The big problem for ham radio manufacturers now, is the no longer made
semiconductors used in rigs as old as the Omni VI. Many of the semi
companies changed hands and names and lines they make.
Even Icom had to stop supporting the 751 due to some Rom unavailable or
similar part. Yaesu and Kenwood have their weak points in older designs.
There have been major turnovers in other parts companies for mechanical
parts, switches, relays, etc. etc. Many times a substitute or alternate
vendor of a similar sized part must be sought or a parts rig found for
OEM parts, or out of production parts. Exact replacements must be
replaced by substitutes, which can be done if you have the time and
develop the knowledge of what might work. Hardest are digital circuit
replacements if some custom programmed part was used.
Support used to be for 10 years past production for major suppliers of
equipment. The Omni VI goes back further than that as I recall.
Do keep a list of people you hear about who work on specific old
brands/models.
You may want to look around for a second working Omni VI just like the
antique car fans keep a "spare" Model T, etc.
-Stuart Rohre
K5KVH
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