Argonaut V HF transceiver
Links | SpecificationsTHE RETURN OF A LEGEND: The ARGONAUT V IF-DSP HF 20 watt transceiver. Ten-Tec’s reputation for quiet, dynamic receiver performance continues with the little gem of an HF rig. AM, FM, CW, SSB operation on 10-160 meters, general coverage from 500 kHz to 30 MHz on receive. PSK31 ready – plug it into your sound card without any dropping resistors in the TX line or a rig-to-computer interface and you’re ready to operate. 35 built-in receive filters. Like all of our transceivers, ARGONAUT V is a software-defined radio and instant updates can be downloaded from the Internet – always have the latest version of the rig! Now featuring the high-stability TCXO as standard equipment on all ARGONAUT V’s.
Another innovative software-defined radio from Ten-Tec. Argonaut V has the benefits and features of IF-DSP, in a modern 20 watt HF transceiver. Our philosophy is that “low power” need not be synonymous with “incomplete”. Some low power rigs offer pieces as options. DSP as an option? Not with Ten-Tec. Some offer limited performance and features. With the new Argonaut V, we offer solid HF radio performance in a user-friendly format, competitively priced.
20 watts output power, all modes. SSB, CW, digital modes, and FM. Front panel adjustable from 3-20 watts output. AM operation at 5 watts carrier power (20 watts PEP). Metering measures forward or reflected power in switchable 2 or 20 watt scales.
A true general coverage all-mode HF transceiver. Receive .5 to 30 MHz continuous in user-selectable tuning rates of 10 Hz or 1 kHz. Transmit on all 9 HF ham bands 10-160 meters.
35 IF-DSP receive filters are built-in. No extra filtering to buy to operate any available mode! Filters are 200 Hz to 1000 Hz in 50 Hz steps, 1000 to 2800 Hz in 100 Hz steps; 4 kHz and 6 kHz in AM. An additional 15 kHz filter is provided for FM mode operation. Shape factors all 1.5:1 or better.
This little rig is a PSK31 dream. No accessory boxes necessary. Simply connect audio cables from the audio in and audio out jacks to your PC sound card and you’re on the air. That’s right, no interface, no dropping resistors in the TX line – plug it into the sound card and get on the air. Ready for digital mode operation with TCXO standard equipment to assure frequency stability.
Like other recent Ten-Tec HF transceivers, the Argonaut V is a software-defined radio. All functions and features of the rig are stored in Flash ROM. To add new features, simply visit our website, download the latest, and it’s as if your rig rolled off the production line a few minutes earlier.
Selectable metering functions. In receive, S-units. In transmit, selectable among 25 watt / 5 watt forward power scales, 25 watt reflected power scale, 1.0:1 to 2.5:1 SWR or collector current draw.
Band scan and memory scan. Memory scan has lockout feature for skipping constantly busy frequencies. Band scan can be set to scan between two user-defined frequencies of any margin. The operator can even program and scan memories for different modes.
Heavy-duty cast zinc main tuning knob.
Variable CW transmit offset with tracking sidetone, adjustable 400-1000 Hz. Like all Ten-Tec rigs, Argonaut V is equipped with full QSK operation in CW mode. Built-in CW keyer with variable speed control, 10-50 WPM.
Argonaut V is equipped with a PTT hand microphone as standard equipment.
Updated 01/20/06: The TCXO is no longer optional. All Argonaut V’s are now equipped with the high stability TCXO as standard equipment.
Updated 01/10/07: New heat sink design eliminates the need for optional cooling fan to be installed and none is available as an option effective immediately.
Updated 08/14/08: DISCONTINUED The Argonaut V is discontinued from production. No new units remain in stock. A limited number of demo units with full warranty are in stock and available now. Used Argonaut V’s taken as trade-ins may also be available. Accessories listed below with the exception of the 309 mobile bracket are available from stock new.
Optional equipment:
Model 307B external speaker. Texture painted black to match Argonaut V cabinet. Large. 4 ohm, 5 watt. $98
Model 308 fan kit. Accessory cooling fan slides onto rear panel heat sink. For original production models with black rear heat sink with small horizontal black fins. $15.
Model 308A fan kit. Accessory cooling fan slides onto rear panel heat sink. For original production models with gold rear heat sink with small horizontal gold fins. $15.
Argonaut V presently available for sale now uses a Ten-Tec designed heavy duty heat sink that does not require a fan even for full power key down operation. Do not order a fan with a new Argonaut V. Fans are only for installation on previous Argonaut V transceivers with the older style heat sinks.
Model 309 mobile bracket $19.95 – DISCONTINUED
Model 708 desk microphone for PTT or VOX operation. $99.
Model 937 13.8 VDC 11 amp external power supply. $89.
FREQUENCY RANGE: 500 kHz-30 MHz RX; 1.8-2.0, 3.5-4.0, 5.1-5.4, 7.0-7.3, 10.1-10.15, 14.0-14.35, 18.068-18.168, 21.0-21.45, 24.89-24.99, 28.0-29.7 TX
TUNING STEPS: Selectable 10 Hz or 1 kHz SSB, CW; 100 Hz or 5 kHz AM; 2.5 or 5 kHz FM
FREQUENCY STABILITY: ? 3 ppm, TCXO standard
FREQUENCY ACCURACY: ? 50 Hz at 25? C (TCXO option available for improved accuracy)
MODES: USB, LSB, AFSK, AM, FM, CW
IFs: IF1=45 MHz, IF2=450 kHz, IF3=14.5 kHz
DISPLAY: 7-segment LED
VFOs: Dual with split capability
MEMORIES: 100
ANTENNA: 50 ohms, SO-239
CONSTRUCTION: Epoxy/glass PC boards, molded front panel, aluminum chassis, steel cabinet
SUPPLY VOLTAGE: 13.8 Vdc
OPERATING TEMP. RANGE: 0-50 ?C
DIMENSIONS: 2.75" x 8.5" x 9.7" (7 x 21.6 x 24.6 cm). Includes rear panel heat sink.
WEIGHT: 5 lbs. (2.2 kg)
SENSITIVITY: SSB, CW, 0.35 ?V typ., 0.5 ?V max. for 10 dB SINAD at 2.4 kHz BW
AM, 1.0 ?V typ., 1.2 ?V max. for 10 dB SINAD at 6 kHz BW, 60% modulation
FM, 1.0 ?V typ., 1.2 ?V max. for 12 dB SINAD at 15 kHz BW, 3 kHz deviation
SELECTIVITY: 35 built-in filters from 200-3000 Hz, SSB, CW; 400-6000 Hz AM, 15 kHz FM
IP3: +4 dBm typ. (20-kHz spacing, ARRL method)
IP2: +66 dBm typ. (ARRL method)
IMAGE REJECTION: 70 dB typ.
IF REJECTION: 70 dB typ.
CURRENT DRAIN: 950 mA, no signal, typ.
RIT RANGE: ? 10 kHz
PBT RANGE: ? 2.5 kHz
AUDIO: Internal speaker, 2 watts into 4 ohms <5% THD. Line out, 600 ohms, 2 V p-p (0 dBm).
S-METER: S-9 = 50 ?V
POWER OUTPUT: Adjustable 3-20 W, ALC controlled
DUTY CYCLE: 100%
CURRENT DRAIN: 7 A max., 20 W CW.
HARMONICS AND SPURIOUS SUPPRESSION: -43 dBc max., 20 W; -33 dBc max., <5 W.
CARRIER AND OPPOSITE SIDEBAND SUPPRESSION: >50 dB
MICROPHONE INPUT: 10 kohms, 5 mV for full power output; dc present at input for electrets
METER: Forward power 25w/5w, reflected power 25w, SWR 1.0:1 to 2.5:1, collector current 0-9A.
© 2009 Ten-Tec, Inc.