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The Specifications of a Ten Tec 556

The Ten Tec company -- an American manufacturer located in Sevierville, Tennessee -- produces a wide line of single side band radio products. The company's products encompass amateur, or "ham," radios as well as commercial receivers, custom and standard enclosures, tools, kits and accessories such as antennas and connectors. Ten Tec's 556 model transceiver falls in its Argonaut series, which also includes the Argonaut 509, 515, 535 and Argonaut V models.

Basic Specifications
- Ten Tec's Argonaut 556 transceiver is the QRP version of its popular Scout HF model transceiver. QRP transceivers gear toward amateur ham radio operators, operating at reduced power levels while maximizing effective operating range. For band changing, the Argo 556 relies on plug-in modules. This transceiver lends itself to simple, straightforward, no-frills radio applications. It features no VOX, PA or voice channel operation. These options are available on the Ten Tec Argo 555, which has otherwise similar specifications when compared with the 556.
Technical Specifications
- The Ten Tec Argo 556 transceiver features band coverage of 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15 and 12 meters. When operating on 10 meters, this ham radio model covers 28 to 28.5 megahertz. The radio operates on both single side band (SSB) and continuous wave (CW) modes. In single side band mode, the 556 uses a narrow signal bandwidth -- about one-half the bandwidth of standard AM signals -- for an efficient spectrum while the continuous wave mode keys the wave on and off to send Morse code characters. The Ten Tec Argonaut 556 operates at 5 watts.
Features
- Ten Tec's QRP transceiver radio features a stereo headphone jack, which accommodates both standard and communication-style headphones. The Ten Tec Argo 556 features a built-in Mode B keyer, which allows radio operators to signal by hand via pressing various switches. The 1/8-inch keyer accommodates 10 words per minute and up. A microprocessing unit runs the radio's keyer as well as its frequency management system while a coil-tuned variable frequency oscillator (VFO) automatically corrects the radio's frequency.
Pricing and Availability
- As of 2010, the Ten Tec has discontinued production of its Argo 556 transceiver. At the time of its production, the 556 model sold for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $495. Online radio enthusiast suppliers sell new modules and data mode cables compatible with the Argo 556, but enthusiasts will have to turn to secondhand markets -- such as auction and classified websites and flea markets -- to find an Argo 556. Online forums for ham radio operators are a good place to start looking for a 556 radio.

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