[TenTec] OMNI VI/OMNI VII

[Mike Barrell - WB9DLC]

First : great reply from Richards.

Second : I replaced my Omni VI+ with an Omni VII due to a fatal lightning strike

I loved the VI-plus and I missed her for a while - but I have learned to like the VII more and more (over a year, now).

Some (but not all) things to think about:

- The new VII cost about 3 times as much as a good, used VI-plus.  My insurance covered the difference.  But if I bought a VII expecting a huge difference in performance and features, I might be disappointed.  Not because the VII is lacking, but because the VI is so good.

- I miss my analog meter - I don't care much for the bar-graph meter on the VII.

- I liked the single button selection of the filters on the VI vs. spinning the knob for the bandwidth selection on the VII.

- I almost forget that the VII has a sweep function - the real-time sweep will be nice if TT ever delivers and it doesn't cost too much.

- The VI had a 'MUTE' connection that allowed me to use a foot switch when operating CW (most of the time) and QRM/QRN got annoying running QSK.  On the VII I have to jump into the menu and set the QSK delay up.

- I find the DSP on the VII to work very well - once you learn to use the RF Gain properly.

- The VI seemed to be mechanically a better built rig.

- The display/menu system on the VII is awesome - especially compared to the VI and many other rigs.  Very simple to navigate and adjust.

- The VII is internet ready - if you are so inclined.

- Quad bandstacking on the VII is nice

- The VII is General Coverage RX - If you can find something to listen to.



73
Mike - WB9DLC
Visit my web page at http://wb9dlc.com