Sunday, July 18, 2021
After doing some research, I found that the VCO issue on the Ten-Tec Paragon is pretty common, and is usually fixed by reflowing solder joints. The affected VCO is the under 7 MHz VCO.
Frankly, I’ve decided to put the Paragon on eBay, listing the VCO problem. Before I list it, I’ll probably check the connectors and make sure all of them are seated properly.
As mentioned earlier, I located the front panel of one of my first IC-706 rigs when I was unearthing my Drake TR-7. Yesterday I took time to locate the body of the Icom, and reunited the two. It took me a little time to find a matching DC cable, but I located one. The radio sprang to life without a problem.
The audio from the rig sounded horrible, almost as though the speaker was blown. Problem turned out to be the IF shift was turned fully counter clockwise. Centering that control fixed that little issue.
I added a small external speaker, which improved the audio quality significantly. I used the rig that night to check in to my Georgia CW traffic net despite the fact this rig lacks a 500 Hz CW filter.
This particular 706 is well-used; the printing on the power button has nearly worn off. But it worked like a champ.
After the net I usually listen the gang on 3927, 3919 or 3995, and the 706 did well, though the signals were so strong it all sounded better with some attenuation.
SELLING — AGAIN. I have decision to make — I need to shed more rigs. Since my last sales streak, I have also purchased additional radio gear as well as excavating rigs from the attic. I have at least two Hallicrafter HT-44 transmitters; three Hallicrafters PS-150 power supplies; three Heathkit SB-102 transceivers with power supplies; and several rigs that need repair, including a Kenwood TS-520SE, a Swan 350, and a Heathkit HW-101.
The TS-520SE is in great shape; transmit doesn’t work, however. I think its the filter caps, and I have replacements — just haven’t found time to swap them out. It also lacks a CW filter, which I’ve learned is damn near impossible to find on the used market.
Now I love the look of the TS-520 series; actually more than the TS-530S I own. The 530 is a great rig as well, just it isn’t as attractive in my book.
But I need to sell the 520, and probably the TS-530.
SELL ‘EM ALL? I could also sell the Ten-Tec Omni V, which would leave me with only the Tempo 2020 station. I won’t be radio poor, for sure. I have my Hallicrafters Cyclone station I’ve never really fully used, as well as the previously mentioned 706. I need to check out both of the HT-44 transmitters and decide which one to keep. Both are in super condition. Oh, I also have a “spare” Hallicrafters SR-150 that needs attention. No shortage of projects, just short of time.
Decision, decisions!
73 es CUL … de KY4Z … SK … SK …. (dit dit) ..