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Reviews For: Ten-Tec 715 RF Speech Processor

Category: Audio Accessories for Transmitter & Receiver

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Review Summary For : Ten-Tec 715 RF Speech Processor
Reviews: 31MSRP: 249.00
Description:
Model 715 RF Speech Processor is a high performance true RF-type speech processor designed to operate with most modern HF Amateur Radio transceivers. RF speech processing is a superior system to the traditional AF clipping, AF compression, or RF compression found in a typical HF transceiver for achieving the highest ratio of average-to-peak power from an SSB transmitter.
Product is in production
More Info: http://radio.tentec.com/accessories/715
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00314.5
AA4NU Rating: 2009-02-13
Works very well and as advertised. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Ten-Tec recently added the Model 715 RF SPEECH PROCESSOR to their current
product line. What follows are my observations based on using the unit for this review.

Two points of interest:

First: How does it work?

Proper speech processing offers the operator the benefits of increased readability by
raising the average power level of their SSB signal. This is not be confused with
other ideas such as ESSB, as there are NO changes to the transmitted width of the SSB
signal with the Ten-Tec 715 unit. The unit does allow the operator to make pass band
adjustments within the present bandwidth.

To better appreciate RF speech processing, Ten-Tec includes a copy of the 1969 QST
article by W6JES titled “Ordinary And Processed Speech in S.S.B. Application” for the
operator to understand the ‘how and why’ of this specific unit’s design.

Second: How WELL does it work?

The short answer is, it works very well and as advertised. This is truly a plug and play
setup with quick adjustments and is provided with a short, yet well written manual.

Unlike some accessory products offered today, Ten-Tec also includes the needed 120 V AC
to 12 V DC power supply needed to run the 715.

For a longer and more objective answer, I used a repeatable voice waveform via N1MM software
with a monitor scope - Heath SB610 - and an average/peak wattmeter - Autek WM1 - using a
FT1000MP with AL1200 amplifier into a DL and another FT1000MP as a 2nd monitor.

With the MP’s stock RF processor turned OFF, the TT 715 really makes the average SSB
power increase … and surprisingly, the same is also true with the stock MP processor ON, so
this accessory is not just for the SSB radios without stock processing, it will also work with
those that have some form of either stock audio compression or RF processing.

Both the pattern on the monitor scope and the wattmeter readings confirm the unit works as
advertised and it is very easy to adjust. The use of the PASS BAND control is a real plus to
be able to adjust the sound of the audio to match the operator and can be heard in the monitor.

As another data point, I have observed similar positive increases in the average SSB power
output using a Ten-Tec Orion II and Centurion setup at another location.

In summary, if you are a low power station, looking for the next step up in signal strength,
yet adding an amplifier is not a practical option then the TT 715 is an alternative to consider.

Likewise if you prefer operating QRP, the TT 715 offers similar benefits.

Even for the station currently using a SSB amplifier, you will see a positive increase
with the addition of the TT 715 in your current levels of average SSB power.

Well-done Ten-Tec!