[TenTec] Omni VI+, VII, or Orion for next rig. Can't decide

[d.e.warnick at comcast.net]

Ron, 

If the Orion II is outside the budget, take a look at the Omni VI+ or VII. The VII will give you 6 meters (the biggest reason I got that one). The VI+ with full filters will give first class CW and SSB. It's also a heck of a lot easier to work on, at least for these old eyes and hands that aren't as steady as they once were. 



As you look at the cost, don't forget accessories. I've got the Inrad roofing filter and most of the other 5 are Inrad on the VI+'s. Adds a lot. A TT power supply will add $150. It's a must as some protection is built in. Also, the outboard VFO control will att $100 to $125. 



On the VII, allow $125 for the PS and $125 for the outboard control. You'll need filters. Used rigs should include them. Beware of those who strip them out to part out the rig. 



I'm not a fan of inboard antenna tuners and the one on my VII is turned off. Decide whether you need one or not and plan on the cost difference. As you drive a linear amp, you shouldn't need it at all. Of course, that doesn't apply to the VI+, as the tuner is not an option. 



The VI+ will cost a bit less (not a whole lot) than the VII and I liked some features of it better (NR, etc). You indicate that you are a casual operator. In light of that, I'd put my $$$ in an Omni VI+ and use the extra $$ left over for the antenna farm. It's a very capable rig for casual, DX and contesting. It's also very easy and intuitive to operate with lots of nice, single purpose well-labeled knobs. 



I've got 2 of those and one must go as I also have the O II and use it all the time. 



You won't be sorry with any of those choices. 

That's all I can do to confuse the issue further. 



73 es gud luck 



Dave 

WA3F 







----- Original Message -----


From: "Rodney" <w3krq at dejazzd.com> 
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 1:14:11 PM 
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Omni VI+, VII, or Orion for next rig. Can't decide 

GET THE ORION 1 GREAT CW RIG ALSO SSB AND AM   ROD W3KRQ 

-----Original Message----- 
From: Ron Rollinson 
Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2011 1:03 PM 
To: tentec at contesting.com 
Subject: [TenTec] Omni VI+, VII, or Orion for next rig. Can't decide 

Hey guys, I've been reading the list for a couple months now.  I'm a 
current Pegasus owner, which is my backup rig and what I use when I'm in 
front of the computer, but I'm looking to replace my main rig which is a 
Yaesu FT-102 that I've owned for the last 12 years or so.  I've pretty much 
narrowed it down to the 3 rigs mentioned in the subject line. 

The Omni VI+ appeals to me because of the great specs and the roughly $1k 
price on the used market.  Another part of me though thinks I should spend 
the extra money and get one of the more modern ten tecs.  It seems to me 
that the VII and Omni are priced roughly the same on the used market at 
around $2k.  The Omni II is out of the range I'm willing to spend right now. 

I'm not a contester, I chase the occasional DX, and I do enjoy operating 
CW.  I'll be driving an Ameritron AL-80B to various wire antennas and a 
vertical. 

Anyway, I realize that asking which HF rig is the best is like asking which 
motor oil is the best on an auto forum, but I'd appreciate any thoughts 
from the more experienced ten tec owners on the list. 


73, Ron NR8O 
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