From the Ten-Tec Reflector April 1, 1998
I have built the 1254 receiver and it is a nice little unit. A real joy to build, use and tune around. I haven't had this much fun in ages!
Features:
Great sensitivity (compared against the NRD-525) and the sensitivity is relatively consistent across the 100kc-30000kc receiving range.
Good selectivity (for a 4kc filter)
Reasonably stable
Excellent quality boards
Easy to service (except for removing parts from the plated through holes)
Convenient to use
Informative, relatively easy to follow instructions
Suggested change:
Mount an RCA jack with a nylon washer on the outside to the back panel to reduce stress on the board.
Quirks noted and possible remedies:
Lots of birdies and display induced signals on the lower half of the AM broadcast band.
Reduced sensitivity on the lower half of the AM broadcast band.
FM intermod from strong FM stations. Just add 90 (2* 1st IF) to the received frequency to detetmine offending frequency.
The rotary Encoder loosens up with use causing the frequencies to jump around (sometimes) when tuning from one step to another.
Hum from the power supply.
Deafening thump upon turning on the 1254 when using headphones. REALLY LOUD.
A little bit of "thumping" due to slow synthesizer lock. Not too bad, really, considering the price.
Paul