This document was created as an attempt to provide additional information to those who are interested in the purchase of the Ten-Tec 1253 9-Band Shortwave Receiver Kit.
Let me be clear, the contents of this document, in no way, should be viewed as an endorsement to purchase this transceiver nor is it intended to discourage anyone from buying it. I have no personal or business relations with Ten-Tec. These are simply my thoughts offered to others who may be interested in purchasing this particular kit receiver. Also bare in mind I am somewhat new at this amateur radio stuff. -Michael Lowe
This is where this receiver really excels. Though not known as a DX'rs dream receiver it can find very week and faint signals well enough. The kit even allows for a modification that would give even more sensitivity though I opted not to install it.
Your location or band conditions may warrent the modification but it seems to perform just fine without it. The instructions talk about this very thing.
Selectivity is null, nadda, no-way, aint going to happen. It simply is too sensitive to tuning control. I will say that once a station is somewhat seperated, one may use the fine tune control to seperate those problem stations. With practice you can do a fair amout of selectivity with only the main tuning control.
Though not licensed for HF, I enjoy the rag chews by those who are. However, to hear these "hams" and various utility stations one needs SSB (Single-Sideband) capability. This receiver does not perform well in this area though I suspect band conditions and receiver setup location the fault. Using the fine tuning control is a neccessity to keep these stations audiable.
Simply put, selecting the "better half" of the signal is tough.
A fun kit to build. Even easier than the 1054 though it maybe because I have more practice now. Sensitivity is great, audio is EXTREMELY (more so than needed) powerful and clear. External audio jack is included that kills the units internal speaker for private listening. It can be portable with the addition of 8 C batteries.
No direct frequency access [you must chart your dial postions and verify frequencies.] When the receiver is powered on the band always default to band 7 (for me). External audio jack is in a bad location though nothing keeps you from relocating it.
Did I mention audio extremely hot. The volume is sensitive way more than it needs to be. Not everyone requires a hearing aid but I must say you could go deaf easily enough. I might try to add some resitors or something to cool it down a bit.
This receiver performs better than many you will buy from Radio Shack though it does not have any features. It is straight foreward in design and operation - bonus. Took me approximately sixteen hours to build with no problems.
I would recommend it though I would read the guide Passport to World Band Radio.
As one can see this page is incomplete. Please check back soon for further information.
Athors note: The contents of this document maybe reproduced as long as proper credit is given.
Michael G. Lowe