[TenTec] Omni C receive sensitivity on 160m

[Steve Ireland]

G'day

I would very interested in the opinion of those on the reflector on the 
sensitivity of the Omni C on 160m - which at 2.0uV is somewhat down from 
the other bands.

With the high levels of atmospheric noise that usually exist on that band, 
this is quite adequate in most conditions and the Omni receiver is 
amazingly - and satisfyingly - quiet.  However, with very weak DX signals 
and low noise - a combination that occurs reasonably regularly on 160m 
around sunrise - I am a bit concerned about missing signals in this situation.

I believe the Corsair - which understand has similar RF circuitry to the 
Omni - has a considerably higher sensitivity on 160.

One 'story' I have heard is TT made a minor design error with the Omni 
receiver's front-end tuned circuitry and this comparative lack of 
sensitivity is the result.    Whether this story is true or not, in the 
interests of weak signal performance under low noise conditions, I am 
wondering about asking an RF engineer friend of mine to see if he can 
redesign it.

Wonder what long-time Omni C owners who use 160m think about the above - 
and wonder if anyone has tried to re-engineer the front end for 
160m/improve its sensitivity.  It would be nice not to reinvent the wheel - 
particularly if reinventing the wheel is not necessary.

Vy 73

Steve, VK6VZ


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