Ron,
If the Orion II is outside the budget, take a look at the Omni VI+ or VII. The
VII will give you 6 meters (the biggest reason I got that one). The VI+ with
full filters will give first class CW and SSB. It's also a heck of a lot easier
to work on, at least for these old eyes and hands that aren't as steady as they
once were.
As you look at the cost, don't forget accessories. I've got the Inrad roofing
filter and most of the other 5 are Inrad on the VI+'s. Adds a lot. A TT power
supply will add $150. It's a must as some protection is built in. Also, the
outboard VFO control will att $100 to $125.
On the VII, allow $125 for the PS and $125 for the outboard control. You'll
need filters. Used rigs should include them. Beware of those who strip them out
to part out the rig.
I'm not a fan of inboard antenna tuners and the one on my VII is turned off.
Decide whether you need one or not and plan on the cost difference. As you
drive a linear amp, you shouldn't need it at all. Of course, that doesn't apply
to the VI+, as the tuner is not an option.
The VI+ will cost a bit less (not a whole lot) than the VII and I liked some
features of it better (NR, etc). You indicate that you are a casual operator.
In light of that, I'd put my $$$ in an Omni VI+ and use the extra $$ left over
for the antenna farm. It's a very capable rig for casual, DX and contesting.
It's also very easy and intuitive to operate with lots of nice, single purpose
well-labeled knobs.
I've got 2 of those and one must go as I also have the O II and use it all the
time.
You won't be sorry with any of those choices.
That's all I can do to confuse the issue further.
73 es gud luck
Dave
WA3F
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rodney" <w3krq@dejazzd.com>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 1:14:11 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Omni VI+, VII, or Orion for next rig. Can't decide
GET THE ORION 1 GREAT CW RIG ALSO SSB AND AM ROD W3KRQ
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Rollinson
Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2011 1:03 PM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] Omni VI+, VII, or Orion for next rig. Can't decide
Hey guys, I've been reading the list for a couple months now. I'm a
current Pegasus owner, which is my backup rig and what I use when I'm in
front of the computer, but I'm looking to replace my main rig which is a
Yaesu FT-102 that I've owned for the last 12 years or so. I've pretty much
narrowed it down to the 3 rigs mentioned in the subject line.
The Omni VI+ appeals to me because of the great specs and the roughly $1k
price on the used market. Another part of me though thinks I should spend
the extra money and get one of the more modern ten tecs. It seems to me
that the VII and Omni are priced roughly the same on the used market at
around $2k. The Omni II is out of the range I'm willing to spend right now.
I'm not a contester, I chase the occasional DX, and I do enjoy operating
CW. I'll be driving an Ameritron AL-80B to various wire antennas and a
vertical.
Anyway, I realize that asking which HF rig is the best is like asking which
motor oil is the best on an auto forum, but I'd appreciate any thoughts
from the more experienced ten tec owners on the list.
73, Ron NR8O
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
_______________________________________________
TenTec mailing list
TenTec@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
|