[TenTec] The Eagle

[Richards]

On 9/26/2010 14:59, Steve Berg wrote:
>
> I have thought about buying an Omni VII for some time.  I am somewhat
> reticent about it as it is more of a computer than a radio,


		This is its chief virtue, I think.   Newer radios are
		all incorporating digital processes and technologies
		and it seems the way of the future.


and after
> all of the complaining on this list about other high performance
> computer/radios I am leery of winding up with an overly complex and
> temperamental radio.


		I am a new ham.  The Omni VII is my first transceiver
		and it is  1) stable,   2)  predictable,   and 3) extremely
		intuitive and sensible to operate.

		A few guys and I look to have placed 4th place in a
		major contest...  we all used the same radio, the
		Omni VII and it was easy for each operator to work
		and no one complained about it.  Two of the guys
		own K-3s and no one said they would rather have
		used something else.   No slam on the K-3 -- just that
		everyone who has one enjoyed using the Omni VII
		and no none complained it was hard to use.
		



> Right now, I have my Omni V.9 hooked up to my Elecraft 6 meter
> transverter and the same old Mirage amplifier.


		Stick with it.   It appears you have already decided
		you don't want the Omni VII.



> I run a Corsair II on HF, and it also does very well.  It is simple,
> works great, but is getting long in the tooth.


		Radios are like cars... we decide we want a new one,
		and then we find reasons for doing so.



> The most fun I have had on HF, was when I was running my Heath HW-9, and
> later the Argonaut II.  Both of these radios are simple, effective, and
> even for someone like me with XXL size hands, easy to use.


		You are talking yourself out of a new Omni VII.



> I am thinking about one of these Eagles, but they do not have a separate
> 6 meter antenna connector, and I am not sure if one would be easy enough
> to use to replace the Corsair II.  If I get an Eagle or Omni VII, I
> could replace most of my HF and 6 meter gear with one box, which would
> leave enough room in the shack to keep my Drake 2B, and Gonset GSB-100
> station set up all the time.  I am not a competitive contest operator,
> and appreciate simplicity, durability, and longevity over the latest and
> greatest.
>
> Does anyone here have any comments on how I might proceed?

		I think you should stay the current course.  This is
		a lot of money to spend on something you are not
		all that keen on.   You should not buy a new radio
		without a clearly defined goal, or reason, and can
		identify specific features on the new rig that will
		attain the goal,  that cannot be attained using your
		existing equipment.

		You face a popular dilemma.   You may WANT a new radio,
		but not NEED a new radio.  We all do that to some extent.
		But you should not buy a new rig until you figure you NEED
		one.   Otherwise, you will not be happy with the purchase.
		It will not be satisfying unless it solves a problem you cannot
		solve any other way with your existing gear.


Just MY take.

_____________________________  JHR  __________________________________