Ten-Tec 539: a new QRP transceiver
Through the QRP-L mailing list I have read about a new QRP HF transceiver to be made by Ten-Tec. It has the model number 539 and seems to be a 10W output rig with 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m and 10m band coverage, three filter slots, DSP and dual VFOs. Photographs and details are available at the QRPer blog. The rig looks about the size of a K2 and seems to be designed for portable operations. The front panel looks very minimalist with a few knobs and buttons, and I could not help thinking it resembled the old Lowe HF 150 in appearance. From the QRPer blog it is reported that the receiver board is the same as that used in the Eagle.
Besides the transceiver there appears to be a planned 100W amplifier to match with the 539. This is a clever combination as having both will allow a user to have a full 100W station at home with the ability to take away the 10W transceiver ‘front-end’ for portable use. No information yet on the Ten-Tec site as of the time of writing this, but there is a Yahoo group already available.
You have time to save your money, it is indicated on a display board in one photograph that it is expected to be available in mid 2012.
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It would seem QRP is alive and well if companies are willing to invest time and money into these rigs. I also heard a rumor that Yaesu may be coming out with another QRP rig. I have been searching the net but not able to find anything. I do know that Elecraft is hopefully releasing their KX3 in the next month or so.
Let’s see, 539 is about 95 cubic inches, KX3 is 42; 539 receive current draw is 250 ma, KX3 is 150; KX3 includes inboard PSK31 and ATU, 539 has neither. The choice is still clear to me.