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

[Connie Dodson]

I have operated portable, for years. In many ways, portable operation is simple.

Now, I am establishing a QTH, I looked at quality baluns, both 9:1 and
common mode. I have also looked at the Alpha Delta surge and an
outdoor "bus bar" for the surge protector.

I have military mast sections. I am considering, maybe, I need the
fiberglass military mast sections, or, a Jacktight pole.

I will only have a 40 - 30 - 20 - 10 meter end-fed outdoors.

I am thinking 17 - 15 fan-dipole in the attic.

I will not run more than 50 watts, with the TenTec Scout 555.

My TenTec Argonaut VI is not a beta. It is one of the first to get the
700 Hz filter.

It sounds like the beta had a defective board.

I have one more question: how extensive is the antenna you have?

I have never had a static problem, however, I only operated portable
in the past.

I always disconnect and entirely remove the feed line.

On 7/1/15, Reed <w4jz at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 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
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