[TenTec] Omni VI+ classic

NJ0IP Rick at dj0ip.de
Tue Jul 13 18:58:00 EDT 2004


Interesting about the 850.

I borrowed a TS-850 to use for the ARRL 160m Contest and it sounded like a
cement mixer.  I returned it the next day and used my K2 in the contest.
(Note: that was during the black-out period where I had sold my Omni VI+ and
my Orion had not yet arrived).

Now I personally know about 50 people (most BCC members) who own the TS-850
and I've used them a few times in contests at other locations.  These guys
don't complain and I didn't notice the problem with the other units.

I agree with Clark.  The TS-850 in question, as well as the one I had on
loan must both be defective.

73
Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Clark Savage Turner
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 8:52 AM
To: tentec at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Omni VI+ classic


>
>    For lack of a better example, I can say this.. As a young and silly
> ham I hadnt a clue what a good radio was.. I was more interested in
> bells and whistles and not what TT

This is an interesting statement:  I don't know what a "good radio" is
for you.  I don't believe you know what a "good radio" is for me.  As
far as I enjoy "free market" economics, that is my mantra :-)   What you
call "bells and whistles" may define a "good radio" for someone else,
and that is just as valid as your definition (unless someone has THE
objective definition of a "good radio" - and I've not ever seen one. )

>   Holy $%it, it sounded like I was mixing cement with my 850 when
> compared to the rx on the Omni V. I was sold!! I then went and bought
> my first TT, it was an Omni VI which

I own the 850, the OMNI VI, let my Corsair II and OMNI-C go after many
years.  I keep the 850 and OMNI VI because neither one sounds like a
cement mixer in any way.  I personally thought the Corsair II sounded
like a cement mixer, but after adding some audio filtering it was fine
(on a quiet band).  Sounds like your 850 had a defect to me.  There are
service bulletins to address similar problems.  I've made a few simple
mods to each rig, nothing big (modified AGC in OMNI VI, added filters in
main IF to both rigs, opened audio chain in OMNI VI, stuff like that.)
.......
> has spoiled me and "tuned" my brain to listen a certain way. Anyone who
> owns an
												^^^^^^^
> OMNI V,VI or Corsair series knows what I speak of.  There are a few
> radios (ie. FT1000)which match the rx quality of the TT but most others
> cant hold a candle to it.

Anyone?  Not me!  The TS-850 stays in my shack (over the FT-1000 by
personal preference) because of the fine receiver characteristics (it
"equals" the OMNI VI ability to pull in weak stations in every situation
I've ever encountered), smooth audio, non fatiguing SSB reception.  The
audio amp contains many more "highs" than most of my Ten Tec rigs, but
the tone control, AGC and RF gain may be used to get it just right.  The
"effective" MDS (I use wire antennas, I'm not near any contest stations)
is the same for both rigs.   My OMNI VI  is just better for me for CW,
because of its "bells and whistles" (audio DSP, the PBT arrangement,
tuning speed).   But the 850 is no slouch for CW and the OMNI VI is no
slouch for SSB.  As long as I don't have to dig up a quick $1K, I'm
going to have them both!

>> <<<While its always nice to hear another Omni VI on the air whose owner
>> loves it, I've never quite understood why they didn't outsell
>> everything
>> made by the import radio companies.>>>
>
That was a good question.  I believe I understand it, knowing as many
other hams who own other rigs as I do.  The reasons show up frequently
on this list, but these reasons are the precise reasons Ten Tec prefer
Ten Tec.  The reasoning for buying another radio don't play well here on
this list :-)  These guys truly find the other rigs to be "better
radios" in a way that is significant to them.  I don't pretend to know
what's best for them, they (mostly) don't pretend to know what's best
for me.  We all get along just fine in the end.

I choose Ten Tec because it works for me under the conditions and
circumstances I expect.  I choose Ten Tec because they've made
engineering tradeoffs that match my expectations.  Sometimes I do not
choose Ten Tec and that does not reflect badly on Ten Tec, they have not
solved all problems for all radio users (yet).

Clark
WA3JPG

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