Mike,
It would be interesting to know: 1) how much current the digital Argosy
draws in its default condition, and 2) how little it draws with as much
switched off as possible, but still able to receive and transmit.
I had the analog version and that was several years ago.
As best I can recall, I got it down to about 150ma or so.
73
Rick, DJ0IP
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Mike Hyder - N4NT
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2012 2:37 AM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Using an Argosy in the field
My digital model Argosy has a switch to turn off the display and possibly
the whole counter circuitry. That switch has a set of unused contacts that
can be used to switch off the meter lamp when the display is disabled.
Mike N4NT
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP" <Rick@DJ0IP.de>
To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 5:04 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Using an Argosy in the field
> John, for CW, just 20w is enough to work the world.
>
> I worked off of motorcycle batteries for about 18 years.
> Sounds funny.
> I worked portable using my motorcycles' battery for about 18 years.
> Most of the time I had the Argonaut 509 and 405 amp (50w).
> Later I had a Scout, then went to the Argosy (50w).
> I never ran more than 20w CW, but for SSB I usually ran the full 50w.
> That's OK, because SSB doesn't have as high of duty cycle as CW.
>
> You didn't say if yours is the analog or digital version.
> Hopefully the analog version, because if you turn off its dial lamps, it
> draws only about 150mA current on RX and you can literally run forever off
> of a small battery.
>
> I don't know why but most people always look at battery power under TX.
> This is unrealistic.
> The battery killer is the RX current. You need to get it as low as can
> be.
> Turn off everything you can, and use headphones. This will give you a few
> more hours of operation.
>
> 73
> Rick, DJ0IP
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of John
> Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 9:20 PM
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Using an Argosy in the field
>
> Rick,
>
> Thanks for the suggestion to use fishing weights to terminate the radials.
> It sounds safer as long as you don't chew the weights.
>
> I have an opportunity to make the trip this year. It is turning into a
> grand tour as I have family between here and there and so I get to visit
> along the way. If I am going to do it, what better excuse to try a little
> portable QRP or whatever. The Argosy will go to 50 W but I suspect that
> might have an effect on battery life.
>
> John / WA1JG
>
> On 4/4/2012 1:18 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
>> John,
>>
>> Another idea for securing radials is, instead of using nails, simply
>> attach 4oz or 5oz lead sinkers to the ends of the radials (from the
>> fishing supplies store). That is enough weight to hold them in place,
>> without having to pound them into the ground. Also, if a pedestrian
>> happens to catch his foot in one, it will move with him and not trip him
> up.
>>
>> If you are not after squeezing every last fraction of a dB out of the
>> antenna, I would suggest mounting the coil lower to the ground, about 4
>> or
> 5
>> ft. high. That way you can reach it to change the taps.
>>
>> Important is to have fun! I never made it to a Ten-Tec Hamfest. I
>> envy you being able to go.
>>
>> 73
>> Rick, DJ0IP
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
>> [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
>> On Behalf Of John
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 6:09 PM
>> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Using an Argosy in the field
>>
>> Rick,
>>
>> You found it. And yes, I do understand that it will be barely
>> functional at
>> 60 M. It does give me 10, 15, and 20 M so that would be nice break in
>> the driving. The antenna only needs the coil for 60 m, 40 M, 30M and
>> barely (1
>> turn) for 20M, I am going to think about your
>> suggestion for 40. But it is collapsible and I started with the
>> premise that if I am going to the TT Fleamarket, I should bring a radio.
>> I have the Argosy, and it works, I can find picnic benches
>> between here and there. This antenna seems like a reasonable
>> compromise and the Argosy dunna work so well without one.
>>
>> As to radials, I was thinking about 12 radials about 15 ft long.
>> Attach 2 sets to each side of the base with a wing nut. Again, it
>> isn't ideal, but should work reasonably well. I was thinking about
>> getting a
>> 15 or so 40 or 60 d nails to use as anchors. Maybe 20d nails might be
>> better, or at least cheaper and easier to insert into the ground. I
>> could crimp large rings on the outer end of each radial and nail it
>> down, so to speak. At any rate, I do believe that 12 to 16 radials is
>> the minimum to make the antenna play nice.
>>
>> At the very least,it is an interesting project.
>>
>> John / WA1JG
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>
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