Two Jupiters is enough!

I tried two Jupiters during the past 4 or 5 month. #Each one had a set of problems and I had to return them to T-T for a refund. #Among other things the first Jupiter lacked sensitivity above 14 Mhz and the last one produced birdies as you tuned across the band. #I wonder if the soon to be released $3,300 Orion transceiver will exhibit the same QC problems as the Jupiter? #Come on T-T, higher some good QC people and tighten up on your production testing!

[KD5KUF]

I've heard a few bad things about several of their products, and some they have apparently corrected. Sadly enough, I think that is just the state of good old American craftsmanship these days. (cut corners and "good enough" instead of quality for the dollars spent). If manufacturers don't get real, the dollars will keep going to the foreign competitors. I would prefer to buy American but can't afford to waste my money on junk. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
So come on American manufacturers, and workers, show us some products worth our hard earned bucks. Help restore the pride we once had, that very few could make it better than we can. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[W0BKR]

I had the same similar experience. Mine lacked sensitivity about 14 mhz, plus when you play with it, you learn what features (standard on $500 radios) it lacked (i.e. up/down, a rational band switching arrangement, tuner, etc.).

I played with mine one week, sent it back for lock up problems. Mis wired. Yet, the paperwork stated it had been checked out.

Had to pay another $140 for a remote tuning unit. All in all, a nice starter radio if you don't want really good performance, but heck, for $1200 for the radio, $40 or so for a hand mike, another $130-150 for the remote tuning unit, I can buy a lot more radio on the used market (i.e. 756 PRO, 746, etc.) for a meager amount of additional cash.

I am really disappointed in TT. All this hipe about "buy American". Alright, then, make me a product that is as good as the rice boxes, and as affordable, just like the stereoes and tvs, etc. and I'll buy one. Until then, I am as disallusioned with TT as I can be. And I have heard other horror stories I won't pass along. This response is a personal user experience.

[N5JOB]

I really, really do hate to insult Ten-Tec because they are a U.S. company, as far as I know. #BUT... I noticed a big shift DOWNWARD in the quality of Ten-Tec products when technology changed from "analog" technology to "microprocessor controlled" technology.

A few years ago I was an active amateur and I wanted a complete "Made in U.S.A." station. #Spent over $3,000.00 or so trying to do it. #I had a Ten-Tec Delta II (I believe that is what it was called) but it had many problems.

I finally unloaded the Delta II and purchased a used Ten-Tec Corsair from Ten-Tec's used radio department and got robbed in the process! #The Corsair worked fine for years until the PTO wore out. #I sent it back to Ten-Tec for rebuilding and it worked for about one month before it broke down again.

I'll NEVER own another piece of Ten-Tec equipment again. #I've been asked by fellow amateurs about Ten-Tec and I've advised them to AVOID Ten-Tec products like the plague. #One friend did not take my advice, spent about $6,000.00 on a "closet kilowatt" set up, wound up sending it back TWICE then demanded his money refunded. #Ten-Tec did refund his money.

So I would agree with the other post that alluded to Ten-Tec cutting corners. #I think it's the problem that is going to run them completely out of the Amateur Radio market. #And introducing a new line of equipment every two years isn't going to save them.

Maybe they need to FIRE all their engineers and get better ones. #Maybe management is the problem. #I don't know, but I would LIKE to know who the individual is at Ten-Tec that obviously has his head where the sun doesn't shine!

[benk8dit]

Im certain all of the above stories and attitudes are truthfully felt as stated. I would ask you to examine one other aspect of your criticism. That is, when you purchase an appliance and are used to getting what you want in every way, you never expect to have to repair it, examine it for flaws, or even think about how it works. It works as advertised, its cheap, and its what you paid for. You'll never have to deal with an unhappiness until many years have passed and you either replace it or throw it away for some other reason. As a ham, a person interested in radio
for all the reasons that you like it, the more you know about radio electronics, the more you learn about theory and practise, the more competent an operator you become.
Ten Tec has many happy customers that have never had your kind of problems. Its an open market place and everyone is free to buy what they want. While many hams prefer the imported style radio equipped with all the extras that Ten Tec charges seperately for, some
prefer to choose otherwise. Some hams find Ten Tec
gear to be superior to the imported alternative. Its fair to say that Ten Tec takes a different approach to its equipment than the import radios. This approach has implications that challenges hams in their comfort zones
to rethink the satus quo, to break from the mold of mindless appliance operator. Not everyone is suited to this role. Im glad there is an alternative to the imports. What's more I'm happy that its made in America.
Not everyone who operates import gear is necessarily in the mindless appliance op category. There are some accomplished hams/electronics people who select their gear who have tried Ten Tec stuff and prefer the import.
They usually have nice things to say about Ten Tec. That doesnt mean you have to. Youve obviously had a bad experience and now we know about it.

[W0BKR]

I must have missed the point in the previous post or something.

The issue is/was, a fellow amateur bought two (2) TT radios, and both were defective. Period.

I too experienced much of the same problem. I venture to say that there is justification in the post as many have reported problems and flaws/shortcomings with this particular radio that TT has yet to address.
I am sure there are foreign marketed radios with just as many shortcomings and flaws, just as there are defective products of all kinds out there.

The real issue for me is the pricing based upon what you really get for your buck. That particular radio really falls short in many areas for a $1200 radio. Case in point:

1. No tuner
2. No easy band switching methodology
3. No up/down capability
4. Poor sensitivity above 14 mhz and no preamp to compensate
5. No 6 meters which has been standard for a few years now
6. No mike provided with the radio (an additional $ option)
7. No digital voice recorder option or capability

Just to name a few. For $1200 you can certainly find a much more capable radio and the receiver specs are not that "hot" when you read the QST technical reviews. Sure, some will love it, just as some love having tube equipment, AM, etc. To each their own.

Just to state "buy American" doesn't motivate anyone unless it is a really good product. TT has been known for QC problems in just about every radio (i.e. look up user reviews on the Omni 5, etc.).

All in all, it is sad that a company would have such a QC problem. One or two radios is one thing, but for someone to purchase two (2) and both be defective (poor workmanship), is inexcusable.

I won't be buying any of their products for a long time until I see the quality issues addressed and corrected, as well as a refresher course in customer service.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[benk8dit]

The idea that you can quantify your unhappiness is an interesting comment on what you expect in a radio. You want the mic., tuner, voice keyer, vhf, along with your hf radio. Happily the import rigs accommodate all that. Dont you have to ask how?
You also want the radio to look great, work as you expect, and be priced accordingly. Again the import rigs have a good track record. According to you Ten Tec has none of the above and so they should get a clue.
In fact you cannot buy a Ten Tec anywhere but from the factory. They refund your money if you're unhappy. They do have a smaller but firm following that believe the products are wonderful. Why is that?
I think the answer lies in what you expect to get and how it should work. I suggest that you are missing something
when you compare your results. Had you persisted in pursuing the Jupiter, you may have uncovered the failures
and discoverd the benefits as others have. Instead you think that Ten Tec tries to sell shoddy equipment and for the most part gets away with it. If this is their true motivation, then thanks for exposing them for what they are. Somehow I dont think they throw their heads back
laughing when one of their radios fools another sucker.
I imagine that most of them are hams and they try to look to provide something new to the ham radio experience.
Not everybody gets it. Not everyone wants it. As long as enough hams get it, and more want it, then they'll probably keep providing it.

American Products are only as good as the components used in them, the overall engineering design, and lastly the pride in turning out a quality product. It really does'nt matter where they are built or by whom, just as long as the buyer gets what was honestly advertised in the first place, and from what we've heard about Ten-Tec the Asian Electronics manufacturers apparently don't have anything to worry about, especially from American competition! A good example of quality products would be in the Automotive industry, how long did it take Detroit to finally start turning out QUALITY cars? I'd say a good 40yrs. The U.S Makers knew how to do it, but Profit was more important than quality, and they're still playing "Catch-Up"!

CJ

[kd7kgx]

I am a satisfied Ten-Tec customer. #It's been my experience that they make a good product, and if there is a problem with QC they stand behind what they sell.

Re price/performance, the Icom IC-746Pro is comparable to the Ten-Tec Jupiter... but costs almost $600 more. #And, if a new feature comes out for the Icom rig, you have to buy a new rig to upgrade. #With the Ten-Tec Jupiter, you download new firmware.

I will agree that the aesthetics and ergonomics (styling, accessibility to features such as band-switching) on the Jupiter aren't as good as the Icom (in my opinion). #However, the Jupiter has more features and is more powerful.

Ten-Tec tends to design their products more for the technically-inclined ham, and they will scrimp on aesthetics and ergonomics and put the effort into an area that provides more utility for the experienced operator. #For example, most YaeComWood rigs come with internal tuners (that actually have a restricted tuning range), while the Ten-Tec rigs do not (although it is an option). Instead, the Jupiter has great DSP, user-upgradeable firmware, and the ability to be entirely controlled by computer.

BTW, the optional internal tuner is a true tuner that will match up to a 10:1 SWR, while competitors' tuners usually won't match outside of 3:1 or thereabouts. #

Why not supply an internal tuner? #Because many experienced hams use their rigs to drive amps... and an internal tuner is useless (and a waste of money) for that application. #Many hams (like me) already have a good external tuner and don't need nor want to have to pay for another.

The factory rig I would buy today isn't the factory rig I would have bought as a new ham. #I wouldn't have bought a Ten-Tec as a new ham... but I own one now and will most likely buy another.

[W5KRM]

In reference to KGX's comments, here are mine on the Jupiter.

Yes, one can compare the ICOM 746 to the Jupiter, but the two are two (2) totally different radios. #Yes, the 746 is about $600 more, but you get more also (i.e. internal tuner, 6 meters, 2 meters, hand mike, etc.). #One would have to compare the Jupiter HF only radio with a like HF only radio, and the only one that I know of is the IC-718, which in this case, is 1/2 the price of the Jupiter.

The IC-718 may not have built in DSP but Ten Tec's DSP is basically (if I remember correctly), DSP that processes the signal outside the AGC loop which is more or less an AF DSP. Certainly not worth $600 more.
IC-718 offers the plug in DSP (AF DSP also) for a fraction of the "built in DSP" TT has in the Jupiter.

As to internal tuners, yes, most individuals drive an amplifier these days and an internal tuner is useless. #However, in the event one wants to run the radio barefoot or portable, the Jupiter leaves you without an option for a "plug in tuner". (By the way, most internal tuners I have used (i.e. Kenwoods, Yaesu's, Icom's, etc. will tune SWR higher then 3:1).

I had the Jupiter and I was sorely disappointed. #I wanted badly to buy an American made product, but mine out of the box was defective and after playing with it, I found it lacking numerous standard features which have been in amateur radio design for a number of years now (i.e. Up/Down Functions, Built In Digital Recorders, etc.). The receiver performance, something that the ARRL technical lab confirmed to me via e-mail, was mediocre, and slightly better then entry level (for the $$ one pays for the TT).

I eventually sent it back for a refund. #The smartest move I ever made.

I think that Ten Tec does have some good products, but when comparing to the "rice boxes" as they are called, TT comes up short on user features and QC. #Too many items are "add on's". #When I purchase a radio, I expect to at least get it with a hand mike. #How much can that cost for goodness sake??

In summary, I think the TT Jupiter is fine for some entry level or rag chewer type ops, but I venture to say it won't perform in a contest environment well at all, let alone, hear the weak ones. #That was based upon my radio, and may not reflect yours.

As to purchasing a radio as an "appliance", I haven't seen many amateurs that purchased a radio in the past with any less expectations of plugging it in, hooking it up and having it work. #Although TT has a smaller following then the imports, the statistical number of complaints about TT's QC issues are quite alarming (at least they are to me). #I have seen way too many posts about problems with the Omni V, VI, etc.

When I spend $1000+ on a radio, regardless of manufacturer, I could care less whose it is, as long as it works indefinitely (I have a TS-130 and TS-660 that still function like new after decades). #The Imports have a much better track record for sure. #I am sure there are some models the amateur populace have knocked, but in general, from the many well experienced ops I have met, been introduced to, etc., most have the same opinion about TT. #Rigs are nice, but just aren't up to par with current technology or the competition.

Heck, there are some individuals that still swear by (and use regularily), Collins and Drake gear. #Doesn't mean it is on par with current technology, only these owners love their radios and use them, flaws, technology obsolescence, and all.

I take negative user reviews far more seriously then the positive ones. #Individuals may complain about a product, but often times, not putting it into writing. #Just as an example, here are some user (negative) feedback comments on the Omni VI+, the latest TT product on the market priced over $2500:

One user wrote: #I have seen remarks about the poor RX audio and note that International Radio Corp inrad@rosenet.net sells a mod for this. (Omni VI user review) [Why would a person need a mod for a $2600 radio?]

Another user wrote: Sorry no more T-T for me until there Q.C. out the door changes. I
really wanted to own a US built ham rig but after #3 rigs back to T-T for various problems (i.e.
shutting off, meters not working, wobbly VFO encoder knobs ETC.).[Makes one wonder who exactly is checking this equipment before it is boxed and sold to the public??].

Yet another: I am disappointed in the 6+, you'd think that for $2500 Ten Tec would know how to
make the PTO tunes smoothly (No weighted Flywheel here) or keep the numerous
Oscillators birdies and Processor hash to a minimum.....10 Meters is useless.
If both 1.8 Kkhz filters are added in the 6 & 9 Mhz IF's and used together they
don't match in Freqency and sound like rubbish.

Yet another "satisfied user":My Omni 6+ must have been made on a monday after a holiday weekend. It has been back to the factory 4 times for some real repairs, and the first time for so many burdies on other bands besides 10m. on SSB especially low bands it has a howl on the signal. every time it has went back this complaint as been expressed and so far nothing has been done for it.

More QC problems: #I received my Omni VI a few days ago and immediately found a couple of problems.
# # # # # # # # # # 1. Meter was not installed straight (tilted)
# # # # # # # # # # 2. Main VFO encoder knob has loose play
# # # # # # # # # # and makes an audible thump when turned
# # # # # # # # # # semi-fast.

I think TT's quality control needs some serious attention, and that has been voiced for years but to date, doesn't appear anyone at TT is taking it seriously. #As to their radio designs, they are acceptable, but certainly not (price) competitve with what one can get in the import product line. #

Bottom line: price and quality speak volumes in this hobby; and repetitive QC issues will scare away potential customers, like me!

[wi6i]

I am completely happy with my Jupiter. It does what I want, and does it very well. Too bad so many seem to have run into lemons.

As to features, that's personal. I don't like internal tuners. Too limiting for me. I like to monitor six meters while operating on HF. I like my IC-706 MkII overall for mobile and portable operation, but I despise its user-intensive operating system. The Icom manual took a long time for me to correct. It's still a pretty neat radio.

Since this seems to be a review on Ten-Tec, I'll continue. When I called TT service to ask about CW side tone offset on my 556 Argo, the tech asked me a few questions and then had me ship the radio back while TT simultaneously shipped me a brand new rig. Not bad. I bought a third-hand Corsair II that I sent to the factory to be brought back to original specs. Upon return the rig still had weak receive above about 10 MHz so I sent it back. TT paid the shipping both ways and got the rig right in the process. I have never had an experience with TT service that didn't end up being completely satisfying. I cannot say the same about Kenwood, but that's a different story.

Maybe I'm just lucky. My Jupiter works fine on 10 Meters. I really like the operating system. It's got the best receiver I've ever had for eliminating or being able to work through weekend-type QRM. It's a hoot.

But I must admit the Corsair II is my favorite. 73 WI6I

[W5KRM]

Aside from design, I think one of the major problems TT is dealing with is unstable QC control. It seems, depending on what day of the week or what lot your radio came from, you either get a dog which I had two, or you get a "hoot" as the previous poster indicated.

For me, until TT cleans up it's act, I won't buy their equipment anytime in the future. I have seen similar posts regarding the quality control of the Omni VI+ et al.

Sad, that the only US company would make arbitrary quality and damage their image.

Otherwise, I would have kept mine, even with its obvious shortcomings.

[N0WE]

I have been reading the Ten Tec Forum on Contesting.Com. There has been a conversation about problems with the new Orion. Ten Tec follows this list and gives input where they think it's needed. They stated that their return rate is 3 - 5%. I think the is an unacceptable number in the electronics industry. In fact it would not be good in many industries.

[KF3EG]

I can say this the Jupiter I have is a dead fish, ten tec is known for their cw well put a jupiter on 40 or 80 meter on cw and listen, my old ten tec model 540 triton is better also a Kenwood TS 520se is better. Sisde by side the jupiter failed against a Kenwood ts570d(g).
The Jupiter works on phone ok, but cw stinks on the lower bands. On 10 and 15 meters it has enough birdies to open a darn pet store.
The other thing is if you hook up a amplifier even with soft key on some you have to hook up a remote relay or the amp hangs keyed.
The external speaker has to be open and not grounded, as small thing yes, but why make it this way when all the darn speakers are grounded.
next time my money goes else where.
73
Merry Christmas

[KF3EG]

Ten Tec might have good service,BUT for $1269.00 it should not leave the factory with KNOWN problems. Also they say in their adds the last radio you will need, software upgradeable, THEN THEY QUIT UPGRADES !
#If one bought a car and the dealers quit working on options, I think many new cars would be driven thru dealer windows.
# I had a Jupiter,(one, they only got me once) it is sad when you have to turn on an old Kenwood ts 520se to hear a cw station you want to work, the Jupiter could barely hear the station and the 520 had him at s7 and sounded like he was local.
# Well it made so many trips back it needed an oil change, pretty bad when a employee of Ten Tec tells you to get rid of the Jupiter and find a Omni VI so Ten Tec knows what the heck they are dumping on the Hams, good reason why they quit upgrade support.
# #The 706 Mic, the most worthless mic I have ever owned, key it up and have to hit the button 2 or 3 times to unkey the radio.
# # I have had other Ten Tec's, other than PTO problems they have been ok radio's, But for the same money or less Japan gives one more for their money.
# # Ten Tec is on the ice and sliding down hill, their QC I would rate right up there with MFJ.

73

[w8ob]

I got mixed emotions about this gear. First of all I did own a omni 6+, I found it worked great no birdie problems etc but found the main tuning knob to be whobbly and the meter loose, I viewed this as no big deal and spent a little time adjusting these items. I also found the cw keyer was getting rf into it and going crazy so I installed the mod for this. I also felt that for the price of this radio quality control could have been much tighter. I then purchased the centurion amp, within 5 minutes of use (idling on the bench) I heard a loud snap and the amp shut down. I opened it up and saw that the small hv wire (the one in teflon) had arched over to one of the boards in the unit and burnt itself off from the transformer. Again no big deal, I repaired the trace on the board and reattached the wire to the transformer using a much heavier wire. I found for the price that the amp was somewhat cheesey compared to and don't laugh the Ameritron line. I also had purchased their 2 meter transverter, the unit had a lot of drift so I sent it in. I found service to be slower than molasses in January and decided to return that unit for a refund. Everybody raves about the service but with the exception of one time, everytime I called the service department I got someone who acted like they were doing me a favor talking to me, I don't know maybe they had a bad day.
I am not sold off of ten-tec gear and I perfer to buy American but I am now holding off to see what is going to happen with quality control there.

[KM9T]

I have two Ten Tec's, the Corsair and the Jupiter. I have the jupiter hooked up to my computer which I love the way it works. I haven't had one problem with either. I also drive a Cadillac and I love it also. I'm a "true American" who believes the "big picture".
If people keeps buying foreign products, our country will be like Japan was before WW-2. I think to much of my country, I love my country and only can say to those that buy foreign products, "Your traders to your country" Please, Get the big picture in your little shrunken minds before it's to late. Be American, Buy American. Then and only then will we be able to compeat with the foreign products, in every catigory.

[K3UD]

I was looking for a new HF rig this past summer and considered the Jupiter. I have had Ten Tec rigs in the past and were impressed by them. (Argonaut, Delta, Omni C). #

I was also interested in their 6n2 VHF transceiver. After asking some on the Ten Tec tech net about the 6n2 I was very gently warned off of it because of its lack of features and perceived deafness. The Jupiter was pretty much held in high regard by those on the net who had one. Being a software defined radio was a very large plus as it would never be obsolete.

I was ready to order until I found out that in order to do software upgrades to the Jupiter, you had to use a Windows PC. I use a Mac, and for me it was the deal breaker as I was not going to purchase another computer just to do software upgrades.

I now find out that software upgrade development has either slowed down or stopped for the Jupiter. If this is correct, what is the purpose of purchasing a software defined radio in the first place?

I like to buy American when I can and own a Ford pickup, a Pontiac and a Chevy. However, I went with a 746PRO which came with #6 and 2 meters and had every feature I wanted on those bands plus more features than I will ever use on HF.

73
George
K3UD