[TenTec] Omni VI versus Paragon

[Ken Brown]

Hi all,

The Omni VI and Paragon are both great radios. I do not know exactly how 
they compare as far as MDS (minimum discernable signal) goes. If 
measurements were made using a single signal generator, it may be that 
the Paragon would have a lower noise floor, and a lower minimum 
discernable signal. However phase noise in the local oscillator(s) does 
not really cause trouble in the special (not real band conditions) case 
of a single signal from a test source. Phase noise in the LO causes 
interference from signals that should be outside the IF filter bandbass. 
This can be demonstrated with a single signal generator. How it affects 
reception of a weak signal inside the IF filter bandpass can only be 
demonstrated with multiple signal sources, like in a contest, or in the 
lab using more than one signal generator.

I know that my Omni VI has some birdies on 160 meters. In most 
conditions, with most antennas, most of the birdies are below noise 
level from the antenna. I know that in contests with lots of strong 
signals it works great. I do not have the test equipment to quantify 
that statement. My guess is that the Omni VI would do better in the 
contest situaltion than the Paragon, and perhaps on a quiet band the 
Paragon would do better pulling out a lone weak signal. The Paragon will 
definitly work better outside the (extended) ham bands that the Omni VI 
covers. I would not discourage any ham from buying a Paragon.

DE N6KB