Press release at http://tentec.com (April 2, 2015) RKR Designs, LLC of Longmont Colorado has announced that they have acquired the assets of Alpha Amplifier and TEN-TEC brands from RF Concepts. RKR plans to expand the product line, while continuing to service their customers that have enjoyed their products over the years. The principals of RKR Designs are Richard Gall, Ken Long and Rich Danielson (Gall and Danielson of QSC Systems, Longmont, Colorado have been a successful contract manufacturer, for over 20 years). Ken Long, N0QO has over 20 years in the electronics and amateur radio industry. Long will be President and CEO of the new company. QSC has been building Alpha amplifiers for over 5 years. They have also been building boards for TEN-TEC since their purchase by RF Concepts last year. Mr. Long said “QSC has always been a fantastic contract manufacturer, and has the expertise and knowledge that will allow us to bring down costs, while increasing quality and reducing manufacturing times.” When asked for comment, Michael Seedman, AA6DY said “I can’t think of a more capable group of people to take over the 45 year Alpha Amplifier/TEN-TEC legacy. Ken Long has been involved with the industry for years, and has a great feeling for products and operations. He has the manufacturing and engineering resources available to deliver quality products that our customers demand”. Mr. Seedman went on to say “Alpha and TEN-TEC have always had a warm spot in my heart, and I am thrilled that RKR Designs will be able to continue the operations of the business. I wish them the best”. Ken, Richard and Rich have been working very close over the past several years and feel that this new relationship will benefit the company and customers moving forward. This closer relationship to the contract manufacturer will allow a more consistent process and delivery of quality products along with significant cost benefits. RKR Designs LLC is privately held, and terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
How about an updated version of the Alpha 77SX? This time please use an actual (non training wheels) power supply. Tom KCØW
Wow!! Ten-Tec been around a good while. I had one of their PM-2's while in the USAF back in late 60s. Great rig; wish I'd never sold it!! Glad to see they and Alpha are staying in the USA!! Very 73 and good luck to RKR/Ten-Tec/Alpha...Joe
Kinda knew something was in the works when Alpha and TT "merged" a while ago. That old Alpha brand just keeps bouncing around. I wish the new owners all the best and much success. Bob
"...they have acquired the assets..." Of course that includes existing product warranties currently in effect...??
SHARKS A CIRCLING? Most times when Private Equity Firms are involved, things happen. Good or bad? Time will tell. The Boomers seem to spending incredible amounts of money on their hobbies these days. Good luck to all. #marconibelikethisisnotwhatihadinmind #whoisarduino?
Unless RKR have completed this with 2,000 stockholders, there won't be any SEC filings like I did today. To search google SEC filings James Randal Hall. Rather than use my name Google the full names of the individuals above and then the company. If there is vernture capital behind it you might see it. The more you see, the more hams won't like what might happen. The less you see may mean that Ken, Richard, and Rich are investing their own money with a little OPM to run an amateur radio company, government contractor, the way they want to, try and make money and have fun. If money wasn't an issue, I might do that, at lease as long as the money lasted. Randy
I knew something was going down. I've been on the phone a few times last few weeks regarding an amplifier. Things just did'nt seem right. There we site don't have many products. What is up there has be reduced for a sale
I hope this new management will support TT-Legacy products, in the aspect of radio data. Since 2005 I've been hounding TT for a 'complete' set of (and fully viewable) schematics, BOM and adjustment procedure for the Pegasus/Jupiter to no avail even with the TT VP's promising me every year at Dayton. We are not asking for fee-bees we are willing to pay for a Service Manual if one ever becomes available. There is NO published adjustment procedure of any of the TT-Legacy radios - some day the sole TT support Tech will retire and all will be lost! We cannot even get the R15/R19 PA adjustment to their poorly engineered PA board that easily blows finals. With the woes of getting TT info and lack of legacy support - I've state I'd not buy TT again. I hope the new owners will change this, as Flex-Legacy has stepped down the same path as TT. de N6JSX/8, MS-EET, owner TenTec_Pegasus YGroup.
QSC Systems in Longmont, CO is a contract manufacturer and a type S corporation. http://www.qscsystems.com As you can read, from the press release, RKR Designs is an LLC. What is an LLC? Limited Liability Company. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_liability_company
New Alpha/TenTec owners ... Is the QSC audio line, including its power amplifier products; a subsidiary of RKR/QSC Systems? When the Tokyo-Hy Power line of solid state RF amplifiers went bankrupt, I suggested to RF Concepts that they consider its acquisition to complete their product offerings across both tube and solid state technology platforms. I don't know what has become of the premium Tokyo-Hy Power designs and tooling as of this date, but suggest that if available to RKR, they should explore this additional segment. Hope that the good customer support continues for legacy items. An Alpha 99 and Ten-Tec 238C owner. Kumar
Tokyo High Power... Bought by BaoFeng, yes the one's best known for HT's https://factualradio.wordpress.com/tag/tokyo-high-power-labs/ Appears they have plans, if what is written comes to fruition..?? 73 - Dave - G8LIY
We often have a naive view that the health of companies is independent of the end-users. That is not correct. Often--but not always-- MBA=speak says sell out to your contract manufacturer if things go south. One hopes that is not the situation here. If you like what Alpha and Ten Tec have then--buy em! Don't get in a race to see who is gonna die first--you or the companies you MIGHT buy from. Both Alpha and Ten Tec have world class products, competitively priced, and made in the USA! And chances are your enjoyment ain't gonna be operative in a few years...unless you want your resources sucked up by assisted living. Buy now, enjoy now. Great companies, great boxes. 73 Chip W1YW
I've had two Alpha amplifiers, 76CA and 89...both good products under the old ETO regime. I don't know much about the post-ETO era and how good their amps are. The announcement by RKR could be positive for those that have enjoyed these amplifiers over the years...I hope so. As for Ten-Tec, I've never owned any of their products. With these two companies cutting back on their products, it's anybody's guess what will happen in the future. Good luck!
