Ten Tec Jupiter, IC-7200 or FT-950

[W7KKK]

I see the Jupiter has been around since abou 2000?
I think I read that it's IF DSP but has it always been?
And have there been anything in the way of improvements other than software update to it during it's run?

[K1FBI]

Can't comment on the Icom. But, I've owned the Ten Tec Jupiter, sold it to "upgrade" to a rig with 6 meters, and a memory keyer. So, I purchased the FT-950. The FT-950 is a nice radio and I'm continuing to find new features, and I frequently say, "Wow, that's neat". (Mostly to myself). But, being that CW is my primary mode, I sure do miss my Jupiter.
Oh yeah, I haven't used 6 meters on the FT-950, yet.

The IF DSP in the Ten Tec is top notch. I haven't seen one better. I can reduce the filters to their absolute minimum, and not hear any digital artefacts. The DSP in the FT-950 is good...bordering on excellent....just not as good as the Jupiter.

The Jupiter has an extremely easy to navigate menu system, that you don't need a reference sheet to decipher. I keep the FT-950 manual close by for reference.

I had to send in my Jupiter for service when an upgrade failed. I got to talk to a service tech on the phone to try to resolve the issue. When it was clear that I needed to send it back to Ten Tec for service, the process was extremely fast. I had it back within a week.

I did just the reverse and said goodbye to an FT-950. I like the Jupiter more and had no problem updating the software. (make sure you read all the notes in the downloaded files or you will be sending it back to the factory)
I have no experience with the IC-7200. As far as the Jupiter copying CW, the manual (if you read it) tells you less than an S6 signal will reduce the accuracy of the copy. Mine copies very well and narrowing the passband helps on weaker signals.

[KB3LAZ]

I have never owned the Jupiter but I have used one extensively and I really enjoy the radio. As others have said, it has an excellent receiver and it is very easy to navigate.

I dont recall what they are but I believe that there are a few slight differences between the older green screen and the newer blue screen.

[K1FBI]

I have never owned the Jupiter but I have used one extensively and I really enjoy the radio. As others have said, it has an excellent receiver and it is very easy to navigate.

I dont recall what they are but I believe that there are a few slight differences between the older green screen and the newer blue screen.

CW Personality can decode and also allow you to send code via a standard keyboard.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
<<<< STANDARD RADIO PERSONALITY >>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Ver 1.330 - Dec 15, 2010
Fixed bug that caused NR, AN, NB to crash the audio

Ver 1.320 - Nov 18, 2008
Fixed bug that caused NT to become disabled
Fixed bug that made LCD Reverse stop working (Blue Displays only)

Ver 1.310 - November 3, 2008
Fixed bug that caused loss of audio when NR, AN and NB were all on at the same time
Fixed bug that caused periodic serial communication drop-outs when in Pegasus mode.
Added MENU option to disable CW Keyboard.

Ver 1.30 - August 28, 2008
The version 1.29 firmware has been modified to support the new multiple-personality memory structure of the enhanced Jupiter
and to add support for the new Blue LCD screen.


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
<<<< CW PERSONALITY >>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Ver 1.031 - Dec 15, 2010
Fixed bug that caused NR, AN, NB to crash teh audio

Version 1.03 Nov 18, 2008
Fixed bug that caused NR to be disabled

Version 1.02 Nov 3, 2008
Fixed bug that caused periodic serial communication drop-outs when in Pegasus mode.
Added MENU option to disable CW Keyboard.
Pegasus emulation support removed for CW personality

Version 1.01 - August 28, 2008
First production release of the CW personality

[W7KKK]

OK and TNX.
I think ICOM has sold quite a few of the IC-7200s but I don't hear much about them other than the owner reviews.
It appears the FT-950 is a complex radio that if you don't use all the features all the time you may need a quick reference for it. However I have spent afew hours on this radio at friend's homes and did not get this impression myself but I may not have known the radio that well in that time.
Everybody seems to rant about Ten Tec radios. Perhaps it's time I experience one mself.
The problem of course if finding one of them so I can get a feel for them.

[KC2SIZ]

OK and TNX.
I think ICOM has sold quite a few of the IC-7200s but I don't hear much about them other than the owner reviews.
It appears the FT-950 is a complex radio that if you don't use all the features all the time you may need a quick reference for it. However I have spent afew hours on this radio at friend's homes and did not get this impression myself but I may not have known the radio that well in that time.

I have an FT-950 and am very happy with it. Bear in mind that you'll quickly learn how to do everything with the 950 that you'll be doing every day. If at some point you need to use a feature you haven't used before, then naturally you'll need to consult the quick reference to see which menu item you need. That's not a big deal though, at least in my experience.

When people complain that many modern rigs--the FT-950 or any others--offer the user too many "options" using too complex a system of menus and that such rigs would benefit from a simpler, more streamlined design, I could not agree more. 80% of the options available on most of these rigs are ones you'll never use or even think about. So why are they there?

It's kind of like the conversation that unfolds in my house at dinner time once in a while. The XYL will say, "It's about time for dinner. Would you like...." and then she goes on to list a whole bunch of different options until I can barely keep up with them all.

I'd consider two or three options a luxury. One would be fine. A dozen are a burden.

Sometimes (almost all of the time), simpler is just better!

That said, I don't think the FT-950 is a worse offender in this area than most others.

[KY5U]

FT-950 is a great rig and as others have said, it has many options for customization. It turns out to be too much radio for many hams today who are used to channelized radio,

[WB2WIK]

It's kind of like the conversation that unfolds in my house at dinner time once in a while. The XYL will say, "It's about time for dinner. Would you like...." and then she goes on to list a whole bunch of different options until I can barely keep up with them all.

Wow, very different from what happens here. My XYL will say, "Would you like dinner?" and I say "What are the choices?"

And she answers, "Yes, or no."

[WB2WIK]

OK and TNX.
I think ICOM has sold quite a few of the IC-7200s but I don't hear much about them other than the owner reviews.
It appears the FT-950 is a complex radio that if you don't use all the features all the time you may need a quick reference for it. However I have spent afew hours on this radio at friend's homes and did not get this impression myself but I may not have known the radio that well in that time.
Everybody seems to rant about Ten Tec radios. Perhaps it's time I experience one mself.
The problem of course if finding one of them so I can get a feel for them.

Chances are you have someone pretty close by using one, see if you can find out and go visit them!

Of course, for a "new" purchase, Ten Tec does offer a 30-day "free trial," where you buy the rig and if you're not satisfied with it, return it within 30 days for a full refund. They've offered that for a long time.

[N2FQ]

I have both the 7200 and the Ten Tec Jupiter. Jupiter is by far the easiest to navigate the menus and superb QSK. Ten Tec is the only one that has a 30 day return policy.
I purchase the 7200 for outdoors use, that hasn't happen. I can be persuaded to sell if interested. Comes with a new AH-4. See a photo on my QRZ. Fernando N2FQ/6