[TenTec] New or Used Decision; Omni VII

[Richards]

Speaking of Mr. Van Winkle... I know Mr. Julian Van Winkle, III.   He 
produces a nice 10% wheated bourbon which goes down smoothly whilst 
working DX or those late night nets in the shack.  The 107 proof ten 
year old is the bargain of the lot.

But seriously, folks, I am betting with Rick on this one.   In fact I go 
further and bet TT produces a replacement or substantial update to the 
Orion II before junking the Omni VII,  AND before replacing the Jupiter.

The Omni VII works well, and has required darn few firmware updates.  It 
has a several secondary features, such as a receive-only antenna jack, 
and more robust I/O options, front panel buttons, etc., and STILL 
competes well on nearly every specification.   While it is not the 
highest rated rig on Sherwood's 3d-Order-Dynamic-Range-Narrow-Spaced 
List,  if you dare to read the REST of the STORY and compare the OTHER 
specifications listed on the Sherwood list,  I think it still compares 
well against the competition.  I don't figure we lost any contests 
because we had a pair of Omni VIIs in the shack.    While that ONE 
specification MIGHT make a difference occasionally, on a VERY FEW 
contacts, I doubt it cost us any awards.

In fact, I am betting TT won't replace the Jupiter at all.  The Eagle is 
a simpler, straightforward rig with basic functionality, and SUPER 
PERFORMANCE, with a mid-market price tag.  I could see TT conceding the 
inexpensive, entry level market altogether.  It would be difficult for 
TT to produce a better entry level rig for less than the big boys can, 
considering overseas labor, current market share, economies of scale, 
and all that jazz.

TT HAS managed to produce a short line of high performance radios, at a 
fairly competitive prices.  Niche radios for a niche market.  Their 
radios might cost a bit more, but you get a US made rig, with US based 
and very ACCESSIBLE service after the sale.   I think I paid extra for 
that, and am pleased with my purchase.  I would not be surprised if TT 
simply entered the market at the the mid- to high- performance/cost 
level, being content to just hold its own until the economy improves. 
After all, who has money to spend these days?  Who will have money to 
spend next year?   What can it make that guys can afford?

Thus, I would not be surprised if TT simply considers the Eagle and the 
Omni VII as ITS entry level radios,  each appealing to a slightly 
different ham,  and focusing their attention on a replacement for the 
Orion II, which could keep them in the running for top dog.

	Confidentially, I would not be surprised if TT came out
	with an SDR . . .

That is just MY take.

__________________ K8JHR_____________



On 1/21/2013 12:04 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:

> My gut feeling is, we'll see a Jupiter replacement long before we see an OM7
> replacement, but I have no insider knowledge at all and no vender will ever
> tell people when something new is in the works.  That would kill sales of
> the existing products.
>
> Have a nice sleep, Mr. Van Winkle.  ;-)
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