Alan:
No, I don't have any processor problems. I was referring to the mod kit
available here: http://www.cholakian.com/TT1254upgrade.html, although I
don't find the coarse tuning steps of the 1254 that much of a burden.
There are a number of popular portable general coverage transceivers on
the market, most notably the Yaesu FT-857, and 897 and the ICOM 703 and
706, and the IC-7200. The QRP FT-817, while cute, and a lot of guys
like them, in my opinion it does not run enough power for reliable
communication under poor band conditions (a frequent occurrence, given
the lack of sunspots. Most of these radios are not well suited to
battery operation, because their typical current drain on receive is
about 1.5 amps. Older Ten-Tec radios do much better in the battery drain
area. A possible exception is the Yaesu VX-1210, which is a commercial
20 watt manpack radio, currently favored by the "HF pack" crowd.
I have an original Paragon as the main radio, but I use a Scout for
portable vacation use. I use it with a reel-out dipole and it works
great. I've looked at other portable rigs, but after reading a lot of
reviews and user comments, I always decide to stick with the Scout.
The 1254 will certainly meet your needs if you mate it up with a simple
CW transmitter. Yes, the political and economic situation is spooky. I
keep a 72 hour kit and maintain all the radios, especially HF. Here in
NJ, there isn't much else that I can do. "Bugging out" is not really an
option.
73,
Bob WB2VUF
------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 12/25/2010 12:19 PM, ARDUJENSKI@aol.com wrote:
Bob
Thank you for the note and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.
PROCESSOR: Are you talking about resetting the processor to cure some ills?
COMPROMISE: Personally I am looking for a SW receiver that can double for
communications receiver. If the K2 was general coverage including the MF BC
bands I would jump at it as being a great all in one radio. My Paragon II
does all that but is not portable and would be a battery hog. I am looking
beyond as our country's situation worsens. Besides the 6 months food and
water for the family this general coverage receiver which can also cover SSB
and CW would be a great addition.
MODS: You would think it would be a minor investment for TT to sell limited
TT-1254 mod kits which would sweeten the 1254 for more hams
Take care
Alan KB7MBI
In a message dated 12/25/2010 8:00:44 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
wb2vuf@verizon.net writes:
Alan:
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the links. I was aware of the mods on Marshall Emm's
(mtechnologies) web site, but the replacement processor mod is really
exciting. It would bring the receiver capabilities up an order of
magnitude! Has anyone purchased this mod kit?
A couple more thoughts on the 1254 vs some of the shortwave portables.
The typical portable includes the FM broadcast band, and a built-in
ferrite antenna for the AM broadcast band, which may be important to
you. Also, they have a built in-whip antenna. The Ten-Tec is designed to
use an external antenna. However, AM/FM portable radios (some with
hand cranked power) are readily available. The Grundig/Eton receivers
seem to get mixed reviews. Some have tuning quirks or need their
alignment tweaked. The best of the shortwave portables seems to be the
Sony 7600 series. If you are looking for a "communications" receiver,
then the Ten-Tec stacks up well. Unlike the portables, it does not
overload when connected to an outside antenna. I typically run mine on
an 80 meter dipole or a full size 40 meter loop. As discussed, there is
enough room inside for mods, including filters, a muting circuit, etc.
Plus, it's fun to build. (I grew up in the heyday of Heathkit).
73,
Bob WB2VUF
On 12/22/2010 9:29 AM, ARDUJENSKI@aol.com wrote:
I want to thank the large group of you who responded to my question(s)
pertaining to the TT-1254. I found them invaluable. Comments were
balanced
and well presented Additionally I wanted to share with you all two other
perspectives:
_http://www.mtechnologies.com/tt1254/1254.htm_
(http://www.mtechnologies.com/tt1254/1254.htm)
_http://www.cholakian.com/TT1254upgrade.html_
(http://www.cholakian.com/TT1254upgrade.html)
I now feel well prepared to evaluate the PROs and CONs of TT-1254 and
apply to my decision making process. Granted it is no "Eagle" purchase
and I
appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and insight
Thank you all and a very Merry Christmas
Alan KB7MBI
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