[TenTec] Argonaut VI Lost RX/TX on 160/80 Meters

[Reed]

Received Argonaut VI from Ten Tec today.  They replaced pre-selector 
board which is board I traced problem to, but SMD too small for these 
eyes.  Could be called low pass filter board.  If there were relays, 
instead of SMD, I would say the 160/80 meter one would have been the 
problem. They don't do board level service anymore so my total was $317 
+ tax because I live in Tennessee.  1.5 hour labor @ $110 an hour, $101 
for pre-selector board, & $51. shipping.

Back in 2001 they did do board level service on my Argonaut V which was 
in warranty.

Paul from Ten Tec said he didn't know what caused the problem.  I have a 
6:1 balun on antenna and shield is grounded which an ohm meter will show 
a direct short from coax end.  I have used this antenna since 1998 with 
over 15 different rigs in all kinds of weather conditions except storms 
& never had a problem.  Never leave antenna hooked to rig when not in 
use or DC cable connected to rig.  Several hams I talked to believe it 
was component failure not static because if it had been static it would 
have taken out the RX/TX board also.  I don't know for sure, but I did 
install a Alpha Delta Coax Surge protector last weekend & added a 100K 
carbon 1/2 watt resistor across coax center connector to shield which is 
probably not needed since antenna is already grounded anyway outside at 
antenna switch.

This rig was made and built at Sevierville sometime in 2012.  It was one 
of the beta units turned in that I bought in August 2013.

I don't guess will ever know what caused the failure Connie.

I see in QRZ you are a avid QRPer.  I've been one since early 70s & 
operate PSK & CW QRP, but QRO on SSB except for 10 meters which doesn't 
require a lot of power when band conditions are open. I might recommend 
subscribing to QRP Amateur Radio Club International.  Nice little 
quarterly magazine which has a lot of info on QRP operation.

I wouldn't worry too much about it Connie.  I believe I'm the only one 
that has had this problem & know they have sold a number of these rigs.  
Just read up on proper grounding your antenna & installing some kind of 
surge protector at the antenna end. Disconnect antenna/rig when not in 
use or operate if storm is near.

73,
Reed W4JZ