[Argonaut_USERS_Group] Ten Tec should still produce the old argonaut!

[Earl Andrews]

The old argonaut somewhat follows what Albert Einstien once said..keep it as simple as possible..but no simpler!
All the new rigs with so many bells and whistles are great but I (think) there is still a place...and a market I would think..for a basic ssb/cw rig for those of us who like the 
simple things. Perhaps an international market especially in countries which are not as technically advanced.
Im quite sure Ten Tec was often questioned as to why they ever discontinued the rig in the first place? Sure they eventually brought back the Argonaut II or V or whatever..but 
alot of us like a rig that uses a minimum of ICs and still gets the job done. 
Myself..Im retiring this spring...I wonder..if Ten Tec would mind if I manufactured by hand about 25 knock offs of the 
old argonaut..with some upgrades..ie all the hf bands..but still using discrete components..ie dg mosfets, transistors,
a good stable vfo..no pll (too complicated)...ect.- Im not even sure Id like to see digital readout. If yes..a simple module ..plug in and replaceable..simple and easy to work on by hand. And the enclosure..about the same size as the old argo..same knobs(size). The 817 for example..is too small for operating ease. Custom manufacturing in my basement..?
Ive actually thought about doing this! - to supplement my pension! Id call it the Argonaut Retro..or something like that!
Custom built with love and care. Problem..the metal work.
But I suppose I could buy some hand machinery and bending jigs ect. Im looking for a retirement type job where I can work in my basement..Is this a good idea?
How about an Argonuat in kit form? Ten Tec has some basic kits such as..a regenerative rcvr..what about the old argonaut with a few more bands?- Sell it inexpensively and maybe it would attract new hams who are experimenters and tinkerers and electronics buffs.
In my retirement..I will be working on my argonaut collection. I have a junker unit that I will be rebuilding with some of the ideas ive been talking about above. 
I also have an old 505 Id like to get up to snuff. 
I may build a few test jigs..ie a test board to plug in the argoanut circuit boards to test them. Maybe ..if I dont try to manufacture..Ill just do repairs for a hobby//retirement type job. --well thats about it for now..oh..My first argonaut was 
a 505 I bought new back in 1974...Had alot of fun with that rig!  72/73 Earl VE3AB