While browsing the QTH.com classifieds last weekend, I found an ad for a Ten-Tec Argonaut V (Model 516).
The Argo V was a general coverage HF transceiver produced by TEN-TEC starting around 2003 or so. When it was introduced to market, I wanted one because I thought not only would it be a great QRP transceiver, but TEN-TEC rigs tended to have brilliant audio and were capable broadcast band receivers.
The seller described it as being in “pristine condition and operating to factory specs on all bands.”
The seller seemed to be a nice fellow and sent me a number of photos with his QSL card in the image and his email address matched what was on file with QRZ.com. The seller checked out on many levels confirming this wasn’t a scam (always assume a classifieds listing could be a scam!).
I purchased it last week and it was delivered today.
The first thing I did after connecting it to a power supply was tune to the 31 meter band, switch the mode to AM, and widen the variable filter to 6 kHz (the Argo’s max AM bandwidth).
So far, I’m impressed!
For a ham radio transceiver, I can tell that the Argo V is going to be a competent rig for casual shortwave radio listening.
I also tuned to the mediumwave band (not having even checked in advance its lower RX limit) and am happy to report that it covers the whole AM BC band as well.
If I’m being honest, though, the real reason I’ve always wanted an Argonaut V, specifically, is because I absolutely love the front panel design of this radio.
The large LED digit frequency display is fabulous and has–as my buddy Eric put it–a certain “Apollo era” aesthetic. The large frequency display was one of my favorite things about my beloved OMNI VI+ as well.
I’ll admit that I also love a good analog meter!
The Argonaut V also has a very simple, very Ten-Tec, front panel with good field ergonomics. In fact, the Argo V is a very simple radio: there are no modern features like message memory keying, built-in batteries, nor does it have an internal ATU.
Although spec-wise, I’ve much better receivers at SWLing Post HQ, I’m looking forward traveling the shortwaves with the Argo V!
Hey Thomas, just curious if you ever did get this rig out into the field? I’ve been trying to get one of these for a while and might finally have one!
TenTec’s do have great audio. My Century 21, which is direct conversion, is a joy to listen to and just plain looks GREAT.
I did, Tom! Here’s one field report with the Argo V:
https://qrper.com/2021/12/field-report-lets-play-pota-with-the-ten-tec-argonaut-v/
It’s a wonderful radio. I use it in the shack a lot!
Cheers,
Thomas
Thanks Thomas,
I missed that one!
Nice activation and good to see someone else that suffers from audio dyslexia from time to time. 🙂
Hope to get my first activations done this year and might even try my TT 509 on an activation.
Catch you on the bands.
Tom
VE3TEF
I’ve had one for many years and my only significant complaint is the WILDLY optimistic “S” meter.
That said, mine also has a less than optimal noise blanker.
Full details at http://www.w0ipl.net/TenTec516.htm
DE W0IPL
I wish I had never sold mine. I used mine portable with an end fed antenna. I was on the road a lot and would stop at a roadside park or rest area and operate while eating lunch. It was a fantastic rig. Good receive sensitivity, good audio reports, and easy to operate.
Hi Thomas,
I think that is the latest model of the Argonaut V — the 516TCXO! I’m guessing a previous owner put the optional fan kit on (which is not needed on this version). My serial number starts with 02C and I believe yours is a 08C suggesting to me that yours is a newer version. Nice!
Excellent! I may mod this radio so that I can control when the fans turn on. I only run 5 watts in the field, so I could probably modify it with a small switch or temperature control to have it only kick in during extra long sessions, etc. It certainly doesn’t need to be used during RX, I figure.
Thank you for the information, Greg!
Very nice! The knobs are reminiscent of those on my old Icom R-71A.
I AM VERY LUCKY THAT I GOT ONE OF THE LAST ONES WHEN WE STOPPED AT THE FACTORY BACK IN 2008 FROM GOING TO FLORIDA ON VACATION. ALSO HAVE A “VERY CHERRY” 515 AND BOTH SCOUTS (LOW AND HIGH POWER} AND LAST BUY NOT LEAST , GOT A ARGONAUT 6 FROM UNIVERSAL RADIO LAST YEAR.
I have a Tentec Argonaut V (516TXCO version). Some of the earlier versions run a bit hot and there is a fan kit that can be installed. I enjoy the simplicity of the interface and the good receiver. Also a huge plus is using the Tentec Model 712 USB Sound Card Digital Mode Adapter Cable — this simply plugs into your radio then into the USB port of your PC et voila you have a simple digimode interface which makes digimodes easy. Here’s the set up I use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY6exvXJ4Js
You bring up a good point about fans. Mine has dual fans on the back (no clue if it’s the TXCO model or not). I feel like the heat sink ought to be enough for it to run in RX or even low TX mode (5W or less) without overheating. Do you have any info about that?
Cheers,
Thomas
K4SWL
Hi Thomas, If you have the dual fan version, it is probably a bit of an older version than version 516TCXO which did not need fans but it does have the double finned heatsink. The 516TCXO version can be identified by a small white sticker to the left of the heatsink and under the silkscreened black “stamp” on the chassis with identifies the rig as “Argonaut V Model 516 Ten-Tec Inc. Made in USA”. The white sticker says “Mod 516 TCXO” and contains the serial number. I run my rig at 20 watts SSB with no issues. I run it at 10w for digimodes just to be safe. You will have to experiment a bit to see when the fans are needed and if any heat issues arise. I suspect, though, at 5w no issues will arise even in digimodes.
Hi, Greg,
You know, I hadn’t even checked the back of the unit for the model number. Here’s what I have:
Guessing this might be an older TXCO model?
Thank you so much for the info.
Cheers,
Thomas
I always like TenTec radios, more for looks, but TenTec and Lowe always made some really sharp looking rigs.
Nice looking rig! I think I just broke a couple of commandments . . .
Beautiful rig. Another qrp transceiver with excellent reception is the Yaesu FT-817ND. I’ve always wanted one and was surprised with its sensitivity, Dynamic Range and great audio quality. It has a pass band tuning that only works on lsb/us/cw/cw-r and is a great feature for listening on ECSS. As this TenTec rig, my 817ND was also in pristine condition with original box, use manual and accessories (some of them never used).
I must agree, it is a beautiful radio. You might want to run that one from
your outside deck or porch and call it the “outdoors” radio. It is the
right size. Love the display.
I run a Ten-Tec Omni VI+ indoors and it also has great audio.
Good luck with the new rig!
PS One of my best “great audio” rigs is a Hammarlund HQ-170. Awesome selectivity and clarity of SSB signals. Too big for deck listening.
A very clean faced looking radio with a good reputation. I wish you many happy hours of listening.
Ten Tec are as rare as hen’s teeth here in the UK.
Looks like a simplified Kenwood style front panel from the same era. Enjoy!
🙂
Agreed, Thomas. The design of the front panel with yellow display and S-meter is elegant, functional and simple. It’s a keeper!
Very nice, I always thought the old Ten Tec Corsair was a beautiful little radio. Kind of sad to lose them as an option.