[TenTec] Advice on my Omni VI

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

Some years ago, when working for a JA electronics company, we planned some 
quantity of service or repair parts projected for 7 years from last date of 
manufacture of a product.   If our Ouija board was good, we had the parts 
needed for the 7 year period.  If our Ouija board went astray we often 
depleted the parts or some of the parts or all of the parts before the 7 
year period.   Then of course the "bean counters" {sorry folks if you are 
one} would look a the $$$$ sitting on the shelf and decree that the dollar 
value must be reduced.  Therefore some parts or quantities were scrapped or 
sold to other companies.

Based on a previous search of statutes in the US, for this type of product, 
the company of manufacture is only required to support the product for the 
deemed warranty period.  That in most cases is 1 year.   To that end, I find 
today that Tentec is repairing and supplying parts for many radios that are 
approaching 10 year out of manufacture.  That in itself requires a nice 
financial commitment to the customer base.

Then there's the technical support folks that know how to fix the products 
in a reasonable amount of time.  Many times they move on to other jobs or 
other responsibilities within the company or other companies and are no long 
available.   Realistically, a company can't invest 10 to 12 hrs of 
technician time at $50/hr for a product that's worth $1000 or so.  And do 
remember folks, companies are in business to stay in business and make a 
profit.  To us it is a hobby, to the company it is a business.

Yes, there are independent techs that can and will repair Paragon's, Omni's 
and such and do a very good job for reasonable prices.   Still if one can't 
get suitable replacement parts, the repair turns out to not be completed, 
and yet the tech may have several hours invested in the diagnosis and 
research for parts.  Ask yourself, are you willing to pay for that?   I 
doubt it.

The Paragon, Paragon II, Omni V, Omni VI and Omni VI Plus are still good 
radios today.  They can be successfully repaired in most cases.  However, 
just ask yourself,   "are you willing to pay the price and invest that 
amount of money in the radio?".  Likely one has $25 for shipping each way, 3 
to 5 hours of technician time {you plug in the price}, and $10 to $50 in 
parts or more, assuming they can be obtained.  If the PC board is physically 
damaged, it is a no repair action.  Are you still willing to pay that?   I 
doubt it.

In years past I have personally spent many hours with these radios on the 
bench.  I typically charged what the parts cost me plus a reasonable labor 
charge.  In some cases I might make $5 to $10 per hour, ending up charging 
$50 to $100 for the job.  I did it because I wanted to help others.  Of 
course in my case I am not in business and do not have to turn a profit.  At 
my shop, my test equipment is paid for and is fully depreciated, my 
residence pays the electric service and the taxes on the real estate.    My 
time is mine.  Id rather be using my radios for what the hobby is intended.

Today my age is creeping up, now past 70,  my hands aren't as steady as they 
were, and my eyesight isn't near as good as it was.  At one time I was 
repairing some 5 to 10 transceivers per week.  I've stopped that part of my 
life just as many others have done.  In other words;  It isn't fun anymore 
and it sure isn't profitable either.

Look around for  a good used radio.  Or spend a few more $$$ and buy a new 
or even a used Eagle or Omni VII.  You won't be disappointed as you'll 
likely have a current product that will work reliably and satisfactorily for 
10 to 15 years.  Based on these numbers the new radio will cost you between 
$150 to $250 per year.  A darn site less expensive than repairing an old 
radio.  Of course, if one can't afford it, then at any price, they can't 
afford it.

73
Bob, K4TAX






----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stuart Rohre" <rohre at arlut.utexas.edu>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 4:00 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Advice on my Omni VI


> The big problem for ham radio manufacturers now, is the no longer made 
> semiconductors used in rigs as old as the Omni VI.  Many of the semi 
> companies changed hands and names and lines they make.
>
> Even Icom had to stop supporting the 751 due to some Rom unavailable or 
> similar part.  Yaesu and Kenwood have their weak points in older designs.
>
> There have been major turnovers in other parts companies for mechanical 
> parts, switches, relays, etc. etc.  Many times a substitute or alternate 
> vendor of a similar sized part must be sought or a parts rig found for OEM 
> parts, or out of production parts.  Exact replacements must be replaced by 
> substitutes, which can be done if you have the time and develop the 
> knowledge of what might work. Hardest are digital circuit replacements if 
> some custom programmed part was used.
>
> Support used to be for 10 years past production for major suppliers of 
> equipment.  The Omni VI goes back further than that as I recall.
>
> Do keep a list of people you hear about who work on specific old 
> brands/models.
> You may want to look around for a second working Omni VI just like the 
> antique car fans keep a "spare" Model T, etc.
>
> -Stuart Rohre
> K5KVH
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