The necessity of incorporating the necessary PA current-limiting on the host power supply was certainly not a good idea. The good old "rotate fully to the left to turn off" paradigm was truly not on the designer's mind. Unless the operator understands what ALC really is, it's a sure bet they'll be confused with the "ALC/Blanker" control - which brings up another weird thing: the confusing push/pull controls that serve a dual purpose. 100Hz just doesn't cut it using CW.Īnother thing: don't expect common terms like "Preselector" or "RIT" on the control labels. Placing the slightest pressure on the case bottom plate underneath it bends the frequency - which brings up another issue: the VFO readout resolution.
Any US manufacturer of base citizen's band transceiver of the time had better construction and ergonomics. The knobs are too small, and the front panel controls wobble like the ball joints on a '59 Ford. I'm coming away with much of the same impression as I had earlier: incredibly cheap enclosure. I went for it because this 544 had been gone through carefully by an experienced ham. I wanted to give it another try, even though I've had bad luck with the cheezy VFOs and a horrible experience with Ten Tec service a few years back. I just received my second Triton IV (this is the digital version). I can't think of any other product I've owned this long and still enjoy using on a regular basis. I recently rebuilt the PTO (which is more of a mechanical than electrical task) and the dial feels like new again. I consistently receive very good audio reports using a Shure handheld microphone.
Though I mostly operate CW, the 544 is also very solid on SSB. I also like to operate QRP and the 544 allows adjusting output power to <5W without modifications. I've operated numerous contests and completed WAS, WAC and DXCC with the 544. I did add a Autek QF-1A audio filter a few years ago and it complements the rig very well. The receiver is very sensitive, quiet and great for DX work. If you use a TT power supply such as the 262M, power will shut down (protecting the finals) to prevent transmitting into an excessive SWR. Band changes require only peaking receive signals with the Resonate switch and tuning the antenna. The rig has performed flawlessly for me since. They helped me troubleshoot the damage and sent me replacement circuit boards at no charge. Due to some UPS shipping damage, I had to contact the Ten Tec service department soon after the rig arrived. I installed the optional CW filter, NB and crystals for full 10M coverage. I still have a Ten Tec Triton IV/544 that my parents purchased for me back in 1978.
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