I did wonder if indeed the Omni VII and Eagle represented a big leap in
DSP radio technology over the earlier Ten-Tec radios, in particular the
Jupiter. I read through a number of Yahoo groups and the Ten-Tec
reflector reading the comments of people asking if they should upgrade
to the new Omni VII or Eagle from the Jupiter when each of those radios
came out. Many asked for opinions from those who were quick to embrace
the new radios.
While the new radios were well received, and the advances praised, I did
not find any comments that indicated that there was any sort of quantum
leap made in the areas that most concern me.
I think that close in dynamic range has improved considerably, but
listening to an audio recording of the AGC distortion effects of very
short, strong noise impulses on the Omni VII shows that that particular
problem of DSP based receivers has not been sufficiently addressed yet
by Ten-Tec in the Omni VII.
There is also the Ten-Tec way of doing things. The Jupiter and Omni VII
in particular have a similar style to their user interface. They use an
ALT key, the menu is presented on screen in a similar way, the multi
knob, etc.
So the Jupiter will give me the chance to experience the Ten-Tec way of
doing things, and see what quirks the Jupiter has that I don't like. At
least then I can ask very specific questions. For example: Is what I am
experiencing being caused by my way of setting things or doing things,
or is it intrinsic in the radio? Has this issue been resolved in a newer
radio? Etc.
If I had a big budget for radio equipment the simplest thing to do would
be to purchase a number of radios from different manufacturers, put them
side by side, and keep what I like and sell the rest.
But my budget for buying radios is limited to a lower amount, so I have
to pick and choose from what I can do. I spend a great deal of time
reading the messages and comments from hams who have used these radios
and I try to glean out the bits that are most important to me.
Over the years I have created a short list of radios that I expect I
will enjoy using. And slowly I have been able to acquire some and have
fun with them. Now is the time to try a Jupiter. Perhaps it will send me
screaming back to the older analogue gear, but perhaps I will find
qualities that intrigue me enough to venture to the newer Ten-Tec rigs.
My Jupiter should arrive next week. I am looking forward to using it.
73, Darrell VA7TO
Darrell Bellerive
On 13-01-15 05:24 AM, Carter wrote:
On 1/14/2013 2:43 PM, Darrell Bellerive wrote:
> So for me, an old Jupiter is a low cost way to try out a Ten-Tec DSP
> based radio for a few months or so, and really see what it is like.
I admire you explaining your reasoning to us and it seems to make
sense...except for the following:
You want to buy an old Jupiter to try out a DSP radio. Possibly you are
overlooking the "old" part.
I have not owned either a Jupiter or an Omni VII, but I am sure of one
thing -- time and technology march on. You may be doing yourself a
disservice by comparing an old radio to a new radio. The Jupiter, being
"old" may have flaws that turn you off to DSP; however, the new radio
may well have addressed those issues you might not have liked in the
earlier radio.
In any event, good luck with your decision and let us know the final
outcome.
73,
Carter K8VT
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