[TenTec] Mark V/OMNI VI Face-Off

[Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX]

Wonder how this would "play out" by using a Tentec Omni VI+?

73
Bob K4TAX


----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rippey" <w3uls@3n.net>
To: <"mailto:"@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 7:22 PM
Subject: [TenTec] Mark V/OMNI VI Face-Off


> A number of correspondents have expressed an interest in learning what I
> find in a multi-month face-off I've set up between a Yaesu Mark V and a
> tried-and-true OMNI VI (Option 2). Final results won't be in until June,
> after the CQ WW WPX CW Contest.
>
> For the benefit of the curious, here are some preliminary findings.
>
> 1. The Yaesu USA marketing department is a master of hype. For example,
> cutting through the hoopla, both in the ads and in the manual, about
"brick
> wall" selectivity and wondrous, proprietary  "EDSP" and "IDBT" , you find
> an audio DSP function that in its particulars seems identical to what you
> get with a Timewave outboard DSP unit. No more, no less. Unless I'm
missing
> something.
>
> 2. With regard to weak signals, the two units appear to be about on a par.
> (I'm using two Carolina Windoms mounted perpendicular to one another.)
>
> 3.  With regard to selectivity, the two units again appear to be about on
> a par--but to be fair to the Mark V, I have not installed the optional
> Collins 500 Hz 3d IF CW filter (160 clams) and instead am using the very
> flexible variable passband width/shift functions on the Mark V as QRM
> fighters. Perhaps the Collins filter would give the Mark V an edge,
perhaps
> not. And in any case I would not install the optional 250 Hz CW filters
for
> the Mark V's 2d and 3d IF's, since I think that would be overkill what
with
> all the available QRM-fighting functions the Mark V has available.
>
> 4. What you do get outside the hoopla with the Mark V is: (a) a second
> receiver, which I found really neat to use with the awesome PY0T pile-up
on
> 17 meters last night (just listening); (b) a built-in antenna tuner, which
> seems to work fine; and (c) 200 watts out.
>
> 5. Combine this with a price (used) for a Mark V that is competitive with
> a used OMNI VI+ with a full complement of crystals and a power supply, and
> you have a formidable unit.
>
> More later.
>
> 73,
> John, W3ULS
>
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