by William Eric McFadden

Ten-Tec R4020
(click image to enlarge)

From the manual (published 2010-03-24):

Introduction

The R4020/R4030 is small in size, light weight, has provisions for optional built-in batteries, and is especially suitable for travel, picnics, and other outdoor activities. This is a Trail Friendly Radio (TFR).

R4020 covers 40 meter and 20 meter amateur bands.
R4030 covers 40 meter and 30 meter amateur bands.

Because the unit uses DDS electronics to generate its VFO signal, it can also receive outside of the two amateur bands 5-16MHz.

The R4020/R4030 features IF filters for CW and SSB reception.

The R4020/R4030 has two optional battery holders that hold a total of 8 AA batteries, or it can be powered with an external 12V power supply. The receive current is approximately 55mA. Output power using alkaline batteries is approximately 4 watts. Output power using an external 13.8V power supply is approximately 5 watts.

The R4020/R4030 uses an LCD display to show frequency, operating mode, supply voltage, S meter, receive-incremental-tuning (RIT) and other information.

The R4020/R4030 has 20 frequency storage memories making it convenient to change the operating frequency and bands. Frequency steps can be easily changed. Amateur bands: 100Hz, 1KHz, 100KHz. Short Wave general coverage frequency bands: 100Hz, 5KHz, 100KHz. Receive-incremental-tuning has two steps respectively 10Hz and 100Hz.

Specifications

Cabinet Size: 140x95x35mm (5.7"x3.7"x1.4") (not including knobs)
Weight: about 500g (15.8 oz) (not including batteries)
Supply Voltage: 9-14VDC
Current Drain, Receive: about 55mA (no signal)
Current Drain, Transmit: about 550-950mA (according to the supply voltage)
Frequency Range, Receive: 5-16MHz continuous
Frequency Range, Transmit: R4020 7.0-7.3MHz, 14.0-14.35MHz
R4030 7.0-7.3MHz, 10.1-10.15MHz
VFO: DDS circuit with 50MHz reference frequency
Display: 1602 LCD
Output Power: 12V supply 4W, 13.8V supply 5W
Sidetone: about 700Hz
Automatic Key: Built in with adjustable speed
Selectivity 4 crystal filter, SSB bandwidth of about 2.2-1.6KHz four selectable bandwidth, CW bandwidth of about 900-400Hz in four selectable bandwidth
Audio Output: 8 ohm load about 0.1W (requires a stereo plug)

I found my R4020 for a too-good-to-pass-up price at the inaugural Vinton County Swapmeet in October of 2024. With my purchase price well under 10% of the replacement price of my Elecraft KH1, KX2, or KX3, I can feel very comfortable taking the R4020 into places and into situations I wouldn't enjoy taking the higher-performance but much more expensive radios.

The transceiver came to me without manual or other items but the manual is available online from Ten-Tec.

My R4020 serves at the heart of my R4020 Mini Travel Kit, which I keep in my car for impromptu HF field operations wherever I might find myself.

Manual: