Hello, George et al:
The thing about the Argonaut V is that it is so ingratiating to use. I've
never come across a radio that just lends itself to operating as nicely as
this one. From the crisp, clear CW tone, to the continuously adjustable
filtering, it is just plain satisfying to use.
It did not have the same front end as a 1000-MP Mark V I once had, but it
did not simply collapse when I tried it in the CQ WW CW WPX contest,
either. I found that operating the MP's filter selections--analog and
DSP--was much less intuitive. A radio that does a better job in integrating
analog/DSP filters is the Kenwood TS-570D(G). My Kenwood has a 500 Hz
crystal filter ahead of audio DSP, so its front end arguably is more robust
than is the Argonaut's, but I still prefer using the Argonaut.
My wish list for the Argonaut has been posted previously, and the CQ
Magazine review was also pretty good in that regard. If somehow Ten-Tec
could join the Jupiter's 100 watt transmitter section together with the
Argonaut's receiver, and allow more front panel space for some separate
controls (RIT/XIT, etc.) it would have a winner. Of course, some people
would say that such a rig already exists and its name is Jupiter!
73,
John, W3ULS
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