A couple of weeks ago on eHam, a ham innocently asked, “Is TenTec still in business?” Well, as you can imagine—given the venue—the question prompted a whole lot of comments. In general, most people were hopeful that TenTec would become a going concern again.
Then, TenTec’s current owner, N8WFF, decided to comment and shoot himself in the foot. He wrote:
I can’t reply to every email of somebody asking if we are still in business. If you think about it, that is a rather stupid thing to ask. If you want a part or something specific say so. My service manager is a volunteer fire fighter and has been out west for a month helping combat the problems out there.
Here is the new answer for EVERYONE for ever more and is the LAST answer we will give. Are you ready? Here it is:
TENTEC IS IN BUSINESS, IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS, AND HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. IF I CLOSE THE BUSINESS I WILL ANNOUNCE IT.Are we all clear now?
Same goes for alpha.
My goodness gracious people I have more important things to do than spend my time on stupidity like this!When we have a new, upgraded radio for sale, and yes we are working on it, we will announce it!
It takes MONEY. Where does that come from? I don’t see anyone pre-ordering or getting together and saying that they will fund a run of 100 eagles or whatever. So the only way I can get the money to fund all this is from commercial customers who actually pay. I then reinvest 100% of that towards equipment, inventory and wages.
We are not closing. We aren’t closed. We have never been closed. We are just doing what we have to do to get from Point A to Point B.
Meanwhile, you need a radio repaired or a part you email [email protected] and wait until a Tuesday, Wednesdays or Thursday when Tony is there to answer emails. If you email Friday through Monday you won’t get an answer until then. EVERYBODY who has followed the procedure has gotten their radio fixed if we can get the parts. It costs on the average $300 to repair just about any radio, though they can run higher if extensive damage or complicated radio like Orion.
By the way, I have Alphas for sale also. People write me and ask “Is Alpha open”? We have amps ready to ship and I never hear from them again. The same story goes there. They have not been closed one day. We have repaired lots of amps in the last year and continue to do so. We build new amps and have them ready to ship. All you have to do is order one. I suspect a lot of this Ten Tec stuff will be the same way.
Maybe I need to implement a new policy and just accept prepaid orders. If 100 people will step up and order the Eagle + which is the next radio slated to be on the market, I will take your money, cash your checks and buy all the parts we need to do a run.
73 DE N8WFF / HCIC, (Head Capitalist In Charge)
I understand that he’s under a lot of pressure, but why the heck would he comment like this in a forum not known for being forgiving? After this comment, the tide quickly turned, and the tone of the comments became way more anti-TenTec than pro-TenTec. The comments on the reddit item discussing this comment were also pretty negative.
What was he thinking when he wrote, “My goodness gracious people I have more important things to do than spend my time on stupidity like this!” You just don’t call potential customers stupid.
Also, I can’t imagine what he was thinking when he wrote that his service department—which appears to be a single person, Tony—is only open three days a week.
Then, he gets into a rant about accepting only prepaid orders. Seriously? Who’s going to send this guy money on the promise that he’ll build you an Eagle when 99 other people pony up the bucks for one? Normally, when you send a company money for a radio, they send you one from stock.
I’ve never been a TenTec fan boy, and you can bet that I think even less of the brand now.
Vance N3VEM says
Things that make you go hmmmm ?
Joshua | DC7IA| KK4RVI says
He talks about stupidity. Serioulsy?
Writing entire sentences in uppercase letters, shouting so to say, is /really/ stupid.
head -> table
(I haven’t been customer of TenTec and I think this won’t change now that I read that. Yes, I am one of this stupid customers who make a lot of work, so I don’t to disturb him with buying something.)
sinclair says
Sorry, but I have to side with TenTec on this one. And I’ve never even bought anything from them or know what they offer. Perhaps it’s becasue I’ve been on teh recieving end of things like this. Stop spamming him with questions asking if they are open and just place an order if you want something.
Jeff, KE9V says
How would you order something from him? His Web site has no prices or method of ordering. He has been saying that as soon as he gets 100 orders for the Eagle + he will begin building them. But he’s been saying that for two years. Best I can tell the Web sure was last updated in May 2016. Asking if the company is still in business seems perfectly reasonable to me!
I hate to see the brand die but this guy seems to be doing his level best to auger it into the ground.
Dan KB6NU says
The thought occurred to me that I should contact N8WFF and offer my marketing communications skills. Maybe in exchange for my work, he could give me one of the next batch of Eagles that he keeps talking about. What do you think about that?
Michael Coslo N3LI says
It seems a little odd. Perhaps these hams who were making inquiries were wanting to buy a radio, and wanted to know if TenTec was still in business, and still making radios. But I do not want to upset the poor man, so I won’t ask him any questions, nor will I reccomend anyone buy a TenTec, because there is a good chance that if you have problem, he will go ballistic on you. So Dan, if you want to tell N8WFF that his nastygram has worked, I have no questions nor money for him, for I don’t wish to anger a fellow ham.
Rodney A Dewald says
Talk about the previous owner Jack Burchfield sold the company to build a WalMart w3krq Rod
Jack says
Because hams on forums are jerks most of the time
Mike W5RST says
Yes, hams on forums can be jerks, but as I told my daughter when she was young and having to deal with a difficult relative, sometimes you have to rise above and just be the adult. So, no matter how annoying it is to answer the question over and over again, his best strategy is to take the high road and build as much good will as possible.
Tim King says
If he hired a part time customer service person to spend two hours a day, M-F to stock answer the easy questions he would avoid this issue. The tech support questions could be easily automated with the hours and days open, or an expected reply time frame. Once many of these automated things are set up, then a small business can not only survive, but thrive with the time savings… At least from the experience I have in a very small company.
lou says
steve at ” radio smith ” has repaired many of my ten tec radios over the past year from a lightening strike. give him a look up.
Peter - WA1ISA says
WOW !!!!
Holy Meltdown Batman !!!!
My opinion of them is now so low that I can reach up and touch bottom !!!!
I will look at my two working 2591 two meter HT’s and say “This is the way you were”.
Dan KB6NU says
Wow. I never knew they made an HT.
Ned WB4BKO says
I’ll give W8WFF the benefit of the doubt on his letter. He may be having problems and everything just came to a head that set him off.
Granted among respectable people his letter is rude and demeaning. It is a great way to lose his customer base. I have owned only one piece of Ten-Tec equipment– a KR-20 keyer. It has long since bitten the dust.
I don’t plan on purchasing any more Ten-Tec products I am satisfied with my older Icoms and my Drake TR-4CW.
Mike N8WFF says
Wow, what incredible bias and sensationalism.
I never called the man stupid. I called answering if we are in business every three months stupid. What you fail to report also is there are several people who start this debacle every three months by posting this same question. I have pretty much determined it is malicious and I’m tired of it. There are two guys who hate Alpha totally and they start this up every three months and finally we have talked to the forum owners about just taking their post down when they start this up again.
Let’s just cut through all this and really get down to brass tacks: there are only TWO kinds of people in the world. Those who work to make things better, and those who work to make things worse.
Because of my efforts, the bread winners of TEN ham radio families are employed today.
Because of my efforts, HUNDREDS of Alpha’s and TEN TEC radios have been repaired and returned to their owners, some of which had been waiting YEARS before I got here.
Because of my efforts, TEN TEC and ALPHA will continue into the future with new products that are going to be worth owning.
I think it is obvious what I am doing with my time. What are YOU doing with your malicious comments, sensationalism and negativity? Like it or not, there will come a time when we will ALL will be held accountable for our actions. I KNOW where I stand.
At TEN TEC, we are making America and ham radio better, one radio at a time.
Dan KB6NU says
How are my comments biased, sensational, or malicious? Aside from correcting a few spelling errors, I copied over exactly what you wrote on eHam . If I were you, I’d lay off the social media for a while. You’re only losing potential customers by posting these kinds of things.
The flip side, as you point out, are the two guys who you think are trolling you maliciously. If that is the case, then I’m on your side. There’s no call for that. Even so, responding to them so bombastically, if at all, is not the right strategy. It’s best just to ignore trolls.
In all seriousness, you might want to re-read all of the comments on eHam, reddit, and here. I think that most hams want TenTec to succeed. I’ve worked with a lot of PR firms over the years. Call me if you’d like to talk about how to improve your message.
Barry Thaysen says
I’m guessing you won’t be stressed much longer.
Donald says
Mike N8WFF
With no advertisements in QST since you bought Ten-Tec why wouldn’t people wonder if Ten-Tec was still in business? Every month I check to see if Ten-Tec is listed in QST.
Now with that said I’ve been a happy Ten-Tec transceiver since 1975. Presently I own and operate an Argonaut VHF transceiver, a model 526 6 & 2 meter all-mode transceiver and a Jupiter model 538. The Jupiter is the best transceiver I’ve ever owned . . especially for CW operation. When the Eagle came out I considered it for mobile HF ARES operation but the price was out of my budget.
The Japanese change their models about each year and keep adding useless knobs to the panels.
Less give Mike and Ten-Tec Engineers and Service chance to make their products popular again. But Mike, you can’t expect the radio amateurs to finance your manufacturing of electronic products. You got to advertise and stock your products so they are ready for purchase and shipment. Lastly, be nice to your old and any new customers.
Lew says
I agree. I own a Delta II and a Scout, both in use and I have been happy with the service I have received from Ten-Tec, and the engineers I have spoken with were very helpful and took the time to nurse me through my problems, which were very few, mostly my fault.
Lew..K7LK
Stu says
I have been watching this for the last two years. I would love to buy a Ten Tec product and want to see Ten Tec succeed. However, everything I see from the new owner does not instill confidence. Its hard to watch. The simple fact he hasn’t been communicating well with his loyal customer base.
To “be in business” you need the following at a minimum:
1). Effective communications and= marketing to your intended market.
2) An offered product for a clearly stated price, with clear delivery and warranty.
3). A way to easily interface with the business to have effective communications for ordering, payment, delivery etc.
4). Instill confidence that the business will be around for the product’s life cycle for follow on support and to fix issues that may go wrong.
This is what we see as customers:
1) There is no store front for the company. The web site is stale at best, with no real info on how to order, delivery capabilities etc, who to speak to etc.
2). How would anyone ever order a radio? How much would it cost? When will it be delivered? There is no way to get any of this info..its black hole.
3). From what I can see, there is no way to contact or interact with humans from the company who you know will deliver on promises.
4). Absolutely no presence communicating with any of the amateur radio community through adds in QST or through press releases etc….things that show “you are in business”
5). Really, bad interactions on discussion boards that simply turn off anyone considering working with Ten Tec again.
Bottom line: Other than a repair service, there is no radio business. Getting mad at the customers for simply asking if you are business with all the above voids is suicide. There are none of the things that indicate there is a business that is selling radios to the amateur radio community. As a consultant I would be more than willing to help.
John Allport says
Amen well put!
Tony Fields (KA8UGB) says
Over the years, I have owned and do own several Ten-Tec rigs and accessories.
A little over a year ago, when they were relocating their service department, I had a problem with an OMNI VI Plus I could not run down.
I followed the directions, sent an e-mail, received a response (it took a few days)
I shipped the rig. after about 3 weeks I sent an email to inquire on status….
I received a phone call apologizing for the delay, but that my rig was in the line up….
The next week I got an email and a phone call – my rig was on the bench..
– Bottom line rig was fixed 1 hour service…. today it still stands as one of my all time favorite rigs.
MIKE – so there was some delay… service still rocks with the best of them in my book.
I understand your frustration and appreciate your effort.
Thank you and the efforts of your staff.
I for one am certainly looking forward to a new Eagle or perhaps OMNI VII Plus.
Blessed of 73
Brandon NS8N says
This guy is a loose cannon. I agree with others that he needs a social media manager. I’m half tempted to take Ten Tec off his hands. Knowing his arrogance, he probably would not sell at a reasonable price. Go ahead and bury that company, dickhead. Do us all a favor and let us know when it’s dead.
Jim Millsap says
You are right on target. Insult your costumers on a public forum. That’s the way to make your buyers feel warm and fuzzy. I will NEVER buy another Ten-Tec product and I advise anyone thinking about it just look at there polices. I might as well to the the Gambling Boats, I have a better chance of getting what I want. This is the end of my tirade for Ten-tec. Best of luck .. Believe me, You will need it.
John says
There are only two kinds of people in the world: Those who divide people into two types and those who don’t.
Daniel says
A happy costumer here “ from my high power tunner to my Hercules I I not to mention my Omni I I V
Ronnie mattix says
I’ll never be able to afford a tented and don’t usually waste time reading this crap but what a bunch of cry baby’s complaining about every thing from capitol letters grammar and wow I get it tottaly the only part any of them got was people on forums are Jenks. Im probably putting my two cents in the wrong place at the wrong time and I have nothing to do with ten tek reading about a quality radio is as close as ill ever get these I just say people probably do this every day to someone for no reason no caps lock on for me and I wont even use the words I should but wah instead of checking someone grammar they should check their own motives and life’s and besides what is this an article a blog or just some form of plagiarism looks to me like the author can’t even write his own material. Copy and paste any drums up all these liberals woohoo
Clint Wilde says
That message would dishearten me if I was waiting for a TenTec offering, and make me shudder if I had TenTec in the shack, knowing if this got around, selling my gear would be at giveaway prices, and that might not be low enough. I have owned several TenTec rigs over the years, including an Orion II, but sold them all to regress back to Drake, Collins, and Heath along with a bunch of Command gear.
W.priddy ka4fku says
Ten Tec’s original people were friendly and there to serve hams. I am still using Ten Tec equipment. I don’t know what the new owner’s problem is, but he needs to hire a PR person before he puts Ten Tec completely out of business!!
Dan KB6NU says
I’ve offered to help him out with his PR, but haven’t heard back from him.
Curt K8AI says
You should hear what the CEO’s of the radio Big Three say about you in Japanese
dan says
So with this answer evidently he is evidently announcing that TenTec is out of the amateur radio business.
Bob Needleman, K3AC says
I’m sure the new owner of TenTec is experiencing a lot of frustration trying to re-invent and resurrect a company that was not being managed properly for several years, not investing in new technology like the other US amateur manufacturers (can you say “Elecraft and FLEX”?). Who on earth would spend $1500+ for an Eagle or $3000+ for an Omni VII when they could spend less and get a Icom 7300, which runs rings around the original Eagle. I’ve owned several ‘flagship’ Ten Tec HF rigs including the Omni VI, Omni VII and Orion II.. Frankly, they were all no match for the rigs that were available at the time coming from Japan, and let’s not even get into the state of the art HF receiver technology being used by Flex and Elecraft. If I were Mr. Dishop, I would never have sunk major capital into a failing amateur radio manufacturer, especially one that really had been a 2nd rate manufacturer for many years vs. the Japanese mfr’s, who all have kept up pretty well with advancing Rx technology. Yes, it’s a shame that TenTec likely will go the way of Drake, Hammarlund, National, etc, but that’s just the way it is in 2017 – have you noticed how many US-owned companies are still around making TV’s? Zero! I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see a bright future for US-owned amateur radio manufacturers. They just can’t compete with the low labor and other costs that the Japanese and Chinese radio manufacturers have an advantage on. Making ham radios is really a niche product – the foreign manufacturers probably aren’t making big profits on ham radios, and I suspect they’re “Loss leaders” (ie. they’re not making any profit on them!) – but they can afford to keep making them and designing new ones because they all are making big profits from their commercial aviation/maritime comm. divisions, and consumer stereo/audio line (ie. Kenwood). Time marches on….
E.J. Euler says
Disclosure: I am one of those “stupid” people the new owner of Ten Tec refers to in his open posts to the ham community. I’ve been checking out his “website” now for the past year, waiting for his “store” to open. I keep clicking on the “News” button to get the latest on the ETA for his product availability. That section of his website was last updated 2/7/2017, with a brief note (supposedly from him) to “check back regularly.” I’ve done so every 60 to 90 days. It’s now 12/31/17. Since I didn’t find the answers at the “official” site, I tried an internet search and found the “official” word from the “Man.” I’m glad I did. I will stop wasting my time, and certainly any of my money with a company that is provides this type of customer service and communications. As I stated at the beginning of this comment, I am one of those “stupid” people the owner refers to. Proof of my stupidity: I was still still trying to doing business with his company. As to his follow up post extolling his “efforts” to help all of us poor plebs out who would be lost otherwise, I suppose I should be grateful .
John says
“At TEN TEC, we are making America and ham radio better, one radio at a time.”
OR
” If 100 people will step up and order the Eagle + which is the next radio slated to be on the market, I will take your money, cash your checks and buy all the parts we need to do a run.”
Make up your mind, is it 1 Radio at a time or 100?
Your lack of credibility is only exceeded by your arrogance.
Philip Covington says
I know Mike personally. He is under a lot of pressure for sure. His intentions are good and he is a good guy. He just should leave the public relations to someone else. I can understand his frustration from personal experience of running a Ham related business for 10 years. Hams are one of the absolute worst types of customer to deal with! Thank goodness I don’t have to deal with them anymore! They think they know it all and are experts because they happened to pass a multi-choice exam where all the answers to the questions are published beforehand! They’ll call you on the phone and expect you to talk with them for hours on end about their hemorrhoid problems when you are in the middle of trying to do business. No Thanks! No Mas!
Robert Keller says
Best response ever
Ron Bjelland says
Philip,
What other kind of customers do you have experience with? I can’t believe any potential customer would buy into Mike’s arrogant response. My OMNI VII order placed just before the company changed hands is still incomplete. If Mike expects $ upfront to plan and produce a consumer product he’s going to be waiting a very long time during which technology will pass TT by and Ten Tec amateur radios will become relics of the past. (Then again, turntables have made a comeback in the audiophile business.) Lets have a vote. How many Ambassadors are still around willing to put up front $ to design, produce and market Ten Tec tube HF 100+ Watt transceivers?
It’s a good thing Mike has paying commercial customers. But I believe the initial question was directed to his seriousness in putting $, time and effort into the amateur radio business. It seems he has indirectly answered that question. Now I need to decide how much to list my Omni VII for on eBay. I’m not interested in Vintage ham equipment. I have enough vintage audio/video junk. (And to think it was a last minute choice to go with TT instead of Elecraft! Decision based on false advertising in my view.)
Jay Walker says
Mike was obviously having a busy/bad day. The lesson learned (hopefully) is never let anyone other than a genuine public relations individual release/reply/generate correspondence on the company’s behalf. Ill thought messages like the one Mike authored can do a tremendous amount damage to a company’s reputation and unfortunately ‘live on forever’ on the internet. That said I wish Ten-Tec success as the more manufactures of equipment there are tends to spark competitive innovations. A prime example is Flex Radio.
Ted Morris says
It occurs to me this is what _advertising_ and websites/social media are for! Ifyou hideyourself under a barrel and only respond to people who knock on the barrel to see if thwre’s anything/anyone under the barrel, then yes, those are the ONLY questions you’re going to hear. Very few businesses can exist on “word of mouth” alone…and once the “word” is negative, they cease to exist beyond someone pursuing a hobby, not a business.
Jim Millsap says
I have bought a lot of TenTec in the past but NEVER AGAIN. Who does this jerk think he is ?? Perhaps he can treat the Government or Big Business like that but not the Ham radio community. There are to many other “Good” brands who post prices, support there products and don’t treat there customers like crap. There web site says they will deal with hams over Email only. yea, That’s my kind of company. Well , best of luck to him, He will need it. Jim
Duffy says
I just sold the last of my TenTec equipment. All I had left were a Rebel and a Patriot. I used to love TenTec and the user community. Great radios and great support. I was very loyal having purchased a number of radios. But like many others, I gave up hope and moved on. Back to all Japanese radios. Considering an Elecraft or a Flex in the future as TenTec is and will remain completely off the radar.
Richard Swanson says
In the past thirty years I have owned five different models of the Ten-Tec HF transceivers. My last one bought new from them is the Argonaut V and after reading whats going on with Ten-Tec I think it is time for me to sell my prize radio and move on. Sorry to hear that things are that bad for them.
Craig says
Thank you for posting this.
I have exclusively owned TenTec radios since I was first licensed in 1987…a Century 21, a Corsair II, and two Omni D’s. And now I am in the market for a new rig. I have been waiting for over a year for the TenTec site to post its production and prices. I drove by Sevierville a year ago on the interstate and thought of stopping in to find out what was up but did not have the time and now I am glad that I did not.
I am floored at N8WFF’s words. Spoken calmly, slowly, and deliberately…carrying the weight of the South in them, I say, ‘You, sir, are no gentleman.’ You need to apologize for what you wrote.
I am an exclusively CW operator and I loved TenTec’s 80’s and 90’s CW rigs. I have had great sales and service from TenTec in the past. But this man’s words have forced me in a new direction, which I believe is actually a good thing for me in the end. I had been considering Elecraft, Flex, and LNR, but now the decision is easy. I will phone these tomorrow. It will be much easier to decide which to buy with TenTec out of the way.
Unfortunately I cannot support such indecency. I actually wonder if alcohol isn’t an issue in his response; alcohol talks this way, as does psychopathy. Not an accusation, just a question. In any case there is no excuse for this. You won’t get my money. And by the way, as a business you are responsible for your own overhead, not me, so don’t ask me for prepays. Stop throwing tantrums; stop being an adolescent.
Thank you for this discussion.
73
CL
Mark says
TenTec web site is off-line as of March 7, 2018.
Dan KB6NU says
Well, that certainly says something. Sorry to see them go.
Tony Fields (KA8UGB) says
I was just in the site today getting a manual for fellow-ham… it is still active
Mark Ryan says
I am amazed at all the consternation over one post by a person who is trying to do the best they can. In my mind I understand the frustration of working hard only to find criticism. In today’s world it takes money to make money, and I hope Ten-Tec proves to be a company that can recover and enjoy many more years of business. I would love to own one of their radios. Made in the USA is a great thing. I have been wanting to build their kits, but right now it is possible. One last thought; You’re either part opf the problem, or part of the solution, I choose to be part of the solution, so when I can I will do business with Ten-Tec. That is being part of the solution. So instead of judging why can’t we just say he’s stressed as we all would be and begin to support the work Ten-Tec is doing. N2NZS
Ray Orobona says
Mark Ryan,
Of all the posts regarding the existence of the Ten tec company, yours is the best. I’ve read page after page of pure venom and spite being hurled at a man and his endeavor to resurrect a company that had been mismanaged for years. I say, give Mike a chance to make a come back…(as long as it takes)…. I put a great deal of stock in “Made In America”, and as a Ten Tec owner and advocate, I’m willing to wait as long as it takes to see this Phoenix rise from the ashes. There are simply too many trolls on the internet who continually bad mouth a man and his attempt to pull his company back together.
I have a complete Ten Tec station and I’m willing to wait as long as there is service and repair available….and that seems to be the case. So, Mike, hang in there and simply ignore the trolls who pump and preen over absolutely nothing.
Fritz says
I asked Dishop when Ten Tec would be offering rigs for sale, not long after he took over Ten Tec. I received a similar response that, if I could get some of my friends to order radios, he would build them. I also have an Argonaut V that, from what I understand, the finals are no longer available. I emailed the service department recently and asked if they have found a replacement for the finals. I also recently emailed the sales department to inquire about the availability of radios. The response was that they are presently concentrating on their commercial market. I will never purchase another Ten Tec product, new or used. They do not seem to care about the ham community.
Fritz says
I would like to further ad: rather than Mr. Dishop having the idea that he should have orders for radios BEFORE he builds them he should do one of two things. He should build the radios and offer them for sale, as is the usual marketing strategy or sell the TEN TEC ham part of his business to someone who will.
W.S. says
Its seems obvious to me.
Put a fork in them they are done, especially with his attitude and answer.
Another one bites the dust.
Bryon Thornton says
I believe ten tec will be back, they still service their radios and the turn around time is very fast. The thought of an Orion 3 keeps me hoping ! The new owner is a bit off key, but other people did try to run the company in the ground. He puts out a super eagle or Orion3 they will come back. Still using Orion 565s and they still sound better than that crap from the far east ! I believe in ten tec and the owner, who care what they say, put out a quality radio and they will buy it !
Ken Schemmel says
I also ask other hams if Ten Tec is still around! I will take their older radios versus their new ones! New owner is a good reason not to buy their radios! I hear from people their xervice stinks for fixing their radios!!!!
John Zurek says
Yes, that was a rather blunt reply from Ten-Tec. I can understand the frustration though; dealing with a business in decline is very difficult. But you NEVER take out your frustration on potential customers, that is suicidal on the business. By the way, sure – Ten-Tec made nice radios but if you look at the QST reviews, not a SINGLE one of their radios got over 98dB third-order receiver dynamic range (at 20kHz two tone test) with the exception of the 30 year old Paragon. Not even the Orion, the top-of-the-line product. At the same time, hams can buy an Elecraft KX3 with vastly superior receiver performance for a lot less than the Orion. So let’s face it; Ten-Tec’s innovative power was long gone already. I am sympathetic to the brand (in fact I have owned several of their products and they were NOT the cheapest ones, believe me) but it now has clearly come to an end because of their own doing. It is what it is.
James Scheibner says
I emailed for a simple part. In return I got into a redicolus email arguement about the outrageous charge for shipping a simple pot. This man is arogent and belligerent. This company will never get any business from me.
Bob says
Yawn.
b.c says
Whats even more pathetic than the behavior of Mike the owner is the people who make excuses for him.
Fritz says
I think it is time that all of us realize that, for all intents and purposes, Ten Tec is not going to produce ham equipment in the near future, if at all, because they are concentrating on their commercial aspects of the business. In the meantime, we have alternatives. They are Yaesu, kenwood, Icom, etc. It is time to move on.
J., VY1JA says
Guys, Just before the previous Alpha group closed their doors a few years ago I bought a bad Alpha A9500 and had shipped it to them for repair only to receive it in the same broken state. I then was the owner of an orphan which no one could fix. When Mike took over Alpha, I sent the 9500 in to his service people and it was repaired and shipped back to me working as a NEW amp. It has been in very heavy contest use under remote control and made over 100,000 contacts faultlessly. I am one of the people who is very glad that Mike took over Alpha. I have no contact with Alpha except as a very satisfied customer. Flame him if you like but know this… he is doing a great job with Alpha.
John says
If you go to the Alpha website you will find that they have no stock. The 9500 has been on backorder status for two years, and now the 8410 is also listed as out of stock. They have been reduced to a repair facility, and there are lots of those around. I think if they were doing such a great job, they would be competing with the likes of Acom and Ameritron. And don’t forget they already buried Emtron. Not flaming anyone here, just sayin.
Fritz says
I think it is time that all of us realize that, for all intents and purposes, Ten Tec is not going to produce ham equipment in the near future, if at all, because they are concentrating on their commercial aspects of the business. In the meantime, we have alternatives. They are Yaesu, kenwood, Icom, etc. It is time to move on.
Bob Woish says
I am looking for TenTec products, have been a regular customer for years, and the website at http://www.tentec.com website returns only:
“Bandwidth Limit Exceeded
The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to the site owner reaching his/her bandwidth limit. Please try again later. ”
At the owner’s request (i.e. rant) I will not attempt to find out if that means they are in fact still in business, so as not to upset the poor man any further. I’ll just buy the Icom. I hope that helps him out of his troubles.
John says
Logging into the Alpha website you can place a 9500 in your basket and it says there is one left in stock however, at checkout it says “Backordered”. It has said that for two years now. I know they repair amps, but so do a lot of other places, with competition from Acom and Ameritron I’m not sure if Alphas are selling like hotcakes.
The TenTec page is different, they have commercial receivers for sale. Looking at the prices though, you have to wonder the Icom R-8600 might be a way better deal. I would ask but I don’t want to piss off the owner.
Edward DeFonzo says
Howdy: have corsair II/961 ps/263 external vfo/ also modified corsair II “N4YG DDSS” complete docs both rigs.
At age 86, i wish to avoid long delayed repair.
Any referrals appreciated.
73
w2de [email protected]
Duane VK2LZD says
The level of self-entitlement on display here is just astonishing. How dare the man display some emotion or passion! How dare he not get on his knees and kiss my potential customer backside. Ridiculous. Get over yourselves and give the guy a break. Yep, I’m a Ten-Tec owner and proud of it.
James Lawrie says
I’ve bought several TEN-TEC kits prior to 2015 and all worked better than expected. If they start selling more QRP kits I’m likely to buy them as well. Too many people get butt hurt too easily today over stupid media posts.
That said I’d rather buy kits from him than any UBitx or Bitx40 from India.
Christopher Jasper says
And all this is why I recently purchased a Sunair RT-9000E with a Sunair LPA-9600 Amp with the F-9810 PRE/Post selector. I got really nice treatment from this company any time I called or e-mailed them . Located in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. It was expensive but i do like to buy certain things American made. Very nice people there, also Gary Barbour from Ten-Tec is their Chief Engineer.
Christopher Jasper says
Just to add to my comment I still own my Omni 6 + and Titen 425 Amp. So yes I too was a TEN-TEC fan.
John says
I still have my Ten Tec 238B which I believe is the best high power amateur tuner ever made. Having said that, Mike Dishop stepped on his crank when he lambasted his potential customer base telling them he doesn’t have time for their nonsense. I understand he has a business to run so he should just be honest with the amateur community. Tell us you don’t have the money to field a product in todays competitive market and let it go. The notion that hams will fund your R&D is just fantasy. There was a time when Ten Tec was a pretty good company but they are gone and all that’s left is the name and a very out of date website.
Henry says
When a company owner talks like this, the company has already closed. They just haven’t gotten the message yet. They will soon when payroll isn’t met.
willie says
i thought about the Ten-Tec Rebel…
and then i bought a Xiegu G1M G-Core – it’s a much better radio in a lot of ways for the same cost
John says
So the Ten Tec Omni VII+ was shown at Hamvention last week, almost as an after thought. It was perched on a small table in the back of the booth, there did not appear to be any advertising brochures or spec sheets anywhere. The public seemed largely dis-interested. The Ten Tec website remains unchanged and there is no news regarding the Omni VII+. They claim to be in business but you would be hard pressed to prove that by looking at the Ten Tec website.
Dan KB6NU says
That’s interesting. I did see the TenTec booth, but really didn’t have time to stop and see what he had. My guess is that the Omni VII+ is just a firmware upgrade. They’d been talking about doing that for years, and at this point, it’s so far behind that they didn’t want to be embarrassed by trying to make a big splash with it.
John says
I find it interesting that the Ten Tec fan club continues to lambaste anyone who dare speak ill of Ten Tec, and yet, they are not selling. I would have thought that the most outspoken fans would have snatched them up but I guess they are just not willing to put their money where their mouth is.
It is also very strange that no one has been able to find Ten Tec anywhere in Tennessee, and no one claiming to be an employee has ever weighed in on any discussion threads. The owner posted that they are assembled in Tennessee. They should post some photos of the Tennessee facility showing radios being built, on the Ten Tec web site.
Jerry AC4UT says
Well I live within a few mile of TEN TEC and cannot honestly say that I have been by the new location since the move but maybe I will drive by some time and check out what is going on. It is presumably off Dolly Parton Parkway just a block or two behind the previous location.
John says
If you are talking about the two story office building across the street from the old location, they are long gone from there. That was the RKR location and someone recently drove by and said they are no longer there. Do you happen to know anyone who actually works at Ten Tec? I have a feeling they have one single tech who repairs radios in a trailer or something like that. I heard a while back that he is a volunteer fire fighter so is not always around.
Chuck says
I always like the idea of buying an American made Ham Radio. I was working a helitack contract with the Great Smokey Mountains Park and was able to spend time at Ten Tec back in 2009-2010. Everyone was very helpful and it was a great experience.
I own an Orion 565 and a 705 mic. I’ve had a couple issues with it in the past couple years. I’ve contacted Ten Tec and they’ve been helpful and accommodating when I need to order parts. I’m currently needing a $5 part, but the min order is $25 +shp. I need to check the website for something else to make the difference. I go to the website and find no prices. So it’s likely I’ll buy another overpriced Acrobat center insulator so I can make the order min. It will go in the drawer.
When my Orion died I received an Icom IC-7300 as a Christmas gift from my wife. Great radio and my daily user now. I still like Ten Tec. I can understand Mike’s frustration. However it’s not a good idea to vent your frustration on a well known forum. Look at the wide view, stand tall and have a prepared answer you can cut and paste into your reply. Remove your frustration from the equation and keep your current customers and influence new ones. I don’t want to see Ten Tec, the last American made Ham radio manufacturer, go the way of Hallicrafters, Heathkit, Drake, Collins, Hammerlund, Johnson and National. I’ve left a few off the list.
The point is Mike got Ten Tec to save it. Getting it may have been much easier to do than keeping it going. So I’d cut Mike some slack. I’m sure NONE of us have EVER been that frustrated and made a mistake or two.
I’m still a fan.
Dan KB6NU says
TenTec isn’t the last American manufacturer. Elecraft is based in the U.S.
John says
Chuck I understand your sentiment, but I don’t cut any manufacturer slack, they either produce a modern competitive product or they fade away.
Ten Tec has not exactly been customer friendly, the owner posted a rant that basically said, I don’t have time for your nonsense questions like, are you still in business. That is not how one cultivates customer relations unless all you want are bad relations.
Ten Tec used to be a really good company with a lot of smart people and friendly staff, that Ten Tec is long gone. What remains at the moment is the name and not much else. Ten Tec is offering a legacy radio that was developed more than a decade ago. I like to buy American as much as the next guy, but I can’t imagine paying a 2019 new car price for a 2006 automobile, same goes for ham equipment.
Elecraft is producing state of the art, competitively priced radios, and they are an American company. I don’t cut them any slack either.
MEZ says
Actions speak louder than words… it has been 8 months, and I am still waiting for my Alpha 8410 to be repaired. Nothing more needs to be said…
John says
I think they ran out of chassis. I notice that the 9500 and 8410 have been listed as out of stock for a very long time now. I am pretty sure that all they do is repair amps, if they can that is. For whatever reason they don’t seem to be able to fix yours. For all intents an purposes, they don’t seem to be manufacturing anything. Looks like Acom and Ameritron ran them out of the ham market.
Teri Calhoun says
Howdy,
You all seem like the perfect ham experts to ask for direction. I am searching for a ten tec century/21 for my father. Suggestions where I should direct my search?
Thank you in advance.
Petr says
Teri I am not perfect ham expert but try this link:
https://swap.qth.com/search-results.php?keywords=tentec+century&fieldtosearch=TitleOrDesc
or check often swap lists like:
http://www.qth.com
http://www.eham.net
http://www.qrz.com
and of course TT list on contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/archives//html/TenTec/2019-07/index.html
good luck,
Petr
Petr says
Teri,
I am not perfect ham expert but try to check swap lists here:
qth.com
eham.net
qrz.com
and of course mainly ask on the TenTec list here:
http://lists.contesting.com/archives//html/TenTec/2019-07/index.html
good luck,
Petr
Petr says
Ok, just few words as example how it can work if everythink is going well inside of company…
This is what I got in email from Elecraft service after dozen of emails exchanged regarding my K3 issue and I sent them my big apologize for my bothering emails:
“Petr there is no reason for your apologize. Never hesitate to ask us for help if you have an issue with our radios. We want you on the air!”
…now just compare it to current TT communication style! I never experienced with that from TT in 2004 for example!
Cheers,
73 – Petr, OK1RP
Still user of OV.9 and 2xO2
David K. McDonnell says
Interesting how fast negative press can spread. I was in a local Ham store and saw a TT Omni VII+ for a very low price. I asked why so low and the reply was that TT was under new ownership and the new owner is not willing to support older radios. Now, this may or may not be true. Lets face it, reputation is everything and that letter by TT’s new owner casts a huge shadow over both Ten Tec and Alpha. I would like an Alpha 4040 auto-tuner but until I hear something positive uttered from the mouth of RF Concepts principle leaders I will just keep operating Collins and Older Alpha equipment. One final note: When it comes to the purchase of commercial equipment, the decision makers are often Hams.
Cheers
KD0FIR
John says
You saw an Omni VII+ in a ham store? Was it used? As far as I know, the only place one could get an Omni VII+ was from the Ten Tec website so I suspect you saw a used Omni VII. It really doesn’t matter since all the Omni VII+ is, is a left over Omni VII chassis with a flat metal front panel. Still an old radio no matter how you package it. Looking at the website it says they are out of stock. Wonder if they will try to sell the left over Eagles next, or if they will just leave the website up with nothing on it. Selling old legacy chassis that are out of production is just another way to liquidate the stuff, just like RKR was doing.
Petr says
Hi,
following the TenTec business changes spoken here > there is another company closed it seems…
It looks like Juma radio is dead…
http://www.jumaradio.com/shop/offLine.php
http://www.board.jumaradio.com/
http://www.jumaradio.com/juma/
Petr says
After posting that info about the Juma transceivers kits retirement I got several emails requesting more details about the new transceiver RGO ONE coming on the market…
I compiled all detailed info to the three parts articles here:
http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
TL7DX Tim says
I bought a Ten-Tec kit, a 10 to 6m transverter to be exact, years ago, back in the early 90’s. I built it and it didn’t work. I telephoned, they said, send it back to us we’ll take care of it for you. They sure did, they repaired it, told me some of the parts in the kit were obviously bad, then promptly charged ME $35.00 µ$ for the repair. I said your parts are bad and I get charged for it? They said unfortunately, yes. I promised myself then, I would never buy another Ten-Tec. And, true to my word, I have not. I thought they were arrogant about their products and services then, and I am sure they will fall to Chinese innovation and extremely cheap prices eventually like all of the others. The agony of which might carry on a bit longer than some others who might have already bit the dust!
Another One Bites The Dust!
73′
Tim
Petr says
Tim,
you did not spoke to “real TenTec” unfortunately but just with successors. The true TenTec is dead with his owner. These current guys using TT logo are not customer oriented unfortunately as dozen of hams reporting… It is shame but fact.
Many of us loves our Omni V.9, Orions, Corsairs etc. from the TT golden era.
Try to find Orion 2 on the used market and you will love it.
73 Petr, OK1RP
John says
So, what happened to the Eagle + that was talked about at Dayton as if it was in production? The Video’s that were shot there talk about Ten Tec and Alpha as if they are solid leaders in amateur radio product manufacturing. So it 2020 already, where is all of this stuff that was promised?
Like Tim said, “Another One Bites The Dust!”
Robin Lentz says
Mike, I’ve always loved Tentec gear and I wish you every success. It’s unfortunate that such maliciousness keeps rearing it’s ugly head.
Mike Leger says
Just put my Ten-Tec Jupiter back in service after sitting on the shelf for 6 or 7 years. It had failed due to RF in the shack due to trying to use an attic antenna on the wrong bands (that’s another story). The audio just quit and I hoped to modify it later to provide some kind of output but never got to it till I retired. Well, it powered up in perfect working order and I am glad to have it back on the air. Love this radio! I heard that there was a weird problem with losing audio due certain combination of operation settings but thinking the RF spike caused some register to get set and maybe the condition bled off after such a long period on no power??? Anybody have any ideas?
LEN CRISPINO says
Mike ! Arrogance is not a substitute for operating capital . . You definitely have too much of one and definitely too little of the other. . But , honestly , I wish you all the luck in the world with this unique American product . . Get some capital and make the radios and offer them for sale . . Gud luk om!
Ralph E King K1KOB says
I just read all of the posts above. I have run the Pegasus 550 (the only one they made) for the last 20 years, with N4PY software. It is still running great and I’m on FT-4 every day with it. I just picked up the TT-1208 6 meter transverter. Finding any info on this unit is impossible. If anyone can help me PLEASE . The TT-1208 has a 9VDC battery in it. The battery was disconnected, and the + red lead was cut. I can’t figure where it goes. What is it used for ? Will the unit work with out it ?
John says
Ralph, looks like this link has the schematic and manual available.
https://www.mods.dk/downloadmanual.php?RefFil=T-KIT-1209_6-Meter_transverter_Instruction_manual.zip&radio=
Or, you could get in touch with the factory, or not, probably not. Even if you could contact them, I doubt they have the information you are looking for, and you might get bitched out by the owner for bothering them with silly questions.
Philip Brzezinski says
Just been to the Ten-Tec website. $2700 for a Omni VII+ with basically a 10-15 year old design??? He must think he’s selling radios on e-Pay!!!! I can get a BRAND NEW Elecraft (on their website, no less) WITH their 100 watt amp that’ll run RINGS around the Omni for less!!! Guess I know where I’ll be buying my first (new) radio…
JW Harris says
Really a careless, stupid rant by the supposed owner. What self respecting business person would talk like he did and to his customer base! Unbelievable. If this guy was president of American Kenwood, imagine the blow-back and fall out. But a once great and proud American company on life support putting out those vibes. Either this new guy is whip smart and wants to intentionally kill off the ham business, or he should not be where he is.
Maybe the coffin was already out just waiting for the nails to seal the lid.
Mike N0TLD says
And here is a brand new rant from him, as of July 15, on eham’s ‘Company Reviews, Re: Ten Tec’ thread (which has now been locked). It seems he’s grown even less PR-savvy and more bombastic. He starts out relatively sane and understandable for a bit… but it goes downhill pretty quickly. Given his rampant ego and delusional sense of nationalism (check his lovely mention of those American-killing commie rice box makers) there is not a chance in hell would I send this arrogant caveman a penny of my radio dollar.
“July 15, 2020, 09:08:47 AM:
“Yesterday our ISP host servers were hacked and several of their sites were taken down and giving this user not authorized message. It has had nothing to do with Ten Tec not paying the bill.
I have not looked at this website forum for over two years because of the funeral committee. That is why I don’t give updates or anything else. Reading through this thread today I remember why. I’ve just had it with the funeral committee. I’m going to say this real clear one final time. Ten Tec is going to outlive every one of you on this forum. As long as I live, Ten Tec will live. I’m going to ride it into my grave. Got it? Good.
I have a day job at Dishtronix. The work I do here pays all the bills that pays all the rents and all the utilities and all the everything that it takes to keep these companies open. At present I am FULLY engaged with something very important to YOU as a person who lives in this country that has nothing to do with Ten Tec. Sadly I can’t give Ten Tec my time until this is finished.
As to us closing, do you see I am trying to HIRE people in Dayton, Ohio on the website? Does that sound like I am closing the business?
I’ve put more money than most of you have in your IRA over the last year and a half in our new 12,000 sf building in Dayton, Ohio where all new manufacturing will be done. It is a nice brick industrial building in a nice industrial park in a nice neighborhood. It takes TIME to earn this money and it takes TIME to get things done. The new facility is partially running and should complete this year. We have produced some limited number of circuit boards in the surface mount facility though we are still working on things. The new building has over 600A of three phase available ( YEAH, MORE POWER!!!) and insufficient building power supply was something that was hindering operations in West Liberty and one of the reasons I moved (in addition to 3X the space). Hopefully we can eventually make sheet metal in house again which was liquidated before I acquired Ten Tec and another thing that hinders operations.
Read my lips – this was run into the ground when I got it and it is taking a lot of work to get it back to where it was. I build things and the funeral committee tears it down but that is fine. I will say this to the naysayers. You are doing yourself a great disservice. What are you going to do when TT brings out a rig more advanced and with better specs that everything on the market? You will want to own it, but your pride will prevent you from buying it because everyone will say “You are a Ten Tec hater. What are you doing with a radio from them?” Do you really want to paint yourself into that corner?
Let me use a Star Wars analogy here. I’m building a ham radio death star. When I finally pull the trigger, the Funeral Committee will be ANHILLIATED, DECIMATED and OBLITERATED.
As to what Ten Tec has sold – are you seriously debating what was made by Dishtronix and what was still in stock? Why do you care and what does it have to do with anything? I’ve built several thousand circuit boards for Ten Tec and Alpha. We also redesigned the PCB to make it fit the new Chip Kit thing, etc. Some stuff was in inventory, some stuff was made new. I can’t tell you what was in inventory and what was put in new. We need stuff we make stuff we buy stuff. I have over 50,000 line items of inventory parts. I can’t tell you screw by screw the history since the dawn of time. Give me a break. Somebody has too much free time on his hands!
As to loosing customers. If it is good and the right price you will buy it, just like ANY other item. Funeral committee customers are welcome to go buy a rice rig made by the same wonderful people who killed your countrymen in Korea and Vietnam, who have robbed you of your jobs, industry and technology, and who want to take over your country, kill you, enslave your children and fly the red communist flag over your soil. Those of us who love our red, white and blue radios will hold on to our Ten Tecs and pray for my health and that I receive the resources necessary to not only return Ten Tec to greatness, but to EXCEED it by an order of magnitude. Anybody who doesn’t like that, well you know what you can do about it: See me in person, say it to my face. I will be happy to put you out of my misery.
If you can design and manufacture a better radio DO IT. If you want something other than a Ten Tec buy it. This used to be a free country. I want to see it stay that way.
Since we are “little more than a glorified repair shop” go DO IT BETTER. We have been closed for repairs and parts from COVID for over two months now. How is that working out for everybody? How about I just make that permanent? Think about it – I NEVER sell parts to you again and NEVER repair a radio for you again? When you answer make sure you are speaking for every TT owner because I’m going to tell that owner to go see YOU about it. I subsidize that GLORIFIED REPAIR SHOP as a Courtesy and Favor to YOU and you CRITISIZE IT!!! I neither built or sold that old radio to you. I owe you NOTHING! I think the people who did get their radios repaired are happy to be enjoying their radios again. You do realize in business you can only honestly satisfy 95% of the customers 95% of the time, and MBA school preaches 85% as the target. Food for thought: Hundreds of repaired Ten Tec radios are on the air today because of ME. What have you done? Who is the solution and who is the problem? Shame on YOU. You are selfish, thoughtless, inconsiderate, ungrateful and I completely disrespect you for that comment. Stuff it up your coax and burn your wire.
As to amateur production it is not a matter of buying the material to make it worthwhile. I’ll produce as few as 25 radios but I prefer 100. It is a matter of time. I can’t do everything myself. Ten Tec needed a new facility – check, almost done. Ten Tec needs some new workers to build things – I’m working on it. I’ve got other things I have to do to bring the master plan and master vision into effect and you aren’t privy to it. Did Eisenhower brief Hitler on his plans for D-Day? Don’t worry about it. It is getting there. Somebody has to pay for it. That is me. I have to make money in the productive day job so I can invest it in the ham radio side of the business. That takes time.
Lets talk about investment. How many of you have money to burn? How many of you are price is no object buyers? You can drop 7, 8, 9, 10 grand on a transceiver or amplifier? I mean you want it you get it. No negotiating and no haggling? Now how many hams are penny pinching and reaching and struggling to buy a two grand transceiver? Just what kind of profit margin do you think you can hold selling to the latter customer? Do you know how many times I’ve been asked what something costs and the guy says it is ridiculous and should only cost a lesser amount, and that amount he names is less than I have bought the parts for? All the foreign manufacturers sell a commercial line and I expect the ham radio business is partially a write off / helps pad the production facility business.
Perhaps instead of funeral committee complaining, maybe be happy Ten Tec is what it is, which is ALIVE, WELL AND HERE TO STAY. Granted, I’m not kowtowing to you because you are a mighty ham radio operator. But I don’t kowtow to anyone except JC. He walks on water and you and I don’t.
So what do we take away from this email?
1) TT is still in business.
2) TT is closed for ham business until it is safe for us to reopen because of the Pandemic.
3) TT will remain in business as long as I am alive, probably another 19 years.
4) You are either a loyal Ten Tec supporter or you are not. You are with us or against us. If you aren’t one of us – HIT THE ROAD. I’ve said it before and I say it again. Somebody etch it on my tombstone when I’m gone so it will live on: Suck it up, Man up, Grow up. Mature Adults should be responsible leaders. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
Yeah, okay tough guy. Geez. I mean, I get some of it, and fully understand that a lot of hams online can be the most irritatingly cheap, snide, ridiculous jerks of all time… but he really needs to let someone ELSE do the social media thing for him. He’s just killing himself (business-wise) if he doesn’t learn to control his anger, his pride, and his fragile little ego.
N0TLD
Ben says
I have noticed that in every rant posted by that guy it is always someone else’s fault.
Ben2 says
Not true. He is doing things, he’s a Doer. Leave the working man alone or fund him. Eye of beholder. You don’t poke an engineer, patriot, or bear and expect things to happen your way. You’ll get screwed, jabbed, or shot.
Let them work. I LOVE truth versus PR.
Dewayne Treadaway says
I am just wondering why they moved from Sevierville TN to Dayton? The facility in the smokies was a super nice facility, If you were in the smokies on vacation you could go by and tour the plant.
Humberto says
I’m from Brazil and interested to own the Ten Tec 1053 regenerative receiver. Searching a way on the Web, arrived here. If anybody have it and accept to sell, my daughter is comming from USA early. Thanks. PT2GX.
P.S.: if I have a way to buy the PCBs of it, may be reasonable too.
Patrick Perry K9KSM says
It’s relevant that the owner mentioned Jesus Christ as HE apparently allowed others to pen HIS messages. Perhaps that could be an example for management. Maybe some people are more hands on, some the workers, some the speakers, some the followers and others the writers.
P.S. I always wished I had toured the TenTec facility years ago when they gave yearly tours. Something magical about a small U.S. made amateur radio manufacturer. I still wish them the best.
Mike Notarnicola says
I realize this is an old thread.. but I just wanted to make a comment.. I had an issue and sent a request thru to Ten-Tec and Steven Dishop replied to my message and he was very kind in his reply and went above and beyond what I thought.. He seems to be a really nice person
Mark M says
It was an ill advised rant and it alienated most who read it. I see a guy who likely has insufficient capital. He is under immense pressure trying to salvage his investment and turn Ten Tec into a profitable company. Did he lose his temper? Yes he did, but I give a little extra slack to people in that unenviable situation.
Ben says
The rant shared by KB6NU is but one of several that I have seen. All of them were over the top with angry rhetoric, and finger pointing. I think he knew full well what the state of Ten Tec was when he bought what was left of it, obviously, not very much. I don’t see it as an unenviable position as much as a poor business decision. But heaping his frustration on, and berating potential customers, just serves to alienate them. That kind of response from the owner of any company is unacceptable in the business world.
Fritz says
Since Mr. Dishop purchased Ten Tec back in late 2015 or early 2016, I cannot understand why people are still putting posts on this site about it, after five years. If you have read any of his “rants” as they have been called, he has stated that it takes capital to build radio equipment, capital that he has stated that he does not have. He has stated that Ten Tec is open but for all intents and purposes, it is open on paper. In the meantime, We have alternatives: Icom, Yaesu., Kenwood and Elecraft, all of which produce very fine equipment, with up to date technology.
. Ten Tec will not be producing any ham radio equipment in the near future, if at all, if this course of action continues.. Ten Tec has gone the way of Heathkit. It is past time to move on.
Tim says
I got my ham license in 1987. My first contact on HF was to a guy named Marshall in Virginia. I told him I just got my license and he was my first contact. He said he didn’t talk to new hams and wished he had never answered my call. He gave his call sign and signed off. I was hurt and wated six months to try another contact.
In 2020, on 75 meters, I made contact with guys having a small round table in Missouri. It was about 4 minutes into our conversation he insulted me and said he would not talk to me as it was their frequency. I just wanted to say hi and leave it at that.
Hams have poked me in the eye with sticks (insults) over the years. I didn’t blame all hams. I believe the new owner of Ten Tec deserves a break. Give Ten Tec a chance. He may have had a bad day.
I love USA made products. I hooe they make a come back!
I spent all most 15 years involved with ARES, Navy Marine Corps MARS on the HF traffic circuits, and other public service organizations. I have made many contacts worldwide over the years. Ham radio is a great hobby. I wish all manufacturers of ham radio products the best and great success.
Fritz says
To the people that say, give the Ten tec owner a break or give him a chance: the new owner purchased Ten tec back in December 2015, almost eight years ago. How much longer does need to resurrect Ten Tec? There has been a recent announcement that Ten Tec is no longer repairing equipment due to “parts shortages.’ And Ten Tec says that they are still in business?
M. Todd Miskel says
Ten Tec just closed their repair shop earlier this year. (Jan – 2022) It is listed in the Newsletter section of the Ten Tec website. He also stated that the inventory was not for sale and they were still in business. I can’t even get a couple of parts for fixing my Ten Tec 238 C antenna tuner myself, the only piece of TT equipment I have left. Mr. Dishop is still crowing that Ten Tec is still in business, but it must be an imaginary business, because almost all of it has disappeared. I believe what is going on is that he is pursuing the interests of other companies he owns, and he is using the Ten Tec “Business” as a tax write-off for his losses. He cannot pubicly announce that Ten Tec is extinct and stay off the IRS radar while showing business losses under the Ten Tec name. In functional Reality, Ten Tec is DEAD and most likely will not be coming back. The other radio companies are already so far ahead of him in designs and have absorbed the once loyal Ten Tec base. Unless Bill Gates loans him several billion dollars, he just cannot play catch up now with a standard business model. R.I.P. Ten Tec. You were the leading innovator at one time.
Don Carter says
My father bought me a Ten-Tec Jupiter in 2005. I still have it. It’s a great rig! It has a really good receiver. I’ve had numerous HF rigs but this one is the best!
Neil X says
Think “Ten Tec” is still doing business? Try asking for the “MARS MOD” for an Omni VII and see what happens to your e-mail. It’s a simple file on somebody’s PC for cryin’ out loud! How tough can it be? Even BEGGING doesn’t help. Good night, Ten Tec! You were wonderful for at least a while.
Neil says
Played the game as this dude (N8WFF) advised. Asked him (or his “assistant”) for a simple MARS modification file for my Omni VII. Sent the required information in an e-mail as his webpage stipulated – THREE TIMES – got nothing – not so much as a one-word reply. This article was appropriately titled. Dude shot himself in the foot. Ten Tec is gone and there’s no retrieving it. Shame, really.
Jeff says
I called the service department after emails went unanswered. I called each day for a week. The phone rang and rang and rang, then disconnected.
I think they’re doing upside down pushups.
Stevan Gheemen says
If you try Google Maps and ask for “TEN-TEC. SEVERVILLE, TN” the map zooms in on the city’s Walmart.. One would think you people would finally figure it out… Move on already.
John says
Ten Tec doesn’t seem to be moving on, so why should we? They maintain a website, and the owner made it abundantly clear that they are in business.
HamRadio4Life says
Seriously? Either you didn’t read a single post before your own, or this is Mike from TT trolling us. The original post was almost 6 years ago. Go check the website you claim is “maintained”, to see if you can buy a radio today. The Eagle page was updated in May of 2016! But yet he’s still saying he’s open, lol. The whole line up is antiquated now. An IC-7300 blows any of his stuff out of the water, easily. And at a way lower price point. Technology has improved quite a bit since 2016 and prior. These radios are relics compared to todays offerings.
John says
You know what I meant. The guy steadfastly digs his heels in and swears that Ten Tec is still in business and yet, they don’t make radios. They also claim that they are designing new radios that are just around the corner. That has got to be BS.
As for the website, by maintain, I mean that they continue to pay for it even though it is as dead as Ten Tec. What a waste of money.
AmateurRadio4Life says
I stopped checking his website years ago after checking in month after month for his supposed store to open and begin selling radios again. I finally realized I was checking out a corpse and expecting it to move. This guy has caused all confusion by pretending he has radios for sale or a store when he has neither. But he keeps the lie going with bs promises of things to come. I was a huge TT fan back in the day and own 2 Omni VI+ radios. I made many contacts on those rigs and have very fond memories of using them. After reading the current owners rant, I would never buy a piece of gear from him no matter what it was. Insulting loyal customers for inquiring about a question, that he caused all the confusion behind, is nuts. With the outdated webpage. no radios for sale, and not returning emails, I finally moved on a while ago. I bought a Yaesu FTDX-101MP and have been happy ever since. Nothing lasts forever I suppose. I will always have fond memories of making some great contacts on those TT rigs. The new owner though, is a chump, And clearly doesn’t have what it takes to run a business. There are plenty of great Japanese and American radio mfgs out there to choose from with highly rated, competitive gear. Check out Elecraft, Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, Flex, Alinco, etc. They actually have rigs for sale. And you can even hear human voices on the other end of the phone if you call them. They will even reply back to email inquiries. This is how you run a successful business. TenTec on the other hand has been out of business for quite a while now. Even if the current “owner”, refuse to be honest with their former customers.
Steve KD1XH says
Maybe if this is how they want to do business they could produce the first “Kickstarter” or “Indiegogo” ham rig.
George B. says
All of you need to just shut the hell up. Fellow Ham is OBVIOUSLY under a ton of stress…do any of you clowns know why?
Maybe he is ill, maybe someone in his family is terminally ill, there is a ton of issues which he does not need to explain to any of us.
Instead of being a bunch of judgemental asshats, and leave the judging to people around him. I completely agree with him.
Unless you hear otherwise, the company is in business. Stop taking everything so personally like little children. Grow up.
Fritz says
In reply to George:
Mr. Dishup purchased Ten tec back in December of 2015. He has had EIGHT years to resurrect the company. It is more than time that he does exactly that or sell it to a group of investors that will.