I have been told by engineer types that the Eagle receiver will out perform most transceivers from the Far East costing two to three times that of the Eagle. I am sure that you can understand my concern after my Rockwell/Collins experience. I have three Icom HF transceivers, but my confidence that affordable parts and service will be available is weak. The Icoms are used mobile in my Coach and for backup. In conclusion, I really am in a limbo as to future radios. Elecraft maybe? Please accept my apologies for the long email, but maybe you can identify with it. 73, John, K5PGW