[TenTec] WTB: Argonaut VI (Model 539)

[Kevin Anderson]

I thought about my needs further since I first penned the e-mail below earlier in the week.

It would definitely be only the Argonaut VI that I would be seeking, and not at all the Argo V.

So if you have a under-utilized or neglected Argo VI (Model 539) with the 702 microphone and the 700 Hz CW filter, please contact me to let me know with your desired price.

My request is to be able to pay by cashiers check or money order, as I am not set up for Paypal (nor wish to be). Thank you.

Cheers/73,
Kevin, K9IUA

p.s. I also considering a tricked out used Elecraft K2/10 instead. In this case, the needed configuration is the base radio plus SSB, appropriate microphone, built-in KAT2 tuner, and built-in KBT2 battery kit.  If you have experience with both radios - the Argo VI and the K2, I would very much appreciate hearing your opinions of the two in comparison

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Kevin Anderson, Dubuque IA USA, K9IUA 
k9iua (at) yahoo (dot) com 
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On Wed, 2/15/17, Kevin Anderson <k9iua at yahoo.com> wrote:

 Subject: Used Argo VI (539) or maybe an Argo V (516) ??
 To: tentec at contesting.com
 Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 11:38 AM
 
 I would like very much to replace my
 current radios, which are a pair of TT Scouts - one each of
 the 555 and 556 - with just one primary radio.  I'm
 tired of swapping modules, the lack of RF gain, the
 super-limited RIT, and generally noisier receivers with
 limited filter options. (Some people may like the Jones
 filter in the Scout, but I've not taken a liking to it at
 all.)
 
 Although I am leaning these days more toward trying Elecraft
 equipment instead, I could possibly stick with Ten Tec for a
 few more years if a deal/opportunity came up that I just
 can't refuse.  I am strictly a QRP operator, and so
 would certainly consider the Argo VI. And at one time I
 lusted after an Argo V, although today it seems power hungry
 and long in the tooth.  But I have no idea what either
 costs these days on the used market, nor have I seen or used
 either radio in person.
 
 Any great deals out there on a used 539 or 516 rig that I
 can't refuse?  What does either model sell for as used
 these days?  (If the Argo VI, it would need to include
 the matching hand microphone since the connector is
 different than for my Scouts; for an Argo V, the microphone
 could be optional since I could reuse one of Scout
 microphones.)
 
 I'm sure a comparison of a Scout to an Argo VI is likely an
 hamburger to steak comparison, and that I will like the
 improvement. What keeps me from just going that route is
 somewhat a concern over the future of the company, and
 more-so my possibly my wanting a radio that has more options
 for portability (and particularly lower battery consumption)
 than the Argo VI. This and my overall limit in budget
 (strictly $1000 or less, preferably less) that means just
 one replacement radio for going forward.  And, no, I am
 not looking for an Omni VI or other older radio, not even
 the old Argonauts, that might be in my price range.
 
 FYI - Assuming I like the new rig I end up buying, I will
 then have two Scouts to also sell, including all modules
 except for 160 meters for one of the radios and 40/20/15/10
 to sell with the other, plus a brand-new/never-used boxed
 mobile mount for the Scout. Both Scouts have been solid
 radios without any of the frequency drift issues that some
 have seen. These radios have served me well, for sixteen
 years in the case of the 555 and about 10 or so for the 556.
 A trade might be a consideration (you never know), although
 that sounds like a step backwards for whomever requests that
 - maybe someone has a hankering to collect a Scout or two.
 
 Anyone able to tempt me? Or am I unrealistically dreaming?
 
 Cheers/73,
 Kevin, K9IUA
 --------------------------------------- 
 Kevin Anderson, Dubuque IA USA, K9IUA 
 k9iua (at) yahoo (dot) com 
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