Ten-Tec began in 1968 doing work for the tool-and-die industry with the intention of in the future doing “something” for Amateur Radio. “Something” evolved into a series of modules for a crystal controlled transmitter (TX1), a detector-converter (MX1), oscillator/buffer (VO1) and IC audio amplifier (AA1). Put together with other modules, these would form the basis for the Power-Mite PM1 transceiver introduced the following year. Front panel band switching and only 100 Hz drift as features! 2 watts input power and a paper clip cut in half for a slide scale indicator completed the package. 1969, $49.95

5 models of keyers would be released in 1970 and would continue to be sold in one form or another well into the 1990’s. $18.95 – $89.95, 1970.

The release of the now-classic QRP rig known as the Argonaut 505 would start Ten-Tec’s reputation as the industry leader in QRP operation. Small, light, portable, solid-state, these rigs would be shipped to every corner of the earth in the first version 505, second release model 509, and third release model 515 in the early 1980’s. $288.00, 1972.

Preceeded by the 50 watt original Triton, the 100 watt output Triton II was Ten-Tec’s first full power HF transceiver (how times change! The advertisement refers to the Triton as “medium power”). 10, 15, 20, 40, 80 meters, solid state, 100 watts output. This transceiver would form the early basis for the wildly popular Triton IV and Triton IV digital transceivers. 1973.

…and then, the floodgates broke open! With the demise of many of the old guard in ham radio like Hallicrafters and Hammarlund came the Triton IV transceiver, which would be released in analog and digital readouts. This was the first of the Ten-Tec transceivers to catch on with the mass market in Amateur Radio at large; many of them are still in use today. Packed with features and all solid-state, it would be followed up on and replaced by the original Omni series transceivers by 1979. $699, 1976.

Advertising the “line” in the late 1970’s: Argonaut, 405 amplifier, and Triton. The 405 would be discontinued after the FCC regs regarding low power amplifier operation were changed in response to the use of amplifiers on the 11 meter band. 1976.

The “Novice” rig of choice in the 1970’s also allowed for operating 20 meters after a General class license was obtained. Thousands of Century 21 transceivers would be sold over the life of the radio; 70 watts input power, CW only on 10-15-20-40-80 meters, direct conversion receiver, and the first Ten-Tec radio to include an internal 110 VAC power supply. Also available later in a digital readout model.

Digital meant something completely different in ham radio in the 1970’s; no analog scale to read! Triton IV digital, $869, 1978.