[TenTec] TenTec can't - or won't - quite get it right

[Fred Adsit]

I just cannot resist this. It is something a new feature on a tiny display
cannot be solved using software, but it starts with the stubborn lack of
FANS. I don't have room in my console setup for an OUTBOARD fan which they
say I should not need... or want.

On at least two occasions I have been on the telephone with TenTec about why
they don't provide muffin fans on their transceivers. They run hot as Hades
and need a fan on them if run at high duty cycle for long periods (like
during a contest?). Well, anyway, NO TenTec transceiver has ever had a built
in fan since it draws dirt into the equipment.

Oh really now.

Take a look at the latest Argonaut. What is an option? No, not a muffin fan.
TWO muffin fans. This on a 20-watt output rig with no visible heat fins. Why
the change of policy. Gee, TenTec, this thing will be FILTHY inside, like
all our Japanese transceivers are. CQ has an article showing up too close
how filthy rigs get in there. What changed your mind? Huh? Is there a
retrofit for the newer transceivers like the Jupiter? I doubt that - it
isn't built quite right to allow it.

One reason (oh yeah, also this Argo has decent CW filters, not so on the
Jupiter which has a zillion filter settings none of which are truly Narrow)
I have been so disappointed and stopped with the old Omni D and went to
Kenwood was things like this. We also have a new Argo with no indicators for
some functions. Hey, what's with the itsy bitsy display?? The KNOB is HUGE.
ONE CW memory? The list goes on and on.

I know it puts out a great (often thumping due to the waveshape) CW QSK
signal. The STABLE Argo is on back order due to the demand for the version
that IS stable. It should be standard, guys. Great design, filled, or not
filled, with afterthoughts after years of time to develop it.

Now I cannot afford a new rig, and good luck with Kenwood service and parts.
OTOH, my Kenwoods work so well that only once has ANY of them seen a service
shop,and only because I was too lazy to clean and resolder a board and insta
ll a new battery. I let a service shop do it.. So much for friendly service.
Who wants to be a bosom buddy with the service department. I want to be the
bosom buddy of the guys who can design a transceiver with lots of easy to
use features, and that includes fans and good displays that any child can
understand...

Flame on, guys. Defend buying American even if the things are full of
problems (at least to me they are problems). This reminds me of Toyota,
which is again the leading seller of cars in the US. They are mostly
assembled and many parts too are made here. Winston Cup will in a few years
be the NASCAR Toyota Cup. Why is this? Because my Ford, made (assembled, it
says on the sticker, in Chicago)  rides terribly and will be obsolete (the
Taurus series) in a year, I think. Needs a total redesign. That from a
company that defined sleek cars (which looked like fish, unfortunately). I
am keeping mine since I don't drive much.

But a Honda or Toyota is far superior in most ways.... and basically, these
are American cars. Kenwoods and Yaesus and Icoms are NOT American ham rigs.
TenTec IS. C'mon, TenTec, look at your competition and at least try to match
it with features while keeping your otherwise excellent reputation as a 100%
American company.

I would love to drive down to Sevierville and try out my new rig and
personally bring it home. Unfortunately I cannot afford the rig and do not
want the rig and now, probably could not afford the gasoline to get there
and back. Too bad - outlet shopping at Pigeon Forge is fun.

Sorry this is a bit disorganized but I think I have managed to get all this
off my chest. It smarts to write it, but I never meant any of it more.

Fred NY2V