Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Ten Tec Hercules 444 (Hercules I)

Category: Amplifiers: RF Power - HF & HF+6M

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Ten Tec Hercules 444 (Hercules I)
Reviews: 3MSRP: $1895
Description:
The original Hercules, the first solid state linear that matched the original Omni transceivers. 50 watts drive, 1,000 watts CW input, 1.2 kW PEP, 600 watts CW out typical
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.tentec.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0033
KG6TT Rating: 2007-05-24
If it works... and it does Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I know all about the non-availability of the output transistors. Yes, Ten-Tec can't get critical parts so they won't repair it anymore. That is hardly news.... I have a Yaesu FT-100D that is only 7 years old and Yaesu won't even touch it. So after 26 years this Hercules 444 is still putting out full output without any issues... I think it has paid for itself.
YO3DLL Rating: 2007-05-23
Bad dream ! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
The final transistors have long been discontinued.
Ten-Tec themselves have said that they can't get one working with
modern replacements without a total redesign of the amp.

Apparently its a problem of the gain(HFE) of the modern devices not
being compatible with the feedback methods used. They can get it right
on some bands but not on others.

Others I've talked with have confirmed this - not just Ten-Tec.
ZS6AW Rating: 2005-08-10
best solid state amp I have owned Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this amp new some 12 years ago and my XYL ZS6D has used it with various rigs. It is totally idiot proof and still puts out full rated power.

Pity that the South African currency has dropped so low that bigger amps and expensive gear can only be dreamed about.

Danny ZS6AW