[TenTec] New Eagle vs. Used Omni VII

[d.e.warnick at comcast.net]

Tough decision, Frank, 

I have a used Omni VII on the way. It won because: 

1) I gotta have the remote tuning pad. I've got them on my Omni VI+'s and love them. With keypad and 3 function keys, it's a must 

2) 2 transcieve and 1 rcv only antenna. Have no rcv only at this time, but my 6-meter beam is a separate animal and that's just too convenient 

3) FSK - It may be on the Eagle, but I didn't see it on the TenTec site specs 

4) More IF filter options (on the other side, the Eagle has 127 DSP vs the Omni VII's 37) 

5) Cooling fan for RTTY (not sure how this plays out with the Eagle, but I do want to contest on RTTY so need long duty cycle) 



The biggest thing I saw for the Eaqgle is the key jack on the rear panel. My Omni D has it on the rear. My Omni VI+'s have it on the rear for the internal keyer. Why, oh why does the Omni VII have it on the front, and a 1/4" monster at that. Now I've got to get a right angle plug. Yeah, I could wire one to the rear panel, but why??? (So, how anal am I, anyway) 



Those were my personal quirks. Just give you something to think about. Your operating style may dictate the Eagle. Either way, you'll have a great rig. 



As for the better dynamic range. Here's another anal point for me. It's a number that I don't think I can hear. Probably won't miss a QSO because of it. Also, have an idea I may try to remote the thing when I'm on vacation. 



Good luck with your decision 



Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 



Dave 

WA3F 




----- Original Message ----- 
From: kf6e at mail.com 
To: tentec at contesting.com 
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 8:28:32 AM 
Subject: [TenTec] New Eagle vs. Used Omni VII 

Fellow Ten Tec admirers, 

I'm torn between a new Eagle and a used Omni VII.   

I do mostly casual operating, get on contests only to make contacts (never to compete), operate 160 to 6, do mostly CW and PSK, with some SSB and RTTY.  I'm thinking about trying remote operation just to see if I can catch a band opening during my lunch hour at work. 

The Eagle has 10 dB more dynamic range narrow spaced, but the sensitivity is about the same on both rigs. 

Does anyone have experience or opinions about which is the better rig?  I realize that I'd need to operate them for myself, but short of buying them both, that probably won't happen. 

Thanks. 

73, 
Frank 
KF6E 
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