[TenTec] The Eagle

[Steve Halliburton]

  Steve...

I went from Corsair to O6/3 to O7.  I've been in the computer
business for 40+ years and I don't agree that the O7 is more
computer than radio.   The computer part is there to make the
radio functions more accurate and easier to use, that's all.
As an example, want to change frequency on your Corsair by
100KHz?  Lots of dial spinning.  On the O7, way faster.

I don't think I'd ever be a fan of a radio that was operated from
my computer; I like the knobs and buttons to be on the radio.
Still, having the computer inside made many functions easier
to use.  The O7 is not at all complex; I started using it within
minutes of plugging it in.  The functions are intuitive and easy
to get used to.  At first, I didn't like not having separate knobs
for RF/AF gains, but now I prefer the single-shaft with push
to switch from one to the other.  I used my Corsair for 25 years
and after a week with the O7 I can operate it faster and without
looking at it as much.  The panel layout is well-suited to big hands
also.

Nothing temperamental about it.  It just does what I tell it to do.

....Steve WA2SOC


On 09/26/2010 02:59 PM, 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, 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 bought one of the last 526 multi-mode VHF
> radios, and found that it did not perform as well in most areas as my
> Argo II and transverter station, so I sold it.  The 526 had lots of
> bells and whistles, but there was no way to alter the high speed QSK
> which was not compatible with my ancient Mirage 6 meter brick amplifier.
> The noise blanker was not as good on the newer radio, either. So, the
> 526 found a happier home elsewhere.
>
> Right now, I have my Omni V.9 hooked up to my Elecraft 6 meter
> transverter and the same old Mirage amplifier.  It works pretty well,
> though the noise blanker on the Omni is nowhere near as good as that in
> the Argo II.  It has served well, though through some major openings the
> past several years.  I spend most of my time on 6 meters.
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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?
>
> 73,
>
> Steve WA9JML
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>