[TenTec] Corsair II

[Joel R. Hallas]

Osten,

I used a Corsair I for many years and was very fond of it, mostly for
CW, but fone was fine, too. If I could have found the external VFO, I
probably still would be using it as my primary rig. I was able to move
to a Paragon I with less trouble than finding a new VFO, so no longer
have it. Other than the General Coverage receiver and AM receive
capability, I think the Corsair with two VFOs is every bit as good!
Regarding your questions;

1. No clue, I don't remember which sideband they assumed for 18 MHz.

2. The Paragon has an audio monitor feature, and I find that the Ten Tec
microphones I've used (models 700C (hand), 705C (desk)) sound noticably
better than others, even a Heil HC-4, although that works well also. The
one microphone I had trouble with on the Corsair was an Astatic 10 DA,
dynamic. I had high hum, especially when using audio processing. It
turned out to be "transformer coupling" between the Model 960 power
supply and the dynamic microphone element! This was solved by increasing
the physical separation. I would be interested in others' experiences
with microphones on ten tec gear? BTW, the 700 and 705 are still
available from ten tec. The 705 is available in kit form, which is how I
did mine.

3. I would guess $500-$700

4. I have a 960, which is the one that went with my Corsair 1. The
Corsair 2 had a different color front panel and I believe you are
correct that the 260 goes with it. These are heavy to ship. Any 20 A
power supply will operate the radio, however, be very careful of final
collector current! The ten tec supplies crowbar on high current to avoid
melting the PA! Another option is to use a model 1140 circuit breaker
with an alternate supply. This is less expensive and much lighter to
ship! A more recent power supply with, I believe, the right color for
the "2" would be the models 961 or 962. I'm not sure what the difference
is (anyone know?), but they are both rated at 22 A rather than 20.
Perhaps someone has experience with whether or not the higher rating
puts the finals at risk, or if the trip points are adjustable?

5. Interesting question. Unfortunately, the "unofficial Ten Tec page"
doesn't list years of production. I think the Paragon I and Omni V were
next and out at the same time, but my memory is good, but short!

Enjoy your Corsair, great radio!

73, Joel Hallas,  W1ZR



Osten B Magnusson wrote:

> Dear friends!
>
> I'm using a TenTec Corsair II and have some questions:
>
> 1    On 18 MHz I suddenly have to use reversed sideband,
>       it just happened... Only on this band.
>
> 2    What microphone would be the best one, maybe need
>       two different one, one for ''rag chew'' and one for DX
>       pile-up's - working 99 percent CW so microphones are
>       not my speciality! I'm now using an old model 215 and
>       some say my audio is very ''thin''. The 215 looks like
>       and old ElectroVoice cermaic mike from the fifties...
>
> 3   What is the value of the Corair II with two CW-filters
>      and separate VFO today in USA? No original powersupply.
>
> 4   Anyone who has an original powersupply for sale, think
>      the model is 260.
>
> 5   What came after Corsair II, OMNI 6??? Price today in
>      USA?
>
> 6   If anyone in Europe is interested I have an OMNI C for
>      sale, with separate VFO and original powersupply.
>
> Regards from sunny Sweden,  Osten - SM5DQC
> sm5dqc@algonet.se   or   sm5dqc@arrl.net
>
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