[Argonaut_USERS_Group] My Argo Stations

[David Gauding]

Howdy,

First, a belated thank you to the individual/group who organized this list. 
Was it Rich Arland? An atta' boy is long overdue and the good thought is 
certainly appreciated by us old Argo drivers! <g>

I'm using both a 509 and a 515 from time-to-time. The former is S/N 3336, 
unmodified, from about midway in the production run. Other than passing 
through several sellers on its way to me, I'm probably the second 
owner/operator. The rig is a 9.8 cosmetically and about the same 
electronically - except for a slipping dial cord when the room temperature 
drops. The station includes the matching 208 audio filter, 206A calibrator, 
210 power supply, AC-5 tuner and an old cream painted Ten-Tec FR-5 passive 
audio filter. The filter's packaging and paint matches the Argo and I use 
it to bring the audio to the front of the station - to plug in the 
headphones. After almost 30 years this is still a great radio station!  The 
Argo runs about 4W out, has bags of audio and the receiver is one of the 
hottest I have heard in a 509.

My 515 is S/N 0184 and actually a gift from an old friend about five years 
ago. It's about as close to mint as any of my Ten-Tec collection and the 
receiver is still as good as any of my more modern rigs. The station 
includes the 208 audio filter, 206A calibrator and the 210 supply. I'm 
still searching for the matching calibrator but it will turn up one of 
these days - in some unexpected place. There is little variation in 
calibration between bands but it would be nice to have all the pieces of 
the puzzle.

I tried both the 509 and the 515 on SSB with the 215P microphone that goes 
with my Argosy II. But, just once to see if they worked as advertised! <g> 
I've been a CW op and a QRPer for twenty-five years but once in awhile feel 
the urge to work a little phone.

The 515 is particularly good for milliwatting because the power can be 
carefully controlled - set it and forget it, etc. I have no problems 
dialing down to double digits and below - as monitored with a OHR WM-2 
power meter. Regarding the receiver, I turn things around and say that 
whatever I can hear on the 515 can also be heard on my K2! <g>

Anyway, this is what I run at NF0R these days and up till a few years ago 
we also had a nice 505 on the shelf. The receiver was pretty decent, 
slightly smoother than the 509, but not as sensitive (to my ears) and 
sometimes I still regret passing it on.

Both remaining Argo's are now stay-at-home rigs and still get exercised 
regularly - especially during these cold winter months. There is nothing 
like getting on 40CW with a classic rig and an old  bug. - a fine Vibroplex 
Deluxe Lightning Bug (c. 1941) being a personal favorite.

Regards,


de Dave, NF0R	david.gauding at bbs.galilei.com