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Reviews For: Ten-Tec Scout 555

Category: Transceivers: HF Amateur HF+6M+VHF+UHF models - non QRP <5W

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Review Summary For : Ten-Tec Scout 555
Reviews: 71MSRP: 569.00
Description:
160-10 mtr CW & SSB 50-watts
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.tentec.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00714.3
SP9HZX Rating: 2024-01-21
Perfect radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Recently I've got my Scout from Germany.In perfect condition.
Small and very dependable radio!I would say a true amateur radio.A classic American one from old good days.
Simple but it fullfills my requirements.
No unnecessary bells and whistles!
50 Watts is enough for base,mobile and portable
activity.
I use it often with magloops and mobile whips and have no problems with DX contacts.
According to reports I get it has very good audio.A pleasure to use CW,too.
I haven't noticed any drifting problems in my Scout. The filter works perfect.My Scout cooperates well with my Yaesu and Kenwood earphones.
Changing bands is not a problem,it is just something different.
There is Noise Blanker in my model and it works OK.
Honestly,it is a great radio.
AD4DQ Rating: 2023-07-24
Highly dissapointed Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Well maybe I picked up a lemon..... I picked one up used, I wanted one for so long. The owner claimed it worked. The radios receive is so muddy you cannot understand anything. The power out is ok at 50 watts. I tried all different modules and the same. Also if you touch the case or talk into the mic the frequency jumps around 500 hz. I was told by Ten Tec owners this is normal? Really ..... not for me. So I tried the radio again today and no receive at all on any band modules. They radio feels like and is a poorly made radio. So I was expecting a nice radio but ended up highly disappointed with a really poor product. Oh well you live and learn.
W0RDX Rating: 2021-06-14
Good QRP Rig Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I gave this radio a 4 because there are some inherent things this radio could or should have.
1. RF Gain
2. Noise Blanker should be standard
3. TUning knob a bit klunky
4. Mode Selection would be better

I have had this unit for a while and it plays well. One gripe is the lack of a noise blanker. Without on, if you have noise, you can't hear a S-7-9 signal thru it. Sensitivity isn't the best and selectivity certainly isn't.
Sure would like to see an RF Gain control on this unit. Most QRP radios have some sort of RF Gain control. All in all, for what you can get for around $300 or so, not bad. However, you might do well to get a used TS-130 or similar as you get more flexibility but a bit more current draw on rcv.


Follow up with another Scout 6/14/2021
Got another and about the same in expectations. Wish the radio had some QRM fighting abilities, NB is a no show, made for ignition noise so don't get too much satisfaction for QRN in general. The one I got now didn't work correctly, was filthy, inside and out, had to clean it up and now sseems to work okay for the moment.
Not a problem to figure out the radio and easy to learn as a newbie.
W5VBA Rating: 2018-06-13
1st HF radio ever Purchased. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
AS many other Radio enthusiast, I am a believer that Ten-Tec Scout is One of the Finest Radio Ten-Tec produced when in Operation. The simplicity of its operation says it all! If Ten-Tec were to ever start Manufacturing radios, Engineers could learn much in its operation and use as a Quality radio for a "Demanding Audience"
K4CWQ Rating: 2018-06-12
Great, Fun Radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought my Scout used around 2000 and wisely bought the extra band modules so I had the entire package of 9. I'm glad now that I see the modules being sold at ripoff prices. I made a foam lined module case, where they stay clean and ready to use.
The Scout is just a super fun radio to operate. No complicated menus or control panels that resemble a 757 jet. Just turn it on and talk!
As for its shortcomings, they don't bother me. The voltage issue OK since I always operate mine from a 13.8 volt home supply. I rarely operate CW, and when I do, my speed rarely hits 15 WPA, so the drift is no problem. I never use VOX on any radio and the RF gain is at maximum, so don't need them on the Scout. And I hate processed audio.
The Jones filter is great and provides all the selectivity I need. I added the amp keying mod mentioned in the Scout manual and now use it to key my Ameritron AL-811 to about 400 watts.
I also own a Ten Tec Triton IV digital and Icom 718. If I ever have to sell any of my radios, the Scout will be the last to go, Just love it. It's a classic in ham radio, with simplicity that will never be found again.
KE1MI Rating: 2018-04-15
Sweet Little Radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just a brief review of my newly acquired Ten Tec Scout. I have the 80,40,20,10 modules, and mobile bracket. Bought off the Bay, supposedly new. Well guess what, it was. Had factory NB installed as well. Transmit audio is excellent, even on 80 meters where signals can be tough. The receive is, well the outstanding, legendary Ten Tec. The Jones filter is awesome as well, no DSP hash.
Best rig I have bought in years, I always wanted one for the simplicity. Now I have one, and it's not going anywhere. C U on the air with it! "Come back Ten Tec, come back please"
EA1HFI Rating: 2018-03-05
Excellent! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Excellent equipment, small, robust, with good audio and 50W that are left over to use it in portable, mobile or fixed, very good audio reports, it's all a classic American!
KB5RU Rating: 2017-03-03
Excelent Radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Simple to use and very reliable. Has great receiver with and the variable "Jones Filter" to boot. Receive audio is superb and the transmitted audio gets great reports. I added a sinking output to mine to run with an amplifier.
K8RXB Rating: 2015-10-21
Great CW radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned my Scout since about 1998, and have used it as a land and maritime mobile rig as well as my primary radio at home. Currently I operate strictly CW at 30 watts or less using modest attic wire antennas (condo). I like it so well that I have bought another just as a spare. The smooth QSK and Jones filter make this radio a true gem for CW. I have also received many compliments on the Scout's SSB audio.
N0TVE Rating: 2015-08-25
Tough, simple and fun Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is a fun radio to use. It is built very sturdy and its 50 watts are enough to make plenty of contacts. I got mine from the original owner and it is in almost new condition. It is my second 555.
Changing band modules is easy and the controls are easy to use. No menus here! TT made this rig with a strong case and internals. I usually use mine portable with a SLAB and an EFHW antenna. The scout has great audio and the Jones filter really does work well. I always get good signal reports on SSB, my mode of choice.
This is a fun radio to use and built like an old JEEP.
If you are looking for a good simple rig that doesn't require a textbook to operate The Scout 555 is it.