Even though Ten-Tec's factory may seem small, compared to something like an
auto factory, most parts of their radios are made right there in the plant.
They have a tool and die facility; they make their own enclosures, with
metalworking facilities and injection molding for plastic parts. They also
make their own circuit boards and used to wind their own transformers
in-house. They write their own manuals and get them printed by a local
Tennessee printer, I think.
I recall that one of the tour guides said (on one of my numerous tours
there)that the plant has the capabilities, in a national emergency, to be
changed over to run gun parts or whatever needed.
I'll admit that the early models, such as the PowerMites, Argonauts and
Tritons, looked a little dinky with their plastic side panels. However, they
were rugged, light and all-around metal shielding is not needed with mostly
toroidal coils. The new models (Jupiter,etc.)look a whole lot like Icoms to
me. In my opinion, the Corsair series was probably the most attractive of all
their radios. For what it's worth!
Winston K4CWQ
On Mon, 5 Aug 2002 14:41:46 EDT Wa4aos@aol.com wrote:
Hi Guys,
It is true that Ten Tec's factory is not as impressive as some large Auto
Manufacturer, However, Ten Tec has been able to get product to consumers
during the last 3 + decades when virtually every other US Ham Radio
Manufacturer has went out of Business or at least out of the Amateur Radio
Business during the same time. Hallicrafters, Collins, Heathkit, Drake, Swan
and many others all gone from the amateur radio business...
I think Ten Tec has done exceptionally well with their megar facility and
wish them well for the next 3 + Decades. Go Ten Tec ! ! !
Glenn WA4AOS
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
|