Hello Peter -
You are asking about the Paragon. I have both the original Paragon
(with a Giehl chip installed), and the Paragon II. I am a CW operator,
have been since December '45.
The Paragon is a general coverage transceiver, receives from 100 kHz
to 30 mHz. Power output is about 95 Watts.
Specs on the Paragon are good, for instance, blocking is 136 dB and
the dynamic range is excellent. Actually better than the OMNI VI and VI+
sets. Also has very good crystal filtering from 6 kHz through 250
Hz, in five positions, which include 2.4 kHz, 1.8 kHz, 500 Hz.
I had owned an OMNI 6+ for a number of years but sold it. There were just too
many birdies from its many oscillators. With extensive extra bypassing not
all could be eliminated. The Paragons do not have this disadvantage. Quite
quiet. Phase noise is really nonexistant. Any that
is heard has been generated by the "other guy's" JA rig.
Keying characteristic of these rigs is a smooth make and break, no key
clicks. When I had the OMNI 6+ a local ham about 4 miles from me
complained of clicks that could not be reduced due to the design. As
a CW op, you would appreciate a clickless signal with an absolutely
great QSK.
You are quite correct thinking it is a classic. It really is. Receivewise,
I don't think one can find a better rig. All this without a myriad of bells
and whistles, many of which get little use. I am satisfied with my easy
to operate rigs.
It may not have DSP but it does have PBT and BandPass tuning, etc.
I never missed the DSP because I can copy any signal on the band
without it, whether in a pileup, DXing or general ragchewing, with the
controls provided.
If you are thinking of picking up an original Paragon, it should have a
Giehl RAM chip. This chip allows you to switch bands with a single
pushbutton rather that having to actually punch in the individual frequency
digits, or band, on the keypad. It makes the older set approximate the P-2.
Costs about $50 US and is available.
Oh yes, with the P-2 I had no problem working 3B9C, even on 28 mHz
using a Cushcraft R-5 vertical (at 45 metres up). My tower is a high-
rise apartment building (hi).
Hope you can try the Paragon II sometime to see for yourself. If you
have any questions, please let me know? Be pleased to try to answer
them.
73 - Don, VE1BN@aol.com
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