[TenTec] Advice on my Omni VI

Sat Apr 13 10:41:59 EDT 2013

The bottom line on most modern amateur radio equipment is there becomes a 
point where the the time, effort, and money it takes to repair a radio is 
greater than its value. The value to the owner may be both economic and 
emotional. The value to the manufacturer (service dept.) has to be based on 
cost of doing business and reputation.... they may choose to repair at cost 
(overhead) if parts and technical knowledge are available.

TenTec has worked on my equipment since the early 80s, several pieces 
returned for repairs have been older than ten years. In all cases of out of 
warranty repairs, I've been given an estimated cost of repair and an 
opportunity to authorize the repair or have my equipment returned 
(unrepaired). In one case,  (Model 253 tuner) the cost of repair was more 
than half the original purchase price of the tuner. I could have bought a 
new auto-tuner (different manufacturer) of the same power handling capacity, 
but chose to repair the 253.

I had a OMNI-VI+ (manufactured on one of the last runs) which I returned 
several times over the ten years I owned it.  When TenTec started returning 
OMNI-VI+s as un-repairable because of ICs being no longer available or 
manufactured, I put mine up for sale while it was still working and I could 
get top dollar for it (loaded with all filters) rather than sell it for 
parts later if it failed. I tried out a new OMNI-VII and bought it at day 25 
of the thirty day trial. Sold the OMNI-VI+ and PS a week later.

My CORSAIR-II w/ ext. VFO which I bought new, is running on 14.070 as I 
type. It's run almost daily for 10 to 15 hours, and is my back up radio. I 
doubt that I will part with it as its emotional value is much greater than 
its worth. At least for the moment, I can find replacements (or have 
replacements) for the electronics and can do the repairs.

The Titan-425 Linear falls into another category. It still works great. I 
have a spare PS HV circuit board should I need one. The one problem is the 
two 3CX800A7 tubes which are very costly.

My advice on any TT radio from after the CORSAIR-II thru the OMNI-VI+, if it 
works for you and you are happy with it, keep it. If it breaks and you still 
want it, find someone who can repair it at a price reasonable for you. If 
you can't,
either hold on to it or let it go, but don't blame TenTec for not servicing 
an old radio.

73 ES DX,
Gary -- AB9M

-----Original Message----- 
From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 10:10 PM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Advice on my Omni VI

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
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
>

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