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

[Barry N1EU]

Without further qualification of your individual preferences, I'd say
Orion #1 and Omni VI+ #2.  Admittedly, I'm not that familiar with the
Omni VII, but I prefer radios with hf and not vhf intermediate
frequencies.

The reason I downplay the Omni VI+ is that realistically, you're going
to need to service the radio more because of its age.  Also, I really
think the stock audio isn't great (but with mods, it can be).  So if
you're very handy with a soldering iron and know your way around a
schematic, the Omni VI+ is a good choice.

73, Barry N1EU

On Wed, Nov 9, 2011 at 6:34 PM,  <d.e.warnick at comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> 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
>
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> ----- 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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